Life-size effigy or satanic doll found at Ernie Yost’s breakfast room table on the day of the murders and explosions. Reprinted with permission from the Times West Virginian. It is likely Yost was inspired by Dr. Herbert Sloane who founded the first Satanic Cult, Our Lady of Endor Coven, and who had a life-size doll named April Belle. (Yost may have also been a member of this cult). In addition, Yost may have been inspired by Helen Duncan who had a life-size doll named Peggy. She was indicted in the 1940s as a witch in the UK. Experts claim these are the only three life-size dolls that existed before the 1960s. Ernie Yost’s steps where he carved the words, “Hell’s Half Acre.” Reprinted with permission from the Times West Virginian. Yost seemed to be deeding his property to the devil. It is also possible he got his idea for the carving based on a traveling group that led seances and other occult rituals. This link shows a poster about their activities. (Yost named his power boat “Hells A Poppin”).
