The Legend of Huggin' Molly and the Charm of Abbeville's Iconic Restaurant

The legend of Huggin’ Molly has been a part of Abbeville, Alabama’s culture for generations. For mothers, the tale of the witch-like figure was a useful way to get their kids home before dark. But for children, Huggin’ Molly was a source of real fear. While no one knows exactly where the legend came from, it’s been passed down over time, becoming a unique part of the town’s history.

One person who grew up hearing the story is Jimmy Rane, founder of Great Southern Wood Preserving, widely known for its product YellaWood. As an Abbeville native, Rane embraced the local lore and even named his restaurant after the famous phantom. The restaurant, Huggin' Molly's, has become a popular family-style eatery in the heart of downtown Abbeville, decorated with vintage signs and movie posters that Rane has collected over the years. The restaurant has not only become a tribute to the town’s history but also a way to help revitalize the downtown area.

“Anyone who grew up in Abbeville heard about Huggin’ Molly,” Rane recalls. “If your parents didn’t want you out after dark, they’d tell you Huggin’ Molly would come and get you. And you believed it, too.”

The legend goes that Huggin’ Molly would only appear to children at night. She was said to be a tall woman, dressed in dark clothing and a wide-brimmed hat, standing as much as 7 feet tall. She would grab children, give them a tight hug, and scream in their ears. While she never physically harmed anyone, her sudden appearances were enough to leave a lasting impression, especially with the ringing in the ears from her scream.

There are different versions of the story. One suggests that Molly was the ghost of a woman who had lost her baby and hugged children to cope with her grief. Another version claims she was a professor at the old Southeast Alabama Agriculture School, trying to keep kids safe by getting them off the streets at night.

For Rane and his childhood friend Tommy Murphy, the story felt real when Murphy’s father shared his own experience. He told the boys that he had been hugged by Huggin' Molly himself when he was a kid. That was all they needed to hear to believe the legend was true.

Huggin' Molly's Restaurant: A Tribute to the Legend

Today, Huggin’ Molly’s restaurant allows both residents and visitors to experience a piece of Abbeville’s past. Located at 129 Kirkland Street, the cafe is styled with an old-fashioned soda fountain serving ice cream and malts. The space is filled with vintage advertisements and jars, giving it a nostalgic feel. The menu offers Southern favorites like pimento cheese, fried green tomatoes, and dishes named after Rane’s father, Tony Rane, who was a well-known businessman in the area. You can even order “Molly’s Fingers” with their signature “Come Back” Sauce.

On the dining side of the restaurant, which also offers a private event space, walls are lined with original movie posters collected by Rane. These are not reproductions but real vintage posters from his personal collection. Rane, a film enthusiast, says his love for movies goes back to his childhood.

“I have great memories of going to the Archie Theatre on Saturday afternoons,” Rane shares. “Back then, stars like John Wayne, Roy Rogers, and Gene Autry were larger than life.”

Among Rane’s most cherished posters are those from classics like *To Kill a Mockingbird,* *The Searchers* (one of his favorite John Wayne films), and *Casablanca.* He also treasures posters from Roy Rogers and Gene Autry films. Another prized item in his collection is the prop gun from the movie *Old Yeller*—yes, the same gun used in the unforgettable, heartbreaking scene where Old Yeller is shot.

Beyond movie posters, Rane also collects classic cars connected to films. His collection includes a car from the 1973 film *American Graffiti* and several from *The Godfather* series. Chamber of Commerce President Pam Ward hopes to someday display Rane’s cars in town, though for now, they are in storage.

One of Rane’s most special items is a personal car that once belonged to John Wayne. “As a kid, I really admired John Wayne,” Rane says. “Having anything of his is very meaningful to me. Over the years, I’ve also become close friends with his family, which has brought me so many wonderful memories.”

Through his passion for preserving history, whether it’s local legends or vintage memorabilia, Rane has helped keep the spirit of Abbeville alive. Huggin’ Molly’s restaurant serves not only as a nod to the town’s unique story but also as a gathering place where the past meets the present, inviting visitors to experience both the charm and the mystery of Abbeville.