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.

    © 2025 Front Porch Mysteries with Carole Townsend
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Episodes
  • Diamond Doris: Unveiling a Southern Jewel Thief's Legacy
    Jan 31 2025

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    32 mins
  • The Garden of Good and Evil
    Jan 16 2025

    Ever wondered what secrets lie beneath the cobblestone streets of Savannah? Join me, Carole Townsend, as I unravel the ghostly allure and historical intrigue of this Southern city, with tales that will leave you questioning the line between myth and reality. Our journey takes us first to the Mercer House, where the echoes of a dramatic event from May 2, 1981, continue to haunt Savannah's storied past. Inspired by John Barrett's "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," we'll peel back the layers of Southern charm to discover a city where history, mystery, and idiosyncratic characters create an irresistible tapestry.

    In this episode, prepare to be captivated by the vibrant personalities that have shaped Savannah's narrative. From Jim Williams' infamous trial to the spellbinding presence of Lady Chablis and the enigmatic Gullah Hoodoo priestess Minerva, these characters bring the city to life in unexpected ways. As we explore Savannah's awe-inspiring antebellum architecture and lush parks, I'll reveal how this coastal gem's past is interwoven with tales of hedonism and high society. So, find a cozy spot, perhaps with a mint julep in hand, and let these stories transport you to a place where every corner whispers its own secrets of the past.

    I love hearing from listeners. Please write a review and rate the show. And please, tell your friends and share episodes on your social media.

    You can connect with me by clicking the links below.

    Facebook:

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    Website:

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    30 mins
  • The Lost Colony of Roanoke
    Dec 27 2024

    What if a single word could hold the key to one of America's oldest mysteries? Join me, Carole Townsend, as we journey through the haunting story of the Lost Colony of Roanoke. Set against the dramatic and often perilous landscape of North Carolina's Outer Banks, we'll unravel the complex tapestry of hope, ambition, and possibly tragedy that defined the fateful expedition led by Sir Walter Raleigh in the late 16th century. With only the enigmatic word "Croatoan" as a clue, the disappearance of 117 settlers remains an unsolved puzzle that continues to captivate historians and curious minds alike.

    We'll explore the myriad theories about what could have happened to these early settlers—from peaceful integration with the Croatoan people to more sinister suggestions such as disease or conflict. This episode also delves into the curious historical echoes of "Croatoan," a word that has appeared in other unexplained contexts, including the mysterious final days of Edgar Allan Poe. As we navigate these intriguing narratives, you'll be invited to ponder the deeper connections within Southern history and lore. So, sit back on my virtual front porch, grab your favorite drink, and let's explore the stories that prove truth is often stranger than fiction.

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    32 mins

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