The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

ABSURD MISUNDERSTANDING

AN IMMIGRANT BECAME WEALTHY IN THE UNITED STATES AND
DECIDED HE SHOULD GIVE SOMETHING TO CHARITY BY BUILDING
A HOSPITAL. HE GAVE THE CONTRACT OR COMPLETE FREEDOM
EXCEPT FOR ONE STIPULATION. THERE SHOULD BE A "HALO"
STATUE IN EVERY ROOM.
WHEN THE BUILDING WAS COMPLETELY FINISHED, THE
CONTRACTOR WAS CALLED IN. ALTHOUGH NOT A CATHOLIC
HOSPITAL, THERE WAS A STATUE OF A SAINT IN EVERY ROOM.
THE BENEFACTOR COMPLAINED THAT HE DIDN'T SEE ANY
HALO STATUES. THE CONTRACTOR POINTED TO THE
STATUES. HE SAID, "NO, NO, YOU KNOW HALO, STAT YOU?"
(HELLO, IS THAT YOU--TELEPHONE).

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 00001960S