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
Union & Madison with Storyboard Memphis
Bonus Episode: Droppin' On New Year's Eve
Bonus Episode: Ice Skating at the Mall
Christmas in Memphis
Hanukkah and Jewish History in Memphis
Let's Go to the Movies
Zion Christian Cemetery
Ladies Night
Shotgun Houses
Libertyland with John R. Stevenson
Ghosts In Memphis: E&H, Snowden, & The Orpheum
Let's Talk Type
A Tour of Glenview Historic District
Steamboats and the Bluff City
The Forgotten Adventures of Richard Halliburton with R. Scott Williams
Dining 1: Anderton's & The Four Way
Earnestine and Hazel's
Graffiti 101 with Nosey42
Bonus Episode: Riding Elephants
Lustron Homes of Memphis
Join Podbean Ads Marketplace and connect with engaged listeners.
Advertise Today
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Modern West
Irish Songs with Ken Murray
History Obscura
Historycal: Words that Shaped the World
Thoughtfuel - Strange True Stories & Trivia
The Vanished Podcast