Now Here's a New One

[admin tim]

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/columns/comparing_notes/archive/2006/12/caroling_and_jack_the_ripper.shtml


Well, I sure hadn't heard of this one before, anyway. :eek:

[How Brown]

Isn't the disappearance of that little girl,Carol Poles,one within the series of child disappearances that occurred during the same time period as the WM?

[Chris G.]

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/columns/comparing_notes/archive/2006/12/caroling_and_jack_the_ripper.shtml


Well, I sure hadn't heard of this one before, anyway. :eek:

Hi Tim and Howie

Actually we did report this in "I Beg" in the December 2006 issue of Ripperologist, No. 74, page 74, that there was a tradition that caroling arose around the time of the Whitechapel murders after the disappearance of the girl, Carol Poles. See http://www.mykawartha.com/article/5879 Although John Zech of Minnesota Public Radio, in the URL you gave, says caroling derives from a Greek dance that spread across Europe with accompanying music and singing. Take your pick. :rolleyes: A recent blog on Christmas traditions (http://newchristmasideas.blogspot.com/2006/11/nightmare-before-christmas.html&title=Nightmare%20before%20christmas) states that the Carol Poles story is a "popular urban legend." As the blogger says, "According to the legend, the little girl was reported missing around Christmas and many people went searching for her at night. Due to fears concerning Jack the Ripper, the group would sing Christmas carols upon knocking in order to declare their good intentions." I tried to see if there are any press reports on Carol Poles on Casebook or anywhere but came up empty handed.

All the best

Chris

[How Brown]

Thanks C.G.....I thought I had read that before....and forgot it was in the RIP.

Coincidentally,Nina and I were reading the Mammoth and chatting about the disappearance/reappearance of Eliza Carter yesterday...and right now.