FtV - Haunted House Curve

In this re-airing of a classic episode from the New England Legends Podcast, hosts Jeff Belanger and Ray Ogier revisit the eerie legend of Haunted House Curve in Hampton, New Hampshire, centered around the General Jonathan Moulton House. The episode weaves together historical accounts, ghost stories, and local folklore, detailing Moulton’s alleged deal with the devil to gain monthly gold, his clever trick of cutting the boot’s bottom to keep his soul, and the subsequent fire that destroyed his home—possibly orchestrated by the vengeful devil. The narrative continues with the scandalous marriage to his late wife’s nurse, Sarah Emery, and the haunting poem by John Greenleaf Whittier that captures Abigail Moulton’s ghostly vengeance on her successor. The story culminates in Moulton’s mysterious burial without a body and the enduring legend of his restless spirit, tied to the dangerous curve in Route 1. The hosts reflect on how the podcast’s coverage has influenced media attention and public awareness, while also humorously acknowledging their role in perpetuating the legend through their own storytelling. The episode blends history, horror, and meta-commentary on how urban legends evolve and spread. Key takeaways include: 1) The power of storytelling in shaping local legends and influencing real-world behavior (like road safety); 2) The enduring cultural impact of figures like John Greenleaf Whittier in preserving regional folklore; 3) The irony that modern distractions—like phones and digital billboards—may be as dangerous as ghost stories on the road; 4) The importance of mindful planning in a hyper-connected world, where spontaneity is now rare; 5) The idea that legends thrive not just through fear, but through repetition, media, and community engagement. The tone is playful yet reverent, balancing spooky storytelling with self-aware humor and genuine respect for New England’s haunted past.