Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for FARMINGTON returned 182 results.
WHEN POLISH PEOPLE GIVE A WEDDING SHOWER, THEY DROP A
WEDDING RING IN THE CAKE. THE PERSON WHO GETS
THE PIECE WITH THE RING IN IT, IS THE NEXT ONE TO
GET MARRIED.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS A POLISH CUSTOM OF MANY YEARS.
TOLD TO ME BY MY FATHER IN OUR HOME.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Bridal shower |
Date learned: 02-28-1970
SHE WAS ALWAYS TOLD BY HER MOM AND DAD THAT WHEN THEY
WERE SMALL THAT AFTER SOMEONE DIED THEY WOULD BE PUT
ON THE ROOF OF THEIR HOUSE AND STAY THERE FOR A DAY
OR SO IN ORDER THAT THE BAD SPIRITS WOULD BE TAKEN
OUT OF THEM.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 09-21-1969
JEWISH CUSTOM
THE JEWISH PEOPLE BELIEVE THAT WHEN A PERSON DIES, HE
SHOULD NOT BE BURIED WITH ANY MATERIAL POSSESSIONS
EXCEPT HIS CLOTHING, BECAUSE YOU CAME INTO THE WORLD
WITH NOTHING AND YOU SHOULD LEAVE WITH NOTHING.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS A BELIEF THAT ALL JEWISH PEOPLE HAVE KNOWN
FOR MANY YEARS. IT IS PART OF THEIR RELIGION.
TOLD TO ME BY MY UNCLE IN OUR HOME.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 02-02-1970
Early in the morning in the middle of the night
Two dead boys got up to fight
Back to back they faced each other
Drew their swords and shot each other
A deaf policeman heard the noise
And came and killed those two dead boys
And if you doubt this lie is true
Ask the blind man, he saw it too.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Formula tale |
Date learned: 00-00-1985
EARLY IN THE MORNING, IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT
TWO DEAD BOYS GOT UP TO FIGHT
BACK TO BACK, THEY FACED EACH OTHER
DREW THEIR SWORDS AND SHOT EACH OTHER
A DEAF POLICEMAN HEARD THE NOISE
AND CAME TO KILL THOSE TWO DEAD BOYS
AND IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE THIS LIE IS TRUE
ASK THE BLIND MAN, HE SAW IT, TOO.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Formula tale |
Date learned: 00-00-1974
RAIN ON THE ROOF
THIS IS A SIMPLE GAME OF PHYSICAL SKILL FOR
CHILDREN. ALL THAT IS NEEDED FOR THIS GAME IS A BALL, AN
ALLEY, AND A GARAGE ROOF. IN THIS GAME EVERY CHILD IS GIVEN
A NUMBER. THE PERSON WHO HAS THE BALL THROWS IT ON THE ROOF AND
CALLS OFF ONE OF THE NUMBERS. THE PERSON WHOSE NUMBER IS
CALLED MUST CATCH THE BALL BEFORE IT HITS THE GROUND OR HE IS
OUT OF THE GAME. IF HE CATCHES THE BALL, HE THROWS IT AND
CALLS OUT ANOTHER NUMBER. THE GAME CONTINIUES LIKE THIS UNTIL
THERE IS ONLY ONE PERSON LEFT, AND THIS IS THE WINNER.
Submitter comment:
THERE IS ONE INTERESTING THING THAT I NOTICED WHILE I WAS
COLLECTING THIS. NOT ONLY DID MY MOTHER PLAY THIS GAME WHEN
SHE WAS YOUNG, BUT A FREIND OF MINE PLAYED THIS GAME MUCH
MORE RECENTLY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement |
Date learned: 01-00-1983
RIDDLE
WHAT DID TARZAN SAY WHEN HE LANDED ON BUTTER?
ANSWER: O-LEO.
Data entry tech comment: OLEO IS A BUTTER SUBSTITUTE AND DRAWN OUT IT ; SOUNDS LIKE THE
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON
| Subject headings: | RIDDLE -- Riddle Question |
Date learned: 00-00-1970
VOCABULARY
YOU'VE MADE YOUR BED SO SLEEP IN IT.
Submitter comment: THIS IS WHAT A GERMAN FATHER SAYS TO HIS DAUGHTER ON HER WEDDING DAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 09-19-1969
VOCABULARY
PLEASE?
Submitter comment:
THIS IS SAID WHEN ONE NEEDS SOMETHING REPEATED, AND IT
IS FOUND IN OHIO.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 09-19-1969
TWO DRUNKS WERE SITTING IN A PUB WHEN ONE SAID TO
THE OTHER, "WHAT IS THE QUICKEST AND CHEAPEST WAY TO
GET TO THE OTHER SIDE OF IRELAND?" "SWIM," MUMBLED
THE OTHER.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT SAID THAT HE HEARD THIS RECENTLY FROM AN
OLD FRIEND WHO JUST RETURNED FROM IRELAND.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Stupid man or woman |
Date learned: 11-15-1971
TWO STONE DEAF DRUNKS WERE SITTING IN A PUB WHEN ONE
ASKED, "WHERE ARE WE?" "WIMBLY," THE OTHER ANSWERED.
"LORDY BE! I THOUGHT IT WAS THURSDAY! LET'S HAVE
ANOTHER DRINK!"
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT SAID HE HEARD THIS STORY FROM AN OLD
IRISHMAN VISITING AMERICA AROUND 1925. INFORMANT
CONSIDERS THIS ONE OF HIS FAVORITE STORIES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Stupid man or woman |
Date learned: 11-15-1971
THERE WAS ONCE A DRUNK WHO WAS GIVEN A JOB AS A
POLICEMAN IN A SMALL INDIANA TOWN. AFTER A TRAINING
PROGRAM, HE WAS ALLOWED TO GO ON HIS BEAT, WHICH ONLY
SPANNED TWO BLOCKS. TO BOOST HIS COURAGE, HE TOOK
A "NIP OR TWO." AFTER A FEW DAYS HE DISAPPEARED.
MOST PEOPLE THOUGHT HE WENT ON A BINGE. A FEW DAYS
LATER, HOWEVER, HE SUDDENLY APPEARED HAGGERED AND
TATTERED AT THE POLICE STATION.
"WHAT HAPPENED?" SHOUTED THE OTHER POLICEMEN.
"WELL, I WAS COMIN' OUT OF O'TOOLE'S BAR AND I SAW
THIS TRUCK GOIN' THROUGH A STOP SIGN. SO I DECIDED
TO HOP ON THE BACK OF THE BUS AND GIVE EM A TICKET.
HOW DID I KNOW HE WAS GOIN' TO PITTSBURG?"
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT HEARD THIS STORY IN A SPEAKEASY DURING
PROHIBITION. HE DOES NOT REALLY BELIEVE IT
HAPPENED BUT CALLED IT A "GEM."
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Stupid man or woman |
Date learned: 11-15-1971
KRAKOWIAK (POLISH DANCE)
LIKE THE AMERICAN SQUARE DANCE.
Where learned: CHILDHOOD ; NOT GIVEN ; HOME ; PENNSYLVANIA ; MICHIGAN ; LETTER ; OHIO ; NEW JERSEY ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; AUTOGRAPH BOOK ; GROSSE POINTE ; HARPER WOODS ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS ; WARREN ; JAPAN ; RUSSIA ; GRAND RAPIDS ; SHIPLE HALL ; GARDEN CITY ; ROYAL OAK ; TOLEDO ; TRENTON ; FARMINGTON ; KALAMAZOO ; CANADA ; ONTARIO ; MARYGROVE COLLEGE ; DETROIT ; MAIL ; INDIANA ; DETROIT, ASSUMED ; TOLD AT HOME ; FERNDALE ; SOUTHFIELD ; TENNESSEE ; MACKENZIE HIGH SCHOOL ; HAMTRAMCK ; DEARBORN ; MINNESOTA ; ILLINOIS ; NEW YORK ; FLORIDA ; KOREA ; WISCONSIN ; NEW HAMPSHIRE ; STUDENT UNION ; READING ; AUSTRALIA ; Sylvania ; Sterling Heights ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED ; GROSSE POINTE PARK ; OAK PARK ; SOUTHGATE ; STURGEON LAKE ; REDFORD ; TOORAK ; VICTORIA ; ROSEVILLE ; LINCOLN PARK ; TRAVERSE CITY ; HUNTINGTON WOODS ; PONTIAC ; TROY ; PORT CHESTER ; SOUTH AMERICA ; BROOKVILLE ; MONTREAL ; SEOUL ; NORTH OLMSTED ; EASTOWN THEATER ; ERIE ; University of Notre Dame ; FRANKLINVILLE ; TORONTO ; TOLD AT ; TOLD BY ; TOLD IN ; SCRANTON ; MONROE ; GLENVIEW ; MOSCOW ; GULLEY ; FINLAND ; HARBOR BEACH ; HOUGHTON LAKE ; Hudson Lake ; INDIANAPOLIS ; JONESBORO ; KANSASVILLE ; LEXINGTON ; MASSILLON ; MAUCH CHUNK ; MELVINDALE ; MILFORD ; NEW ROCHELLE ; NIAGARA FALLS ; PANAMA CITY ; PATAGONIA ; ARGENTINA ; RESIDENCE HALL ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES ; TOLD AT HONORS HOUSE ; AMERICAN HISTORY CLASS
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Dance |
IF YOU STRUM YOUR FINGERS ON A TABLE THEN YOU ARE
ANXIOUS TO LEAVE THE PLACE YOU ARE AT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: CA00001915
IF WHEN A WOMAN IS PREGNANT AND SHE GAINS WEIGHT ALL OVER, THEN
THE CHILD WILL BE A BOY. IF SHE GAINS WEIGHT ONLY AROUND THE
STOMACH THEN THE CHILD WILL BE A GIRL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Birth |
Date learned: CA00001920
IF CHILDREN EAT ALL THEIR FOOD ON THEIR PLATES, THEN THE
NEXT DAY WILL BE BRIGHT AND SHINEY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON
James Callow Keyword(s): FUNCTION
| Subject headings: | Observation BELIEF -- Weather sign or control BELIEF -- Measure of time Eating For menu, see N222. |
Date learned: CA00001915
A BOY MUST BE THE FIRST TO KISS A GIRL ON NEW YEAR'S DAY OR ELSE
SHE WILL BE WITHOUT A BEAU THROUGH THE YEAR.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON
Keyword(s): KISS ; New Years ; Relationship ; tradition
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: CA00001920
FOLKLORE OF NEW YEAR'S DAY
ON NEW YEAR'S DAY WE ALWAYS HAVE PORK. THIS WILL INSURE
US A PLENTIFUL
US A PLENTIFUL YEAR. PORK IS THE RICH MAN'S FOOD.
Submitter comment: THIS HAS BEEN DONE SINCE AT LEAST 1915.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's Food Drink -- N 24 N 24.2 Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals |
Date learned: CA00001915
THIS IS A TYPE OF MUSICAL CHAIRS. THE MUSIC IS PLAYED AND THE GIRLS
WALK AROUND THE "CHAIRS". THE CHAIRS ARE REALLY THE GUYS SITTING ON
THE FLOOR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Wit |
Date learned: CA00001975
HUMAN MUSICAL CHAIRS
ANY NUMBER OF CHAIRS ARE SET UP IN A LINE. THE PLAYERS ARE ASKED A
SERIES OF QUESTIONS, FOR EACH QUESTION THE PLAYER CAN ANSWER YES TO
HE MAY MOVE TO THE NEXT CHAIR. IF HE CAN NOT ANSWER YES HE MUST
REMAIN WHERE HE IS. IF ANOTHER PLAYER CAN ANSWER YES AND YOU
CAN NOT BUT HE WILL BE SITTING ON THE SAME CHAIR, THEN HE SITS ON
YOUR LAP. ANY NUMBER OF PEOPLE CAN BE ON ONE CHAIR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Bodily Activity Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Wit |
Date learned: CA00001975