The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

Mr. Fox

As a young girl, my siblings, neighbors and I used to play a
game called "Mr. Fox." The object of the game was to avoid
becoming "Mr. Fox" or "It." One player was elected to become "Mr.
Fox" or "It." This player stood a select distance from the other
players with his/her back to the players. Players lined up in a
straight line and in unison called out "Mr. Fox, Mr. Fox, what time
is it?" Depending upon the answer given by "Mr. Fox," players
would have to move towards Mr. Fox a certain number of steps.

For example: Players: "Mr. Fox, Mr. Fox, what time is it?"
Mr. Fox: "It's three o'clock." Each player would then take three
regular-sized steps toward Mr. Fox.

During the time that the players are moving toward Mr. Fox, Mr. Fox
keeps his/her back turned to the players. When Mr. Fox "feels"
that the players are near enough for him/her to easily pursue,
he/she gives the time as being "Midnight" and chases the players
until he/she tags one, who then becomes Mr. Fox.

The game is repeated with a new "Mr. Fox."

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT