Red Fox Storytelling Festival

Mark your calendars for the 3rd annual Red Fox Storytelling Festival to be livestreamed HERE on October 23rd and 24th!

Enjoy the festival from the safety and comfort of your own home. Livestream tales and musical entertainment on Saturday, October 24th, when storytellers Angelyn DeBord, Pamela Gilmer, Don Baker and Royce Mullins are on tap to perform, interlaced with musical entertainment from Ron Short, Strawberry Jam and Drake Brock.

Two local stories that have always garnered interest are the Pound Gap Massacre of May 14, 1892 and the Edith Maxwell story of July 20, 1935. These two stories will be featured on Saturday, October 24th, when Pamela Gilmer will appear as Edith Maxwell to tell the 21-year old schoolteacher’s story of being accused and found guilty of clubbing her father Trigg to death using a high-heeled shoe.

Edith Maxwell's story received national coverage with terms such as the “Slipper Slayer," the “Curfew Girl” and “The Lonesome Pine Girl." Was she falsely accused? Or did she violate the so-called 'hill code' and deserve every minute she spend in prison? Perhaps you can decide after hearing Pamela Gilmer present Edith’s story.

Meanewhile, the horrific slaughter of the Pound Gap Massacre has been told and retold with many twists. Saturday, October 24th will feature Pound resident Royce Mullins' version of the Fleming brothers' side of the story.

Cal and Henan Fleming were accused along with the "Red Fox" (Marshall Benton Taylor) of slaughtering five members of the moonshiner Ira Mullins gang at the Pound Gap. Angelyn DeBord will present Jane's side of the story when she appears in character as Jane Mullins, one of the two survivors of the massacre. Then Roadside Theater’s performer, Don Baker, will recall the making of the highly acclaimed play, "Red Fox Second Hangin’," starring Don Baker, Gary Slemp and Frankie Taylor. Were the Fleming brothers really guilty? Did Red Fox really hang? Was Jane truthful? Maybe you can decide after you hear these three versions. 

Intertwined with storytelling on Saturday, October 24th will be musical performances by Ron Short, Drake Brock, and Strawberry Jam. Drake Brock is a young, upcoming performer from Pound. Ron Short is a world-famous multi-talented musician and folk storyteller. Strawberry Jam — Jane Branham and Buddy Delp — have a large following of their soulful tunes and ballads.

More information to come on the performances scheduled for Friday evening, October 23rd, which will feature brand new stories from our recently-trained local storytellers. A complete schedule of the Red Fox Festival will be available soon.

The Historical Society of The Pound, Appalshop, Pound Tourism Committee and Pound Economic Development Authority are proud sponsors of this upcoming livestreamed event. Although we’d prefer presenting this exciting event under the tent on Main Street of Pound like we did last year, during this pandemic you can enjoy the festival from the safety and comfort of your own home.