The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

LOCAL LEGEND

NORTHERN JONES WAS A COLORED HANDYMAN ABOUT TOWN
YEARS AGO. WHEN PEOPLE TALK ABOUT HIM, THEY SAY
HE WAS KINDA SLICK, OR IN OTHER WORDS, SHIFTLESS.
ONE DAY THE WHITE MAN FOR WHOM HE WORKED WAS HEARD
TO BE GIVING NORTHERN JONES A LONG STRING OF JOBS
TO GET DONE. WHEN HE WAS TOLD THAT NORTHERN JONES
COULD NEVER BEGIN TO DO ALL OF THEM, THE WHITE
MAN REPLIED: "SHUCKS, IF HE GETS ONE OF 'EM DONE,
I'LL BE SATISFIED!"

Where learned: MISSISSIPPI ; HOLLY SPRINGS

James Callow Keyword(s): LAZY

Date learned: 08-10-1968