A 1948 newspaper citing from the same writer as in the 1955 one about the (Naval) War College football team cry. He told the same story in a 1948 column.
My Google-fu found http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/mt/mt-comments.cgi?entry_id=8475
I have found no corroborating evidence, however.
How odd that this version of the phrase had a hit in NY, considering that I’m from (mainly) the midwest. scratches head I doubt that I would have heard it from my grandpa (who was in the Navy circa… er… Korean War era if I remember correctly), but I would have heard it either being said or in a book.
The phrase is a parody of another phrase, something telling you not to panic. I think it was in an old BSA handbook.
“Spider” John Koerner. Stuff yer cites. “Spider” John Koerner. Send him some money.
No, no he didn’t. :dubious:
You can find it, along with other amusing bits of rhyme, in one of the two collections illustrated by Wallace Tripp: Marguerite, go wash your feet or A great big ugly man came up and tied his horse to me. IIRC, there was no attribution. I’m pretty sure it’s in Marguerite, and will check it if I go to my mom’s place for dinner. Meanwhile, every Doper would enjoy both books, so go check them out of your friendly neighborhood public library…
Do these volumes predate the 1920’s?