Two Girls One Ghost Podcast Summary
Episode 323: "Haunted Tombstones, Epitaphs & Graveyard Lore"
Release Date: May 25, 2025

Introduction to Tombstones and Epitaphs

In Episode 323, hosts Corinne Vien and Sabrina Deana-Roga delve into the fascinating and eerie world of tombstones, epitaphs, and the lore surrounding graveyards. They explore how tombstones serve not just as markers of death but as storytellers that reflect the lives, personalities, and sometimes the supernatural tales of the departed.

Corinne opens the discussion with a poetic reflection:

"A lone tombstone stands crooked in moonlight, its edges softened by moss and time. In the silence of the graveyard, you stand before the tombstones surrounded by the echoes of grief and love that remain here."
(06:04)

She emphasizes the dual role of tombstones as both monuments of mourning and as expressions of individual personality and passion.

Unique and Notable Tombstones

1. Katherine K. Andrews' Fudge Recipe Tombstone (Logan City Cemetery, Utah)

One of the most charming and unique tombstones discussed is that of Katherine K. Andrews, who chose to immortalize her famous chocolate fudge recipe on her grave.

Sabrina marvels at the creativity:

"Like, make a little slab beneath your tomb. Yeah, cool."
(08:47)

Corinne describes the tombstone detailing the fudge recipe, complete with measurements and instructions, making it both a personal memento and a public legacy.

2. Paul G. Lind's Scrabble Board Tombstone (Oregon)

Another standout tombstone belongs to Paul G. Lind. His grave is fashioned into a Scrabble board, reflecting his love for the game. The tiles on the stone spell out heartfelt words such as "son," "brother," and "lovable," creating a personal and interactive tribute.

Corinne explains:

"The tiles all captured the roles that Paul cherished in his life."
(09:56)

Sabrina appreciates the ingenuity:

"This is such a smart idea."
(10:10)

3. "Killed by the Beast of 666" Tombstone

A more enigmatic and darker example is the tombstone of a woman whose grave bears the inscription "killed by the beast of 666." This has fueled various conspiracy theories, including connections to anti-government sentiments and werewolves.

Corinne reflects on the ambiguity:

"It could also just be commentary on the fact that humans are animals."
(12:43)

This tombstone exemplifies how epitaphs can become focal points for local legends and supernatural beliefs.

The Legend of Victor Noir's Grave (Père Lachaise Cemetery, Paris)

One of the most infamous stories covered in the episode is that of Victor Noir, a 19th-century French journalist whose grave has become a fertility shrine.

Corinne narrates the tale:

"Legend now says that if a woman is seeking enhanced fertility, a husband or blissful love, she should pay a visit to Victor's resting place."
(16:31)

The statue atop his grave notably features a prominent bulge, which has been patinaed over time due to repeated touching by visitors seeking blessings for fertility and love. Despite attempts to install barriers around the tomb in 2004, public outcry led to their removal, illustrating the powerful folklore surrounding Victor Noir.

Sabrina expresses discomfort:

"He very clearly looks dead. Like he's laying the way he fell when he was shot to death."
(19:34)

The episode critiques the objectification and disrespect implied by the shrine practices while acknowledging the tragic origins of Victor Noir’s death.

The Black Angel of Oakland Cemetery (Iowa City, Iowa)

The Black Angel statue in Oakland Cemetery is another centerpiece of this episode, shrouded in multiple layers of legend and fear. Originally commissioned by Teresa Delenzel Feldivert in 1913 to honor her son and second husband, the statue was intended to be a symbol of mourning. However, over time, it developed a dark reputation as it oxidized to a deep black patina.

Corinne provides historical context:

"By the time Teresa died, the angel likely was already darkening from normal oxidation."
(28:17)

Local folklore attributes the darkening of the angel to various supernatural causes, including divine judgment, witchcraft, and curses stemming from Teresa’s grief. These stories have transformed the statue into a haunted object, with numerous tales of curses resulting in mysterious deaths of those who disrespect the grave.

Sabrina highlights the fear associated with the statue:

"It's a very scary curse because there are deaths involved."
(45:25)

The Black Angel has become a rite of passage for local youth, with legends stating that touching or kissing the statue leads to untimely deaths, further solidifying its ominous presence in the community.

Carl Pruitt's Cursed Grave (Pulaski County, Kentucky)

Another chilling story is that of Carl Pruitt, whose grave is said to carry a deadly curse. Allegedly, after committing a gruesome murder-suicide in 1938, the soil around his gravestone began to wither in patterns resembling chains, symbolizing his violent past.

Corinne details the curse:

"This was a very disturbing thing. But this is bronze journalist turned fertility icon in the heart of Paris."
(19:34)

Subsequent legends narrate a series of bizarre deaths linked to the grave, including mysterious accidents and strangulations that seemingly occur to those who disrespect or interfere with Carl's tombstone. Despite the lack of verifiable evidence, the story persists as a local myth, reflecting how grave legends can evolve into multi-generational folklore.

Sabrina reflects on the tragic nature:

"It is, yeah. What is. Is this grief and mourning or is there something strange that we can't quite understand going on?"
(52:39)

The episode underscores the blurred lines between documented events and embellished tales that contribute to the haunted reputations of certain graves.

Listener Story: Ghost Photo at a Cemetery

Towards the end of the episode, the hosts share a listener-submitted story from Christina, who encountered a mysterious figure in a photograph taken in a cemetery. While her friend captured what appears to be a ghostly apparition of a child, the explanation remains elusive.

Christina recounts:

"There was a shape of a man who looked like he was standing in front of a grave. I got immediate chills when I saw this picture..."
(61:47)

Corinne and Sabrina discuss possible explanations, ranging from supernatural phenomena to optical illusions. The story exemplifies the enduring allure and mystery of cemetery lore, prompting listeners to ponder the thin veil between the living and the dead.

Conclusion

Throughout Episode 323, Corinne and Sabrina weave together historical facts, local legends, and listener stories to paint a vivid picture of how tombstones can embody both personal legacies and supernatural mysteries. From creative epitaphs to cursed graves, the episode explores the myriad ways in which the deceased continue to influence the living, blurring the boundaries between memory, myth, and the unknown.

Corinne concludes:

"These graves prove that death doesn't always mean silence. Sometimes it means secrets, superstitions, and a whole lot of haunted happenings."
(58:59)

The episode invites listeners to reflect on the stories inscribed in stone and the lingering presence of those who have passed, making "Two Girls One Ghost" a compelling exploration of the eerie and the extraordinary within the solemn grounds of cemeteries.

Engage with Two Girls One Ghost

The hosts encourage listeners to contribute their own stories and experiences related to haunted tombstones and graveyard lore. Share your unique grave ideas, ghost photos, or personal encounters by emailing podcastmail.com. Join the community on Patreon for ad-free episodes, early access, and exclusive content.

Notable Quotes:

• "Tombstones are more than stone and dates. They're emotional milestones." – Corinne (06:19)
• "This is like, you have the power and capacity to do whatever the hell you want." – Corinne (11:33)
• "It's like a good spooky tale, right? The drama, the drama." – Corinne (28:17)
• "It's just not worth it." – Sabrina (55:48)

Stay tuned for more spine-tingling stories and supernatural explorations in future episodes of Two Girls One Ghost.