Haunted Histories: The Tale of Sandy and Tenie - A Southern Ghost Story

CONJURE WOMAN. In the narrative, the narrator reflects on a small, dilapidated schoolhouse located on his vineyard in central North Carolina, which is set for demolition to create a new kitchen for his wife. The story is interwoven with a tale told by Julius McAdoo, the narrator's coachman, about a former enslaved man named Sandy. Sandy belonged to a plantation owner, Marrabo McSwayne, and was highly valued for his skills. Over time, Sandy was rented out by his owner to different families, leading to a fragmented existence, which exacerbated when his wife was sold to another man. Heartbroken, Sandy’s wife, Tenie, reveals her ability to use conjure magic to turn him into a tree to maintain their bond. However, when Sandy’s tree is discovered for lumber, it compounds disappointment for Tenie, who attempts to rescue him but is apprehended. After her desperate attempt, she is deemed unstable and ultimately passes away, still grieving for Sandy. Years later, due to the haunting presence associated with the tree, the old schoolhouse is built from the same lumber, drawing superstitions among locals. The narrator’s wife, Annie, expresses discomfort about using the wood from the old schoolhouse for her kitchen, influenced by the story of Sandy and Tenie. Despite the narrator's skepticism and insistence on practicality, Annie opts for new lumber, indicating a belief in the emotional and psychological implications of using materials tied to such a tragic history. Later, Julius finds a new purpose for the schoolhouse as a meeting venue for a split Baptist congregation, aptly dismissing concerns about the ghostly presence, suggesting that Sandy’s spirit might find peace in religious gatherings. This blending of folklore with everyday domesticity reveals the lingering impact of slavery-era narratives on present lives, shaping both personal spaces and community practices.