The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

WHEN SAILING IN ANY OF THE GREAT LAKES AROUND MICHIGAN
IT IS VERY UNLUCKY TO MENTION THE EDMUND FITZGERALD.
THE INFORMANT GIVES ONE EXAMPLE BASED IN ONTARIO WHERE
THE CREW, WHEN FINISHED WITH THEIR JOURNEY ON THE LAKES
WAITED UNTIL THEY GOT ONTO THE DOCK AND THEN SANG " THE
WRECK OF THE EDMUND FITZGERALD" IN FULL AS A KIND OF THANK YOU
FOR MAKING THE TRIP SAFELY. THE INFORMANT ALSO CLAIMS THAT
ONE TIME HE WAS OUT ON THE LAKES IN A BOAT WITH A FRIEND AND
AFTER TALKING ABOUT THE EDMUND FITZGERALD THEY HAD PROBLEMS
WITH THE RUDDER ON THE BOAT.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; CHARLEVOIX

Date learned: 07-00-1989