Local Lore and Legends
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South Bay Bessie of Ohio
Serpentine or plesiosaur-like lake monster associated with Lake Erie sightings over two centuries.
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Cave of Kelpius of Pennsylvania
Mystic-heritage site linked to Johannes Kelpius and early apocalyptic / occult traditions in colonial Pennsylvania.
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Witch of Ridley Creek / Margaret Mattson of Pennsylvania
Colonial witchcraft tradition tied to Margaret Mattson, remembered in later lore as the Witch of Ridley Creek.
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Witch of Pungo, Grace Sherwood from Virginia
Grace Sherwood, later memorialized as the ‘Witch of Pungo,’ is the best-known Virginia witch legend; local memory ties her story to Pungo, Witchduck Road, and related landmarks.
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Rehmeyer’s Hollow / Hex Hollow of Pennsylvania
Site of the 1928 Hex Hollow murder, where folk-magic fears, curse beliefs, and the killing of Nelson Rehmeyer merged into enduring legend.
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Pennsylvania Hermit / Indian Echo Caverns of Pennsylvania
Caverns associated in Local Lore and Legends with the reclusive Pennsylvania Hermit, William ‘Amos’ Wilson.
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Pele’s Curse of Hawaii
Removing lava rocks causes misfortune until returned
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Nita-nee and Malachi Boyer legend of Pennsylvania
Foundational Pennsylvania legend telling of Nita-nee and Malachi Boyer, whose tragic romance is tied to Penn’s Cave.