Local legend has always been a part of my life. Especially in Small Town America, local legend helps us form the majority of our opinions. And no matter how many times we try to convince ourselves that something just can't be true, popular belief makes us think it really can be. I remember one time in the Fall of 1933 when local legend got the better of me and my brother Jason and almost put us in grave danger.
October 29, 1933
"Jason, Mary Ellen, hurry up." Olivia called. "We'll be late for church."
The two children came downstairs.
"Mary Ellen Walton! Put a coat on, Child! It's almost November! You'll freeze to death in that short-sleeve dress." Olivia told the 13-year old.
"Yes Mama." Mary Ellen replied, running upstairs and back down again.
"That's better." Olivia smiled.
After church, the children said that they wanted to walk home.
"Well I guess that's fine." John replied. "John-Boy, Jason, you two are responsible for your younger siblings, okay?"
"Yes sir." His two oldest sons replied.
"All right. See y'all back at the house."
"See ya Daddy." John-Boy replied.
"Jason, can you carry me? I'm tired." 11-year Erin said.
"Sure Honey." 15-year old Jason replied. "Climb on up."
She climbed onto his back and hugged his neck. Erin loved all her brothers, but she especially loved Jason. He was so kind, compassionate, and patient with all them. And John-Boy could really be cranky sometimes when he was into a writing project.
The children walked a little further.
"John-Boy, will you carry me?" 5-year old Elizabeth asked.
"Sure Sweetheart." The 17-year old smiled.
She climbed onto his back.
"Gee, I wish there was another older brother so I could climb on someone's back." Mary Ellen said.
"You can climb on my back." Teased 10-year old Ben.
"Oh, can it Ben!" Mary Ellen playfully shoved her brother.
Ever quiet Jim Bob just watched his siblings and laughed.
"You're quiet Jim Bob." Jason said.
Jim Bob nodded.
Jason chuckled and turned to John-Boy. "He just proved my point."
Jason playfully jabbed Jim Bob in the elbow, which made the 7-year old laugh.
Jason grinned.
The children walked a little further.
"What's that house? We walk by it everyday. It looks spooky." Elizabeth said.
"That's the Hudson House, Sweetheart." Jason replied.
"Does Hudson live there?" Elizabeth asked.
John-Boy chuckled. "No Honey, Hudson is their last name. Like Walton is our last name. Anyway, there hasn't been anyone living there in over 50 years. Daddy doesn't even remember when anyone lived there. He'll be 39 in just a couple weeks. Grandpa would have been about my age the last time someone lived there. Local legend says it's haunted."
The kids were intrigued now.
"Haunted?!" Jim Bob's eyes widened.
"Yeah, that's what local legend says at least. I've never been in there personally." John-Boy said.
As the children continued to walk, John-Boy found himself feeling a little anxious and fearful about the house. He tried to convince himself it was just the angle of the sun, but as he passed by the front window, he was sure he saw someone standing inside the house, watching them.