This series serves as a documentation of oral tradition that has spanned generations and cultures. The act of passing down traditions and folklore to a new generation has been practiced throughout history, and many of these beliefs have become so ingrained in the public’s conscious that their origins are no longer considered. However, not all stories are as fortunate, and survive on a much smaller, more local scale. Photographing and displaying these lesser known stories allow them to reach new audiences. My goal is for these stories to grow over time and impact the way in which others view the world around them. Each story's validity may vary, but that does not detract from the mystical reality they create.
"Colonial Candle"
The tradition of lighting a candle in a window dates back to colonial America, and was often meant to promote a welcoming feeling to passing strangers.
13" x 19" Inkjet on Paper 2020.
"Baby Clothes in the Wall"
Putting baby clothes in a wall originates from Eastern Europe and Australia, and is believed that the purity of an infant will keep bad spirits away.
13" x 19" Inkjet on Paper 2020.
"The Witch's Cauldron Overfloweth"
This expression is used to describe an eerie, foggy night.
13" x 19" Inkjet on Paper 2020.
"River Street Mystery"
There are many haunted and paranormal occurrences on River Street, and this alleyway serves as a culmination of these stories into a single image.
13" x 19" Inkjet on Paper 2020.
"A Long Forgotten Passageway"
As with most historic cities, some specific stories eventually are lost, but the physical evidence of their existence still remains. It is unclear why this old walkway was boarded off and retired, but this mystery gives it new life.
13" x 19" Inkjet on Paper 2020.
"Stairwell into the Abyss"
When I was younger, this dark stairwell intimidated me, and the unknown destination below made my imagination run wild.
13" x 19" Inkjet on Paper 2020.
"Tunnels Under the City"
These tunnels were used during the colonial days in order to quickly move shipped goods in from the port. They are now largely blocked off from the public.
13" x 19" Inkjet on Paper 2020.
"Serial Killer's Hideout"
Rumor has it that this building once harbored a serial killer. His ghost has been seen roaming the adjacent cemetery at night.
13" x 19" Inkjet on Paper 2020.
"Freemasons Gather Here"
This notorious organization has many conspiracy theories associated with it, so seeing this historic building named after them seemed quite suspicious. What really goes on behind those doors?
13" x 19" Inkjet on Paper 2020.
"Spirit Orbs and the Marshall House"
Don't let these solar flares fool you, this building is considered to be one of the most haunted hotels in the world. Please report any suspicious occurrences to the concierge, spirit orb or otherwise.
13" x 19" Inkjet on Paper 2020.
"Suicides at the Sorrel-Weed House"
In the mid 1800's, Francis Sorrel's wife, Matilda, caught her husband having an affair with one of his slaves named Molly. Matilda was so distraught at this discovery, that she jumped from the upper balcony and committed suicide. A few weeks after this event, Molly was discovered to have hung herself in the carriage house. Today, the house has been deemed a historical landmark and offers paid tours. The profit off of these tragedies is hotly debated.
13" x 19" Inkjet on Paper 2020.
"Jumping the Broom"
This wedding tradition can be traced back to the mid 19th century. It was illegal for African-American slaves to get married, so the act of jumping over a broom replaced the traditional wedding ceremony. The groom was responsible for jumping over the broom in order to prove that we was not an evil döppelganger, who was said to be incapable of jumping over the broom and instead was forced to count the number of bristles.
13" x 19" Inkjet on Paper 2020.
"Dream Catcher Catches Dreams"
According to Native American tradition, dream catchers were designed with a spider web like design in order to capture nightmares and evil spirits, while allowing good dreams to filter through.
13" x 19" Inkjet on Paper 2020.
"The Psychic is In"
Palm readings, tarot cards, and crystal balls all supposedly offer glimpses into our future, for the right price of course.
13" x 19" Inkjet on Paper 2020.
"Florence Martus is the Waving Girl"
Florence Martus is a local figure called the waving girl. While she was alive, Florence would spend her days waving at all of the passing ships in the harbor. It is believed that she had fallen in love with a sailor, and wanted to be clearly visible to him when he returned home. After 44 years of waiting and waving, Florance passed away without ever reuniting with her sailor.
13" x 19" Inkjet on Paper 2020.
"The Holiest of Ghosts"
The Catholic Church is very strict about its traditions and practices, all based on the retelling of stories of a man that possessed super-human abilities.
13" x 19" Inkjet on Paper 2020.
"Headless Priest"
The headless priest is most widely attested in the Phillipines, and is reported to appear in the woods, either carrying his head or searching for his head. If you are unlucky enough to encounter the priest, he may mistake your own head for his, and try to take it for himself.
13" x 19" Inkjet on Paper 2020.
"Garlic (Wings) Kill Vampires"
The belief that garlic kills vampires are rooted in ancient medicine. It was believed that garlic had purifying properties, especially when it came into contact with blood. Additionally, garlic's strong smell was believed to be more powerful than the stench of death, thus a natural repellent to the undead.
13" x 19" Inkjet on Paper 2020.
"No Spanish Moss in Johnson Square"
Spanish moss does not grow in Johnson Square. The remains of Nathaniel Greene are buried in this park, a famous general during the Revolutionary War, who also notoriously hated the plant. Perhaps his ghost fancies himself as a groundskeeper.
13" x 19" Inkjet on Paper 2020.
"Little Gracie Cries Blood"
Unfortunately, Gracie Watson died of pneumonia when she was only six years old. Toys are left at her grave site, and if they are removed, the statue has been reported to cry blood.
13" x 19" Inkjet on Paper 2020.
