Lore Legends: Episode 56 - "Ringed In"

Release Date: June 23, 2025

Introduction

In this chilling episode of Lore, host Aaron Mahnke delves into the dark and superstitious corners of Pennsylvania’s history, uncovering tales of witchcraft, paranoia, and tragic misunderstandings. Titled "Ringed In," the episode unfolds two primary narratives: the tragic story of Susan Mummy in Ringtown and the haunting account of Emma Kildee in Stoney Creek Valley. Through meticulous research and evocative storytelling, Mahnke brings to life the eerie legends that demonstrate how fear and superstition can devastate communities and individuals alike.

I. The Witch of Ringtown: Susan Mummy's Tragic Fate

Timestamp: [06:08] - [17:58]

The episode opens with the story of Susan Mummy, a woman living in the small hamlet of Ringtown, Pennsylvania. Susan, depicted as a difficult and abrasive member of her community, becomes the central figure in a tragic tale of superstition and blame.

• Premonition and Tragedy

  In December, Susan's husband, Henry Mummy, works at the local DuPont Powder Company. Despite his wife’s premonition urging him to stay home, Henry heads to work and tragically dies in a factory explosion. Susan and her children are left to fend for themselves in a community already traumatized by the disaster.

  Quote:
  Aaron Mahnke: “Susan's premonition had come true.”
  [07:03]

• Community Blame and Superstition

  The townspeople, already grieving, turn their frustration towards Susan, blaming her for bringing the tragedy upon them through witchcraft. Despite Susan selling her services as a healer, the community’s resentment grows, leading to her eviction and eventual murder.

  Quote:
  Narrator: “Ringtown's residents grew suspicious... they thought that she had hexed him.”
  [09:07]

• Albert Shinsky's Descent

  Albert Shinsky, a local man suffering from severe paranoid delusions believed he was cursed by Susan. Convinced that killing her would lift the hex, Shinsky murders Susan in 1934. His subsequent arrest and diagnosis with schizophrenia reflect the era's limited understanding of mental health.

  Quote:
  Shinsky: “I can face anything. Thank God. I am a man again.”
  [15:24]

• Aftermath and Legacy

  Despite being declared mentally unfit, Shinsky spends decades in psychiatric care before his death, never facing trial. The cottage where Susan was killed burns down mysteriously shortly after his release, leaving lingering questions about retribution and justice.

  Quote:
  Narrator: “Some people can't help but wonder if Shinsky took one final trip to the home of the witch of Ringtown and burned her memory to the ground.”
  [18:28]

II. The Curse of Stoney Creek Valley: Emma Kildee and Mrs. Boyer

Timestamp: [25:00] - [30:08]

Transitioning from the ghostly tale of Ringtown, Mahnke introduces another haunting story from the late 19th century in Stoney Creek Valley, Pennsylvania. This narrative centers around Emma Kildee, a young girl afflicted by mysterious ailments, and Mrs. Boyer, the neighbor accused of witchcraft.

• Emma's Mysterious Illness

  In 1877, Emma Kildee exhibits unexplainable symptoms, including speaking in Pennsylvania Dutch—a language she never learned. Desperate for a cure, her father, William, consults astrologers and witch doctors who attribute her illness to a curse.

  Quote:
  Narrator: “For them, it was the only thing that made sense.”
  [26:13]

• Accusations Against Mrs. Boyer

  The Kildee family suspicions fall on Mrs. Boyer after a witch doctor’s ritual implicates her as the source of Emma's curse. Despite Mrs. Boyer’s denial, the community’s superstitions lead to increased tensions and eventual legal action.

  Quote:
  Shinsky: “I run around and around trying to shake off that grip. I couldn't do it.”
  [13:29]

• The Lawsuit and Community Frenzy

  In 1880, the Kildees file a lawsuit against witch doctor Armstrong McLean for slander, hoping to clear the stain against Mrs. Boyer. The courtroom becomes a spectacle, revealing the deep-seated fears and prejudices of the community.

  Quote:
  William Kildy: “I firmly believe that Mrs. Boyer is a witch, that she bewitched my daughter.”
  [28:53]

• Dismissal and Relocation

  The judge dismisses the case due to lack of evidence, and the Kildee family, fearing further accusations, moves away from Stoney Creek Valley. The unresolved tension culminates in the mysterious burning of Mrs. Boyer’s house, symbolizing the lingering fear and unresolved vendettas.

  Quote:
  Narrator: “What we do know is that no matter what was truly wrong with Emma, it wasn't Mrs. Boyer's fault.”
  [30:03]

Conclusion

Aaron Mahnke’s "Ringed In" masterfully intertwines these two tragic tales, illustrating how fear, superstition, and misunderstanding can lead to devastating consequences. Through the stories of Susan Mummy and Emma Kildee, the episode sheds light on the dark side of human nature and the historical stigmatization of those deemed ‘other’ or 'different.' Mahnke leaves listeners pondering the thin line between myth and reality, and the lasting impact of prejudice on individuals and communities.

Quote:
Aaron Mahnke: “It's easy to see where the confusion came from.”
[04:33]

Notable Quotes

• Susan Mummy's Tragedy:
  “Susan's premonition had come true.”
  — Aaron Mahnke
  [07:03]

• Albert Shinsky's Conviction:
  “I can face anything. Thank God. I am a man again.”
  — Albert Shinsky
  [15:24]

• William Kildy's Accusation:
  “I firmly believe that Mrs. Boyer is a witch, that she bewitched my daughter.”
  — William Kildy
  [28:53]

Final Thoughts

"Ringed In" serves as a somber reminder of the power of belief and the human tendency to seek explanations, even through dark and unfounded means. By exploring these lesser-known legends, Lore not only entertains but also educates, encouraging listeners to reflect on historical injustices borne out of fear and misunderstanding.