Episode Summary: Two Girls One Ghost – Episode 331: Axe Hollow Murders & Hauntings | Appalachian Lore

Release Date: July 20, 2025
Hosts: Corinne Vien and Sabrina Deana-Roga
Podcast: Two Girls One Ghost
Description: Delve into the eerie Appalachian lore as Corinne and Sabrina explore the chilling tale of the Axe Hollow Murders, uncovering its origins, variations, and the supernatural phenomena surrounding it.

1. Introduction: Personal Ghost Stories

The episode opens with Corinne and Sabrina sharing personal anecdotes that set the stage for their deep dive into Appalachian supernatural lore.

Corinne recounts a mysterious event involving her child, Noah:

"[02:25] No, Noah is Matilda. Because my mom was like, I think it's Grammy. Like, she knew that, like, because my dad had to leave for a day when we were visiting to tend to some things."

Sabrina adds a playful nod to the supernatural traits of Noah:

"[05:34] I believe it. Noah's a spooky kid."

This segment not only personalizes the hosts but also establishes their genuine connection to ghostly phenomena.

2. Transition to Appalachian Lore and the Axe Hollow Legend

Sabrina seamlessly transitions the conversation to the broader theme of Appalachian lore, highlighting the region's rich tapestry of ghost stories and legends.

Sabrina emphasizes the region's spooky reputation:

"[05:53] Spooky, scary, scary. Spooky, scary, spooky, scary is the Appalachian area."

This sets the foundation for the main narrative—the legend of the Axe Hollow Murders.

3. The Legend of Axe Murder Hollow

a. The Origin Story

Sabrina begins by narrating a dramatized version of the Axe Hollow Murders, painting a vivid picture of the events that birthed the legend.

Sabrina describes the plight of a gloomy farmer:

"[07:12] This is the movie Klaus, I'm telling."

She details how the farmer's envy and suspicion of a cheerful hired hand led to a tragic series of murders:

"[08:24] He then went in search of the man he had driven off his land... carrying a bloody axe, looking for the man."

This rendition establishes the haunted reputation of Axe Murder Hollow, a place shrouded in tragedy and supernatural activity.

b. Research into the Legend

Delving deeper, the hosts discuss their research challenges, noting the lack of concrete records about the supposed murders.

Sabrina expresses confusion over the legend's geographical association:

"[09:31] And I was very confused because I found it in this book... But when I began my Google search, this legend takes place in Erie, Pennsylvania."

They uncover that despite its prominence in Appalachian regions, the legend originates from Erie, Pennsylvania—a location technically outside the traditional Appalachian boundaries.

c. Theories Behind the Legend

To unravel the mystery, Corinne and Sabrina explore three primary theories about the origins of the Axe Hollow Murders:

1. Billy the Butcher

   Sabrina introduces William "Billy" Gack, a real individual whose reclusive nature may have fueled urban legends:

   "[35:18] So, that's where people say, like the farmer is looking to murder."

   Corinne reflects on his misunderstood persona:

   "[36:00] They think they're about to be Stu."

   Despite being a misunderstood figure, there's no evidence Billy committed such atrocities, suggesting his portrayal as a monster was a product of local myths.

2. Little Egypt: The Romani Influence

   The Romani community, often misunderstood and demonized, is another focal point. Negative stereotypes and unfounded rumors, such as a Romani man's violent rage, contributed to vilifying this group.

   Sabrina highlights the destructive nature of these stereotypes:

   "This is absolutely a rumor that was used to increase the fear... to demonize them in society."

   This theory underscores how societal prejudices can morph into haunting legends.

3. Mary Lynn Crotty’s Murder

   A documented crime adds a tragic layer to the legend. In 1963, Mary Lynn Crotty was brutally murdered by Daniel Vibing Couser, who attempted to associate his heinous act with the existing legend to obfuscate the truth.

   Sabrina recounts the brutal details:

   "[43:00] He then put Mary's body in his trunk before deciding to dump her body in Axe Murder Hollow..."

   This real-life tragedy likely cemented the hollow's sinister reputation.

d. Contemporary Perspectives and Changes

The hosts discuss how Axe Murder Hollow has evolved over time, especially with residential developments encroaching upon the once-remote area.

Sabrina notes the transformation:

"[45:29] Others do want to encourage the legend, wanting to uphold the oral tradition and the local lore that it has created for the town of Erie, Pennsylvania."

However, local landowners express frustration over the legend's impact, as trespassing and disruptive behaviors tarnish the area's reputation.

4. Listener Interaction: A Personal Ghost Sightings Story

Corinne shares a poignant listener-submitted story from Ivy, detailing her father's ghostly encounter during his childhood in a haunted hotel. This segment bridges the main narrative with personal experiences, emphasizing the pervasive nature of ghost stories in Appalachian folklore.

Corinne illustrates her father's scientific skepticism juxtaposed with his inexplicable experience:

"[53:54] He said what he saw flapping outside his window looked like a Jenny Hanover... He has no idea what it could be other than something supernatural."

This story reinforces the theme that even the most rational minds can be unsettled by the supernatural.

5. Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Axe Murder Hollow

Corinne and Sabrina wrap up the episode by reflecting on the dark origins and the enduring fascination with the Axe Murder Hollow legend. They emphasize the importance of respecting local traditions and the land to preserve the integrity of such haunting tales.

Corinne shares final thoughts:

"[57:25] And yeah, just keep coming back. If you want episodes one week early and ad free, you can join us on Patreon..."

Sabrina concludes with a call to action:

"[57:55] We love you all. Thank you to all of you. We will see you on the other side. Very spooky."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Sabrina [05:53]: "Spooky, scary, scary. Spooky, scary, spooky, scary is the Appalachian area."

• Corinne [02:25]: "No, Noah is Matilda. Because my mom was like, I think it's Grammy."

• Sabrina [07:32]: "This is the movie Klaus, I'm telling."

• Sabrina [08:24]: "He then went in search of the man he had driven off his land... carrying a bloody axe, looking for the man."

• Sabrina [35:18]: "So, that's where people say, like the farmer is looking to murder."

• Sabrina [43:00]: "He then put Mary's body in his trunk before deciding to dump her body in Axe Murder Hollow..."

• Corinne [36:00]: "They think they're about to be Stu."

• Sabrina [45:29]: "Others do want to encourage the legend, wanting to uphold the oral tradition and the local lore..."

Key Insights and Conclusions

• Origins of Legends: The Axe Murder Hollow legend is a tapestry woven from real events, societal prejudices, and tragic crimes. Understanding its multifaceted origins helps in discerning fact from fiction.

• Evolution Over Time: As societal contexts change, so do legends. Residential development and modern disturbances have transformed Axe Murder Hollow from a remote haunting ground to a suburban legend.

• Impact of Prejudices: The demonization of marginalized communities, like the Romani, showcases how fear can shape and perpetuate lasting myths.

• Personal Experiences: Listener-submitted stories add depth and authenticity to the narratives, highlighting the universal nature of ghost stories.

• Respecting Traditions: Preserving the sanctity and respect for historical sites and local lore is crucial in maintaining the delicate balance between legend and reality.

Conclusion

In this episode, Corinne and Sabrina masterfully blend personal anecdotes with in-depth research to explore the dark and enigmatic legend of the Axe Murder Hollow. Through engaging storytelling and thoughtful analysis, they illuminate the complex interplay between history, myth, and the human psyche in shaping enduring supernatural tales.