With the spring like weather yesterday I took the oppurtunity to
finally plant the Mercy Brown, Exeter Vampire box. This is actually a
set of two boxes, one being a hitch hiker. The directions to the
Permanent box will follow, but first I must give credit where credit
is due. Thanks to three wonderful girls, my daughter, Renee, and from
Virginia, Boop and Katybug. It was their interest in this RI legend
that inspired me to do the boxes. These boxes are dedicated to the
three of them. Thanks girls.
Secondly, to Boop and Bug's mom, Ladybug. It's her poetry you've all
been enjoying, and hopefully you'll enjoy her stamp if you're lucky
enough to find the hitch hiker.
Lastly, over the last month or so, I've enjoyed hunting her boxes,
and working with her on some local letterboxing projects. Thanks to
Trish Kurdziel and her family. She carves a great stamp, and her work
on this project can be seen in the permanent box. Thanks again, to
all of you.
About the planting of the box; None of the above mentioned knew
anything about where the box was to be planted, outside of discussing
different places. It was I alone who decided on the hiding place and
I alone who planted the box. I wanted to keep it on a local level to
start, and therefore planted the box in a cemetery. To anyone this
might offend, my apologies.
To the rest of you, "tis an old church you'll be looking for, built
in 1838 I believe. You'll find it on Rt. 102 in Exeter, RI,
approximately three miles west of Rt. 2. I hope you take the time to
look over and enjoy the old Chestnut Hill Baptist Church. From the
church parking lot I suggest you walk down the center road of the
cemetery. You can also drive, but I think a walk would be more
pleasant. At the first big cedar tree you'll come to on your left
you'll find the Brown Family plot, with Mercy Lena centered amongst
her family. After looking over the stones there, take a right down to
the old building, built into the side of the hill, where Mercy was
first laid to rest, awaiting the spring thaw. From there, a left will
take you to a waist high, table sized rock near the back of the
property. At the base of this rock you'll find the Mercy Brown,
Exeter Vampire letterbox. Could this be the rock where they burned
Mercy's heart and lungs after determining she was a vampire? For
those not familiar with the story, see;
Http://members.tripod.com/~DominiquePerot/index.htm
Http://www.endofline.com/Art/Exeter.html
Http://www.velocitychannel.com/stories/vampire.html
Final note; I know you all will use common sense and respect the
property, but it is my wish that letterboxing not be done on Sundays
at this location. Also, because some service or another might be
underway when and if you do decide to seek this box, I suggest
grabbing up the clues to some of the local boxes in this area. Thanks
and enjoy.