Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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INDIAN LEGEND
ACCORDING TO INDIAN MYTHS, SUGAR LOAF ROCK ON MACKINAC ISLAND IS
SO NAMED BECAUSE IT WAS ONCE AN IMMENSE BEE HIVE, EVERY CRACK OF
WHICH WAS FULL OF HONEY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Insect PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name |
Date learned: 01-30-1968
THE OLD HOUSE LEGEND
ANOTHER LOCAL LEGEND WITH MUCH EVIDENCE TO PROVE ITS AUTHENTICITY
IS AN OLD HOME JUST EAST OF THE CAMPUS. THOUGH IT NO LONGER
STANDS, IT WAS SHROUDED IN MANY TREES, OFF THE ROAD--AND WAS AN
IMPORTANT STOP IN THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD DURING THE DAYS PRIOR
TO THE CIVIL WAR. HERE, NEGRO SLAVES WHO HAD FLED THE SOUTH WERE
RECEIVED AND FED, AND SENT ON THEIR WAY TO CASSOPOLIS, MICHIGAN.
THIS EXPLAINS THE LARGE NUMBER OF NEGRO FARMERS IN THAT AREA OF
MICHIGAN, NEGROES WHO HAVE OWNED LAND FOR MANY YEARS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal |
Date learned: 01-22-1968
GHOSTLY LIGHT
IN BOSTON, IT IS SAID THAT THERE ARE NIGHTS WHEN THE LIGHT CAN BE
SEEN FROM THE NORTH CHURCH--THE CHURCH FROM WHICH CAME THE SIGNAL
BY LIGHT THAT THE BRITISH WERE COMING.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
Keyword(s): PAUL REVERE
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Legend PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- Sign Color |
Date learned: 01-23-1968
INDIAN PROPHECY
INDIANS ON MACKINAC ISLAND BELIEVE THAT THE LARGE CRACK ON THE
SURFACE OF THE ISLAND FORESHADOWS AN INDIAN PROPHECY THAT THE
ISLAND WILL CRACK IN TWO AND SINK ENTIRELY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Formation |
Date learned: 01-30-1968
HOW SOONERS GOT THEIR NAME
THE NAME SOONERS WAS GIVEN TO OKAHOMANS WHEN THE CIMMARON STRIP
WAS OPENED. IT WAS THE LAST AREA OF FREE LAND GIVEN BY THE
GOVERNMENT, SO MANY PEOPLE JOINED THE RUSH FOR LAND. THE FIRST
ONES THERE GOT THE LAND BECAUSE THEY GOT THERE SOONER AND HAVE
BEEN CALLED SOONERS EVER SINCE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name |
Date learned: 11-22-1970
HOW MUSKEGON GOT ITS NAME
WHITE MEN COMING TO THE LAKE MICHIGAN AREA BROUGHT GUNS TO TRADE
WITH THE INDIANS. ONE INDIAN WHO WAS VERY PROUD OF HIS NEW GUN
WAS OUT IN HIS CANOE WHEN A STRONG CURRENT OVERTURNED THE BOAT.
WHEN THE INDIAN REACHED SHORE HE POINTED TO THE WATER AND SAID
SADLY, "MUSKIE GONE."
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Means of transportation Water craft or boat propelled by human, wind, mechanical or other force |
Date learned: 10-00-1970
FARMING LIE
IN CASEVILLE, MICHIGAN THEY PLANT POTATOES ON THE SIDES OF HILLS
SO THAT WHEN IT RAINS THE SOIL JUST ERODES AROUND THE POTATOES AND
THEY ROLL DOWN THE HILL. THE POTATOES ARE SO BIG AND THERE ARE SO
MANY OF THEM THAT THEY COULD NEVER HARVEST AND CLEAN THEM ANY
OTHER WAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Lie Tall tale BELIEF -- Plant husbandry Farming |
Date learned: 11-22-1970
FARMING LIE
IN CASEVILLE, MICHIGAN, THE PUMPKINS GET SO BIG THAT THEY HAVE TO
BE HARVESTED BEFORE THEY ARE DONE GROWING. IF YOU LET THEM GROW
TOO LONG, THEY WILL DRAG THEIR VINES DOWN THE ROAD AND WEAR THEM-
SELVES OUT UNTIL THERE IS NOTHING LEFT OF THEM.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Plant husbandry Farming PROSE NARRATIVE -- Lie Tall tale |
Date learned: 11-22-1970
GIRL IN THE GLASS COFFIN AT N.D.U.
INCLOSED IN A GLASS COFFIN UNDER ONE OF THE ALTARS AT
SACRED HEART CHURCH ON THE CAMPUS OF NOTRE DAME
UNIVERSITY, NOTRE DAME, INDIANA, IS THE BODY OF A
GIRL ABOUT TWELVE YEARS OF AGE. SHE IS CLOTHED IN
WHITE AND HAS A NOTICEABLE MARK ON HER THROAT.
SHE WAS A GIRL WHO BECAME A CATHOLIC AGAINST HER
FATHER'S WISHES, AND TOOK INSTRUCTIONS FOR FIRST
COMMUNION UNBEKNOWNST TO HIM. ON THE DAY SHE
RECEIVED HER FIRST COMMUNION, HER FATHER RAN INTO
THE CHURCH AND, AS SHE TURNED FROM THE RAIL AFTER
RECEIVING COMMUNION, HE STABBED HER IN THE THROAT
AND SHE DIED IMMEDIATELY.
THAT IS WHY SHE HAS THE MARK ON HER THROAT, AND WHY
SHE IS CLOTHED IN HER FIRST COMMUNION OUTFIT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; INDIANA ; BIRMINGHAM ; NOTRE DAME
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Religious hero |
Date learned: 01-22-1968
GIRL IN THE GLASS COFFIN AT U.N.D.
THE GIRL IN THE GLASS COFFIN UNDER THE SIDE ALTAR AT
NOTRE DAME UNIVERSITY WAS AN INDIAN MAIDEN. SHE WAS
THE DAUGHTER OF A CHIEF, AND SHE WAS CONVERTED BY
ONE OF THE EARLY MISSIONARIES--ONE OF THE EARLY C.S.C.
FATHERS. HER DAD, THE CHIEF, HEARD ABOUT IT AND SLIT
HER THROAT RIGHT AFTER SHE RECEIVED HER FIRST
COMMUNION. SHE IS AN INDIAN--YOU CAN TELL FROM LOOKING
AT HER. SHE'S SUPPOSED TO BE IN HER COMMUNION DRESS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; INDIANA ; BIRMINGHAM ; NOTRE DAME
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Religious hero |
Date learned: 01-25-1968
STORY OF ST. SEVERA
ABOUT THE WAX FIGURE OF THE LITTLE GIRL IN THE MAIN
CHURCH--IT IS A FIGURE OF ST. SEVERA, MARTYRED IN ROME
IN THE YEAR 269. HER TOMB WAS DISCOVERED IN 1730 IN A
VERY OLD CEMETERY ON THE VIA SALARIA. THE INSCRIPTION
ON HER TOMB DID NOT GIVE TOO MUCH INFORMATION, BUT
WAS ENOUGH TO BE THAT OF AN AUTHENTIC CHRISTIAN
MARTYR. HER BONES WERE GATHERED IN A LITTLE BOX,
BROUGHT TO THIS COUNTRY, AND PRESENTED TO NOTRE DAME
IN 1867 BY BISHOP HAILANDIERE OF VINCENNES. NOTHING
IS KNOWN OF HER LIFE OTHER THAN THE FACT THAT SHE
WAS PUT TO DEATH FOR HER FAITH. THE BOX CONTAINING HER
BONES AND ASHES WAS PLACED AT THE HEAD OF THE WAX
FIGURE WHICH LIES UNDER THE GLASS INCLOSED ALTAR OF
THE RELICS IN ONE OF THE SIDE CHAPELS OF SACRED
HEART CHURCH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; INDIANA ; BIRMINGHAM ; NOTRE DAME
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Religious hero |
Date learned: 01-22-1968
VILLAGE OF BERTRAND LEGEND
ANOTHER LOCAL LEGEND HAS TO DO WITH THE VILLAGE OF
BERTRAND {MICHIGAN} JUST OVER THE STATE LINE IN
MICHIGAN. IT WAS A THRIVING CITY, ON A PAR WITH SOUTH
BEND IN THE MID-19TH CENTURY. IT IS REPORTED THAT
ONE OF OUR PRIESTS SOUGHT SHELTER THERE ONE NIGHT, AND
WAS TURNED AWAY BY THE CITIZENS. HE IS SUPPOSED TO
HAVE PUT A CURSE ON THE NEIGHBORHOOD. TODAY, WHERE
ONCE A FLOURISHING TOWN, THERE IS NOTHING BUT OPEN
FIELDS. THE CHAPEL THERE WAS ALSO BROKEN INTO, AND
DESECRATED (THIS IS A FACT). THE ALTAR WAS LATER
BROUGHT DOWN TO NOTRE DAME AND PLACED IN THE LOG CHAPEL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM ; INDIANA, ASSUMED
Keyword(s): DEATH OF TOWN
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal |
Date learned: 01-22-1968
A GIRL IN BIRMINGHAM WAS BABYSITTING WHEN SHE GETS A
PHONE CALL FROM A MAN WHO THREATENS HER LIFE AND SHE
THINKS IT IS ONLY A JOKE. THEN A FEW MINUTES LATER,
SHE GETS THE CALL AGAIN, THIS TIME SHE GETS SCARED AND
CALLS THE COPS, ONLY TO REALIZE THAT THE MAN WAS
CALLING FROM UPSTAIRS IN THE SAME HOUSE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate |
Date learned: 10-30-1971
CHOPPING WOOD
DURING THE EARLY 1800S, IT WAS THE FATHER'S JOB TO KEEP
THE WOODBIN FILLED. THIS BIN WAS USUALLY LOCATED IN THE
KITCHEN. THIS JOB WAS ONE OF THE MANY THAT MY MOTHER'S
GRANDFATHER PERFORMED FAITHFULLY. ON THE NIGHT OF
THE DAY THAT HE DIED, HIS WIFE CLAIMS SHE DISTINCTLY
HEARD HIM CHOP THE WOOD, CARRY IT INTO THE HOUSE, AND
DEPOSIT IT IN THE BIN.
Submitter comment:
THIS STORY HAS BEEN PASSED DOWN THROUGH OUT FAMILY FOR
GENERATIONS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter |
Date learned: 07-00-1964 ; 00001800S
"MAD" MAGAZINE
A NUN AT HOLY NAME GRADE SCHOOL IN BIRMINGHAM, MICHIGAN
TOLD HER STUDENTS IT WAS A MORTAL SIN TO READ "MAD"
MAGAZINE, A COMIC, SATIRICAL MAGAZINE WHICH AT
THE TIME CONTAINED LITTLE OR NO SEXUAL MATERIAL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- B439 |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
ACCORDING TO A NUN AT HOLY NAME GRADE SCHOOL IN BIRMINGHAM ,
MICHIGAN, IT WAS A MORTAL SIN FOR BOYS TO WEAR THEIR
BELT BUCKLES TO THE SIDE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- B439 |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
BALL OF FIRE
THERE IS A TALE THAT STATES IF YOU TAKE TELEGRAPH RD.
SOUTH TO CHERRY HILL RD. AND GO DOWN TO DENTON RD.,
CROSS OVER THE BRIDGE THERE AND THEN TURN AROUND AND
COME BACK OVER THE BRIDGE, TURN OFF YOUR HEADLIGHTS
AND IGNITION, WAIT FOR AWHILE, YOU SOON WILL SEE A
RED BALL OF FIRE. IF YOU HONK YOUR HORN, THE FLAME
WILL PASS OVER YOUR CAR, IF YOU DON'T HONK YOUR HORN,
THE FLAME WILL SCORCH THE PAINT OFF YOUR CAR.
Submitter comment:
BOB TOLD ME THAT HE DIDN'T BELIEVE THIS, BUT HE KNEW
SOME PEOPLE WHO DID. HE SAID THAT HIS BROTHER SAW
IT, BUT HIS BROTHER WAS INTOXICATED AT THE TIME.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Fire |
Date learned: 10-02-1971
TALE
A MAN HAD JUST PURCHASED A NEW CAR. AFTER DRIVING IT FOR TWO
WEEKS, HE DISCOVERED AN AWFUL RATTLE IN THE DOOR. TAKING IT TO
A GARAGE TO FIND OUT WHAT WAS WRONG, HE DISCOVERED AN EMPTY
COKE BOTTLE WAS LODGED IN THE DOOR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
Keyword(s): COKE=COCA COLA: BRAND NAME FOR SOFT DRINK. AUTOMOBILE
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Jest Anecdote ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Means of transportation Vehicle propelled by mechanical or other force on land |
Date learned: 00-00-1965
GRAVE ROBBERS
GRAVE ROBBERS, AFTER HEARING OF A WOMAN RECENTLY BURIED WITH
AN EXPENSIVE RING ON HER FINGER, BREAK INTO THE GRAVE. HOWEVER,
THEY CAN'T GET THE RING OFF, SO THEY BEGIN TO CUT HER FINGER OFF.
UPON THE FLOW OF BLOOD, SHE REGAINS CONSCIOUSNESS.
Submitter comment:
HE LEARNED THIS FROM HIS MOTHER AND ALSO MUCH LATER FROM A FRIEND
WHO IS OF POLISH DESCENT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Metal Stone Bone Precious stone Gem ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Cemetery BELIEF -- Body part Senses Hands, palms, fingernails BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 09-09-1967
INDIAN LEGEND
LEGEND HAS IT THAT THE COMMANDER OF FORT MACKINAC IN THE LATE
18TH CENTURY FELL IN LOVE WITH AN INDIAN GIRL, AND SHE WITH HIM.
HE WAS THROWN TO HIS DEATH FROM A BLUFF, NOW NAMED ROBINSON'S
FOLLY, BY A JEALOUS INDIAN BRAVE.
Submitter comment:
HE DID DIE THIS WAY, BUT SOME SAY THAT INTOXICATION, NOT INFATUA-
TION, WAS THE REAL CAUSE OF HIS DOWNFALL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F535 BELIEF -- Marriage BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 01-30-1968