Digest

This episode of Lore Legends delves into the eerie tales of abandoned towns in America. The episode begins with the story of Kahaba, Alabama, a town that was once a thriving cotton shipping hub but was repeatedly devastated by floods, ultimately leading to its abandonment. However, Kahaba experienced a brief resurgence during Reconstruction when formerly enslaved people moved there, creating a community of opportunity and hope. Despite their efforts, the town eventually succumbed to the forces of racism and neglect. The episode then shifts to Purdy, Tennessee, a town founded on cheesemaking that failed to attract the railroad, leading to its decline and eventual abandonment. The episode highlights the story of Colonel Fielding Hurst, a controversial figure who burned Purdy to the ground during the Civil War, leaving behind a haunted mansion that continues to be a source of local legends. The episode concludes with the story of Feltville, New Jersey, a company town built by David Felt, a paper mill owner who ruled the town with an iron fist. After Felt's departure, the town went through various transformations, eventually becoming a summer resort and then a county park. Today, Feltville is known as the Deserted Village, a place where the spirits of the past linger, including the three young sisters who disappeared in the surrounding woods. The episode explores the enduring fascination with abandoned places, highlighting the stories and legends that continue to be told about these forgotten communities.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction

This Chapter introduces the Lore Legends podcast, which explores strange tales that may not be found in history books. The episode focuses on abandoned towns in America, where the spirits of the past still linger.

00:02:16

Kahaba, Alabama: A Town of Hope and Despair

This Chapter tells the story of Kahaba, Alabama, a town that was once a thriving cotton shipping hub but was repeatedly devastated by floods. After the Civil War, formerly enslaved people moved to Kahaba, creating a community of opportunity and hope. However, the town eventually succumbed to the forces of racism and neglect.

00:06:12

Purdy, Tennessee: The Cheese Town That Burned

This Chapter tells the story of Purdy, Tennessee, a town founded on cheesemaking that failed to attract the railroad, leading to its decline and eventual abandonment. The episode highlights the story of Colonel Fielding Hurst, a controversial figure who burned Purdy to the ground during the Civil War, leaving behind a haunted mansion that continues to be a source of local legends.

00:10:39

Feltville, New Jersey: The Deserted Village

This Chapter tells the story of Feltville, New Jersey, a company town built by David Felt, a paper mill owner who ruled the town with an iron fist. After Felt's departure, the town went through various transformations, eventually becoming a summer resort and then a county park. Today, Feltville is known as the Deserted Village, a place where the spirits of the past linger, including the three young sisters who disappeared in the surrounding woods.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are some of the abandoned towns discussed in this episode of Lore Legends?

  The episode explores the stories of Kahaba, Alabama, Purdy, Tennessee, and Feltville, New Jersey, each with its own unique history and haunting legends.

• What is the story behind Kahaba, Alabama?

  Kahaba was once a thriving cotton shipping hub but was repeatedly devastated by floods. After the Civil War, formerly enslaved people moved to Kahaba, creating a community of opportunity and hope. However, the town eventually succumbed to the forces of racism and neglect.

• What is the story behind Purdy, Tennessee?

  Purdy was founded on cheesemaking but failed to attract the railroad, leading to its decline and eventual abandonment. The town is known for the story of Colonel Fielding Hurst, a controversial figure who burned Purdy to the ground during the Civil War, leaving behind a haunted mansion that continues to be a source of local legends.

• What is the story behind Feltville, New Jersey?

  Feltville was a company town built by David Felt, a paper mill owner who ruled the town with an iron fist. After Felt's departure, the town went through various transformations, eventually becoming a county park. Today, Feltville is known as the Deserted Village, a place where the spirits of the past linger, including the three young sisters who disappeared in the surrounding woods.

• What are some of the legends associated with these abandoned towns?

  The episode mentions legends of a ball of light appearing in Kahaba, a haunted mansion in Purdy, and the spirits of three young sisters who disappeared in the woods surrounding Feltville.

• Why are people drawn to abandoned places?

  The episode suggests that people are drawn to abandoned places because of their history, mystery, and the sense of decay and loss that they evoke.

• What is the significance of the 13 witches in the legend of Feltville?

  The legend of the 13 witches is said to be connected to the bumps in the road on Johnson Drive, which is near Feltville. According to the legend, the witches were hanged for their crimes and swore to return, and their spirits are said to manifest as the bumps in the road.

• What is the significance of the Gandini's Circus Camp in Edmund, Oklahoma?

  The camp is said to be haunted by the spirits of the performers and animals who once lived there. The episode mentions legends of clowns being burned alive, a ringmaster kidnapping children, and a shadowy figure walking the grounds.

• What is the purpose of Lore Legends?

  Lore Legends is a podcast that explores strange tales that may not be found in history books. The podcast focuses on stories of abandoned towns, haunted places, and other unexplained phenomena.

• How can I support Lore Legends?

  You can support Lore Legends by subscribing to the ad-free version of the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Patreon. You can also purchase the Lore book series or watch the television show on Amazon Prime Video.

Show Notes