In this episode of Memphis Type History: The Podcast, Caitlin tells Rebecca the truth (or as much as she can uncover) about one of Memphis' most famous "haunted" locations: Voodoo Village. Voodoo Village has truly become its own urban legend. So in this episode, they hope to dispel some of the rumor and lore and tell you what exactly is behind those locked gates.
There are many stories of people having spooky encounters at Voodoo Village. But the reality behind this family compound filled with strange buildings and unusual art is actually more fascinating to us than the legend of it all.
First, let’s set the record straight on what Voodoo Village is. The actual name for the place is St. Paul's Holiness Temple. Washington "Doc" Harris, a self-ordained Baptist minister from central Mississippi, built the temple there and lived on the land with his family. The colorfully painted shotgun houses are surrounded by roughly 1,500 pieces of mysterious sculptures and surreal machines made out of painted wood.
We discuss the misunderstood relationship between the temple and voodoo, how a lot of what goes on in the compound is typical of African American vernacular worship in the Deep South, and how masonic symbols play their own interesting role in the story. We wrap up with how you might have interacted with a resident of Voodoo Village without even realizing it!
For full show notes go to memphistypehistory.com/temple
Your Attention Please [Hiatus]
Zines 101 with Erica Qualy
Starring Elvis with Sheena and Savannah
TGI Fridays
A Rundown on Memphis Wrestling
Memphis Mansions
Memphis BBQ Part 1: A General History with Brian Crenshaw
The Shadier Side of Memphis with Neil Cameron
Memphis History in Bozwell + Lily
The New Madrid Fault Line
Finding A Place in History with Julie Mccullough
Clarence Saunders: The Man Behind Piggly Wiggly
Bonus Episode: Fallout In China
Ladies Night Part Two
WDIA: USA's First Black Radio Station
The Memphis Red Sox
Robert Church: The South's First Black Millionaire
Ghost Signs with Devin Greaney
Surviving the Bomb: Memphis' Famous Fallout Shelter
The Memphis Mafia
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