Large bodies of water and deep running streams have always been a fascination to man. The dark, deep waters with the hidden mysteries have been the topic of many, many legends.
Though man has come a long way in the past few decades, he still views the mighty rivers with a certain amount of superstition. Although he may not admit this feeling, it is still there.
As one journeys among the people who have lived along the river banks, he finds that these mysteries continue to be mentioned from time to time.
Conversation topic
He hears names like “River Witch,” “River Demon” and many, many more. The mention of the mysteries of the river always comes forth in conversations sooner or later.
If you have never stood along the banks of a great river like the Alabama, you might find it hard to associate these tales with the mighty waters. If you will sit for a while beside the silent waters and watch them as they glide past, you will feel the awesome strength and mystery of the secrets hidden there.
Look into the darkness of the clouded, swirling waters, and try to convince yourself that this massive giant does not possess a mind and soul of its own.
Watch the mighty currents as they dance here and there, and try to believe that this great mass is not alive.
Peaceful waters
Witness, if you will, how peaceful the waters are when the river is low and clear. So peaceful that it seems that the river god is sleeping, and all is well within.
Then return again and look upon the angry waters as they dash and tear the banks as though the gods have been awakened from a peaceful slumber, only to seek vengeance on all who come close, whoever they may be.
See the destruction and the death as this mighty demon runs roughshod over everything in its path. Then witness the care and gentleness of the mighty waters as it guides a fallen butterfly to the safety of the bank.
Tried to harness
Man, with all his knowledge, has tried to harness the great powers of the rivers. He has built large dams and locks in hopes that he can prevent flooding and the damage caused by the mighty waters.
But then one day, Old Man River grows tired of being harnessed. Then he raises his mighty arms, as a giant awakening from a deep slumber, and spills forth his strength across the land – and man wonders once more, and the mystery deepens.
(Singleton, the author of the 1991 book “Of Foxfire and Phantom Soldiers,” passed away at the age of 79 on July 19, 2007. A longtime resident of Monroeville, he was born to Vincent William Singleton and Frances Cornelia Faile Singleton, during a late-night thunderstorm, on Dec. 14, 1927 in Marengo County, graduated from Sweet Water High School in 1946, served as a U.S. Marine paratrooper in the Korean War, worked as a riverboat deckhand, lived for a time among Apache Indians, moved to Monroe County on June 28, 1964 and served as the administrator of the Monroeville National Guard unit from June 28, 1964 to Dec. 14, 1987. He was promoted from the enlisted ranks to warrant officer in May 1972. For years, Singleton’s columns, titled “Monroe County history – Did you know?” and “Somewhere in Time” appeared in The Monroe Journal, and he wrote a lengthy series of articles about Monroe County that appeared in Alabama Life magazine. It’s believed that his first column appeared in the March 25, 1971 edition of The Monroe Journal. He also helped organize the Monroe County Museum and Historical Society and was also a past president of that organization. He is buried in Pineville Cemetery in Monroeville. The column above and all of Singleton’s other columns are available to the public through the microfilm records at the Monroe County Public Library in Monroeville. Singleton’s columns are presented here each week for research and scholarship purposes and as part of an effort to keep his work and memory alive.)
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