Fenwood Gazette

In 1972, a local Valley Park woman came forward claiming to be Mildred Payne, who had been missing (and presumed dead) since the great asylum fire of 1933.  Known simply as Mad Millie to neighbors, she is pictured above casting magic spells over her coven of wild cats. It was reported that the photographers were amazed at Millie’s power over the felines, until a chunk of tuna dropped from her skirt and fell on the sidewalk. It was obvious that this impostor was not the legendary Red Witch after all.   Mildred’s fate remains a mystery…….

VIDEO: In October, 1933, a tremendous fire ripped through Fenwood Asylum, killing 13 people. That tragic night was the last anyone ever heard of Mildred "The Red Witch" Payne.   In the Fall of 1933, a roaring blaze swept through the South Wing of our beautiful Fenwood Asylum. Although the cause was never determined, many believed it to have been started by inmate Mildred “The Red Witch” Payne after one of her frequent tantrums.   13 causalities were reported, including several horses trapped in a nearby stable. The horse’s horrifying cries were heard that night by residents as far away as Eastbury. Mildred...

Researchers at Fenwood Asylum have discovered  the only known photo of ROSE PAYNE, mother of Mildred, who was murdered by an unknown assailant in 1926. It is reported that Mildred's connection with the spirit realm intensified to an unhealthy obsession after finding her mothers mutilated corpse behind the tool shed. After combing the Valley Park and Asylum archives, this is what we have learned so far:*Rose Payne (née Unknown): Born 1888 - Died Tragically 1926*Possible Gypsy heritage. *Withdrawn personality-No known acquaintances.*Reported as mentally unstable--possible onset of mid-life schizophrenia. *Avid Tarot Reader*Joined in (Un)Holy Matrimony 1910 to Wallace Payne (Died.-1933, Apparent Suicide)--Photo Unavailable It has been reported...

The old cronies at the Valley Park Historical Society have reluctantly come forth with information regarding the childhood home of Mildred Payne. Once located on 1013 Walton Street, this ominous dwelling served as a precursor to the miserable life Mildred would later experience at Fenwood Asylum. Here’s what we have learned so far: *An only child, Mildred Payne was born in this house on June 13th, 1913. (She lived there with her parents until her father had her committed in 1928.) *In 1926, Mildred’s mother died tragically in a tool shed behind the house under circumstances we have yet to uncover....

A previously unknown photograph has surfaced here at Fenwood Asylum! It gives us a rare glimpse into the Seance Parlor which once belonged to our tragic heroine, Mildred Payne. Among many bizarre curiosities pictured, one can see the old chair she used to connect with spirits while under trance. Hovering over the side of the chair is what seems to be a faceless dwarf-like figure. We are unsure of the identity of this being, and some here at the Asylum speculate that in may be a phantom...What is YOUR theory?