Queer Corner

Photo: Tandra Wilkerson

Brainchild of a successful commercial artist, Körner’s Folly in Kernersville, N.C., east of Winston-Salem, is a true “witch house,” in more than mere appearance. Julius (“Jules”) Gilmer Körner, genius behind the once-ubiquitous Bull Durham Tobacco building paintings, constructed his labyrinthine home between 1877 and 1880. One of many quirky features—there’s a theater in the attic—the “Witches Corner” on the front porch is supposed to have been inspired by German folklore. (Körner’s grandfather immigrated from Germany.) According to tradition, coins dropped in the pot distracted witches bent on entering alongside legitimate visitors. I’ve read that piles of rice by the door were thought to be similarly irresistible to witches, who were obliged to count every grain before they could proceed with their mischief.


Photo: Jacqui Hawkins



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