North Fork in Cutchogue in Suffolk County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Counter-Magic Poppets or Dolls

A Unique Survival

Photographed By Alexander Erwin, June 21, 2021

1. Counter-Magic Poppets or Dolls Marker

Inscription. When the house was restored, three twig and linen dolls were found in the walls. These were counter-magic features intended to ward off witchcraft spells. Other devices of this nature include witch bottles with hair, pierced red cloth hearts, fingernail parings, and urine, sometimes buried under the front door or under hearths, as well as the more familiar upside-down horseshoes nailed over the door or to a beam.

The interior furnishings reflect a wealthy household. The artifacts and reproductions allow visitors to experience the lifestyles of the 17th century families (Budd, Horton, Wickham), their servants and slaves.

Erected by Cutchogue-New Suffolk Historical Council.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 41° 0.501′ N, 72° 29.151′ W. Marker is in Cutchogue, New York, in Suffolk County. It is in North Fork. Marker is on Cases Lane, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 355 Cases Ln, Cutchogue NY 11935, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Important Architectural Features (here, next to this marker); The Cutchogue Old House (here, next to this marker);

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

The Old House (within shouting distance of this marker); First Submarine Base (approx. 1.4 miles away); Town of Southold (approx. 3.8 miles away); Capt. John Underhill Home Site / Historic Peck's Inn (approx. 4.9 miles away); Einstein Square (approx. 4.9 miles away); Ann Hallock Currie-Bell House (approx. 5.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cutchogue.

Photographed By Alexander Erwin, June 21, 2021

2. Counter-Magic Poppets or Dolls Marker

Looking northward down Cases Lane. The Counter-Magic Poppets or Dolls marker is the closest to the camera.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2021, by Alexander Erwin of East Patchogue, New York. This page has been viewed 267 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 22, 2021, by Alexander Erwin of East Patchogue, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.