Healing

The pond has been used for centuries as a medical bathing spot for slaves from the surrounding plantations. However, its flammable properties were discovered some 80 years ago when Mehala Smith (now called Granny May) attempted to bathe in the water but was troubled by wasps from a nest hanging in the trees nearby. She attempted to burn out the nest with a flaming torch but the torch fell out of her hands. When the torch hit the pool, the water mysteriously caught alight. She ran home screaming that "duppies" (ghosts) were in the water. Mehala continued to bath in the water and is now over 100 years old.