The Tales of the Steel Quarters

The Headless Man in the Woods

In the city of Crestview, Florida, there stood an old steel mill. There were several African American families that lived near it, in a placed they called the Steel Quarters. These are the stories told by them and passed down from generation to generation.

Two boys went out to play. Their mother asked them to be home before dark. They did not listen and stayed out longer they were suppose to. As they were playing, they are met by an unexpected visitor, the Headless Man in the Woods. He chases children who disobey their parents’ rules and tries to take their head. The boys run and run and finally make it home. Until, they realize that their mother went looking for them. Now they have to go out and face the Headless Man. In turn, they lose their hair. In the end, everyone is safe and sound, but the boys have learned a valuable lesson.

©2018 Kyri Demby (P)2022 Kyri Demby