Tales of the cryptids 🦄

Cryptids of Columbia

Scape Ore Swamp in Lee County where the Lizard Man was reportedly spotted. | Photo via USGS.gov

Cryptids are animals that some believe may exist but are not believed to exist by mainstream science. Think Sasquatch or the Loch Ness Monster, but here in the Midlands of SC, we have a few urban legend creatures of our own — some that still receive international attention.

Let’s take a quick look at these beings that have been making hairs stand on end for decades.

🦕 The Lake Murray Monster “Messie” | Somewhere in the depths of the 763 billion gallons of water in Lake Murray swims a creature (or creatures) that have been sparking urban legends for nearly 100 years.

First spotted in 1933, just four years after the lake was created, the Lake Murray Monster gained more attention in 1980 when something attacked Buddy and Shirley Browning while they were out fishing.

Since then, many locals have reported sightings of “Messie” and the legend has grown. What could it be? Some think a landlocked sturgeon, some say it’s a giant garfish, and others think it could be an alligator. One thing is for sure, there are a lot of unexpected things within Lake Murray.

🦎 The Lizard Man | The Lizard Man took the world by storm in the summer of 1988 when teenager Chris Davis spotted a seven-foot-tall green monster with red eyes in Scape Ore Swamp, just south of Bishopville.

Two weeks later, the Lizard Man reportedly chewed and scratched the Ford truck of a couple who drove near the swamp. By August of 1988, Lizard Man was an international celebrity and calls came in from around the world to the Lee County Sheriff’s office.

The search was on when a million-dollar reward for its capture was offered by the radio station WCOS. Governor Carroll Campbell called the Lizard Man a “very elusive sort of fellow,” something it still is to this day.

Have any Cola cryptid stories of your own? We’d love to hear them.

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Monday, October 31

Spooktakular Halloween Carnival | Mon., Oct. 31 | 5-8 p.m. | Dutch Square Mall, 421 Bush River Road | Free | Calling all ghosts, ghouls, and goblins — this year’s event features a costume contest, inflatables, carnival games, karaoke, trivia, exhibitors, and more.

Tuesday, November 1

Renovation Rodeo | Governor’s Hill | Tue., Nov. 1 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Flock and Rally, 1817 Gadsden Street, Columbia | $15 | Gain an understanding of the renovation process and insights from those involved in this stunning transformation while also learning about the history of the building, its uses through the years, and the Governor’s Hill neighborhood.

Wednesday, November 2

Bingo Night | Wed., Nov. 2 - Wed., Nov. 23 | 7 p.m. | Molto Vino, 2822 Devine St, Columbia | Free | Enjoy six rounds of bingo and several chances to win gift cards up to $100.
Florida Man | Wed., Nov. 2 | 6 p.m. | New Brookland Tavern, 122 State St, West Columbia | $15 | Charleston-based hardcore band Florida Man brings their brand of cathartic noise punk and energetic live show to New Brookland Tavern.

Thursday, November 3

The Contemporaries present Public Art Walk | Thu., Nov. 3 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St, Columbia | Free | Meet CMA affinity group the Contemporaries on Boyd Plaza for a walking tour guided by the talented public art docents of One Columbia exploring the public art around the Main Street District.

Friday, November 4

The NoMa Flea | Fri., Nov. 4 - Fri., Dec. 16 | 6-9 p.m. | NoMa Warehouse, 2222 Sumter St, Columbia | Free | The Friday market features vintage curators, candle makers, fine artists, herbal healers, fashion designers, local jewelers, and expert collectors with beverages + foods available.

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Weather

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Coming Soon

Delta Dental is relocating from the Meridian Building on Main Street to Forest Drive in the spring of 2023. The new location will occupy 4,303 sqft of office space in the Landmark II building (3700 Forest Dr.). 🦷

Development

Real Estate company Wolfe and Taylor announced the new construction of the Valley Road Community in Forest Acres within walking distance of Lowe’s Foods and Trenholm Plaza. The five new homes are four bedrooms, three and half baths, and consist of two floor plans. 🏘️

Drink

Moltó Vino (2822 Devine St.) is launching The Moltó Vino Wine Club where members will get exclusive deals, monthly parties + tastings, a choice of two free bottles a month, and more. Sign up here in the MV app for the $39-a-month club membership. 🍷

Community

Mayor Daniel Rickenmann is hosting his first “Move with the Mayor” on Wed., Nov. 2 at Greenview Park at 11 a.m. The 30-minute walk and talk offers a chance for members of the community to get some exercise, ask questions about local issues, and chat with the mayor.
Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is celebrating 80 years of flight by highlighting monumental moments that helped shape the hometown airport Soda Citizens know and love today. Follow #CAEcelebrates80 on social media for a stroll down memory lane — complete with vintage photos, old newspaper clippings, fun facts + more. Happy birthday, CAE. 🎉 *

Travel

How does Scott’s Cheap Flights work? Sign up for free, follow up to five airports, and Scott’s will notify you when flights are 40-90% off. Bonus: You can browse deals immediately after signing up (like a $300+ round trip to Bermuda). 🌴*

Health

Palmetto Primary Care Physicians recently welcomed two seasoned medical providers with vast experience in family medicine and geriatric care. Amber Moses, FNP, and Arielya Binn, AGNP, are accepting new patients at the West Columbia office. Learn more about their medical background + specialties. *

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Tales from Cola’s underground

The legend of the Third Eye Man — it gets gutsy

Screen Shot 2021-08-11 at 2.00.38 PM — The silver man is said to roam USC’s underground tunnels. | Image via Maleen Windbrooke

Speaking of Cola cryptids, we’re taking a look back at our glimpse of the Third Eyed Man who haunts USC’s underground tunnel network.

The spooky legend of the Third Eyed Man is rumored to terrorize students at USC in the catacombs used now as service tunnels.

The disfigured man with a third eye was first seen on Nov. 12, 1949 by a student named Christopher Nichols who referred to the creature as “The Sewer Man.”

A few months later, the Third Eye Man was spotted again by a university officer reporting a figure hunched over mutilated chicken remains around the loading docks of Longstreet Theatre with silver skin and a third eye on his forehead. After another incident where students were chased by someone — or something — with silver skin, most of the entryways at the university were sealed off and declared closed.

The legend of the Third Eye Man lives thanks to Tik Toks like this.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by David.

Editor’s pick: After seeing this up close photo of an ant that was recently featured in the Nikon World Photomicrography Competition I wouldn’t be too surprised if a few of these cryptids are real. As for Messie, I do believe there are some big unexpected creatures swimming around the coves of Lake Murray.

Missed Friday’s newsletter? Read about the new Rapid Shelter Columbia project, here.

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Editorial: Samantha Robertson, David Stringer, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Kaylee Holland, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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