Front Porch Mysteries with Carole Townsend

By: Carole Townsend
  • Summary

  • Author and veteran journalist Carole Townsend shares remarkable tales from the South, tales of mystery, terror, and wonder. Townsend has built a career on the premise that truth really is stranger than fiction.

    Here in the South, we love our stories. We begin in childhood huddled around campfires, whispering of things best spoken in the dark, confiding in our small trusting circles. Why is that, do you suppose? I have researched and investigated Southern history for more than 20 years and I believe it has to do with this region itself. There's a lot that hangs in the ether here and much that is buried deep in the soil. There's beauty here in the South and shame and courage and, make no mistake, there is evil. There's always been the element of the unexplained, the just out of reach that we can all feel but can never quite describe. And the best place for telling tales about such things is the comfort and safety of an old front porch. So I invite you tonight to come up here with me, settle back into a chair and get comfortable, pour yourself a drink if you like, and I'll share with you some of the tales best told in the company of friends, tales that prove that truth really is stranger than fiction, and I'll turn on the light. You're going to want that. I'm Carole Townsend. Welcome to my front porch.

    © 2024 Front Porch Mysteries with Carole Townsend
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Episodes
  • The Haunted History of Lake Lanier
    Oct 17 2024

    Can a lake haunt the living? Join Carole Townsend as I unravel the eerie mysteries of Georgia's Lake Lanier. From its creation in the 1950s by the Army Corps of Engineers to the tragic displacement of over 1,100 people, including the once-thriving Black community of Oscarville, this episode promises to uncover the chilling truth. Dive deep into the history buried beneath the lake's waters, including submerged homes, forests, and cemeteries, and learn how these remnants contribute to the lake’s haunted reputation and numerous mysterious deaths.

    Prepare for a spine-tingling exploration of the inexplicable patterns of drowning deaths, mysterious boat accidents, and supernatural occurrences that have plagued Lake Lanier. Hear real-life accounts of strong swimmers feeling invisible hands pulling them underwater and other unexplained tragedies.

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    34 mins
  • Floyd Collins Final Resting Place
    Oct 10 2024

    What if the dark allure of the underground world could spell both fortune and doom? Join me, Carole Townsend, as we uncover the riveting and sobering tale of Floyd Collins, a passionate cave explorer whose dreams of discovery turned into a harrowing tragedy in Kentucky’s Sand Cave in 1925. We’ll traverse the era of the Kentucky Cave Wars, a time when spelunkers fiercely competed to unveil the next hidden gem, transforming natural wonders into profitable tourist attractions. Floyd’s astonishing find of the Great Crystal Cave in 1917 set the stage for his final, fateful adventure—one that captivated the nation and underscored the perils of this dangerous pursuit.

    And that's not all—brace yourself for a chilling exploration of Lake Lanier, Georgia’s largest man-made lake with a haunting past. Created by damming the Chattahoochee River and flooding 38,000 acres, this lake has claimed over 700 lives, earning its grim moniker as a "watery grave." Through tales from reputable sources like the Kentucky National Guard and the National Park Service, we’ll delve into the eerie lore and tragic stories that surround this infamous body of water. From the tragic fate of Floyd Collins to the mysterious depths of Lake Lanier, this episode promises a captivating journey through history, tragedy, and the relentless human spirit. Subscribe and share these haunting stories with your friends—trust me, you won't want to miss this.

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    31 mins
  • Haunted by History: The Bell Witch's Enduring Curse
    Sep 25 2024

    What if a ghostly force could shatter the tranquility of your home and torment your family for years? Get ready to uncover the spine-chilling legacy of the Bell Witch, a tale that has baffled and intrigued enthusiasts for over two centuries. Join me, Carole Townsend, as I take you to the heart of Adams, Tennessee, where John Bell and his family encountered a malevolent entity that turned their lives into a nightmare. From strange animals lurking in the shadows to violent attacks on John and his daughter Betsy, the legend becomes undeniable when even neighbor James Johnson encounters the paranormal firsthand.

    Explore the witch's eerie influence beyond the Bell home, impacting John Bell Jr. and his brothers during the Battle of New Orleans and catching the attention of Major General Andrew Jackson himself. The relentless torment of John Bell Sr. culminates in his mysterious death, which the witch claims responsibility for, while Betsy Bell’s life is turned upside down, leading to a broken engagement. We ponder the possibility that the Bell Witch could have been something more sinister or symbolic, reflecting the historical and emotional turmoil of the time. As a special treat, I’ll also introduce our next tale of Southern lore: the tragic case of Floyd Collins in a Kentucky cave. Don’t miss this deep dive into stories that continue to haunt and fascinate us.

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    29 mins

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