The Legend of Huggin' Molly

To those who grew up in Abbeville, Alabama, the legend of Huggin' Molly is a common story told by parents who wanted their children home before dark. The old legend, which no one is exactly sure on its origins, states that a "phantom-like women" would appear in front of children, but only during the night. It continues by explaining that she would squeeze them so tightly (a fitting name of Huggin' Molly) while simultaneously screaming in their ears. To anyone, this sounds like an unpleasant time. Although, she is never have said to harm the children, but rather just be as obnoxious as humanly possible. 

During the early 1960s, many Abbeville residents came forward with different accounts of Huggin' Molly sittings. Although, these sittings were likely a combination of shadows and one's own imagination, that have gotten passed down from each generation. No one in the town seems fully confident on the identity of this individual, and it is also still unclear why she chooses to frighten children and teenagers. 

Personally, this story sounds exactly like something that parents decided to tell their children decades ago to make sure they would get home before supper. When I was younger, my grandparents use to tell me that if I stayed out passed a certain time, that I was more likely to be abducted by aliens. Looking back, I cannot think to imagine I even believed this for second. But, a child is like a sponge, and anything you tell them will likely soak in and prevent certain behaviors to a degree. 

Today, residents of Abbeville are constantly reminded of Huggin' Molly, since a famous restaurant downtown decided to open its doors under the same name. The decor of the restaurant is outfitted in vintage and old-fashioned posters and advertisements that fit the legend to perfection. 

The welcome sign drivers see as they enter Abbeville.