The Ramapo Salamander

Charles Montgomery Skinner (August 4, 1844 - June 30, 1928) was an American writer who published myths and legends collection books. His dream was to make American folklore heritage more glorious. Skinner's writings were wide ranging. His career in literature and journalism included editorship of the Brooklyn Eagle. His study of the paper's famed Walt Whitman appeared in the Atlantic Monthly. He also commented on turn-of-the-century America's turbulent economy in Workers and the Trusts and American Communes.

This short piece of prose represents a bright example of Skinner's writing style -- laconic and clear. This story tells us a legeng of Ramapo Valley where firts German colonists dwelt. They say a magical creature lives there -- a salamander that brings misery anywhere it goes.