05/31/2026
Some of the most fascinating stories of Southern Maryland folklore I have come across comes from a book called The Old Plantation by James Hungerford. Every chapter has stories that I could spend hours talking about. I will share some of these stories with you all right here from time to time and wiĺ attempt to summarize the stories as best as I can.
Hungerford was born in Calvert County but spent much of his life in Baltimore. In his book, he recorded stories, traditions, and local beliefs that were already considered old when he wrote them. One chapter tells the strange tale of a man named Joe Pantry, who reportedly lived near the head of Mill Creek in southern Calvert County. (Is it the same Mill Creek as the one we call Mill Creek today? Or was it the north western branch of St Leonards Creek which people used to call Mill Creek? I don't believe so. I suspect it is actually Hellen Creek. But that is pure speculation on my part based on trying to piece together the author's travels up what he calls "the Clearwater River" which we call the Patuxent River.)
According to this tale, Joe Pantry was a poor laborer who often hired himself out to neighboring farms. One autumn evening, after finishing work in a wheat field, he headed home under a bright moonlit sky. He assured his wife he was "as sober as a judge," despite the plentiful whiskey usually found at harvest gatherings.
For most of the walk, nothing seemed unusual.
Then Joe heard it.
Behind him came the sound of many horses galloping at full speed.
When he turned to look, he saw a strange procession crossing a nearby field. In the moonlight he could make out what appeared to be a line of red caps moving rapidly toward him. He could hear voices, laughter, and the pounding of hooves, yet he could not clearly see the riders themselves.
Terrified, Joe crouched beside a fence as the mysterious company approached.
The riders stopped nearby and began speaking among themselves. One complained that his horse had grown weary. Another suggested they take Joe instead.
Then a voice recited a spell. (See image of the words of said spell)
According to the story, Joe instantly found himself transformed into a horse. It had something to do with a bridle being placed on him that transformed him.
A black-bearded rider mounted his back and away they went.
The troop raced through fields, over fences, into marshes, through dense forests, and finally deep into the heart of the Devil's Wood-yard. Snakes slithered through the swamp. Briars tore at him. Branches lashed his face. The riders seemed possessed by some supernatural energy as they plunged deeper into the wilderness.
At last they reached a strange ruined building hidden in the woods.
Inside, Joe discovered a gathering of witches and wizards. Music filled the air. People danced wildly. Laughter echoed through the ruin. Looking through a window, Joe claimed he even saw Old Nick (I don't think he was referring ti Santa) himself presiding over the assembly from a raised platform illuminated by an eerie red glow.
Joe got the bridle out of his mouth and transformed back into a man.
When the witches discovered him spying, they rushed outside to seize him.
Thinking quickly, Joe grabbed the enchanted bridle that had transformed him and turned the spell back upon one of his pursuers. Mounting a black horse, he fled through the darkness.
The desperate ride home was even worse than the journey there. Snakes wrapped around his legs. Mud splashed into his eyes. Briars and branches struck him from every side.
Finally, overwhelmed by terror and exhaustion, Joe cried out:
"Heaven help me!"
At that moment everything vanished.
The next thing he remembered was opening his eyes at dawn. He was lying beside a fence near his own home, while his wife stood anxiously in the doorway looking for him.
What happened to Joe Pantry that night?
Even Hungerford's narrator was not entirely convinced. He noted that many people in Southern Maryland sincerely believed witches could transform people into horses and ride them to secret gatherings. Yet he also suggested that Joe may have experienced nothing more than a vivid nightmare brought on by fatigue, local superstition, drinking, and an overactive imagination.
Whatever the truth, the story provides a fascinating glimpse into the beliefs and folklore of old Southern Maryland. Long before ghost tours, people in Calvert County were sharing tales of witches, enchanted bridles, and midnight rides through the Devil's Wood-yard.
I will share more stories from this fascinating book in the future.
