Tampa Magic Mall, located in Tampa, Florida, is a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike. This mall is known for its vibrant atmosphere and wide range of shops and entertainment options. One of the key features of Tampa Magic Mall is its diversity. The mall is home to a variety of stores, including clothing boutiques, electronic shops, and specialty stores. Visitors can find everything from trendy designer clothing to unique handmade crafts. The mall truly offers something for everyone's taste and style.
Revisiting the Sites of the Salem Witch Trials
Salem’s “Witch House” with actors dressed in Puritan clothing for colonial reenactments, 1949.
(Nina Leen/The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock)
Written By: Alexa Jade Frankelis
LIFE Photographer Nina Leen’s wide breadth of work ranged from fashion to documentary to animal portraiture. With an expansive portfolio, it comes as no surprise that she did not shy away from the macabre. For example, Leen had some of this work featured in a spread for an October 1957 issue of LIFE that covered America’s most famous ghost stories.
Years before her ghostly 1957 series—and over 250 years after the Salem Witch-trials of 1692—Leen visited Salem, Massachusetts to reexamine the horrific events in Salem. For the September 26, 1949 LIFE issue, Leen and the author Marion L. Starkey visited historic sites where the witch trials took place. They followed the narrative of Starkey’s new book at the time, The Devil in Massachusetts: A Modern Enquiry into the Salem Witch Trials.
Author, Marion L. Starkey, holding a cat, 1949.
(Photo by Nina Leen/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation)
Tree at the top of Gallows Hill in Salem, Massachusetts, 1949.
(Photo by Nina Leen/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation)
In her book, Starkey recounts the trials from a modern psychological perspective, coming to the conclusion that “boredom, drudgery, and fear of Hell” among the teenage accusers were to blame for the nineteen executions that resulted from the trials.
Leen and Starkey particularly followed the story of the seventy-one year old victim, Rebecca Nurse, who was hanged at Gallows Hill with four others on July 19, 1692. In the above image, Leen captures the ominous tree, protruding from the landscape on a gray New England day. In the 1940s, this is where historians believed the executions took place. More recent research has determined that the hangings actually took place at Proctor’s Ledge, which is located between modern-day Proctor Street and Pope Street in Salem, Massachusetts.
Salem’s “Witch House” with actors dressed in Puritan clothing for colonial reenactments, 1949.
(Nina Leen/The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock)
Descendant of witchcraft accuser Ann Putnam, holding a flower, 1949. Putnam was Nurse’s original accuser. She later recounted her accusations against Nurse in 1706.
(Nina Leen/The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock)
Sewing pins that were used as “evidence” in Nurse’s trial. During the witch-trials, it was reported that they were used by “witches” to torture their victims.
(Nina Leen/The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock)
Another victim of the witch trials was Tituba, an enslaved woman that worked for the Reverend Samuel Parris’ household. The image below is a sign that marks the site of “…where the young girls congregated to hear weird stories told by Tituba The West Indian Servant”.
Plaque establishing the site of the Reverend Samuel Parris’ home.
(Photo by Nina Leen/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation)
Blurred exposure of a woman sitting by the window, 1949.
(Photo by Nina Leen/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation)
The grave site of John Hathorne, 1949. Hathorne was the magistrate of Salem in the 1600s and a leading judge in the witch-trails.
(Nina Leen/The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock)
Salem witch photos
Join Christian Day, Brian Cain, and the Witches of Salem with guests Dragon Ritual Drummers as Witches and mortals alike gather from around the globe for a night of magic, music, powerful rituals, and prizes at the world’s most magical Halloween party! Join us as in days of old when fires burned on every hilltop and Witches gathered to feast, rejoice, and cast spells for the new year!!
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The mall truly offers something for everyone's taste and style. Aside from shopping, Tampa Magic Mall also offers a range of entertainment options. The mall has a state-of-the-art movie theater, where visitors can catch the latest blockbuster films.
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The chill winds of Autumn whisper to Witches and welcome strangers alike who journey to Salem from around the globe to summon the spirits at Halloween. From time out of mind, Witches have used this sacred holiday to honor the dead, divine hidden secrets, and celebrate magic!
There are also several restaurants and cafes throughout the mall, providing a wide range of dining options to cater to different tastes. In addition to the shops and entertainment, Tampa Magic Mall also hosts regular events and performances. From live music concerts to fashion shows, there is always something happening at the mall to keep visitors entertained and engaged. Furthermore, the mall is known for its convenient location and ample parking. Located in the heart of Tampa, it is easily accessible from major highways and public transportation routes. The mall also offers plenty of parking spaces, ensuring that visitors can easily find a spot for their vehicles. Overall, Tampa Magic Mall is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a unique and enjoyable shopping experience. With its diverse range of stores, entertainment options, and regular events, the mall offers something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are looking to shop, dine, or simply relax and be entertained, Tampa Magic Mall is the place to be..
Reviews for "Exploring the Magic: Tampa's Magic Mall"
1. Michael - 1/5 stars - I was really disappointed with my visit to Tampa Magic Mall. First of all, the mall was extremely outdated and in need of a major renovation. Many of the stores were closed or had limited stock, and those that were open were filled with low-quality merchandise. The overall atmosphere was depressing and I didn't feel comfortable or safe walking around. I definitely won't be returning.
2. Sarah - 2/5 stars - Tampa Magic Mall was quite underwhelming. I had heard great things about the variety of stores and unique items, but I found the selection to be lackluster. The mall seemed to cater more to a specific niche market, and as someone who was looking for more mainstream options, I felt a bit out of place. The mall itself also had poor signage and layout, making it difficult to navigate. Overall, I left feeling unsatisfied and won't be recommending it to others.
3. David - 2/5 stars - My experience at Tampa Magic Mall was far from magical. The mall was overcrowded with narrow aisles, making it difficult to browse through the stores. The staff at many of the stores were unhelpful and seemed disinterested in assisting customers. I was also disappointed with the limited food options available within the mall. Overall, it was a forgettable experience that I don't plan on repeating.
4. Emily - 1/5 stars - Tampa Magic Mall was a complete letdown. The entire place had a run-down, grungy feel, and several shops had strange odors. The merchandise was overpriced and of poor quality. I didn't feel comfortable spending much time there and left feeling disappointed. Save yourself the trip and visit a different mall in Tampa instead.