Forgotten American Folklore

There's more to New Jersey than The Sopranos!  Today we look at the mystery of the mysterious creature that lurks among the Pine Barrens- the Jersey Devil.

This podcast is written and researched with no help from AI- I don't want my podcast to be the reason they build a data center in your neighborhood.  I know that some AI is unavoidable, like Google searches, but when I can avoid it I will.

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The stories of three woman accused of consorting with the Devil in Salem; Elizabeth Howe, Sussanna Martin, and an enslaved woman named Candy.

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Are black dogs lovable pets or are they spectral visitors from evil realms?  Today we'll hear some folklore about black dogs including their mention in the Salem Witch Trials.

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To celebrate the start of October, this is a rebroadcast of an episode from my last podcast- Moving though Georgia.  It's the story of the Haunted Pillar of Augusta.

For more Georgia history, check out Moving through Georgia.

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Today we look at the idea of the 'Third Place'- a place you go to frequently that isn't your job or your home.  Not too long ago, that third place might be the Elks Lodge, or the Moose, or something a little more secretive.  Today we look at the Masons, the Knights of Pythias, and Skull and Bones.

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This is an extra episode to tie in with a scarecrow I made for my town's fall festival.  It's the story of Spearfinger, an old woman from Chrokee legend who you would not want to meet out in the woods.  This is a little scarier than most, but it's also to get us in the mood for spooky season.

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The idea of a changeling- a child that has been taken by a supernatural creature and replaced with a creature- is a staple of European folklore.  Today we look at the idea of the changeling through a porm by American poet John Greenleaf Whittier.

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Today is Talk Like a Pirate Day, so here are a few songs that would have been sung while working on board.

The BEST pirate song ever is called 'The Worst Pirate', and you can hear it here.

A good 'Talk Like a Pirate Day' song here.

Not all witch trials took place in Massachussetts; today we look at Goody Cole, a woman who's attitude and (maybe) grouchiness landed her in jail for witchcraft in 1656.  She would be made famous in two poems by John Greanleaf Whittier.

Don't plant your potatoes when the signs are in the feet!  Plant carrots when the moon is waning!  These are things farmers in Appalachia have known for generations- today we look at how the signs of the zodiac and the phase of the moon can affect your farm.

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If you enjoy the podcast, maybe you’d like to make a contribution.  You can use:

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