Honey Island Swamp Monster
A Louisiana Legend
WHERE THE LEGEND BEGAN
Harlan Ford was the first person to cast plaster tracks and report a sighting to the media of an a creature that he coined, "The Honey Island Swamp Monster" that is now known worldwide. Harlan Ford was my grandfather. His story has been documented and aired on TV many times since 1974 when he first talked to the media. Harlan Ford passed away in 1980. His wife, my grandmother, Yvonne Ford passed away 2013, and while moving everything from the Ford home after it was sold, we came across a letter that Harlan Ford wrote himself in the 1970’s about his encounter with the Honey Island Swamp Monster. As we all know when stories are retold many times, certain details change, get exaggerated, maybe by accident, maybe on purpose. Some people try to say his story was a hoax after a local hunter found a track glued on the bottom of a shoe. But luckily Ford’s encounters were documented in his own words in the letter that could explain the shoe track. I have inserted Harlan Ford’s actual letter in my newly revised book for you to read. There are also recent eye-witness encounters that are documented in this book.
HARLAN FORD PERSONAL DESCRIPTION OF THE HONEY ISLAND SWAMP MONSTER IN HIS OWN WORDS....
"We were walking fast with a heavy load when we saw the hind quarters of what appeared to be a large animal standing on four legs in the trail," Harlan Ford said. "We were used to seeing all sorts of known animals in this swamp area, but as we approached within twenty feet, Bill exclaimed in a loud voice, “What the hell is that thing?” The creature had evidently failed to hear us approaching up the trail, but at the loud sound of Bill’s voice, it swung around and faced us. Its loins were slender, while the chest and shoulders were tremendous. The head and face had a square appearance and the entire body was covered with short and dingy grey hair. The head had long, wild hair that almost touched the ground. This thing glared at us in a ferocious manner for only a split second, then rose up and ran on its hind legs, disappearing over a mound of briers and brush. It was about seven feet tall and would weigh approximately four hundred pounds." (this was Harlan Ford's account in his own words of his encounter with the legendary Honey Island Swamp Monster," Harlan Ford added.
DANA HOLYFIELD, author of "Honey Island Swamp Monster Documentations
and Documentary Filmmaker, "Encounters with the Honey Island Swamp Monster."
DANA HOLYFIELD
Author & Filmmaker
My name is Dana Holyfield and I am the grand-daughter to Harlan Ford, whose legendary encounter with the Honey Island Swamp Monster has became a famous swamp tale known worldwide. So, in 1997, I wrote a little book titled, "Encounters with the Honey Island Swamp Monster," that documented Harlan Ford's story and several other eye-witnesses who came forth with similar experiences. I later made a documentary film called, "The Legend o the Honey Island Swamp Monster" that led to me making guest appearances over the years on TV shows such Hannity's America on Fox, the Travel Channel's, "Mysteries At The Museum", the Sci-Fi Channel's, "Fact or Faked," "Swamp People," and "Book TV" to name a few, to talk about my Grandfather's encounter and the 8mm film that we found in his belongings after he passed away. Since then, I have revised my book and film with more recent information that I learned about within the last five years. If you want to purchase the revised book, you can do so on this website or online at other booksellers. The revised documentary film is available online.
Author & Filmmaker
My name is Dana Holyfield and I am the grand-daughter to Harlan Ford, whose legendary encounter with the Honey Island Swamp Monster has became a famous swamp tale known worldwide. So, in 1997, I wrote a little book titled, "Encounters with the Honey Island Swamp Monster," that documented Harlan Ford's story and several other eye-witnesses who came forth with similar experiences. I later made a documentary film called, "The Legend o the Honey Island Swamp Monster" that led to me making guest appearances over the years on TV shows such Hannity's America on Fox, the Travel Channel's, "Mysteries At The Museum", the Sci-Fi Channel's, "Fact or Faked," "Swamp People," and "Book TV" to name a few, to talk about my Grandfather's encounter and the 8mm film that we found in his belongings after he passed away. Since then, I have revised my book and film with more recent information that I learned about within the last five years. If you want to purchase the revised book, you can do so on this website or online at other booksellers. The revised documentary film is available online.
HARLAN FORD with granddaughter, Dana Holyfield.
DOCUMENTARY FILM TRAILER by Dana Holyfield
FILM REVIEWS
REVIEW SOURCE: buyer on AMAZON.COM
Of all my husbands collection (40+), this is the 2nd Best of all...I even request to watch it !, November 25, 2009
By G. J. Black (Rocky Mts) Buy this one!!This film is documentary style...but not just a string of 'stories'. Great continuity and a decent filming style.The main resident is REAL...his words are memorable and will stick with you! Science is touched upon.AND, if all that is not enough...the MUSIC is enjoyable...and the lyrics would stand on their own.I show this one to company...that's saying something.
_____________________________________________
REVIEW
by Robert P. "Louisiana State Director of the American Anthropological Research Foundation wrote"
I just watched the DVD. It is fantastic. Thank you for your efforts in putting this film together. I am a member and Louisiana State Director of the American Anthropological Research Foundation. Our goal is to prove beyond any doubt that these wonderful beings exist and then to get them the protection they must have. The last thing we want or need is for someone to kill a being like this. Please spend a few moments visiting our website at Trueseekers.org I am more convinced than ever that these Forest Giants are much more widespread and numerous than anyone thought. These people in your film are not hallucinating. Many of the folks you interviewed have been in the swamps their entire lives. Folks like that are not prone to fantasy and illusion. As a general rule, you can take what they say to the bank.
Sincerely,
Robert P.
______________________________________________
REVIEW
From: C. Sanders
Subject:swamp monster dvd
To:danalouisiana@yahoo.com
I watched it last night & again just now. Your film, showing real persons telling their stories in their own words, every minute of your film comes across as the real truth, totally believable & authenticate giving the unvarnished facts. Those who have a very sincere interest in such things, & who really wants to learn something more about the Honey Island Swamp Monster, your film is at the very top of the Cryptozoology must see list.
Thanks. C.Sanders.
________________________________________________
REVIEW
From: Phil P.
To: "dana" Subject: Re: Documentary Video
I really enjoyed it. Lot of local characters on there that seem like they have legit stories. I will recommend it to my friends and other folks that I know. Take care and if you make another video, please let me know as I would like to purchase it.
Thanks again.
Phil P.
Of all my husbands collection (40+), this is the 2nd Best of all...I even request to watch it !, November 25, 2009
By G. J. Black (Rocky Mts) Buy this one!!This film is documentary style...but not just a string of 'stories'. Great continuity and a decent filming style.The main resident is REAL...his words are memorable and will stick with you! Science is touched upon.AND, if all that is not enough...the MUSIC is enjoyable...and the lyrics would stand on their own.I show this one to company...that's saying something.
_____________________________________________
REVIEW
by Robert P. "Louisiana State Director of the American Anthropological Research Foundation wrote"
I just watched the DVD. It is fantastic. Thank you for your efforts in putting this film together. I am a member and Louisiana State Director of the American Anthropological Research Foundation. Our goal is to prove beyond any doubt that these wonderful beings exist and then to get them the protection they must have. The last thing we want or need is for someone to kill a being like this. Please spend a few moments visiting our website at Trueseekers.org I am more convinced than ever that these Forest Giants are much more widespread and numerous than anyone thought. These people in your film are not hallucinating. Many of the folks you interviewed have been in the swamps their entire lives. Folks like that are not prone to fantasy and illusion. As a general rule, you can take what they say to the bank.
Sincerely,
Robert P.
______________________________________________
REVIEW
From: C. Sanders
Subject:swamp monster dvd
To:danalouisiana@yahoo.com
I watched it last night & again just now. Your film, showing real persons telling their stories in their own words, every minute of your film comes across as the real truth, totally believable & authenticate giving the unvarnished facts. Those who have a very sincere interest in such things, & who really wants to learn something more about the Honey Island Swamp Monster, your film is at the very top of the Cryptozoology must see list.
Thanks. C.Sanders.
________________________________________________
REVIEW
From: Phil P.
To: "dana" Subject: Re: Documentary Video
I really enjoyed it. Lot of local characters on there that seem like they have legit stories. I will recommend it to my friends and other folks that I know. Take care and if you make another video, please let me know as I would like to purchase it.
Thanks again.
Phil P.
THE BOOK IN PRINT AND ON KINDLE
HONEY ISLAND SWAMP MONSTER DOCUMENTATIONS
(Book) by Dana Holyfield
The book documents Harland Ford's story that was written in his own words in a letter that he wrote to a magazine about his encounter in 1974. I included the letter in the book unedited. The book also includes stories from other eye-witnesses.
BOOK TRAILER by Dana Holyfield
*****Five Star Reviews From Customers on Amazon.
PREVIEW THE BOOK ON KINDLE LINK BELOW COVER IMAGE
ATTENTION: MUSICIAN FRIENDS.... would you like to write music for and sing the lyrics to a song I wrote that will be in the new film... You must be willing to do it for the love of music and film. You will get a music video out of it. Here are the lyrics...
HONEY ISLAND SWAMP MONSTER SONG WRITTEN (c) BY DANA HOLYFIELD
Gonna tell you a story, You may not believe true, It happened one weekend, camping out by Bradly's Slough.
Had been out fishing, then went for a swim. Built a fire before dark, that's when we heard him.
Maybe it's a wild cat, didn't think much right then, until it came a little closer and made that noise again.
Began to feel uneasy, Wondering what it could be. Heard tales of a Swamp Monster lurking behind a cypress tree.
CHORUS
Don't stay in Honey Island too long after dark. Unless you're a brave fool, and don't have a weak heart.
As the night gets longer you'll pray for daylight. The Honey Island Monster will be stalk you all night.
Some say it was a prank stirring business for a local tour, Claimed it a was just a hoax, But, don't be so damn sure.
Too many encounters to brush it off as a joke. So, sit back and enjoy the evening, You may need a smoke.
Found its tracks in the soft mud at the edge of the bayou. It was apparent it was following us, now what we supposed to do.
Anything that can silence crickets, is nothing to ignore. Makes me worry, what else is in store.
Carved a stick into a weapon because we didn't bring a gun. Contemplating whether we should chance it and run.
It was getting too close for comfort I could hear it breathe. It didn't want us out here. It was time to leave.
But, couldn't really go nowhere until the morning came. If we make it out alive, we'll never be the same.
Then I saw it with my own two eyes, I thought it was time to say my goodbyes.
But, for some strange reason it turned and walked away Looks like I may be lucky enough to see another day.
No one may believe me But, I don't care. I know what I saw standing there.
HONEY ISLAND SWAMP MONSTER ONLINE STORE GIFTSHOP MORE ITEMS COMING SOON!
T-SHIRTS, HOODIES, ETC.
Illustration on the shirt below is by DeNeal Fletcher.
Illustration on the shirt below is by DeNeal Fletcher.
AS SEEN ON TV: MYSTERIES AT THE MUSEUM, SWAMP PEOPLE, SWAMP MONSTERS, FACT OR FAKED PARANORMAL FILES, AMERICA UNEARTHED, INTO THE UNEXPLAINED, HANNITY'S AMERICA ON FOX NEWS and MORE!
I learned about a doll by Mattel that was created for the "Monster High" Series. Her name is Honey Swamp and she is the daughter of the Honey Island Swamp Monster. She was a fashion model in Hollywood, that they call Hauntlywood. She is also from New Gorleons a.k.a. New Orleans. She is an aspiring cinemaphotographer, and also likes to cook. I wonder whose likeness they got this from???
Because, I was an aspiring cinemaphotographer/photographer in Hollywood, and was also a fashion model in Hollywood before returning to New Orleans. I also like to cook and that is why I have published cookbooks. So, I think the Mattel and Monster High used my likeness. Here is a link to the Honey Swamp Monster High Doll that is still available on Amazon. I think she is now collectible. So, you may want to get one while they are still around.
Because, I was an aspiring cinemaphotographer/photographer in Hollywood, and was also a fashion model in Hollywood before returning to New Orleans. I also like to cook and that is why I have published cookbooks. So, I think the Mattel and Monster High used my likeness. Here is a link to the Honey Swamp Monster High Doll that is still available on Amazon. I think she is now collectible. So, you may want to get one while they are still around.
PERSONAL SWAMP MONSTER INVESTIGATION TOUR
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN A PERSONAL HONEY ISLAND SWAMP MONSTER INVESTIGATION EXCURSION? I can arrange for personal excursion in a small flatboat to take you into the swamp to
investigate new evidence. Please email me if you are interested.
investigate new evidence. Please email me if you are interested.
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