Hometown History

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Discover the untold stories hidden in your own backyard with Hometown History. We bring to life the forgotten events and local legends that never made it into the textbooks. Each episode uncovers the mysteries and pivotal moments that shaped small towns across the nation. Join us as we delve deep into the past to reveal the history you didn't know existed. Let's explore the hidden chapters of history, one hometown at a time.

Credits

Shane Waters

1: The First Electrically Lighted City: Wabash’s Illuminating Moment in History

Step into the glow of a historic evening with this episode of "Hometown History," as we recount the momentous night when Wabash, Indiana became the first electrically lighted city in the world. Imagine a time when nightfall brought an impenetrable darkness that not even the full moon could wholly dispel, a time when the concept of a city aglow after dusk was merely a dream. Then, on March 31, 1880, that dream blazed into reality. With a modest population of 320, Wabash would become a beacon of progress thanks to the brilliant innovation of Charles F. Brush. A crowd of over 10,000 witnesses, some local, many from afar, gathered as the courthouse dome erupted with a light so brilliant it transformed night into day. The Brush Lights, four pioneering arc lamps, cast their beams so far and wide that even the distant Wabash River glistened like a stream of liquid light. Through this event, Wabash did not merely step into the circle of light; it leaped into the annals of history, claiming a first no other city could. This episode illuminates the events leading up to this historic test and the electrifying aftermath that changed the world forever. Delve into the details at wabashmuseum.org and join the conversation at itshometownhistory.com, where we shine a light on the stories that make up our shared past. Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes that explore the luminous moments of history. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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2: The Real Dorothy & The Wizard of Oz: A Tale of Tragedy Behind the Tale of Wonder

In this spellbinding episode, we turn the pages back to a mystery nestled within a classic of American literature, 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.' Beyond the Yellow Brick Road and the Emerald City lies a tale rooted in the real world, in the quaint Evergreen Memorial Cemetery of Bloomington, Illinois, where a small, unassuming gravestone marks the resting place of a 5-month-old infant whose name would echo through literary history.

We dive deep into the connections between this tragic young life and the beloved character of Dorothy. The sleepy cemetery harbors secrets that tie the fabric of a celebrated story to the somber threads of reality. Discover how the author, L. Frank Baum, may have woven elements of a real-life Dorothy into the tapestry of his fantastical world, lending a touch of immortality to a life cut painfully short.

As you explore the intersection of fact and fiction, we also invite you to view the creative process behind this episode. A video documenting the making of this intriguing narrative is available for you to watch at [https://youtu.be/St92C6hMAMo], offering a behind-the-scenes look at how we uncover these hidden histories.

Uncover the story and join the discussion at itshometownhistory.com. Subscribe for more captivating tales that reveal the extraordinary in the ordinary, and the real people who inspire our most beloved fictional characters. Be a part of this journey with us as we follow the echoes of a little-known muse into one of the most cherished stories of all time. Share with us your insights and let's honor the legacy of the real Dorothy, right here on Hometown History.

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3: Islands of Michigan, Part 1: Beaver Island and the Last American King

Embark on the inaugural voyage of our "Islands of Michigan" series, where we cast off to the storied shores of Beaver Island and the astonishing saga of its self-proclaimed monarch, Jesse Strang, the "King of Beaver Island." In an extraordinary blend of ambition and anarchy, every American king's tale ends in assassination in the harbor of St. James, Michigan—because there was only one, and his name was James Jesse Strang.

Born far from royalty in the humble town of Scipio, New York, Strang's life was anything but ordinary. His journey led him to Beaver Island, where he claimed divine right and established his kingdom. A king with five wives, a personal artillery piece, and the audacity to declare revelations from God, Strang’s reign was as unconventional as it was fleeting.

In this episode, we explore the peculiar and tumultuous rule of America’s only king. Delve into his audacious claims to leadership, his controversial practices, and the coup that led to his dramatic downfall. Strang’s legacy is a blend of faith, power, and the complex pursuit of a divine kingdom on earth.

Discover more about Jesse Strang and the lore of Beaver Island at itshometownhistory.com. We invite you to subscribe and join us as we unravel the enigmas of Michigan’s past and the only American who ever laid claim to a crown on its soil.

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4: Islands of Michigan, Part 2: High Island and the House of Virgins

The second episode of our "Islands of Michigan" series brings us to the enigmatic High Island, an element of the Beaver Island archipelago shrouded in both the tranquil beauty of Lake Michigan and the veils of a mysterious past. From 1912 to 1927, this secluded island became the unlikely setting for a community known as the House of David, embroiled in a narrative of faith, labor, and the solemn secrets of death.

High Island's story is one of stark contrasts, where the bustling activity of timber-cutting and farming by a religious commune stands in silent testament to the somber reality of its unmarked graves. It's a place where the simple, tragic act of dying incurred a harsh penalty - an unceremonious burial, an erasure from communal memory, a plot with no stone to whisper a name to the winds of history.

In this episode, we journey through the island's silent forests and open clearings to unravel the ethos of the House of David, their lives of celibacy and toil, and the beliefs that led them to treat death with such a stringent lack of honor. It is a tale that prompts us to reflect on the dignity of life and the respect owed in death.

Step onto the shores of High Island by visiting itshometownhistory.com, where the past echoes through the narratives we share. Subscribe to delve deeper into the layers of Michigan's history and join us in preserving the memory of those who rest in unnamed solace.

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5: Islands of Michigan, Part 3: The Fox Islands and the Children of the Snow

In this haunting third episode of our "Islands of Michigan" series, we navigate the turbulent history of the North and South Fox Islands, set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Michigan. While the natural beauty of the Fox Islands is undeniable, the shadows of a chilling past linger amidst their serene landscapes.

The North Fox Island, in particular, harbors a dark history as the site of a harrowing crime that once shook the nation. This episode, narrated by the esteemed Nina Innsted of the Already Gone podcast, takes you through the grim narrative that unfolded in this unlikely setting, exposing the scars left behind by a pornography ring that operated with impunity, exploiting the innocence of youth.

We tread carefully on this delicate subject, honoring the stories of those affected, while also shedding light on the steadfast resilience that emerges from the darkest of times. As we peel back the layers of the Fox Islands' history, we also explore the transformation of these spaces into protected lands, striving for a future where such tragedies are not forgotten but serve as lessons of vigilance and strength.

Uncover the full story at itshometownhistory.com and join our commitment to telling the tales that shape our lands and our hearts. Please subscribe and contribute your reflections on this poignant chapter of Michigan's history.

This episode is narrated by Nina Innsted of the Already Gone podcast.

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6: Islands of Michigan, Part 4: Mackinac Island - A Historical Crossroads

Step onto the timeless shores of Mackinac Island in the fourth installment of our "Islands of Michigan" series. With its 4.35 square miles of preserved natural beauty and historical significance, Mackinac Island, located in the straits between Lake Huron's Upper and Lower Peninsulas, offers a living snapshot of a different era.

This episode sails back in time to when Mackinac Island was a bustling hub of fur trading and military strategy. Discover the pivotal role of Fort Mackinac, established by the British during the turmoil of the American Revolutionary War, and standing guard over tales of conflict and commerce. We’ll recount the dramatic episodes of the War of 1812, where the island saw two significant battles and a changing of national hands before ultimately becoming a cherished part of American territory.

Mackinac Island's charm extends beyond its historical battles and into its car-free streets, horse-drawn carriages, and the famous fudge that sweetens the experience of every visitor. We will delve into how this island, frozen in time, manages to captivate modern-day visitors with its unique blend of serene natural beauty and rich history.

Anchor your curiosity at itshometownhistory.com for more on Mackinac Island and our journey through Michigan's most fascinating islands. Don't forget to subscribe and ferry your thoughts to us through your reviews and stories.

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7: Islands of Michigan, Part 5: The Manitou Islands - Whispers from the Dunes

Sail away with us to the mystic shores of the Manitou Islands in this captivating fifth episode of our "Islands of Michigan" series. North and South Manitou Island beckon from about 14 miles northwest of Michigan's mainland, embraced by the clear, blue waters of Lake Michigan and cradled in the expanse of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. These islands are not only a natural paradise but also a repository of rich history.

From Native American legends to the era of lumberjacks and maritime mishaps, the Manitou Islands have stories woven into their very sands. This episode takes you through time, exploring the lives of early settlers, the remnants of past communities, and the lighthouses that have guided sailors through perilous waters for generations. Delve into the wilderness to discover the islands' unique flora and fauna, the tranquility of their secluded beaches, and the echoes of history that resonate through their forests and dunes.

Join us on a journey to the Manitou Islands, where every grain of sand has a tale to tell. Venture to itshometownhistory.com to anchor deeper into Michigan's island tales and the rest of our series. Subscribe to chart a course through history with us and share your island expeditions.

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8: Islands of Michigan, Part 6: Belle Isle - Detroit’s Urban Oasis

Discover the natural charm and rich history of Belle Isle in Part 6 of our "Islands of Michigan" series. Nestled in the flowing waters of the Detroit River, this 982-acre island stands as the largest city-owned park in the United States, a verdant jewel just east of the urban hustle of Detroit. Once a humble farmland, Belle Isle has been transformed into a cultural haven, boasting an array of attractions, from the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory to the historic Belle Isle Aquarium.

The island's storied past and vibrant present come alive in this episode, where we delve into how Belle Isle became the heart of Detroit's recreational life. Learn about the island's evolution from its early days to its current status as an urban sanctuary. Join us as we walk the paths of Belle Isle's stunning green spaces, take in the sweeping skyline views, and uncover the community's efforts to preserve this urban oasis.

Dive into Belle Isle's story on itshometownhistory.com and uncover more about Michigan's majestic islands. Remember to subscribe and share your island experiences with us.

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9: Misfits in History, Part 1: Emperor Norton - San Francisco’s Imperial Enigma

Embark on a journey through the foggy streets of 19th-century San Francisco with the premiere episode of our "Misfits in History" series. We introduce a figure so unique that his story remains etched in the folklore of the city: Joshua Norton, self-declared "Norton I, Emperor of the United States," a man whose imperial vision took root not in a palace, but from the eccentric heart of San Francisco in 1859.

Who was Emperor Norton? A deluded dreamer, a shrewd social commentator, or simply a man ahead of his time? This episode peels back the layers of his life, from a businessman to a proclaimed sovereign, and examines the cultural and historical impact of his self-anointed reign.

Discover how Norton's bold proclamations, including the dissolution of the United States Congress, captured the imaginations and hearts of San Franciscans and why his legacy endures in the annals of American eccentricities. Uncover the tales of Norton's imperial decrees, his loyal subjects, and the legacy that cements him as a permanent fixture in San Francisco's rich tapestry.

Emperor Norton's story is a testament to the city's vibrant history and a reflection of America's complex relationship with individualism and mental health. Dive into the life of America's only emperor on itshometownhistory.com and explore the intriguing narratives that history has to offer.

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10: Misfits in History, Part 2: Tarrare - The Insatiable Appetite of History

Step back into the peculiar annals of the 18th century with Hometown History's second episode in the Misfits in History series, where we uncover the baffling life of Tarrare. Born with an insatiable hunger in rural France, 1772, Tarrare's story is a bewildering blend of myth and medical mystery.

In this episode, we trace the origins of Tarrare's ravenous journey from the French countryside to the dimly lit salons of Paris, where his extraordinary eating habits made him an object of both scientific wonder and sideshow curiosity. We'll explore his stint in the French Army, his desperate and bizarre acts to satisfy his constant craving, and the attention he garnered from the medical doctors of his time, baffled by his condition.

Tarrare's legacy is a tapestry of human oddities, medical anomalies, and a life story that continues to challenge our understanding of what is possible. This episode serves up a narrative so rich and strange, it promises to linger in your thoughts long after you've listened.

Join us on itshometownhistory.com for an in-depth journey into the life of one of history's most fascinating misfits. Subscribe and share your thoughts on this tale of perpetual hunger and the quest to understand the extraordinary.

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