This collection of oral folklore from coastal
This book focuses on a set of beliefs and magical practices (some of which
are today known as 'Hoodoo'), including root doctoring, the existence of
spirits, talismans, lucky and unlucky acts and omens and more. The interviewer
also investigates the use of drums and dancing during celebrations, funeral and
baptism rituals, food taboos, and other aspects of folklore and ethnology. This
study dispels any lingering doubt that these beliefs are derived directly from
Do not be put off by the use of phonetic dialect spelling. This is not being used here to belittle the speakers or cast them as ignorant. Rather, this book is scrupulously non-judgmental. This is simply how oral accounts were transcribed before there were portable tape recorders or camcorders. It takes a bit of work, but after a few pages, these potent and long-dead voices come to life.
--John Bruno Hare
Title Page
Acknowledgments
Contents
Foreword
Notes to the Reader
Introduction
Old Fort
Tin City
Yamacraw
Frogtown and Currytown
Springfield
Brownville
Tatemville
White Bluff
Pin Point
Sandfly
Grimball's Point
Wilmington Island
Sunbury
Harris Neck
Pine Barren Near Eulonia
Possum Point
Darien
Sapelo Island
St. Simons Island
St. Marys
Appendix
Glossary
Informants
Bibliography