Philadelphia Weirdness

The Devil in Philly!

Around 1735 one of the world’s most intriguing mysteries was born: that of the New Jersey Devil, alleged offspring of Satan himself. A mutated alleged thirteenth child to a Mrs Leeds or Shrouds of Smithville, said to have been cast out in the blackness of night in Leeds Point, destined to roam the depths of the Pine Barrens for centuries to come.

The legend has remained potent, sightings have continued over two hundred years after the so-called mythical birth, and some kind of creature has indeed roamed New Jersey. Many have described the creature as leather-winged, around four-feet tall, looking like a deer, but able to stand on two legs, having hooves and often heard screeching into the zenith.

It has been hunted on numerous occasions, shot at, exorcised by priests, blamed for attacks on livestock, and yet it remains elusive. Despite being mainly restricted to the New Jersey woods, the flapping entity has been seen on occasion along the Delaware River, and in Philadelphia, but just once according to records.

During what became known as the ‘phenomenal week’ of 16th January to the 22nd in 1909, a Mrs. J.E. White of Philly was hanging laundry at 4:00 pm when she observed a creature sitting in the corner, which, when she approached, rose to six-feet in height. It was covered in scaly skin and vomited flames from its mouth. When Mrs White’s husband ran into the yard, the creature flew off. Seconds later a motorist claimed he almost hit a similar beast on the road and another witness, William Becker, reported he’d thrown stones at it.

Other sightings took place at Chester, and as recent as the 1970s in Mercer. However, the so-called Devil has always somehow eluded pursuers, embedding itself into monster lore.

Bird, plane, Bigfoot, dragon or mutant? No one really knows, but it is better the Devil you don’t know, than the one you do!

Image Credit: Flickr user TedKerwin