If you ever visit Abbeville, Alabama, you might hear a strange story about a ghostly woman who roams the streets at night, looking for children to hug and scream at. Her name is Huggin' Molly, and she has been a part of the town's folklore for over a century.
The legend of Huggin' Molly dates back to the early 20th century, when Abbeville was a booming cotton town with a railroad and several mills. According to some versions of the story, Molly was a woman who had lost her child and went mad with grief. She would wander the streets at night, dressed in black, and hug any child she saw as if they were her own. She would also scream in their ears, either out of anguish or to scare them away.
Other versions of the story say that Molly was a witch or a phantom who had a grudge against the town or its children. Some say she was a former teacher who wanted to discipline her students for staying out too late. Some say she was a ghost of a woman who had died in childbirth or by suicide. Some say she was just a figment of imagination, created by parents who wanted their children to come home before dark.
Whatever her origin, Huggin' Molly became a well-known figure in Abbeville's culture and history. Many people claim to have seen her or heard her scream, especially on moonlit nights. Some say she is seven feet tall and as wide as a bale of cotton. Some say she wears a wide-brimmed hat and a long black skirt that sweeps the ground. Some say she only hugs children, while others say she hugs anyone who crosses her path.
Huggin' Molly has inspired songs, books, movies, and even a restaurant in Abbeville that serves burgers, sandwiches, salads, and ice cream. The restaurant is decorated with memorabilia and photos related to the legend, and has a statue of Molly outside its entrance. The restaurant also hosts an annual Huggin' Molly Festival in October, where people can enjoy live music, food trucks, vendors, games, and a haunted hayride.
Huggin' Molly is more than just a scary story. She is a symbol of Abbeville's heritage and identity, a reminder of its past and its present. She is also a source of curiosity and fun for visitors and locals alike, who enjoy sharing their stories and experiences with her. Whether you believe in her or not, Huggin' Molly is a legend that will never die.
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