The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

A MERRY-GO-ROUND AT AN AMUSEMENT PARK BROKE DOWN. THE OWNER SENT
AWAY FOR THE PARTS TO FIX IT, WHICH COST ABOUT TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS.
AFTER THE OWNER PUT THE NEW PARTS IN, HE TRIED OUT THE MERRY-GO-ROUND.
IT WENT AROUND BACKWARDS. EVERYTHING THAT WAS DONE TO IT DIDN'T CHANGE
A THING, IT STILL WENT AROUND BACKWARDS. SO THE MERRY-GO-ROUND WAS
BELIEVED TO BE HEXED, AND NO ONE WOULD GO NEAR IT. FINALLY THE
OWNER TURNED THE HORSES AROUND THE OPPOSITE WAY TO REMOVE THE HEX
ON THE MERRY-GO-ROUND.

Submitter comment:

INFORMANT LEARNED THIS TALE FROM A MAN HE WORKED FOR AT A CARNIVAL.

Data entry tech comment:

Informant and collector share the same surname.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 10-12-1972