This was written by psychologist Dr. Milton “Mitt” Addington and recorded by Dickey Lee. The song was inspired by a story that ran in a Memphis newspaper in 1964, written by a 15-year-old girl named Cathie Harmon. Dr. Addington credited her and shared his royalties from the song with her.
The original article by Cathie Harmon was possibly inspired by the legend of Resurrection Mary, described as a shy young woman with very cold hands. A number of young men reportedly encountered her at dance parties in Chicago beginning in the 1930s. Escorted or given a ride home, she typically asks to be dropped off at Resurrection Cemetery on Archer Avenue, where she vanishes, asking her escort not to follow her.
In 1939 a man named Jerry Palus met her at the Liberty Grove dance hall and she told him her actual home address; going there the following day, he found an older woman who verified that she had had such a daughter, who had died many years before. Her picture was identical to the girl Jerry had escorted to the graveyard.
MusicFor.Us wishes everyone a safe and happy Halloween. Times have changed, as I have fond memories of hundreds of us children would roam the neighborhood, most homes lavishly decorated with safe treats abounding. Remember the kids today and let’s give them the best experience we can for them just to have fun and try to retain their innocence just a little while longer.
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