The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

MARY BLACK

MARY BLACK WAS ONE OF THE FIRST TEACHERS AT GAILOR
INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL IN MASON. HER HOUSE BURNED, AND
THE RUINS ARE STILL ON THE GROUNDS OF THE SCHOOL.
NOBODY CAN REMEMBER WHETHER SHE DIED IN THE FIRE OR NOT.
BUT MANY PEOPLE HAVE SEEN HER ON THE GROUNDS OF THE
SCHOOL.
THE NEGRO EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN MEMPHIS USED TO HOLD
CAMP ON THE GROUNDS, AND MANY PEOPLE HAVE SEEN HER
COMING TO WELCOME THE CAMPERS AND TO WATCH OVER
THEM EACH SUMMER. SHE WEARS AN OLD FASHION BLACK
HAT AND A BLACK SUIT WITH A VERY LONG SKIRT.
IN HER HONOR ON THE LAST NIGHT OF CAMP THE CAMPERS
WOULD HAVE A "HAUNTING" AND PLAY JOKES ON EACH OTHER AND
DRESS UP LIKE GHOST TO SCARE THE YOUNGER CAMPERS..

Where learned: TENNESSEE ; MASON

Date learned: 07-23-1968

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