The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

THE HOOK MAN

ONCE THERE WAS A COUPLE PARKED NEAR A MENTAL INSTITUTION.
THEY WERE LISTENING TO SOFT MUSIC ON THE RADIO. THE
PROGRAM WAS INTERRUPTED BY A NEWS FLASH. IT WARNED OF
AN ESCAPEE WHO WAS CRIMINALLY INSANE AND DELIGHTED IN
TAKING YOUNG GIRLS' LIVES.
THE GIRL WAS PANICKED. SHE SAID, "LET'S GET AWAY FROM
HERE." HER BOYFRIEND SAID, "WHY, THERE'S NO THING TO BE
AFRAID OF." SHE PLEADED, "LET'S GO, LET'S GO."
AND IN A FURY, THE BOY STARTED HIS CAR AND PULLED AWAY
QUICKLY. WHEN THEY ARRIVED AT HER HOME, SHE SLID UNDER
THE STEERING WHEEL AND GOT OUT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE.
WHEN THE BOY RETURNED TO THE CAR, HE NOTICED (ON THE
GIRL'S SIDE) A HOOK ON THE DOOR HANDLE. APPARENTLY,
IN HIS FAST ACCELERATION, HE HAD RIPPED THE HOOK-MAN'S
HAND OFF.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 08-00-1964