The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

URBAN TALE

IT WAS SAID THAT A GIRL MARRIED A DEAD MAN IN THE FUNERAL PARLOR
JUST BEFORE HE WAS BURIED. HE WAS KILLED IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT ONE
NIGHT, AT THE SAME TIME SHE FOUND OUT THAT SHE WAS PREGNANT WITH HIS
BABY. SHE TOLD HER MINSTER WHAT HAD HAPPEN AND NOW THE BABY WOULD
NOT HAVE A LAST NAME. THE MINISTER SUGGESTED THAT SHE MARRY THE
BOY IN THE FUNERAL PARLOR SO THAT THE BABY WOUL BE CONSIDERED
LEGITIMATE AND HAVE A PROPER LAST NAME. THE MINISTER OFFICIATED AT
THE CEREMONY, AND IT WAS SAID TO BE LEGAL IN THE EYES OF THE STATE.

Submitter comment: THIS TALE WAS SPUN BY SCHOOLGIRLS TO SHOW WHAT COULD HAPPEN TO THEM
IF THEY BECAME PREGNANT.
FUNCTION

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROSEVILLE

Date learned: 10-00-1977