Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for KENTUCKY returned 502 results.
PROVERBIAL COMPARISON: SLICK
AS SLICK AS A RIBBON.
Submitter comment: SLICK MEANS NEAT.
Where learned: KENTUCKY ; WILLIAMSBURG
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Comparison |
Date learned: 03-00-1969
DEAD MAN'S HOLLER
IN VIRGINIA THEY HAVE VALLEYS. IN CALIFORNIA THEY
HAVE CANYONS. IN THE KENTUCKY MOUNTAINS WE MOSTLY
HAVE HOLLERS. DEAD MAN'S HOLLER OVER NEAR LAUDEN IS A
LONESOME GHOSTLY PLACE. THE STORY I WAS TOLD IS THAT
A UNION SOLDIER CAME THROUGH GUARDING A CONFEDERATE
PRISONER DURING THE CIVIL WAR. THE PRISONER FOUND A
CHANCE TO KILL HIS CAPTOR. HE DID AND THEN BURIED
THE UNION SOLDIER IN A SHALLOW GRAVE AND HUNG HIS
BOOTS ON THE LIMB OF A TREE. EVER SINCE THAT DAY
THAT PLACE HAS BEEN CALLED DEAD MAN'S HOLLER.
Where learned: KENTUCKY ; WILLIAMSBURG
James Callow Keyword(s): HOLLOW
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name |
Date learned: 05-01-1969
AUNT ELLEN TYE LIVED OUT IN ROCKY HOLLOW. SHE TOLD ME IN
TIME OF CHILDBIRTH IT WOULD BE WELL TO PUT AN AX UNDER THE
BED. THIS WOULD CUT THE PAIN, SAID AUNT ELLEN. WELL,
SHE HAD HER CONVICTION ABOUT THIS BACKED UP BY PROVEN CASES,
SO I JUST LISTENED--GAVE HER MY RESPECTFUL ATTENTION
ON THE SUBJECT.
Where learned: KENTUCKY ; WILLIAMSBURG
James Callow Keyword(s): HOMEOPATHIC MAGIC
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Birth BELIEF -- Mineral |
Date learned: 03-00-1969
THE SCOTCH BELIEVE IT IS BAD LUCK FOR EITHER OF TWO LOVERS TO
GIVE THE OTHER ONE A BIBLE BEFORE MARRIAGE OR TO BE MARRIED
IN ANY MONTH HAVING AN "A" IN IT, SUCH AS MAY AND THAT'S
WHY SO MANY PEOPLE MARRY IN JUNE.
THE BRIDE SHOULD NEVER SEE HER MAN ON THE WEDDING DAY
BEFORE TIME FOR THE CEREMONY.
Where learned: KENTUCKY ; WILLIAMSBURG
Keyword(s): SCOTS
HANG A HORSESHOE OVER THE DOOR FOR GOOD LUCK.
Submitter comment: I HAVE PERSONALLY SEEN THIS MANY TIMES.
Where learned: KENTUCKY ; WILLIAMSBURG
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Good luck Horseshoe |
Date learned: 03-06-1969
CARRY A RABBIT'S FOOT IN YOUR COAT POCKET FOR GOOD LUCK.
SOME PEOPLE CARRY A BUCKEYE.
Where learned: KENTUCKY ; WILLIAMSBURG
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Good luck Animals |
Date learned: 03-06-1969
THERE IS A BELIEF IN SOME COASTAL TOWNS THAT A SICK PERSON
CANNOT DIE UNTIL THE TIDE BEGINS TO EBB OR GO OUT.
ONLY WHEN THE TIDES EBB DO SOULS PUT OUT TO SEA.
Where learned: KENTUCKY ; WILLIAMSBURG
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
IF YOU HEAR A COW "MOO" AFTER MIDNIGHT, THIS IS A
SURE WARNING OF A DEATH IN THE FAMILY.
Where learned: KENTUCKY ; WILLIAMSBURG
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 03-06-1967
COAL MINER'S BELIEF
AN ANCIEN BELIEF AMONG MANY COAL MINERS IS THAT IT IS BAD LUCK
FOR A WOMAN TO COME INTO THE MINES. I ASKED THREE VETERANS
OF COAL MINING, CANDY WRIGHT, RICH CLAUSE, AND BILL STOTT,
IF THEY HAD HEARD THIS OLD SAYING. THEY SAID THEY HAD HEARD
IT MANY TIMES, BUT THEY DIDN'T BELIEVE IT. THEY REMEMBERED
WOMEN BEING ALLOWED TO TOUR THE MINES WHERE THEY WORKED AND
NOTHING HAPPENED. THIS TALE IS JUST "DOODLE DUST" AS WE
MINERS SAY.
Where learned: KENTUCKY ; WILLIAMSBURG
James Callow Keyword(s): SEXISM
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Religious hero BELIEF -- Work Commerce Business |
Date learned: 03-29-1969
MART OWENS USED TO RUN A STORE ON MAIN STREET. HE AND I WERE
GREAT FRIENDS AND WOULD OFTEN TALK TOGETHER. ONCE HE TOLD ME
HOGS MUST BE KILLED IN THE "OLD" OF THE MOON. OTHERWISE,
THE MEAT WOULD CURL UP IN THE FRYING PAN. HE HAD SEEN IT
TRIED. I HADN'T, WHO WAS I TO ARGUE THE CASE OF HOG
KILLING IN TIME OF A NEW MOON? HE HAD HIS FOLKLORE TALE. I
HAD NOTHING.
Submitter comment: AS A YOUNG GIRLI HAVE BEEN IN MR. OWENS STORE. HIS YOUNGEST
Where learned: KENTUCKY ; WILLIAMSBURG
James Callow Keyword(s): BUTCHERING
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Mammal BELIEF -- Moon |
Date learned: 03-00-1969
HOW TO STOP HAWKS FROM CATCHING CHICKENS
MY STEPMOTHER USED TO THINK THAT IF HAWKS WERE CATCHING CHICKENS, YOU COULD STOP THEM BY PUTTING A HORSESHOE IN THE FIRE.
Where learned: KENTUCKY ; HERNDON
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Bird |
STOPPING AN OWL FROM HOLLERING
IF AN OWL HOLLERS AT NIGHT, TURN SHOE UPSIDE DOWN TO STOP HIM.
Where learned: KENTUCKY ; HERNDON
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Bird |
PROVERBIAL METAPHOR: VERIFICATION
THE PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING.
Submitter comment:
MY GRANDMOTHER SAID THE ABOVE PROVERB WHEN SOMEONE WAS MAKING
SOME BIG PLANS THAT THEY HAD NOT YET TESTED.
Where learned: KENTUCKY ; ASHLAND
Keyword(s): VERIFICATION TEST
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
MY MATERNAL GREAT GRANDPARENTS DIED OF TYPHOID FEVER WHEN MY
GRANDMOTHER WAS FIVE YEARS OLD. THERE WERE SEVEN CHILDREN LEFT,
AND THEY WERE GIVEN TO VARIOUS RELATIVES AND ACQUAINTANCES.
MY GRANDMOTHER AND HER BROTHER, BOB, WERE TAKEN BY AN OSBORN
FAMILY IN FLOYD COUNTY, KENTUCKY. THE OSBORNS DECIDED TO
MOVE TO TEXAS, SO THEY TOOK MY GRANDMOTHER AND BOB WITH THEM.
THEY DIDN'T LIKE TEXAS ONCE THEY GOT THERE, SO THE OSBORNS
AND MY GRANDMOTHER RETURNED TO KENTUCKY. MR. OSBORN OWED A
MERCHANT A DEBT, SO HE LEFT BOB (THE REST OF THEM SLIPPED
OFF) TO WORK OFF THE DEBT. BOB WAS ABOUT THIRTEEN AT THE
TIME.
YEARS WENT BY AND MY GRANDMOTHER HAD MARRIED AND HAD THREE
CHILDREN. SHE AND MY GRANDFATHER LIVED AT THE FOOT OF THE
NANCY P. HILL, WHICH IS JUST BELOW PRESTONBURG, KENTUCKY.
MY GRANDMOTHER WAS SITTING IN THE YARD WITH A NEIGHBOR
AND THEY COULD SEE A GREAT DISTANCE DOWN THE ROAD. A MAN
RIDING A HORSE APPEARED DOWN THE ROAD. MY GRANDMOTHER
SAID TO THE NEIGHBOR, "THAT'S MY BROTHER, BOB." SURE
ENOUGH, IT WAS. HE HAD GROWN UP AND MARRIED AND HAD THREE
CHILDREN. HIS WIFE HAD DIED AND HE DECIDED TO RETURN TO
EASTERN KENTUCKY. HE BOUGHT A FARM ON BRANDY KEG AND
SPENT THE REST OF HIS LIFE THERE. I DOUBT IF HE EVER LEFT
FLOYD COUNTY AGAIN.
MY GRANDMOTHER TOLD THIS TALE MANY TIMES. SHE ALSO CLAIMED
TO KNOW WHEN ANY TYPE OF DISASTER WAS ABOUT TO STRIKE HER
FAMILY.
Where learned: KENTUCKY ; ASHLAND
| Subject headings: | Prophet / Seer / Soothsayer PROSE NARRATIVE -- Human Being |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
SHE'S TOO STUPID TO POUR PISS OUT OF A BOOT.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT, IN HER LATE 50'S, NOW LIVES IN
CLAWSON AND HAS LIVED IN NEW YORK STATE BUT
UNDOUBTEDLY HAS LEARNED THIS ITEM IN KENTUCKY--
ASHLAND, KENTUCKY-- WHERE SHE GREW UP.
Where learned: KENTUCKY ; ASHLAND
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Phrase |
GOING UP SALT RIVER
"HE'S GONE UP SALT RIVER"
Submitter comment:
WHILE LIVING IN THE AREA NEAR LOUISVILLE AND FORT KNOX,
KENTUCKY, I HEARD SEVERAL PEOPLE USE THE EXPRESSION,
WHEN REFERRING TO THE DEFEAT OF A CANDIDATE FOR PUBLIC
OFFICE. ONE LADY, A LONGTIME KENTUCKY RESIDENT, TOLD ME
IT REFERRED TO THE FACT THAT YEARS AGO SETTLEMENTS ON THE
SALT RIVER, WHICH EMPTIES INTO THE OHIO (RIVER) SOUTH OF
LOUISVILLE, WERE CONSIDERED ABOUT AS FAR OUT OF THE WAY AS
ONE COULD GO.
Where learned: KENTUCKY ; TENNESSEE ; NASHVILLE ; FORT KNOX ; LOUISVILLE
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Phrase |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
MILITARY CADENCE
AROUND HER HAIR SHE WORE A YELLOW RIBBON.
(TROOPS ECHO)
SHE WORE IT IN THE SPRINGTIME, IN THE MERRY MONTH OF MAY.
(ECHO)
AND IF YOU ASKED HER WHY THE HELL SHE WORE IT.
(ECHO)
SHE WORE IT FOR HER SOLDIER, WHO WAS FAR, FAR AWAY.
(ECHO) MM
(CHORUS) FAR AWAY.
(ECHO)
FAR AWAY.
(ECHO)
(SUNG BY ALL) SHE WORE IT FOR HER SOLDIER WHO WAS FAR, FAR
AWAY. MM
AROUND THE PARK SHE PUSHED A BABY CARRIAGE.
(ECHO)
SHE PUSHED IT IN THE SPRINGTIME, IN THE MERRY MONTH OF MAY.
(ECHO)
AND IF YOU ASKED HER WHY THE HELL SHE PUSHED IT.
(ECHO)
SHE PUSHED IT FOR HER SOLDIER, WHO WAS FAR, FAR AWAY.
(ECHO) MM
(CHORUS) FAR AWAY.
(ECHO)
FAR AWAY.
(ECHO)
(SUNG BY ALL) SHE PUSHED IT FOR HER SOLDIER, WHO WAS FAR,
FAR AWAY. MM
BEHIND THE DOOR HER FATHER KEPT A SHOTGUN.
(ECHO)
HE KEPT IT IN THE SPRINGTIME, IN THE MERRY MONTH OF MAY.
(ECHO)
AND IF YOU ASKED HIM WHY THE HELL HE KEPT IT.
(ECHO)
HE KEPT IT FOR THAT SOLDIER, WHO WAS FAR, FAR AWAY.
(ECHO) MM
(CHORUS) FAR AWAY.
(ECHO)
FAR AWAY.
(ECHO)
(SUNG BY ALL) HE KEPT IT FOR THAT SOLDIER, WHO WAS FAR,
FAR AWAY. MM
DOWN AT KNOX THERE LIVES A PROUD SOLDIER.
(ECHO)
HE LIVES THERE IN THE SPRINGTIME, IN THE MERRY MONTH OF MAY.
(ECHO)
AND IF YOU ASK HIM WHY THE HELL HE LIVES THERE.
(ECHO)
HE LIVES THERE 'CAUSE THAT SHOTGUN IS SO FAR, FAR AWAY.
(ECHO) MM
(CHORUS) FAR AWAY.
(ECHO)
FAR AWAY.
(ECHO)
(SUNG BY ALL) HE LIVES THERE 'CAUSE THAT SHOTGUN IS SO FAR,
FAR AWAY.
(ECHO)
Submitter comment:
THIS IS A MARCHING CADENCE THAT I HEARD OFTEN DURING BASIC
TRAINING AT FORT KNOX, KENTUCKY IN 1980. THE CADENCE
IS, OF COURSE, INITIATED BY THE DRILL SERGEANT, AND ECHOED
BY THE TROOPS. THE TRADITIONAL IDEA IS THAT A RECRUIT IS
IN THE SERVICE IN ORDER TO ESCAPE FROM TROUBLE "BACK HOME."
THUS, ONE HAS BEEN FORCED INTO THE ARMY BY A STERN JUDGE,
OR BY WOMAN TROUBLES, OR IN THIS CASE BY THE NOT-TOO-
UNDERSTANDING FATHER OF A TOO-TRUSTING DAUGHTER. AND WHILE
CADENCES DECLARING SUCH MACHISMO STILL EXIST IN THE MILITARY,
ENLIGHTENED ATTITUDES TOWARD WOMEN SEEM TO BE HASTENING THE
DEMISE OF SUCH SONGS.
Where learned: KENTUCKY ; FORT KNOX
| Subject headings: | Favorites Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- War cries |
Date learned: 08-00-1980
C-130
C-130 ROLLING DOWN THE STRIP.
AIRBORNE DADDY'S GONNA TAKE A LITTLE TRIP.
STAND-UP, HOOK-UP, SHUFFLE TO THE DOOR.
JUMP RIGHT OUT AND COUNT TO FOUR.
BUT IF MY MAIN DON'T OPEN WIDE.
I'VE GOT ANOTHER ONE BY MY SIDE.
AND IF THAT ONE SHOULD FAIL ME TOO.
LOOK OUT GROUND, I'M COMING THROUGH. MM
RUCKSACK, JUMP BOOTS, AND MY M-16.
THAT'S ALL THAT'S GOING ON THE JUMP WITH ME.
GONNA SLIP TO THE RIGHT, AND SLIP TO THE LEFT,
SLIP RIGHT ON DOWN TO THE PLF.
AND IF I DIE ON THE OLD DROP ZONE,
BOX ME UP AND SHIP ME HOME.
THEN TELL MY GIRL I DID MY BEST,
AND BURY ME IN THE LEANING REST. MM
DRESS ME UP IN MY DRESS BLUES,
SPIT-SHINED JUMP BOOTS, NO STRAIGHT LEG SHOES.
PIN MY WINGS UPON MY CHEST,
TELL MY MOM I DID MY BEST.
C-130 ROLLING DOWN THE STRIP.
SIXTY-FOUR RANGERS ON A ONE-WAY TRIP.
MISSION'S A SECRET, DESTINATION UNKNOWN.
THEY DON'T KNOW IF THEY'LL EVER COME HOME. MM
I'VE GOT 700 ROUNDS FOR MY M-16,
BAYONET SHARP, DISPOSITION MEAN.
RUSSIANS ARE WOOSIES, GONNA GET ME SOME.
SO LOOK OUT RUSSIA 'CAUSE HERE I COME.
COON SKIN AND AN ALLIGATOR HIDE,
MAKE A PAIR OF JUMP BOOTS, JUST MY SIZE.
TAKE 'EM OUTTA THE BOX, AND SLIP 'EM ON MY FEET.
A NEW PAIR OF JUMP BOOTS CAN'T BE BEAT.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS A MARCHING CADENCE WHICH IS EXTREMELY
POPULAR AT ARMY TRAINING CAMPS. "C-130" IS A
LARGE, FOUR-ENGINED, PROPELLOR-DRIVEN CARGO
AIRCRAFT WHICH IS ALSO USED TO DROP A MAXIMUM OF
SIXTY-FOUR COMBAT-EQUIPPED PARACHUTISTS. "HOOK-
UP" MEANS ATTACHING THE STATIC LINE (WHICH PULLS
THE PARACHUTE OPEN AUTOMATICALLY UPON EXITING
THE AIRCRAFT) TO A CABLE RUNNING THE LENGTH OF
THE AIRCRAFT INTERIOR. "SHUFFLE TO THE DOOR"
REFERS TO A METHOD BY WHICH PARACHUTISTS MOVE
ABOUT INSIDE AN AIRCRAFT IN FLIGHT. IT INVOLVES
LIFTING ONE KNEE VERY HIGH AND ALTERNATELY
BRINGING THE OTHER LEG ALONGSIDE WHILE MOVING
TOWARD THE DOOR IN A STOMPING MOTION. THIS
WALKING ACTION MINIMIZES THE CHANCE OF STUMBLING
ON ANY PROTRUSION ALONG THE FLOOR OF THE AIRCRAFT.
"MAIN" INDICATES THE MAIN PARACHUTE WHICH IS
LOCATED ON THE JUMPER'S BACK. IN CASE OF
MALFUNCTION, THE PARACHUTIST HAS A RESERVE
CHUTE AT STOMACH LEVEL. "M-16" IS THE STANDARD-
ISSUE INFANTRY RIFLE. "SLIP" REFERS TO A METHOD
OF CONTROLLING THE LATERAL MOVEMENT OF THE
PARACHUTE DURING DESCENT. THE "PLF" IS THE
PARACHUTE LANDING FALL, I.E., A DRILLED METHOD OF
LANDING SAFELY BY MAKING FIVE POINTS OF BODY
CONTACT WITH THE GROUND IN SUCCESSION. "LEANING
REST" IS THE STARTING POSITION FOR THE FOUR
COUNT PUSHUP; A POPULAR EXERCISE DURING PARACHUTE
TRAINING. "STRAIGHT LEG SHOES" -- AIRBORNE
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL REFER TO NON-JUMPERS AS
"STRAIGHT LEGS." THE NAME IS CONSIDERED
DEROGATORY. IT REFERS TO THE STRAIGHT LINE
OF THEIR TROUSERS, AS AIRBORNE PERSONNEL WEAR
THEIR TROUSERS BLOUSED INSIDE THEIR BOOTS.
Where learned: KENTUCKY ; FORT KNOX
James Callow Keyword(s): APOSTROPHE TO THE GROUND (STANZA 1). ; BURIAL INSTRUCTIONS
| Subject headings: | Favorites Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- War cries |
MRS. FITZGERALD, AGE 58, BELIEVES THAT IF YOU ARE HAVING
DAUGHTERS AND WANT A SON (OR VICE VERSA) IF YOU CHANGE
HUSBAND, YOUR PROBLEM WILL BE SOLVED. SHE SAYS THIS
HAPPENS ALL THE TIME.
Where learned: KENTUCKY
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Marriage |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
PROVERBIAL METAPHOR: LIMITED COMMITMENT
THE LORD WILLING AND THE CREEK DON'T RISE.
Submitter comment:
THIS EXPRESSION IS SAID WHEN SOMEONE ASKS YOU IF YOU WILL BE AT A
CERTAIN PLACE IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE. YOU REPLY WITH THIS
EXPRESSION TO SHOW THAT YOU WILL BE THERE IF IT IS IN YOUR POWER
TO ACCOMPLISH THIS, BUT THAT YOU SHOULD REMEMBER THAT EVERYTHING
IS NOT IN YOUR HANDS TO DO. THE INFORMANT HAS HEARD THIS ALL OF
HIS LIFE, WHILE GROWING UP IN PRESTONSBURG, KENTUCKY 1928-1952,
AND IN LEBANON, TENNESSEE DURING THE PAST FOUR YEARS (1972).
Where learned: KENTUCKY ; TENNESSEE ; LEBANON ; PRESTONSBURG
Keyword(s): LIMITS
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor |