Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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FOLK CURE
TO BRING SOMEONE OUT OF A FAINT, BURN A FEATHER.
Submitter comment: FROM HER MOTHER, MRS. METZEN, OF ENGLISH DESCENT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE
Keyword(s): ACRID ODORS
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Method of Curing |
Date learned: 00001964 SUMMER
HOME REMEDIES
DYSENTRY - TAKE A HIGH PROOF LIQUOR, PUT IN A CUP
AND SET IT AFIRE, AND AFTER IT BURNS
AND GOES OUT, DRINK WHAT'S LEFT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Remedy |
Date learned: 04-01-1972
LIGHTNING SUPERSTITION
IN CLYMER, PENNSYLVANIA, WHEN A BIG STORM COMES ABOUT, THE PEOPLE
THERE SHUT OFF THEIR LIGHTS, LIGHT CANDLES, TAKE OFF THEIR SHOES,
AND SIT IN ONE ROOM IN ORDER THAT THEIR HOMES WOULD BE SPARED
FROM LIGHTNING BOLTS.
Data entry tech comment:
Informant and collector share the same surname and city of residence.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HAMTRAMCK
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Lightning Thunder BELIEF -- Weather sign or control P890.7 |
Date learned: 09-14-1969
GHOST SUPERSTITION
IF YOU SEE A GHOST IN YOUR MIRROR AT NIGHT, GET UP AND LIGHT A
CANDLE AND WALK NINE TIMES AROUND THE ROOM. THE GHOST WILL
DISAPPEAR.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HAMTRAMCK ; St. Hyacinth School
Keyword(s): GHOST ; Haunt ; NUMBER ; SUPERSTITION ; Ward
| Subject headings: | 686 Ninths / Nine BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter |
Date learned: 02-29-1972
SUPERSTITION
IF YOUR LEFT HAND ITCHES IT MEANS THAT MONEY IS CLOSE.
THIS DOES NOT MEAN MONEY IN A PAY CHECK
OR SOME OTHER SOURCE OF REGULAR INCOME.
BUT UNEXPECTED MONEY, WHICH COULD BE INHERETED OR DONATED.
Submitter comment:
THESE ARE MEMORIES OF HOMELAND GERMANY
THE INFORMANT KNOWS OF SUPERSTITIOUS CUSTOMS BUT DOES NOT SHAPE
HER LIFE AROUND THEIR PREDICTIONS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; BEAUTY SHOP ; TOLD IN
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Body part Senses Hands, palms, fingernails |
Date learned: 01-00-1971
IF YOU EVER GIVE A WALLET AS A GIFT TO SOMEONE,
ALWAYS PUT SOME MONEY IN IT, EVEN IF IT IS ONLY
A PENNY, THAT WAY, YOU'LL NEVER BE BROKE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE PARK
Keyword(s): FRIEND GIFT MONEY
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 03-05-1971
RIDDLE? MUCH LIKE SAND
Q: MUCH LIKE SAND, ONLY SWEET;/ WET, IT DISAPPEARS, COMPLETE.
A: SUGAR.
Submitter comment:
I FOUND THIS ACTIVITY BOOK IN THE ATTIC. FROM:
"LOTS OF THINGS TO DO"
(AKRON, OHIO, THE SALLFIELD PUBLISHING CO., 1951) THE PAGES ARE
NOT NUMBERED.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): ANTITHETICAL ; EATABLES AND DRINKS (A) ; NATURAL PHENOMENA (Q)
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Riddle True Riddle |
Date learned: 08-00-1964
RIDDLE
OVER THE GROUND,
UNDER YOUR NOSE
IT HAS AS MANY HEELS AS TOES. (A PAIR OF SHOES).
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON ; TOLD IN
James Callow Keyword(s): CLOTHING (A) WEARING APPAREL (A)
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Riddle True Riddle |
Date learned: 09-26-1972
IF ANYBODY PUT A GARMENT ON HIND-SIDE TO,
INSIDE OUT, WRONG HAND, WRONG FOOT OR ARM,
IT MUST NOT BE REMOVED UNTIL ONE HAS THOUGHT
CLEARLY FOR TEN SECONDS AND MADE A WISH.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT SAID , " BELIEVE IT OR NOT TRADITION
IS SO STRONG, I STILL DO IT". TRADITION WAS FIRST
LEARNED IN ARCOLA, ILLINOIS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; BEAUTY SHOP ; TOLD IN
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 02-00-1971
LENTEN CUSTOM -- FASENACHT
FASENACHT OR KAVENEVAL IS A HOLIDAY CELEBRATED EVERY TUESDAY
BEFORE ASH WEDNESDAY. THIS CELEBRATION RESEMBLES MARDI GRAS
CELEBRATIONS, BUT ALSO HAS POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS. THE DAY BEGINS
WITH A PARADE. MANY PEOPLE HAVE MASKS AND COSTUMES ON AND PARADE
DOWN MAIN STREET. THE MAYOR AND THE PRESIDENT GIVE THE KEY TO THE
CITY TO A PRINCE AND PRINCESS WHO ARE CHOSEN IN A MANNER SIMILAR
TO OUR BEAUTY CONTESTS. AT NIGHT, FESTIVITIES INCLUDE SPEECHES,
PROGRAMS, DANCING, AND EATING. THE MEAL INCLUDES SAUERKRAUT AND
SALTED PORK CHOPS (RIPPCHEN). THE PROGRAM INCLUDES POLITICAL
MIMICKERY OF OFFICIALS, THEIR MISTAKES, AND THEIR BLUNDERINGS.
OTHER PROGRAMS CENTER AROUND SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS --MARRAIGES,
FOR INSTANCE -- THAT ARE OF SPECIAL INTEREST. A TYPICAL TOPIC,
OF THESE PROGRAMS, FOR INSTANCE, IS THE MARRAIGE OF ARI AND JACKIE
THE MAYOR GIVES A SPEECH, SPECIAL SONGS OF THE TIMES ARE SUNG,
AND AFTER THIS PROGRAM, THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS PRESENT MEDALS
FOR THE BEST ACT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; BEAUTY SHOP ; TOLD IN
Keyword(s): RELIGIOUS CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | 663 Mardi Gras CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F6 3 F6 3.1 |
Date learned: UNKNOWN
Christmas Day in Poland
Christmas Day in Poland finds the tables laden with food. Their favorite kielbasa, ham, beef can be seen. Also, the best in Polish wines, their favorite baked goods are shared with family and friends, Neighbors visit one another and sing kolendy outside their doors, a custom everyone thoroughly enjoys--so the day goes--a happy time for all.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; informant's home ; St. Clair Shores
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F122 |
GERMAN CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS
CHRISTMAS IN GERMANY IS CELEBRATED ON TWO DAYS IN A SOMEWHAT
DIFFERENT FASHION FROM AMERICANS. ON DECEMBER 24TH THE FIRST PART OF
THE CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION TAKES PLACE. IT IS CELEBRATED ON THIS DAY
BECAUSE THIS IS THE DAY THAT CHRIST WAS BORN AND NOT REALLY ON THE
25TH. THEY DO NOT PUT A TREE UP WEEKS BEFORE CHRISTMAS. INSTEAD THE
TREE IS SET UP LATE ON THE 23RD AND THE ROOM IS LOCKED WITH TREE AND
PRESENTS INSIDE. THEN IN THE AFTERNOON THE CHILDREN SEE THE TREE
AND PRESENTS FOR THE FIRST TIME.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT REMEMBERS THIS FROM HER HOMELAND, GERMANY
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; BEAUTY SHOP
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F122 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Christmas tree CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Gifts, gift giving at Christmas |
Date learned: NOT RECORDED BY THE COLLECTOR
LUCK WITH 13
TO VILLAGERS IN A PROVINCE NEAR ROME, ITALY
THE NUMBER 13 IS A GOOD LUCK SIGN.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS SUCH AN OPPOSITE USE OF 13 FROM THE USUAL
THAT I THOUGHT THIS WORTH RECORDING.
THE INFORMANT, WHEN SHE WAS YOUNG, RECEIVED A GOOD LUCK
MEDAL WITH THE NUMBER 13 ON IT FROM HER
ITALIAN GRANDMOTHER WHO SAID 13 WAS A LUCKY NUMBER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; TOLD IN ; CLASS
| Subject headings: | 686 Specific number by specific number being described |
Date learned: 04-01-1970
PROVERBIAL METAPHOR
IT'S NOT ENOUGH TO BE GOOD --
ONE MUST DO IT THE RIGHT WAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; ALPENA ; COLLECTED AT UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT
Keyword(s): SKILL PERFECTION
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Apothegm Maxim |
Date learned: 10-00-1968
NAME
DEROGATORY NAME FOR A FRENCH - CANADIAN FROG IS A DEROGATORY
NAME USED IN MODERN TIMES FOR A FRENCH - CANADIAN. HE IS A
CANADIAN SO THIS NAME IS COMMON TO HIM.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; COLLECTED ON A CHORUS TRIP
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- FamilyGroup |
Date learned: 03-00-1967
NAME
THE NAME CANUCK COMES FROM FRENCH - CANADIAN FUR TRAPPERS WHO
PADDLED THE BOAT OF THE SAME NAME TO TRAP BEAVER ETC. IN
CANADA'S NORTHERN LAKES AROUND THE 17TH CENTURY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; COLLECTED ON A CHORUS TRIP
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- FamilyGroup |
Date learned: 03-00-1967
STORY
IN THE 1820'S AT SPRING ARBOR, MICHIGAN, AN INDIAN CHIEF WAS
CAPTURED DURING THE WAR. AFTER THE WAR, THE ENGLISH ALLOWED
HIM TO RETURN TO HIS TRIBE. HE WAS SIX FEET TALL AND USED
CRUTCHES TO GET AROUND. IT IS SAID THAT HE WOULD CHALLENGE
ANY MAN TO RACE WITH HIM AND THAT HE ALWAYS WON. EVEN THOUGH
ONE-LEGGED, HE HAD DEVELOPED AN ENORMOUS SPRINT WITH THE AID
OF HIS CRUTCHES.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; SPRING ARBOR
Keyword(s): Chief ; INDIAN ; Legend ; Native American
| Subject headings: | ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Occupation War BELIEF -- Body part Senses Feet, toes, toenails |
Date learned: 03-19-1970
JUMP-ROPE RHYME
JOHNNY OVER THE OCEAN,
JOHNNY OVER THE SEA,
JOHNNY BROKE THE MILK BOTTLE,
AND BLAMED IT ON ME.
I TOLD MA,
MA TOLD PA,
JOHNNY GOT A LICK'N. HA, HA, HA.
HOW MANY LICK'NS DID HE RECEIVE?
Submitter comment:
LEARNED IT FROM FRIENDS AND PLAYMATES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; COLLECTED AT HER HOME ; Berkley
Keyword(s): CHARACTER ; ENDURANCE ; Jump
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse Game Verse |
Date learned: 10-21-1967
Jump Rope Song
CINDERELLA DRESSED IN YELLOW
WENT DOWNTOWN TO KISS A FELLOW
MADE A MISTAKE AND KISSED A SNAKE
HOW MANY DOCTORS WILL IT TAKE?
ONE, TWO, THREE . . .
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE
Keyword(s): CHARACTER ; ENDURANCE JUMP
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse Game Verse |
Date learned: 02-21-1970
EARLY TO BED AND EARLY TO RISE MAKES YOU HEALTHY, WEALTHY AND WISE
Submitter comment: INFORMANT WAS TOLD THIS BY HER MOTHER IN THE YEAR 1920
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; TOLD IN
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Belief Belief Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Proverb Proverb |
Date learned: 09-25-1972