Amazing Tales About History

The Day the Iron Horse Took Over: FINAL EPISODE

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 19:00:00 -0500

In this, the FINAL EPISODE of the Amazing Tales podcast, we look at the very first mile of commercial railroad track in the U.S., which was laid by the B&O Railroad – the same train line that hosted the epic race between the Tom Thumb steam engine a horse-drawn train car to determine supremacy. Trains are nearing their 200th anniversary in the country and will play a big role in next year's 250th anniversary of the founding of our country.

A Former Ghost Town with an Amazing Legacy

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 19:00:00 -0500

It’s a square-mile section of land in CT – a parcel where engineering science advancements were made, military leaders trained for combat, college football was played and Dwight Eisenhower hunted. Yet, it faded into a ghost town with abandoned buildings and amazing legacies. You can visit it, but all you’ll find are some foundations and a unique stone water tower built nearly a century ago.

A Discussion with Paul Revere - Really

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 20:00:00 -0400

Being Paul Revere’s descendant is an important fact of life for Paul Revere III; however, he also looks for the humorous side of being related to his legendary ancestor. For instance, what happens after he tells someone his name is Paul Revere? Or, would his own wife be upset if he said he had to take off for a few hours to go do something rather important? Paul Revere III has a wonderful perspective on his ancestor – as well as his own role in maintaining our history.

Two Horrible Plane Crashes You've Forgotten About

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 20:00:00 -0400

Two plane crash incidents from more than half-a-century ago killed 150 people in New York City, including (1) when a B-52 bomber rammed the Empire State Building and (2) when TWA and United jets collided over Staten Island, scattering passenger bodies and debris there and in Brooklyn. Most amazing are the stories of the survivor from each separate incident.

The First Time Somebody Steered a Hot Air Balloon

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 20:00:00 -0400

Hot air balloons are subject to the wind – where the wind blows, so goes the balloon. Charles Ritchel upset that paradigm in 1878 by creating a lighter-than-air craft that could be steered. His craft was able to land exactly where it took off from. It worked - most of the time; but, when it didn’t, the pilot had to make hair-raising, in-air adjustments to survive.

Trails the Spies Followed

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 20:00:00 -0400

Nathan Hale, Caleb Brewster, Benedict Arnold, John Andre – all part of spy rings or treasonous activities. One man, who has studied them all, retraced 200 miles of their paths during the Revolutionary War by bicycle and kayak. He recounts their historic and harrowing stories.

Disneyland of the East

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 20:00:00 -0400

Do you remember Freedomland – a theme park in The Bronx, NY that was surprisingly open for only five years? It was dubbed “Disneyland of the East” because it was created by the same person who designed the original Disneyland – the first employee ever hired by Walt Disney. It turns out that Freedomland’s financial backers never intended for it to be open more than five years – and the reason will amaze you.

Did Gustave Whitehead Fly Before the Wright Brothers?

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 20:00:00 -0400

Did Gustave Whitehead beat the Wright Brothers as the first to fly? His supporters say he beat them by two years, but that an unfair agreement between the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and the Wrights’ estate unfairly stacks the deck against Whitehead. The arguments are strong on both sides, and this 125-year-old dispute shows no signs of dying down.

The Secret Behind the Old Farmer's Almanac Weather Forecasts

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 20:00:00 -0400

The Old Farmer’s Almanac is the oldest continuously published periodical in the U.S. Started in the late 1700s, it’s been known for its highly accurate weather forecasts for more than 230 years as well as information of agriculture, gardening, astronomy, and home-spun wisdom. The current editor shares the basics of the weather forecasting formula.

The Day British Occupation Finally Ended

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 20:00:00 -0400

It used to be a major holiday. It’s been largely forgotten. But it’s trying to make a comeback. It’s Evacuation Day. It’s when the British left their military headquarters in New York City for the last time after the Revolutionary War, leaving the new United States to stand on its own. On November 25, 1783, General George Washington led his troops down Broadway, but all did not go smoothly that day. The British left a final surprise.

How ESPN Began

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 20:00:00 -0400

Starting an all-sports television network took guts, money, and talent. These miraculously came together to meet a September 7, 1989 deadline for ESPN to go live. The first employee was Peter Fox – ESPN’s original Executive Producer. He has numerous, priceless, and unforgettable behind-the-scenes stories of the people and circumstances that brought us ESPN.

The Colonial Hero You Never Heard Of

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 20:00:00 -0400

There’s a Colonial Era hero who many people have never heard of – John Durkee. Ten years before the Declaration of Independence, Durkee stopped the highly unpopular British Stamp Act from taking effect in Connecticut. You won’t believe how he did it, though. His actions spurred a movement that brought Jonathan Trumbull to the Governor’s office, cementing CT’s role as the only colony to officially back the Patriots during the Revolutionary War.

George Washington's Lost Village

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 20:00:00 -0400

You can no longer find the village of Fredericksburgh, NY on any maps. It disappeared 200 years ago. And yet, for three months in 1778, George Washington and his generals developed strategic military plans there during the Revolutionary War, and the infamous Culper Spy Ring was also formally kicked off.

First Coast-to-Coast Highway

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 20:00:00 -0400

The creator of the Indy 500 car race, bicyclists, and an Army convoy led by Dwight Eisenhower all had a hand in pushing development of the first road to connect America’s east and west coasts. The Lincoln Highway was built nearly 50 years after the country had been connected via the transcontinental railroad. Here’s the magical story of opening up automobile traffic across a 3,000 mile landscape.

Molasses Flood Kills 21

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 20:00:00 -0400

2.3 million gallons of molasses were in a 5-story high tank in Boston’s north end. On a cold winter day in 1919, the tank collapsed, sending a 30-foot-high wave of molasses throughout an entire neighborhood killing 21 and injuring 150. The disaster led to the first class-action lawsuit in U.S. history. And, the smell of molasses lingered for decades.

When Revolutionary War Hero Rochambeau, of France, was Arrested in America

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 20:00:00 -0400

The famous French General Rochambeau, who helped the Patriots win the Revolutionary War, was arrested after he had helped us win our independence. This incredible story has escaped most history books. The story is also remarkable because it helped save Rochambeau’s life when he returned to France.

While Setting the Highest Parachute Jump Record, He Severed His Chute Cords

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 20:00:00 -0400

Could you imagine skydiving with your parachute open and then grabbing the cords to the chute, pulling a machete from your pocket, and severing all the cords, resulting in you “free falling” through the air? The aeronaut daredevil featured in this episode did this routinely 100 years ago at carnivals. The “highest flyer on earth” rode a rudimentary hot air balloon 10,000 feet in the air, and then jumped

The Rich French Youth Who Helped America Win the Revolutionary War - Lafayette

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 20:00:00 -0400

French aristocrat Lafayette was a teenager when he came to the U.S. to help the Patriots win the Revolutionary War. He pinned Cornwallis in Yorktown until Washington and Rochambeau arrived for the final encounter. He pulled off one of the greatest escapes in military history, after being completely surrounded. He used his influence with France’s king to speed up support to the Patriot cause. He’s the only foreigner whose portrait hangs in the U.S. Capitol.

The Incredible Stories Behind 7 Unusual Inventions, All Coming From One City

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 20:00:00 -0400

What do all of these inventions have in common: The erector set, fire sprinkler, the frisbee, the hamburger, the lollipop, intravenous chemotherapy, and the stone crusher that literally paved the way for asphalt highways? They were all invented in just one city and they all have very interesting back stories about how they came to be.

Ham Radio: From Morse Code to Speaking with the Space Station

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 20:00:00 -0400

Ham radio. It's been around for 125 years, but most people know nothing about it. When disaster strikes, knocking out phones and the internet, ham radio still works. There are a million operators nationwide available to help transmit information during crises. Other times, they communicate around the globe, sometimes with Morse Code, and can even speak with astronauts aboard the International Space Station.

Milton Hershey: He Built his Own Field of Dreams - a Chocolate Utopia

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 20:00:00 -0400

Milton Hershey never finished 4th grade. Yet, he built such a successful business that 80 years after his death his trust is still financing a wide array of charitable enterprises, with billions in surplus. Even Hershey, PA is named after him. Hershey started in caramels, but felt they were a fad and switched to chocolate. All his accomplishments, however, were almost cut short by the Titanic disaster.

Overcoming a Fear of Heights to Paint the George Washington Bridge

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 20:00:00 -0400

We speak with a bridge painter on the George Washington Bridge. What’s it like to maintain the historic structure, sometimes dangling 600 feet above the Hudson River. Even hearing about the “fear of heights test” he had to take will send shivers down your spine.

Building A Canal for Political “One-Upmanship”

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 20:00:00 -0400

The 5-mile Windsor Locks Canal is only 1% the length of the Erie Canal, but its ingenious design set is above all other canals of its era. And, it allowed businessmen in one city to out-maneuver a rival canal operation.

First to Drive Through the Lincoln Tunnel and 500 Similar Records

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 20:00:00 -0400

He was the first to drive through the Lincoln Tunnel, across the lower level of George Washington Bridge, and along the New Jersey Turnpike. Those were just 3 out of hundreds of such achievements. He was called “Mr. First” and you won’t believe the legacy he left behind.

You Won't Believe General Israel Putnam's Death-Defying Horseback Ride

Wed, 28 May 2025 20:00:00 -0400

One of the more fantastic Revolutionary War stories concerns General Israel Putnam’s daredevil horseback ride down 100 steep stone steps in Greenwich while escaping British soldiers who were firing at him. But, what really happened that day?

Secrets Behind the Building of the George Washington Bridge

Wed, 21 May 2025 20:00:00 -0400

The gigantic George Washington Bridge was one of the greatest infrastructure projects ever accomplished 100 years ago. The bridge is the busiest roadway in the U.S. It was supposed to have many things, such as elevators to an observation deck. Today, it needs to be repainted by those without a fear of heights.

The Mystery Behind the Design of NY City's Street Grid

Wed, 14 May 2025 20:00:00 -0400

It was a mammoth urban renewal project – replacing NY City’s crooked wagon paths with today’s elaborate street grid. It took nearly a century to install 12 avenues and 155 cross-streets, with all of its secret spots. And yet, nobody knows for sure who actually had the idea for the grid.

The Sheer Exhilaration of Ski Jumping

Wed, 07 May 2025 20:00:00 -0400

Ski jumping took hold in the U.S. 100 years ago, when Norwegians introduced the sport here. You go down a steep ramp at 50 miles an hour, jump off into the wind, fly for around 10 seconds, and land 2-3 football fields farther away. It’s not for the meek.

Who Padlocked the Governor's Door, Barring Him from His Own Office?

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 20:00:00 -0400

The election for CT Governor in the late 1800s was too close to call. The divided legislature couldn’t agree on a winner. So, the incumbent stayed on for another term. The Comptroller didn’t like that and took matters into his own hands.

The Slaying of one of the Biggest Robber Barons, Diamond Jim Fisk

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 20:00:00 -0400

Big Jim or Diamond Jim – those were names for the legendary Gilded Age robber baron Jim Fisk. He caused the gold crisis collapse after fooling President Ulysses Grant and stole millions from Cornelius Vanderbilt. A lover’s triangle, at age 37, would lead to his untimely end

His Trove of Letters Document Bloody Civil War Battles, Prisons, and Conditions

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 20:00:00 -0400

Captain Andrew Upson wrote up to 2-letters-a-day from the front lines of the Civil War to his wife and children. The 200+ letters, a rare collection that still exists, paint a vivid picture of life in the war, including as a captive.

He was the Last Person Executed in CT - She Knew Him Best, 'Til the Day He Died

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 20:00:00 -0400

Michael Ross was the last person executed in CT. He raped and murdered 8 women. His doctors said he was mentally ill and shouldn’t have been executed. A journalist got to know him well for his final 10 years and shares her insights.

The Tiny Worm Behind an Enormous Industry

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 20:00:00 -0400

The Cheney brothers invented a process for mastering nature’s magical creation of silk, driving their business to the #1 position globally. They made the parachutes used on D-Day. They also introduced corporate paternalism, providing employees with housing, schools, and more.

John Hancock: The Giant Signature that Fanned the Flames of Revolution

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 20:00:00 -0400

Three families, from the same town. Did they start the American Revolution? John Hancock and his friends (the Adams and Quincy’s) fanned the flames. Hancock, meanwhile, married childhood sweetheart Dolly Quincy, after a love triangle involving Aaron Burr

This Hero Stayed on a Sinking Sub to Save a Man

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 20:00:00 -0400

He could have abandoned ship, just like everyone else. After all, the sub sank in just one minute. Everyone was scrambling. But he didn’t. A fellow submariner was still onboard.

What's Hiding Behind That White Cross on the Hill?

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 20:00:00 -0400

Many people see the large white cross as they drive by, shining atop a hill overlooking the downtown. But not everyone has checked out what's hiding behind it. It's an unusual and unique complex that once drew tens of thousands a year to see it.

Tracking Down the First Christmas Tree

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 19:00:00 -0500

Where was the first Christmas tree? Proof is hard to come by. It seems that Windsor Locks, CT is among the very first – at least in legend; a stone monument lays claim to the first decorated tree in 1777. Researching this case turned up other very interesting side stories: German prisoners-of-war, Native American attacks, and even the Wizard of Oz.

The Illegal Pirate Radio Station at the Largest Rock Concert, Watkins Glen

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 19:00:00 -0500

Watkins Glen; world’s largest concert. 600,000 attendees. Six teenagers broadcast with an illegal pirate radio station they brought to the site, interviewing the Grateful Dead, broadcasting traffic and weather reports, and playing records. Attendees loved it. One of the broadcasters tells the crazy story.

You Used to Have to Pay to Use a Library

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 19:00:00 -0500

Access to knowledge for the masses. For many years in the United States, you had to pay a membership fee to a subscription library if you wanted access to books and information. That all changed in the early 1800s when the first publicly funded library opened in CT.

A Religious Group Pinpoints the End of the World

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 19:00:00 -0500

The end of the world was supposed to be on a Wednesday in November of 1873. One hundred religious believers gathered on an island in a New England river to ascend into heaven, even climbing trees to be among the first to rise up.

TV Cameraman Inside Ground Zero

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 19:00:00 -0500

Ground zero. 9-11. World Trade Center. John Maher was one of the first TV cameramen inside the buildings, while they were still burning. He shares his surreal memories and experience.

An Ancient Hiking Rite Still Practiced

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 19:00:00 -0500

It's an ancient European tradition. Hiking a town’s boundaries still occurs in three CT towns (Madison, Guilford, and Durham). They carve a ceremonial stone and place it where the towns meet.

Boxer / Opera Singer / Queen of the Rum Runners

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 19:00:00 -0500

Nellie Green was a famous rum runner and bootlegger during Prohibition. She was also an accomplished boxer and opera singer. She survived the 13 years when alcohol was illegal, keeping her patrons well supplied with alcohol - as well as supplying many downstream customers throughout the state.

PT Barnum's Incredible Legacy

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 19:00:00 -0500

PT Barnum – the world’s greatest showman. Not only did he entertain millions with his American Museum and famous circus, but he was a major benefactor to his adopted hometown of Bridgeport - establishing the first hospital, bank, ferry service across Long Island Sound, and even a beautiful cemetery.

Skydiving's First Jump

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 19:00:00 -0500

Skydiving became a popular sport in the U.S. in the 1950s. The first commercial jumping operation, at a rural grass landing strip, catered to college students with nerves of steel. Early skydivers completed breathtaking stunts, like a surprise landing in Manhattan's Central Park.

Island of Miracles

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 19:00:00 -0500

This stunningly gorgeous island instills hope and virtue in all who visit. A highly successful 12-step alcohol avoidance program is based there. It hosts spiritual retreats and offers majestic beauty and serene calm. You'll also find internationally renowned dahlia gardens and a highly unusual religious relic – an 800-year-old mummified arm..

How Ethan Allen Created a New State

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 19:00:00 -0500

Vermont was formed by Connecticut. Ethan Allen, from Litchfield, CT, created the infamous Green Mountain Boys, a militia that fought for land rights and independence for people living in the wilderness that would later become Vermont. Connecticut's Seth Warner later led the Green Mountain Boys to significant military wins during the Revolutionary War.

A Forgotten Village Abandoned and Hiding in Isolated Woods

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 19:00:00 -0500

This lost village hosted 100 inhabitants in the 1700s and 1800s in an exceptionally remote area of New England. Called the Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village, it was founded by a man and woman who lived an almost Romeo and Juliet love story. Archeologists accidentally found it and have pieced together the unusual back story.

Just 30 Defenders Hold Off 1,300 British During 4-Day Attack

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 19:00:00 -0500

During the War of 1812, the British Navy blockaded Long Island Sound. Just before the British sailed to Washington to burn the White House, they stopped for what was supposed to be a cannon bombardment of a tiny village. The village defenders were outnumbered 1,300 to 30, but they won The Battle of Stonington.

The Fatal Paparazzi Car Crash Involving Marilyn Monroe

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 19:00:00 -0500

Residents of rural Roxbury, CT take it in stride when celebrities live among them. They left alone famous playwright Arthur Miller and his wife Marilyn Monroe. The media did not. During a wild chase, on the day of their engagement, a New York Times reporter was killed in a crash on Roxbury's rural back roads trying to snap their picture.

America's First Folk Hero: General Israel Putnam

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 16:16:20 -0500

General Israel Putnam is the man credited with saying, "Don't shoot until you see the whites of their eyes," at the Battle of Bunker Hill. His military achievements, as George Washington's "go to fixer," are legendary. Among his ideas: stretching a chain under the surface of the Hudson River to keep British ships from sailing up to West Point.

The Man Who Created the News Service You Use the Most

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 19:00:00 -0500

The Associated Press carries more news stories each day then any other service. Most media organizations belong to the nonpartisan outlet. Moses Yale Beach created the AP during the Mexican American War, looking for a way for his New York Sun newspaper to beat his competitors and get the news to readers more quickly.

The First Time a Phone was Used to Summon Emergency Help

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 19:00:00 -0500

The first time a phone was used to call for emergency help. It happened after a horrible train wreck. The train crashed through a bridge and into the icy river below in January of 1878. The train full of passengers was returning from a religious revival with the passengers singing as the crash occurred.

Some of the Worst Storms Hit in Years Ending in the Number 8

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 20:00:00 -0500

The worst weather disasters in southern New England occurred in years that ended in the number 8. Included are the Blizzard of 1888, the Hurricane of 1938, and tornadoes and ice storms in the years 1878, 1898, 1978, and 2018.

Did Sybil Ludington Really Make her Paul Revere-like Ride?

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 20:00:00 -0400

Paul Revere and Sybil Ludington. They both rode through the countryside to warn Patriots of a pending British attack during the Revolutionary War. The big difference: Sybil was just 16 years old and rode through a major rain storm. But she doesn't get the same credit.

NASCAR was Born at this Trend-Setting Racetrack

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 20:00:00 -0400

NASCAR was born at the Thompson Speedway, during an agreement struck in the back corner of the cafeteria. Thompson itself set many firsts, including being the first track to be asphalt paved and the first to have separate, looped racetrack that did not use public roads. It still hosts races today.

From a 1-Room Schoolhouse to Wall Street Mega-Titan

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 20:00:00 -0400

How did a titan of Wall Street manage to attain his success coming from a rural dairy farm? Charles Dow's only education was in a one-room schoolhouse, and yet managed to start the Dow-Jones Company, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, and the Wall Street Journal.

The Oldest Volunteer Fire Department in the Entire Nation

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 20:00:00 -0400

The earliest firefighters used bucket brigades, hand-drawn pumpers, and "speaking trumpets" (to project a voice and bark orders at fire scenes). With all of the wooden structures in Colonial America, fires were frequent. This fire department has the distinction of being the oldest volunteer fire department in the country.

What was the Ferocious Creature that Terrorized a town in 1939?

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 20:00:00 -0400

The media dubbed it the Glawackus - an elusive and ferocious creature first spotted in Glastonbury, CT that veteran hunters could not identify. It killed wildlife, dogs, chickens, and made unidentifiable howls at night, terrifying the population. Finally, one hunter is believed to have bagged it - but there is much more to the story.

When the Blind and Deaf Woman, Helen Keller, Showed us the Way

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 20:00:00 -0400

Helen Keller - deaf, dumb, and blind from childhood. She overcame her disabilities, with help, and went on to become an internationally celebrated author, lecturer, and advocate for those with her disabilities. One of her good friends was Samuel Clemens, a.k.a., Mark Twain.

A 185-year-old Mutiny that Impacted the Slave Era

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 20:00:00 -0400

It's one of the more quoted stories from the slave era. Four deaths during a mutiny aboard a ship - La Amistad - carrying 50 kidnapped Africans from Cuba led to high profile court cases in the U.S. about the immoral slave trade in the 1800s, drawing international attention.

The Deafening Sound of the Invisible Enemy Frightened an Entire Town

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 20:00:00 -0400

Veteran soldiers in the 1700s were as perplexed as ordinary towns folks - and even as scared - by the deafening, ongoing noise that woke them up on a particularly dark night. Nobody could see the source of the sound - a sound like never heard before. Was it Judgement Day? When the morning light came, the mystery was solved.

Who was the 1899 Bank Robber Whose Grave Still Reads X-Y-Z?

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 20:00:00 -0400

His gravestone reads "X-Y-Z" because the identity of the man who staged an 1899 bank robbery is still unconfirmed. He was shot dead during the robbery and photos of him were widely circulated in the newspapers of the day. No one ever positively identified him.

The True Story Behind Arsenic and Old Lace

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 20:00:00 -0400

Maybe you've seen the classic 1944 Cary Grant movie "Arsenic and Old Lace." It's about two spinster women who lure unsuspecting men to their home and then poison them. What you may not know, is that it's based on a true story.

The CT Compromise - It Saved Our Country

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 20:00:00 -0400

Roger Sherman is the only founding father who signed all four of the country's original documents. He helped draft the Declaration of Independence and brokered the Connecticut Compromise, breaking a political impasse and allowing the Constitution to be approved.

The First Flying Automobile was Invented Decades Ago

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 20:00:00 -0400

The first flying automobile approved by the FAA was invented in the 1940s. Robert Fulton's Airphibian was only one of his incredible gifts to society. He also invented the flight simulator, that teaches pilots to fly, and Skyhook, featured in a 007 film.

Can We Settle the Question of Who Settled First?

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 20:00:00 -0400

Was it Wethersfield or Windsor? After English settlers arrived at Plymouth in the 1600s, they moved into Connecticut. A dispute over which town they settled first continues. Either way, Wethersfield boasts some of the nation's most incredible history.

Tweed - The Little Airport That Could

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 20:00:00 -0400

The development of airports has occurred with many today surrounded by neighborhoods that were built when the airports were small. The Tweed-New Haven Airport fits this bill - and its runway is on the actual border between two towns.

Yankee Peddlers - The First Door-to-Door Salesmen, in the 1700s

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 20:00:00 -0400

Yankee Peddlers - the original door-to-door salesmen. Starting in New England in the 1700s, two brothers not only created the Yankee Peddler approach to consumerism, but they also happened to establish the use of tin for plates, coffee pots and dozens of other applications in the U.S.

The Man Who Chiseled Mount Rushmore

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 20:00:00 -0400

Mount Rushmore. It was conceived and chiseled by Gutzon Borglum, a controversial artist who was the one who decided which four presidents to feature. And when he couldn't quite finish the project, in stepped his son.

Part 2: When a Secret Military Sea Mission Went Very Wrong

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 20:00:00 -0400

In part two of our story about the sinking of the Sea Surveyor, we learn the fate of the 12-man crew that had to abandon ship 300 miles from the nearest land, in 25-foot seas, gale force winds, and a rubber lifeboat.

PART 1: When A Secret Military Sea Mission Went Very Wrong

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 20:00:00 -0400

Fifty years ago, 12 men departed on a secret military mission in the Atlantic. Before long, the Sea Surveyor - a ship ill-equipped to handle rough seas - found itself in trouble. We hear from one of only two survivors of that ill-fated outing in part one of a two-part series.

Riding Motorcycles with Top-Secret Documents Under Gunfire

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 20:00:00 -0400

In World War 1, General John Pershing in Europe had his top-secret documents carried by special couriers who raced motorcycles through enemy territory and dodged gunfire. Top speed in 1918 was just 45 miles per hour, but daredevil Carlton Stevens made it.

The #1 Word Puzzle Creator in the U.S.

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 20:00:00 -0400

He does "Jumble" - the most syndicated word puzzle in the U.S. He also does "Word Round-up" and "Up and Down Words." How do you become the leading word puzzle maker in the U.S.?

Secrets of the Oldest Town Green

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 20:00:00 -0400

It’s the oldest town green in North America – laid out 400 years ago in grid format and continuously maintained since colonial days. The New Haven, CT Green holds many secrets and memories, including forgotten cemeteries and famous visits.

Inside New England's Stonewalls

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 20:00:00 -0400

Stonewalls. Beautiful rows of rocks piled in lines along fields or through the woods. Yet, the 240,000 miles of New England stonewalls hide a more scientific purpose – namely, classifying them in ways similar to wetlands to make future land use decisions.

Among the Worst Naval Loses in U.S. History

Wed, 29 May 2024 20:00:00 -0400

More than 2 dozen American ships sunk in one night. The British did it during the War of 1812 near Long Island Sound. It was the worst loss of ships in a single military event, until Pearl Harbor.

The Hanging of Witches in the 1600s

Wed, 22 May 2024 20:00:00 -0400

The hanging of witches started in Connecticut in the 1600s. Decades later, the more famous Salem Witch Trials occurred. At the beginning, nearly a dozen women and men were hanged for witchcraft, until young Colony Governor John Winthrop used his political expertise to get the state to end executions entirely.

Parts of This Important Early Dirt Path Still Survive

Wed, 15 May 2024 20:00:00 -0400

The "Old Woodbury Path" connected some of America's earliest farms with one of its earliest and nearly forgotten ports. Most of it is paved over now, but if you know where to look, parts of this 350-year-old cart path can still be hiked.

Who Put the Ivory in Ivoryton?

Wed, 08 May 2024 20:00:00 -0400

Ivory. It meant quality, class, and refinement. And, it put the town of Ivorytown on the map. That's where 90% of the material was imported into the U.S. and manufactured into piano keys, combs and buttons, taking advantage of huge demand for its smooth, glassy touch.

A Top-Secret World War II Project: "PO Box 1142"

Wed, 01 May 2024 20:00:00 -0400

American soldiers held in German during WW II made many prison escapes largely thanks to a top-secret project: Post Office Box 1142. Coded info and hidden devices were mailed to prisoners in ingenious ways that got past prison guards.

Who Really Killed Seymour's First Selectman?

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 20:00:00 -0400

About 100 years ago, a town's top leader was shot to death in his Town Hall office. Ray Gilliard telephoned the operator, said he had been shot, described his assailants, and asked for police and a doctor to be dispatched. Then, the line went dead. The investigation's outcome shocked everyone.

The Very First Robot

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 20:00:00 -0400

The "father of robotics," Joseph Engelberger, created the very first industrial robot in the 1980s. It was installed on a car manufacturing production line. His ingenuity led to other advances, including a robot that delivered food trays from a hospital kitchen to a patient's bedside.

One of the Biggest Construction Disasters - the L'Ambiance Collapse

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 20:00:00 -0400

In 1987, a novel construction technique failed, causing a multi-story concrete structure to collapse onto and kill 28 workers. Each floor fell, pancake style, on top of the one below it until the tons of concrete from the L'Ambiance apartment building project trapped the crew. Thomas Bucci was the Mayor who had to manage the disaster.

Benedict Arnold's Most Grizzly Attack

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 20:00:00 -0400

It was a complete mismatch that ended in a Revolutionary War slaughter. 1,600 British soldiers attacked Fort Griswold, where just 165 Patriot defenders gave fight. They surrendered, but the British killed them anyway in a battle directed by Benedict Arnold.

He Murdered for Love - and Hate

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 20:00:00 -0400

It was a difficult murder to solve. The victim's body was not in his house, which had been burned to the ground. The suspect was especially adept at deflecting attention. While he didn't like the victim, he did love a woman - and the two emotions were connected to the crime.

The Draft-Dodging Civil War Doctor

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 20:00:00 -0400

If you were a candidate for military service in the Civil War, and you saw Dr. Josiah Beckwith, odds are you would get a medical exemption. Why did more than 90% of Beckwith's patients end up ducking the draft?

Preserving Open Space is Getting More Difficult

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 20:00:00 -0400

Just because land is forested or undeveloped doesn't mean it's set-aside "open space." Many landowners are just waiting for the right time to sell to developers. The battle to commit enough open space land for future generations to enjoy is behind schedule.

Noah Webster - Our Forgotten Founding Father

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 19:00:00 -0500

Noah Webster doesn't command much attention as a founding father. Yet, he created the first American dictionary and made contributions to education that remain to this day. He's the father of U.S. copyright law and founder of New York’s first daily newspaper.

Are Zoos Becoming a Thing of the Past?

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 19:00:00 -0500

At one point, Connecticut had five zoos. Now, it's just has one accredited facility: Beardsley Zoo. This dwindling resource keeps highly endangered species alive and director Gregg Dancho says its contributions are generally unappreciated by society.

Did This Man Survive the Titanic by Wearing a Dress?

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 19:00:00 -0500

1,500 victims drowned on the Titanic. William Sloper survived. He escaped on an a “women and children only” lifeboat. One reporter claimed he got in it by wearing a dress. What was the truth?

When Your Small Plane Pilot Dies in Mid-Flight

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 19:00:00 -0500

Have you ever wondered what would happen if the pilot of a small plane you were riding in died in mid-flight? On Easter Sunday, 2009, the pilot of a twin-engine plane out of Florida suffered a fatal heart attack, leaving a father, his wife, and two daughters alone in the plane. A CT flight instructor tried to talk him down.

169 Towns - Which One was First?

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 19:00:00 -0500

Is a "trading post" a "settlement?" This seemingly straightforward question is at the heart of a 400-year-old argument as to whether Windsor or Wethersfield was the first town settled by the English in Connecticut.

PART 2: 20,000 Leagues Under Long Island Sound

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 19:00:00 -0500

In part two of this two-part series, we learn the fate of the 41-member submarine crew, trapped under Long Island Sound with flooded compartments, no radio onboard, deadly chlorine gas filling the vessel, and freezing water temperatures.

PART 1: 20,000 Leagues Under Long Island Sound

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 19:00:00 -0500

In 1921, a submarine set sail in Long Island Sound for the New London Naval Base. In part one of this two-part series, we hear how the 41-member crew faced multiple, spellbinding challenges when the vessel sank, with no radio onboard.

This Ghost Story has Dozens of Witnesses

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 19:00:00 -0500

This ghost story has dozens of witnesses. The well publicized "Lindley Street Poltergeist" saw thousands of people gathering nightly outside the house to witness supernatural activities seen by police and firefighters - floating refrigerators, knives flying through the air, and even a talking cat.

The First Site Proposed for the U.N. Ran Into a Buzz Saw

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 19:00:00 -0500

Instead of New York City, imagine the United Nations in Greenwich, CT. It was the search committee's first choice. The ensuing community battle gave rise to the slogan "NIMBY": not in my backyard. The Rockefeller and Bush political dynasties also got involved.

A Founding Father’s Son Jailed

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 19:00:00 -0500

William Franklin was the son of famous founding father Ben Franklin. He was also the Governor of New Jersey, representing the British Crown. When the Revolutionary War broke out, Patriot forces captured William and imprisoned him. How did Ben respond?

The Mystery Behind the Eerie Moodus Noises

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 19:00:00 -0500

The sounds have been described as eerie, dreadful, and fearful, and they've been heard for centuries. The so-called "Moodus noises" have come to define the small village where the sounds come from, and intriguing legends have grown around them.

The Strongest Man in the World

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 19:00:00 -0500

Farmer Elmer Bitgood drank 10 gallons of milk at lunchtime to wash down several pounds of hamburger. His biceps were 20 inches around. Newspapers nationwide in the 1920s dubbed him the strongest man in the world, for lifting 2,000 pounds.

The Logistics of Moving a Foreign-Speaking, 5,000-Man Army

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 19:00:00 -0500

In the Revolutionary War, the French helped the Patriots beat the English. When the French army came to America, there were enormous logistical issues for finding food for 5,000 men, hundreds of horses and wagons for their 700-mile march to the battle, and translating.

The Real Story of the Mayflower Voyage

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 19:00:00 -0500

The real purpose of The Mayflower voyage is not what's often taught in schools. Most travelers were looking to make money in new enterprises for financial backers in England. What they encountered and overcame was nothing short of amazing.

The Most Honored Actor in U.S. History

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 19:00:00 -0500

Nobody has won as many best acting Oscars as Katharine Hepburn. She won 4, despite having her career nearly derailed by the “poison box office letter” affair. And, she narrowly escaped death during the devastating hurricane of 1938.

The American Colony That Rose Above the Others

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 19:00:00 -0500

One of Connecticut's earliest governors managed to convince the King of England to grant a Royal Charter that gave the state autonomy above all others. John Winthrop, Jr.'s negotiation prowess was masterful and CT was the envy of the first 13 colonies.

A Political "Who Done It" Involving a Magic Trick

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 19:00:00 -0500

After the candles went out, and before they could be lit again, a critically important document was gone. The British had come to Colonial Connecticut to recapture the Royal Charter that had given the colony rare autonomy. But now, it was missing.

Archeologists Find a Camp Where Patriot Soldiers were Executed

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 19:10:00 -0500

It was unusual for Patriot soldiers to be executed during the Revolutionary War by their own commanders. During the winter of 1778-79, under-funded troops suffered without shoes and desertion rates rose. An example was set. And now, we know where.

The First School Exclusively for Black Women in the U.S.

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 20:00:00 -0400

The first school exclusively for Black females opened in the 1830s. Not all townsfolk approved. A number taunted Prudence Crandall's students and arsonists even set fire to it. Opponents brought legal actions that ended up before the U.S. Supreme Court.

What Happened When You Were Sent to the Poorhouse

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 20:00:00 -0400

In the past, if you couldn’t pay your bills you were sent to the poor house. Alms houses and town farms were part of society's safety net for the poor, disabled, and mentally handicapped. Although largely unregulated, they provided food and work opportunities and most towns had one.

Where Critical Military Equipment Came From During WW II

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 20:00:00 -0400

Connecticut’s industrial manufacturers contributed significant parts of the overall military machine that helped win WW II. Half of the aircraft engines, submarines, a large percentage of the billions of bullets, and much, much more were made in CT.

The Day 2 Rolling Skulls Revealed a Vampire Grave

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 20:00:00 -0400

Two boys playing in a sand and gravel pit came across two human skulls. That led to the unearthing of a suspected vampire grave. State officials worked with folklorists to tentatively identify the remains of the individual whose initials – J.B. – were at first all they had to go on.

The First Time Penicillin Saved a Life

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 20:00:00 -0400

It was a miracle. In 1942, a female patient was barely alive. She had run a 106 fever for 4 weeks. Doctors were out of options. A new treatment – never tried in the U.S. – cured her in less than 24 hours. Just getting the medicine to her was the biggest obstacle of all.

When a New Outdoor Weather Climate was Created

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 20:00:00 -0400

Growing cigar wrappers requires excellent soil and the right climate. Connecticut tobacco farmers had the soil, but not the climate. So, they created a new climate. It covered 1% of the state's land and made the region international market leaders in the 1800s.

An Extremely Unique Gated Community

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 20:00:00 -0400

In the 1950s, Jewish firefighters in Queens, NY wanted to get their children into the countryside during a polio outbreak. The large summer camp they built by hand evolved into a year-round gated community. One of the country's most famous singers spent her summers at Lake Waubeeka.

An Enclave Like No Other - The Russian Village

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 20:00:00 -0400

When Stalin overthrew the Russian czars in 1917, many famous Russian artists and writers fled to the U.S.. Ilya Tolstoy, son of War and Peace author Leo Tolstoy, started The Russian Village, a shrouded town where intellectuals settled to write and socialize with other famous Russians.

Electric Cars Were Market Leaders - 130 Years Ago

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 20:00:00 -0400

The first mass-produced electric vehicle in the U.S. was made in 1897. The Columbia Motor Carriage used a new invention (rubber) to insulate electric wires making them safe. 50% of the cars on the road were EVs back then, compared to just 5% today.

A Real-Life ”Field of Dreams” Baseball Story

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 20:00:00 -0400

Standout Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Steve Blass was one of four Pirates pitchers from the same extended family in the 1960s. Blass remains the last National League pitcher to throw a complete 9 innings in the 7th game of a World Series. Only one other human has done that.

The Longest Running Newspaper in the U.S.

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 20:00:00 -0400

The longest-running newspaper in the United States has been around longer than the country itself. The Hartford Courant started publishing in 1764 - 12 years before the Declaration of Independence. Putting out a paper continuously for 260 years is no small feat.

George Washington Slept Here - Or Did He?

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 20:00:00 -0400

Many claims have been made about where George Washington slept. He was so beloved that exaggerated claims often occurred. In Connecticut, there are 10 houses still standing where he definitely stayed during his 10 trips through the state.

He Founded Antarctica

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 20:00:00 -0400

Nathaniel Palmer was just 21 years old when he founded Antarctica. Sailing further south in search of new pods of whales for hunting in a 47-foot boat, he happened across a huge ice-covered mass that was not on any maps in 1820. Now, the main U.S. research lab there is named after him.

Benedict Arnold - Was He Misunderstood?

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 20:00:00 -0400

Sometimes, you learn something new about a person that changes your impression of them. Benedict Arnold had a very difficult upbringing, leaving him with deep-seated emotional scars. His name remains synonymous with the word traitor, but his life's backstory is worth revisiting.

The First Nuclear Submarine - The USS Nautilus

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 20:00:00 -0400

It changed naval warfare forever. The first nuclear-powered submarine, the U.S.S. Nautilus, was launched in the 1950s. It could travel nearly indefinitely under water, undetected for long periods. It was the first sea vessel to travel beneath the Arctic ice cap and was critical during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Rochambeau's View on Helping America Win the Revolution

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 20:00:00 -0400

The Revolutionary War. French commander Rochambeau supported the Americans. He strategized with George Washington. He marched his 5,000 soldiers 700 miles to Virginia to win the final battle. For the French, our battle was not as important as their own revolution.

Making Lawyers of our Founding Fathers' Children

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 20:00:00 -0400

America's first law school trained the children of our founding fathers. Dozens of legal scholars went on to become President, Congressmen, and Supreme Court Justices. But the school wasn't Harvard or Yale; rather, an obscure one you've probably never heard of.

How Some Native Americans Have Assimilated

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 20:00:00 -0400

Early Native American history in eastern CT and MA was tumultuous, with the Pequot and King Phillip's Wars. Native Americans living in western CT largely avoided those wars. Today, 2 small reservations remain and tribal members live generally among the broader population.

The First Telephone Switchboard Was a Game-Changer

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 20:00:00 -0400

Alexander Graham Bell's introduction of the telephone was quite limited until the telephone switchboard connected users. George Willard Coy doesn’t get the same recognition, but his switchboard invention led to the first telephone directory and telephone poles.

One Town - Two Very Different American Flags

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 20:00:00 -0400

Most people forget the Civil War protests between residents in northern states. In one town, the argument over whether to fight the south over slavery led to two sets of neighbors creating and flying two very different types of American flags.

The Greatest Rock Concert That Wasn’t

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 20:00:00 -0400

It’s been called the greatest rock concert that wasn't – sex and drugs, but no rock & roll. Tens of thousands of would-be concertgoers converged on the Powder Ridge ski area despite a court injunction cancelling the show. The show may have been called off, but the fun was not.

169 Noteworthy Signs

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 20:00:00 -0400

A town's history is its legacy. Connecticut had all 169 towns erect signs in their main square containing a brief history of the town's past highlights. One man was visited all of them, photographed them, and published a book for others to reference.

Escaping Execution by Hiding in Judge’s Cave

Wed, 31 May 2023 20:00:00 -0400

Few people remember that the British monarchy was actually toppled for 10 years back in the 1600s. 60 jurors condemned King Charles I to death. Two of them fled to America and hid in MA and CT while agents for King Charles II pursued them in a wild cat and mouse episode.

What Remains of the Earliest Dirt Turnpikes

Wed, 24 May 2023 20:00:00 -0400

Colonial settlers eventually advanced from traveling on horse paths to building dirt turnpikes. Most have been at least partially abandoned. During COVID, John Schwemmer compared old and new maps to find and drive all 100 of CT's earliest roadways.

Hidden Revolutionary War Treasure

Wed, 17 May 2023 20:00:00 -0400

Vast sums of money passed through CT during the Revolutionary War to pay soldiers. Two shipments were supposedly stolen and buried, but never recovered. Millions in gold coins, banknotes, and possibly other relics continue to draw fortune hunters.

The Mystique of The Old Connecticut Path

Wed, 10 May 2023 20:00:00 -0400

There’s a nearly forgotten, 100-mile-long trail that brought settlers from the Massachusetts Bay Colony to Hartford, CT nearly 400 years ago. Much of the gorgeous, rustic Old CT Path is still in its natural state. Some think it should be preserved before it’s too late.

The Ice Man Cometh

Wed, 03 May 2023 20:00:00 -0400

Refrigeration is 100 years old. Before then, people chilled food in insulated ice boxes. You needed large ice blocks to keep food from spoiling. For 150 years, harvesting pond ice, storing it, and transporting it was a big business.

Putting the Spotlight on Lighthouses

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 20:00:00 -0400

There are 780 lighthouses in the U.S. Nearly two dozen are on Long Island Sound. Each lighthouse “blinks” in a unique rhythm, so sea captains know which one it is. The last human lighthouse keeper has retired, but they used to have to deal with storms - and ghosts.

From a Whale Hunt to the Oval Office

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 20:00:00 -0400

The White House's Oval Office hosts the Resolute Desk. It's a stunning, wood carved gift from England. But, its history started with an American whale hunt that stumbled across a valuable, missing British asset - with many twists and turns along the way.

Timing is Everything: Clock-Making Comes to America

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 20:00:00 -0400

America brought the art of clock-making from Europe. Eli Terry and Seth Thomas propelled timepieces in America, in part through Terry's introduction of the concept of mass production. He used interchangeable wooden pieces in mass production, with others rapidly copying the idea.

What Do We Really Know About UFOs?

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 20:00:00 -0400

It's no longer considered taboo or crazy to speak about UFOs. With government admissions of unidentified crafts in our skies, the topic is out of the closet. Famous UFO sightings occurred in eastern NY / western CT in the 1980s. What do we really know?

Train Travel Fatalities Over 200 Years

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 20:00:00 -0400

Trains have been around for 200 years. They can be enjoyable and show you views available only by rail. On occasion, they can also kill you. Since 1853, there have been 7 crashes in CT that killed a total of 85 people and injured scores more, many quite seriously.

Hungarian Soldiers Spend a Winter in New England

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 20:00:00 -0400

Rochambeau’s French army, which helped America win its revolution, included some soldiers from Hungary. They spoke only German and wore very distinctive, colorful uniforms. But, during their final winter encampment in New England, they pillaged livestock and crops from local farms, leaving mixed reviews.

One of America's Largest Power Plants - Candlewood Lake

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 19:00:00 -0400

This water body is 11 miles long, covers 5,000 acres, and holds 46 billion gallons of water. Yes, Candlewood Lake provides remarkable recreation to the five CT towns on its shores. But, it's really just a gigantic, 100-year-old hydroelectric power plant.

When Cleaning Up U.S. Rivers Became a Priority

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 19:00:00 -0500

In Colonial times, unwanted items were often thrown into rivers, which took them out of sight and mind. Raw sewage would be discharged too. This led to horrible pollution. Rivers even smelled bad. Several pivotal court cases finally turned the tide and led to the Clean Water Act.

100 Years of Radio

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 19:00:00 -0500

Some of radio's biggest stars started in Connecticut, with major advances in both AM and FM occurring over the past 100 years. H.G. Wells' famous “War of the Worlds” broadcast also had a strong impact on the state's population.

Bell Town USA - Where Most Bells are Made

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 19:00:00 -0500

They're on all Good Humor trucks, marked the rounds between Mohammed Ali’s boxing matches, and gave Clarence his wings at the end of It’s a Wonderful Life. Bells made in Bell Town USA also open and close trading on the NY Stock Exchange. Bevin Bells is the last manufacturer remaining.

200 Years of Whaling as an Industry

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 19:00:00 -0500

Whaling was an economic mainstay in New England for 200 years. 2,700 wooden ships were built but only one remains afloat. Voyages lasted years, with 60 whales caught per trip for blubber, oil and bone. Whale oil facilitated the Industrial Age as a machine lubricant.

Cleveland Was Founded by Cleaveland

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 19:00:00 -0500

Cleveland, OH was once the wild west - home to Native Americans and vast farmland. Through British law, CT was granted the so-called Western Reserve. Cleveland was part of it. CT lawyer Moses Cleaveland led the team that founded Cleveland - but they dropped the "a" in his name on final maps.

Piloting America's Oldest Ferry Boat

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 19:00:00 -0500

The Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry dates back to 1655. It’s the longest-running continuous ferry service in the U.S. The ride across the CT River lasts just 4 minutes and covers a quarter mile, but nautically, the ever-changing currents, tides, rain, wind, and fog make the ride quite challenging.

Nathan Hale - What Really Were his Final Words Before Hanging?

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 19:00:00 -0500

There's little doubt that Nathan Hale is one of the Colonial era's major heroes. Yet, some aspects of his capture and execution by the British as America’s first spy are disputed. Were his final words really: “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country?”

Thumbing the Nose at Prohibition

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 19:00:00 -0500

The outlawing of alcohol in the U.S. 100 years ago saw different state responses. RI and CT didn't approve the Constitutional Amendment, but were still bound by the law. That didn't stop the rum runners from using Long Island Sound as a base of operations.

When the Devil was in Court - Charged with Murder

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 19:00:00 -0500

It's the only time in U.S. history that a murder defendant pleaded not guilty by reason of demonic possession. The Devil-Made-Me-Do-It murder case in 1981 continues to draw attention internationally. Amazing Tales host MIke Allen covered the case as a journalist.

Trivia Tidbits

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 19:00:00 -0500

Some trivia: where was Nathan Hale hanged, what landmark did the last glacier leave behind, and who was Sarah Jane Campbell Pishon? These are just some of the Trivia Tidbits featured in this episode.

One-Room Schoolhouses Posed Challenges

Wed, 28 Dec 2022 19:00:00 -0500

One-room schoolhouses. A simpler time? No outhouses, poor ventilation and lighting, no insulation, and no drinking wells. Girls couldn't expose their ankles under their skirts and students had to carry firewood from home. Still, they served us for 200 years.

Valley Forge Conditions at Putnam Park

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 19:00:00 -0500

Putnam Park in Redding, CT, is called CT’s Valley Forge. 3,000 Patriot soldiers spent the winter of 1778 there, protecting Hudson River to Long Island Sound. Low pay and insufficient food and clothing led to a mutiny action and desertions. Two gruesome executions would follow, to teach the troops a lesson.

How the Cavalry Helped Win the Revolutionary War

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 19:00:00 -0500

The first American unit to undertake a cavalry charge in combat was the Second Light Dragoons. They also started the Pony Express and the infamous Culper Spy Ring around New York City, while providing security for George Washington throughout the war, often riding at up to 40 miles an hour.

The Country's First Female Governor, Elected in Her Own Right

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 19:00:00 -0500

Ella Grasso. She was self-made in a man's political world at the time. She became the first female elected in her own right to a governorship in U.S. history, rising from a home of Italian immigrants where only broken English was spoken at home. A terminal illness ended her outstanding career.

Hiding in Plain Sight - Stone Mile Markers

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 19:00:00 -0500

Today, we drive by LED road signs. In the Colonial era, there were slabs of stone planted each mile by the side of the road. In-scripted on them: the abbreviation for the County seat and Roman Numerals to show how many miles were still to go. There were 600. Now, just 150 or so.

The Fairytale Land: The Last Green Valley

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 19:00:00 -0500

Eastern MA and CT hold acreage that's half the size of Grand Canyon Park that's still 85% undeveloped, with hiking, open space, bald eagles, and historic villages. The Last Green Valley is a designated National Heritage Corridor. On nighttime satellite photos, it's the only dark spot between Washington, D.C. and Boston.

After the British Raid, Patriots Buried This Brit With Honors

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 19:00:00 -0500

William Campbell is the only British soldier during the Revolutionary War who was buried by Americans with honors. A monument and dedicated parcel of land includes the Union Jack flag flying next to his grave. Why was he honored right after 3,000 British soldiers had committed numerous atrocities during their raid?

Eyebrow-Raising Military Secrets from the Cold War

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 19:00:00 -0500

Nuclear missiles hidden in silos in three towns without residents' knowledge, underground buildings built on springs to withstand shaking from nuclear blasts, an Army train moving highly radioactive nuclear material past elementary schools. Just some military activities from the 1950-60s.

Where Aerospace Took Flight

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 20:00:00 -0400

More than a century of top aviation contributions. The first helicopter, leading jet engines, a famous air balloonist, and possibly the first to fly (earlier than the Wright brothers). Connecticut's offerings to aerospace have been enormous.

When Stagecoaches Were How You Got Around

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 20:00:00 -0400

Stagecoaches were the main mode of transportation for 50 years, starting in the late 1700s, until trains came along. Stagecoach routes followed the early dirt turnpikes, delivering people and mail around the Colonies. They were cramped, bumpy, and subject to frequent breakdown.

The Day 4 Trains Collided in 10 Minutes

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 20:00:00 -0400

Four trains collided with each other within 10 minutes in 1891, setting a record in U.S. history. Aside from the death, injuries and property damage, a railroad engineer's premonition of tragedy saved his life when he declined to work that day.

Finding a Mass Grave While Renovating Your Basement

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 20:00:00 -0400

Imagine that you're renovating the dirt floor in your basement. You're trying to make it level. Instead, you uncover a skeleton. And then another. In all, four skeletons. And now, the state archeologist is knocking on your door because you've found the remains of Revolutionary War soldiers.

An Unbelievably Lucky Dinosaur Find

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 20:00:00 -0400

They could have gone undiscovered. Thousands of dinosaur tracks. Hidden beneath layers of compacted dirt. Uncovered by an alert backhoe operator. He saw three-toed prints and stopped his machine. The find was one of the largest in the eastern U.S.

The First State to Open its Own Prison - Literally, A Dungeon

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 20:00:00 -0400

It used to be a copper mine. Then, Newgate Prison in East Granby, CT. Revolutionary War captives were held there. Inmates were lowered 40 feet into damp, dark caverns. Many escaped through rear tunnels. Some climbed back out at night. And you can still experience those conditions today.

Is a Pickle That Doesn’t Bounce Illegal?

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 20:00:00 -0400

When you drop a pickle on the floor, it should bounce a little bit, right? If it doesn't, is it illegal? In Connecticut, this became an issue. In 1948, two men were arrested when their pickles didn’t bounce. It's not the only unusual law.

Benedict Arnold's Forgotten Role in the Battle of Ridgefield

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 20:00:00 -0400

The British primarily attacked coastal towns in the Revolutionary War. Their superior navy overwhelmed communities. The one time they came inland in CT, they faced stiff opposition. Benedict Arnold took part in the Battle of Ridgefield. This forgotten encounter was significant in the war's development.

The Mystery of Sherlock Holmes and his Gillette Castle

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 20:00:00 -0400

Sherlock Holmes. "Elementary my dear Watson." His trademark hat and pipe. These trademarks were created by CT stage actor William Gillette. He built a castle on a hill, which you can visit. One of the most iconic and mysterious homes you'll ever see.

Charles Island - Buried Treasure, Curses, and Ghosts

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 20:00:00 -0400

They say some of Captain Kidd’s loot is buried there. But, watch out for the curse. At low tide, a magical sandbar appears allowing you to walk to Charles Island from shore. When the tide returns though, you're trapped. Did the curse burn the island's resort? Or kill a number of swimmers near the sandbar?

The Civil War Was Also Fought in the North

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 20:00:00 -0400

The Civil War wasn't just fought in the south. People in the north disagreed about the sense of fighting our countrymen in the south. Why not let them have slaves and maintain the Union? The other side: because slavery is wrong. When one argument got out of control, the Battle of Charcoal Run occurred.

The Devastating Floods of 1955

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 20:00:00 -0400

It’s considered southern New England's worst natural disaster. Three storms - hurricanes and tropical storms; two in one week and the third two months later. Some communities were flooded twice. Mind-boggling flood waters. 80 deaths, thousands injured, billions in damage (in 1955 dollars) in CT, MA, and RI.

When Christianity Met Native Americans

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 20:00:00 -0400

The Moravian sect is the oldest Protestant religion. They sent missionaries in the 1700s to convert Native Americans to Christianity. Over 15 years, they converted several dozen. In fact, their main preacher was so revered that Native Americans buried him on their land, an honor.

The First Gold Strike East of the Mississippi

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 20:00:00 -0400

Minerals and gemstones. Highly profitable rock formations have been unearthed across CT. It's where the first gold strike occurred east of the Mississippi River. Iron deposits led to the first cannon balls. One mine supplied the granite for the Statue of Liberty, Grand Central Station, and the Brooklyn Bridge.

Putting a Stop to Grave Robbing

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 20:00:00 -0400

Grave robbing is rare today. It was common in the 1800s. Stealing valuables buried with the dead occurred. So did the removal of recently-buried corpses - used by medical institutions to learn more about the human body. One notorious case involved Yale University. Finally, the practice had to be outlawed.

The First Mass Murder in the U.S.

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 20:00:00 -0400

Mass murders are common today. In the 1700s, they were unheard of in Colonial America. Until the case of Barnett Davenport. He brutally murdered 5 people in a farmhouse. As grisly as the murders were, so was the manner in which capital punishment was carried out in those days.

The Hubble Telescope: Uncovering the Secrets of the Universe

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 20:00:00 -0400

When the Hubble space telescope first sent back photos, NASA called it the single most important contribution to outer space knowledge since Galileo. It was the first telescope sent beyond the “waviness” of Earth’s atmosphere, giving crystal clear views. Building it was a monumental challenge.

The Greatness of Marian Anderson

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 20:00:00 -0400

International opera superstar Marian Anderson. Best remembered for singing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. She had been barred from singing in 1939 at Constitution Hall because she was Black. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt made sure Anderson would be heard.

The Odd Border Notch Between Connecticut and Massachusetts

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 20:00:00 -0400

The border between Massachusetts and Connecticut is straight. The King of England declared that in a charter issued in 1642. So where did the notch in the border come from, which juts into Connecticut? There's 160-years' worth of disputes about this one-square-mile of territory.

An Old, Forgotten Pro Football Team

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 20:00:00 -0400

Trivia at a sports bar: who were the Hartford Blues? Most people can't answer correctly. They were the first and only pro football team based in Connecticut. They were part of the official National Football League and even played the New York Giants.

How an American Industry Grew but Then Left Big Problems

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 20:00:00 -0400

It's an old story. An industry comes to town, builds a factory, employs hundreds, and then closes - often leaving pollution that's expensive to clean up. The Gilbert & Bennett Company is the epitome of this story. In fact, they're were even featured in the movie "Other People's Money" about such situations.

Did JFK Single-Handedly Kill the Hatting Industry?

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 20:00:00 -0400

There was a time when a man didn't venture out without a hat. He wouldn’t have been completely dressed otherwise. What killed the hatting industry? Many people say it was President John Kennedy. He didn't wear a top hat to his inauguration in 1961. Is that what really happened?

The Day the Clowns Cried at the Worst Circus Fire in U.S. History

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 09:54:55 -0400

It was a hot, humid July afternoon in 1944. Families flocked to the Barnum & Bailey circus in Hartford. Fire somehow lit the tent of the main grandstand. It went up breathtakingly fast. 186 patrons killed. Mostly women and children. The worst circus fire in U.S. history. Who started it?

Charles Ives - So Much More than ”Just” a Musical Giant

Wed, 18 May 2022 20:05:00 -0400

Charles Ives. Cacophony (discordant music). The two go together. Ives created sounds and symphonies way ahead of their time. It took the public several decades to appreciate his genius. Now, he's considered a composing giant. Did you know he was also a standout baseball player and started estate planning?

PART 2: The Greatest Showman on Earth - PT Barnum

Wed, 11 May 2022 20:02:00 -0400

In part two of this two-part series, we learn of P.T. Barnum's successful career - the American Museum where we made the bulk of his fortune, the circus, Jumbo the elephant, and how overcoming multiple fire tragedies played an unusually strong role in his life.

PART 1: The Greatest Showman on Earth - PT Barnum

Wed, 04 May 2022 20:05:00 -0400

You know that P.T. Barnum ran a famous circus. But, do you know about his childhood? He learned some critically important life lessons growing up that would prepare him for the incredible fame and fortune that would follow. Part one of a two-part series examines his early years.

PART 2: Redding’s Favorite Son - Mark Twain

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 20:05:00 -0400

Humorist Samuel Clemens actually faced several depressing tragedies. In part two of this two-part series, we'll cover some of those tragedies during his last two years of life in Redding, Connecticut, culminating in his own death at his famous mansion Stormfield.

PART 1: Redding’s Favorite Son - Mark Twain

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 19:05:00 -0400

Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) spent 25% of his life in Connecticut, including his last two years in Redding. In part one of this two-part series, we'll hear rare stories about those years. Included: the background of his famous house Stormfield and his friend Helen Keller.

The Deadliest Fire in Federal Prison History

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 22:05:34 -0400

July 7, 1977. The deadliest fire at a U.S. federal prison. Five inmates died and 70 were injured when deadly fumes overcame them at night as they were locked in a dormitory at the Danbury, Connecticut Federal Prison. Some of the lucky escapees helped fight the inferno and save their fellow prisoners.

PART 2: There Was Never Anything Quite Like the Great Danbury State Fair

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 20:05:00 -0400

In part two of this two-part series, we hear the inside story of why the Great Danbury State Fair in Connecticut really closed. The backroom deal was heartbreaking for many. A shopping mall would end the longest-running state fair in U.S. history after 122 years - and a key player was not privy to the discussions.

PART 1: There’s Never Been Anything Quite Like The Great Danbury State Fair

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 20:05:00 -0400

It was the longest running state fair in U.S. history. After 112 years, the Great Danbury State Fair closed in the 1980s – to make way for a shopping mall. In part one of this two-part series, we'll hear how this incredible enterprise began.

The Catastrophic Night When Not One, But Two Dams Gave Way

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 20:05:00 -0400

It was a horrific disaster. Two earthen dams, built in the 1800s, collapsed. It sent 140 million gallons of water barreling down into Danbury, Connecticut. The tragic deaths and mind-numbing property damage that it caused devastated the city - and worried reservoir managers nationwide about the safety of relatively new earthen dams.

The Show Must Go On - Even Outdoors

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 19:10:00 -0400

Outdoor theater. Beautiful for the audience. Challenges galore for the staff. One operation has been at it for 37 straight summers. The actors and director share their tales about the challenges, mishaps, and pure satisfaction of outdoor theater.

Keeping The Grange Alive in the 21st Century

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 19:05:00 -0500

They're an institution. Grange Halls are where agricultural communities gather to socialize and swap farming tips. As farming continues to cease in the northeast, the future of The Grange faces challenges. Their evolution into providing broad community support may be the key to their future.

The World is His Oyster

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 19:04:00 -0500

It's been a primary U.S. food source for centuries. Native Americans cultivated the Eastern Oyster from Long Island Sound. European settlers did the same. New Haven, Connecticut was once the Oyster Capital of the World. Today, oyster harvesting is challenged by pollution, but aqua-culture is making inroads.

She Put the Alice in Alice’s Restaurant

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 19:05:00 -0500

Arlo Guthrie's ballad Alice's Restaurant. The anti-Vietnam War folk song focused on a Massachusetts restaurant owner named Alice, and the arrest of Guthrie and a friend for littering after throwing debris from her house in a ravine on Thanksgiving Day. In this episode, an interview with the late Alice Brock.

Hippies, Zealots or Entrepreneurs - The Odd Sandemanian Religion

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 19:15:00 -0500

The Sandemanian religious order was active for 200 years in Europe and the U.S., before going extinct. Congregants were known as “kissites” for their nearly hippie-like practices at services. Yet, they produced many successful businessmen during the 1700-1800s.

The Gruesome Woodchipper Murder Case

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 19:15:00 -0500

It was one of the most gruesome murder stories in history. The movie Fargo based its notorious murder scene on the case. A Connecticut man murdered his wife and then placed her body through a wood chipper. The case was solved with meticulous forensic work and a dedicated private eye.

PART 2: A Trail Like No Other - It Brought Us Freedom

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 19:30:00 -0500

French Commander Rochambeau marched 680 miles from Newport, Rhode Island to Yorktown, Virginia with his 5,000-troop army to help America win its revolution. Along the way, George Washington had to make an unbelievably important military decision – without sufficient information – that literally changed the course of history.

PART 1: A Trail Like No Other - It Brought Us Freedom

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 19:00:00 -0500

It’s called The Rochambeau Trail. 680 miles from Newport, Rhode Island to Yorktown, Virginia. French General Rochambeau marched his 5,000 troops to help George Washington's Patriot Army beat the British in the Revolutionary War. The logistics of this march were complex, as were France's reasons for helping America.

The Mad Hatters and Their Major Supreme Court Case

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 20:22:37 -0500

Monopolies. Under the Sherman Anti-Trust Act, they're supposed to be illegal. What about unions? Do they monopolize the labor they represent? This novel legal argument went to the Supreme Court in the early 1900s. A hat factory owner said he should be able to sue the union for damages.

What Would Polio Vaccine Inventor Jonas Salk Think About COVID?

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 19:00:00 -0500

Jonas Salk developed the polio vaccine. What would he think about today's arguments over vaccines? His nephew, Eric Salk, is an emergency room doctor. He knew his uncle and shares his recollections of him, his famous family, and thoughts on the anti-vaccine movement.