Tall tales -- Maine

Abstract 2974 Clark Manring, interviewed by C. Richard K. Lunt, January 1, 1964, Northeast Harbor, Maine. Manring talks about Jones Tracy, his birth, his hunting philosophy; Bible knowledge; his health and his mother’s folk medicine; sources for his stories; “regular” vs. joke stories; origin of Jones’ name; schooling; others who listened to Jones’ stories; other storytellers on Mount Desert Island; also tells stories told by and about Jones Tracy, including: rain storm stories; Frank Thompson and...

Abstract 0154 Don Wilson, John Hiescock, Walter Seaha, Jim Davenporte, interviewed by Jerome Gamache for CP 180, Orono, Maine, April 1964. Accession includes handwritten summaries of jokes and anecdotes and an accompanying tape reel. Wilson, Hiescock, Seaha, Davenporte talks about sex jokes and lore; unusual people and events; tall tales about hunting; mention of divining rod; blood-stoppers; home remedies; a hermit; conversation about spirits; dream predictions; a ghost story; weather lore; place...

Abstract 0375 George Scully, Susan Scully, and Gordon Winslow, interviewed by Susan Scully for CP 180, November 1964. Recording features material recorded at the Scully home in Cape Elizabeth, Maine (first 16:40 minutes of mfc_na0375_t0251_01 and 35:45 on in mfc_na0375_t0251_02) and the home of Gordon Winslow (who is S.S.’s stepfather; a bunch of people are also present and participate in the conversation) in Needham, Massachusetts (16:45 on in mfc_na0375_t0251_01 and first 35:40 of...

Abstract 0205 Herb Morse, Vernon Lovejoy, Horace Davenport, Marian Davenport, and Danny Newcomb, interviewed by Anita Hassell for CP 180, spring 1967, Wayne and Winthrop, Maine. Morse, Lovejoy, the Davenports, and Newcomb talks about background and changes in Wayne; water witching; second sight; legend of “Why There Aren’t Any Trout in Poccasset Lake”; place name lore for Bellfonda Rock, Maranacook Lake, Annabesacook Lake, Alder Hill, and Mooselookmeguntic Lake); stories about Indians; legends about...

Abstract 2971 Lawrie Holmes, interviewed by C. Richard K. Lunt, October 19, 1963, Northeast Harbor, Maine. Holmes tells a variety of stories about Jones Tracy, including squash seeds big as snowshoes; Jones shoots deer around curve of mountain by bending rifle barrel; mosquitoes and the kettle. Also talks about muzzle loaders and hunting deer on Mount Desert Island; book on folk medicine; Ben Bordeaux’s origin; and poaching. One of a series of interviews conducted by Richard Lunt in 1963 and 1964...

Abstract

0122 Leighton Jackson, George Erswell Sr., and George Erswell Jr., interviewed by Elizabeth Erswell for CP 180, fall 1964, Brunswick, Maine. Jackson and the Erswells talk about tall tales; jokes; stories about hunting, fishing, and working in the lumber woods. Text: 11 pp. catalog. Recording: T 0227, PM 0022 1 hour

Abstract 0236 Milledge Lewis, Margaret Hallett and Paul Morrison, interviewed by Pauline Lewis for CP180, fall 1963, Lubec, Maine. Student project titled “Lubec Folklore.” Lewis sings songs, telling stories, and reciting poems, recorded November 17, 1963 (01). Songs and poems by Lewis include a number of satirical pieces written about local people as well as ballads and old minstrel and vaudeville songs, including "Young Charlotte," "Lather and Shave," "Tim Finnegan's Wake," "The Funniest Thing's a...

Abstract 0323 Robert N. Golding, interviewed by Virginia Pottle for CP 180, fall 1963, Perry, Maine. Accession consists of two tapes that are composites of an earlier recording made in 1960 and 1961; a biographical sketch of the narrator; a catalog of the contents; and a transcript. Golding, Pottle’s father, a hunter, fisherman, farmer, guide, and master storyteller, tells tall tales (oxen, sheep dog that could count, fishing); jokes (reckless driver, boardinghouse fare, wives, mother-in-law, drunks,...

Abstract

0692 Tom Sprague, interviewed by Edward D. “Sandy” Ives, July 28, 1972, Danforth, Maine. Sprague talks about tall tales; his life as a forest service warden; woods work. Text: 46 pp. transcript. Recording: mfc_na0692_t0405_01, mfc_na0692_t0405_02, mfc_na0692_t0406_01. [T 0405 - T 0406 / C 1454]. 1 1/4 hours

Abstract

NA0023 Various, interviewed by Alice Bryant for CP 180, fall 1959, Woodland, Baileyville (Cooper), and Lubec, Maine. Informants include Violet Riguette, Florence (Bacon) Perkins, and Ross Sadler. Paper deals with dreams; superstitions; George Magoon stories; tall tales; hunting tales; local expressions; forerunners; healing. Text: 26 pp. paper

Abstract

0224 Various, interviewed by Alta Kilton for CP 180, fall 1963, Rogue Bluffs, Maine. Paper deals with beliefs; stories about the Watt Boys; hero tales; poacher Wilbur Day; hermit Willie ‘Racker" Foss; hermits Nick and Mell Bryant; place names; Indian race for princess; forerunner; jokes by Faunce Bryant; many songs and ballads. Text: 77 pp. paper. RESTRICTED.

Abstract

0157 Various, interviewed by Braley Gray for CP 180, spring 1964, Old Town and Deer Isle, Maine; Marblehead, Massachusetts. Thomas Mossey of Old Town, Maine; Ruth Gray of Old Town, Maine; Roger Kimball Stone of Marblehead, Mass.; Waldo Cookson, Old Town, Maine; Earl Whitmore, Old Town, Maine; and Morris Noyes, Old Town, Maine. Paper deals with tall tales; animal tales; hunting stories; "smart" answers; dialect stories; place names; jokes. Text: 30 pp. paper

Abstract

0357 By D. E. Smith for CP 180, spring 1962, Houlton, Maine; New Brunswick. Informants include Judy Maines, Dim Cormier, Linda Waterhouse, Barbara Prescott, Belmont Adams, Danielle Spear, Prof. Donald Quinsey, Alice Rideout, and Nancy Erikson. Paper deals with poaching stories; tall tales; anecdotes; devil stories; jokes. Text: 37 pp. paper

Abstract 0361 Various, interviewed by Doris Stackpole for CP 180, spring 1962, Bridgewater, Maine. Informants include: Nall Bradbury, Mood Tompkins, Howard Lewis, Frank McKeen, Stanley Finnemore, and Charles Finnemore. Accession includes a description of Bridgewater, Maine, where material was collected; biographical sketches of informants. Bradbury, Tompkins, Lewis, McKeen, S. Finnemore, and C. Finnemore talk about devil stories; witch stories; forerunners; Indian superstitions; tall tales about corn...

Abstract NA0004 Various, interviewed by Elsie Appleby for CP 180, spring 1962, Island Falls, Mt. Chase, Houlton, Warren, Patten, Ashland, Maine. Informants include Cyril Drew, Harry Kennedy, Linwood Willette, Ray Emerson, Tom Donham, Clara Hathaway, Gladys Estes, Nadine Robinson, Mrs. George Torne, Mildred Schurman, Robert Pendleton, Josephine Williams, and Harry Sands. Paper records stories about folk heroes: Levi May, Emi Lee; skip-rope verses; tall tales; jokes; ghost stories; woods stories;...

Abstract

0061 Various, interviewed by Etta Clark for CP 180, fall 1963, East Machias, Maine. Paper deals legends; devil; phantom ship; babes on doorstep; place names; treasure; deaths; poems; jokes and anecdotes; legends; George Magoon and Wilbur Day, poachers; tall tales; folksongs; Miramichi fire; haunted house; the Lubec gold swindle. Text: 112 pp. manuscript

Abstract 0390 Various, interviewed by Gifford Stevens for CP 180, fall 1966, Oakfield, Maine; Hartford, Connecticut. Informants include: Leland Brown and Marion (Larlee) Brown, Audrey Benn, Mrs. Gen Drew, Ruth Masters, Blanche Judson, Jennifer and Graham Lundie, Bob Sawyer, Don Soler, and Alden G. Stevens. Paper deals with ghost stories: carpenter’s light, fairies braid horse’s mane, phantom hitchhiker; devil stories; gorby bird; place names; local stories; anecdotes; tall tales; mystery; hunting...

Abstract 0359 Various, interviewed by Gilberte M. Snowman for CP 180, fall 1962, Caribou and Lille, Maine. Informants include Gladys Whittier, Mrs. Louis Cote, Albert Montieth, Mrs. Ezra Smith, Ina Fergeson, James Davidson, Guelda Michaud, Ray Whittier, Dan Hersey, Gilbert Michaud, and Lillian Michaud. Folklore materials collected for a class project. Accession consists of a tape of an interview with Gilbert Michaud, in French, handwritten pages of folklore materials, catalog of tape contents,...

Abstract 0161 Various, interviewed by Jean Graves for CP 180, fall 1964, Portland area, Maine. Informants include Mr. Brady of Chicago, Illinois; Alice Goodspeed and Raymond Goodspeed of Hermon Pond; and the following residents of Portland, Maine: Louis Lambert, David Babin, Sylvia Coombs, John S. Keenan, Robert and Jean Graves, Victor Landburg, Richard Langois, Florence Link, Linda Lock, Lurana Marzilli, Verna Mitchel Mary Ann Caiola, Ann Marie Geary, Shawn Harrower, Deborah Soule, Susan Young, Scot...

Abstract

0025 Various, interviewed by Lina Bagley for CP 180, fall 1963, East Machias area, Maine. Informants include Edgar Bagley, John Bagley, Roy K. Dennison, William Prescott, and Iman Bagley. Paper deals with place names; forerunners; murder story; discovery of a corpse; tall tale; a few songs; place names; hunting and sailing stories; four long poems. Text: 50 pp. paper

Abstract

0345 Various, interviewed by Lloyd Record for CP 180, spring 1964, UMaine, Orono and South Paris, Maine. Informants include Douglas Mullen, Amos Orcutt, Colby Fahey, Richard Sieberg, Larry Shirlord, Steve German, Leona Record, Steve Gould, and Howard Record. Paper deals with tall tales; hunting stories; legends; scrapbook jokes; Buck Monument story; Devil’s Rock; Molly Ockett. Also included: newspaper clippings and photocopies of newspaper clippings. Text: 43 pp. paper

Abstract

0364 Various, interviewed by Mabel Small for CP 180, fall 1963, Machias, East Machias, Starboard Creek, and Buck’s Harbor, Maine. Informants include Vassar Quimby, Carroll Armstrong, John Hayward, Florence Libby, Theresa Dunbar, and Capt. Nelson Proctor. Paper deals with ghost; forerunner; table tipping; devil; jokes; anecdotes: Pat & Mike; Wilbur Day and George Magoon, poachers; tall tale; stories of Capt. Nelson Proctor; songs; poem. Text: 70 pp. paper

Abstract

NA0339 Various, interviewed by Madeline Reed for CP 180, spring 1962. Paper deals with legends; tall tales; anecdotes; jokes; poaching stories; forerunners; ghost and devil stories; folk songs and poems; Indian stories; George Knox stories. Text: 96 pp. paper. RESTRICTED

Abstract 0392 Various, interviewed by Margaret Small for CP 180, April 1967, Bangor, Maine; St. John River Valley near Mactaquac, New Brunswick. Grace Holmes McCarthy, Elizabeth Simmons, Daisy Leek, and Elsie Diamond Smith, Joe Perkins, and John Nelson. McCarthy, Simmons, Leek, and Smith, recorded in Bangor, Maine, April 21, 1967, (several Canadian mixed blood families are represented) talk about folk medicine, specifically Negro and Indian folk medicine; tell two tall hunting tales; a “Pat and Mike”...

Abstract

0176 Various, interviewed by Marjorie Ham for CP 180, spring 1960, Thirty-Mile River area, Monmouth, Maine. Paper deals with Swedish and Polish stories; ghost stories; witch stories; legends; buried treasure; hunting stories. Text: 34 pp. paper

Abstract

0341 Various, interviewed by Nora Roach for CP 180, spring 1962, Smyrna Mills, Maine. Informants include: Herbert A. Roach, Smyrna, Maine; Gertrude Sholler of Merrill; Hallie Hersey, Smyrna; Mrs. McPhee of Patten; and George Larlee, Oakfield. Paper deals with ghost stories; devil stories; anecdotes and jokes; tall tales; folk heroes; hunting stories; songs; devil’s half acre. Text: 42 pp. paper

Abstract

0163 By Paul Goodine for CP 180, spring 1965, Skowhegan, Maine and Grand Falls, New Brunswick. Informants include Ambrose Goodine and Margaret (Whelan) Goodine, Skowhegan, Maine; Alan Banister, York Harbor, Maine; and Karl Turner, Eastport, Maine. Paper deals with tall tales; poaching stories; local character: Ike Goodine; lumbering stories; legends; Boone Island; place names; riddles; jokes. Text: 43 pp. paper

Abstract 0280 Various, interviewed by Roger Mitchell and Joyce Mitchell for CP 180, spring 1962, Mars Hill, Blaine, Bridgwater, Monticello, Houlton, Amity, Smyrna Mills, Merrill, Dyer Brook, and Hermon, Maine. Informants include Ted Boyce of Monticello; George "Nal" Bradbury of Bridgewater; Herman Brewer, Bridgewater; Kenneth Bully, Bridgewater; Steve Crane, Houlton; Garth Friels, Monticello; Delmont and Vera Getchell, Hermon; Howard Lewis, Bridgewater; Albert McKinney, Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Don...

Abstract

0186 Various, interviewed by Sandra Hinkley for CP 180, summer 1964, Fairfield, Litchfield, Oakland, Waterville, Maine. Informants include Ervin E. Hinkley, Evelyn Murrey Hinkley, Ervin Eugene Hinkley, Jr., Sandra Hinkley, Erma Dancer, Margaret Smith, and Doris Foulkes Browne. Paper deals with songs; anecdotes; ghosts; legends; hunting stories; jokes. Text: 57 pp. paper

Abstract 0300 Various, interviewed by Sandra MacDonald for CP 180, spring 1967, Haynesville, Maine. Paper deals with stories about the area: best soil on earth; the big pumpkin; Mattawamkeag River; naming the Baskahegan Stream; stories about local people: card game, devil plays cards, how to grow a good head of hair, Gustie A. Kitchen, losing a pint of rum on a worm bet, jacking trip, the one that got away, strongest man in the area; lumbering stories: Canadian Jay, sign of warm weather, don’ts for...