Stay Connected“Behind Gray Walls” is a podcast featuring stories from the men and women who lived and worked at the Old Idaho State Penitentiary. Each week, Anthony, Samuel, and Skye explore prisoners whose crimes led them to serve time at the “Old Pen.” Their history is explored in depth and compared to corrections topics faced in communities today.
To support this podcast, visit: https://history.idaho.gov/donate/donation-payment/
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In this Stool Pigeon Saturday, the team interviews Matthew Connelly, lead park ranger at Alcatraz Island. Matthew provides an overview of the renowned prison's history, delves into the daily experiences of both the residents and staff on the island, and concludes the story surrounding William Dainard's (#3821) associate, Harmon Waley (#4188). To learn more about Alcatraz or to book your next trip, visit: https://www.nps.gov/alca/index.htm
In a completely coincidental yet oddly-Rathdrum-history-heavy penultimate episode, the original duo are back in with Sam in the commenter's chair. Anthony starts, covering a man of many names whose felony in Idaho was one of the least interesting things about his story #3821 William Dainard (Robbery), while Skye follows with a story of a Rathdrum pioneer whose gambling habits may have gotten a little bit out of control #6691 Minnie Jane Farr (Embezzlement).
On today’s episode, Skye tells the story of a young woman whose husband, in the 1950s, was a real door-to-door vacuum salesman(!) #10351 Donna Mae Peterson (Burglary). Meanwhile, first-time host, Charlee, tells the story of one of the most influential doctors in the city of Boise (who also served as prison physician), Dr. George Collister.
In this week's special episode, Skye comes to the episode empty-handed (school is hard) and Anthony-less (work is hard) and instead comments on Samuel's masterful telling of #111 William "Teton" Jackson (Grand Larceny) whose story intersects with a crucial event in Wyoming history and the controversial Sheriff Frank Canton. Photo: Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum Collection: 1958.0003.001P
Join all three hosts around the campfire for a whole host of spooky Idaho stories from the 1880s through the 1940s - some of these stories may not be related to the Penitentiary directly, but they’ll still send some chills up your spine - and even make you laugh. And, if while you’re listening, you hear a stick crack behind you…it may not be your imagination. Happy Halloween!!
On today’s episode, Skye relates the story of a young woman whose training in beauty school got her a few extra perks #11513 LaLonda Lee King (Robbery) and Anthony tells the story of a young man who had a real knack for escaping until the very end #2062 Ulysses Bearup (Murder in the First Degree). Oral Histories: Emile Ehle (McLaws), 1/19/1994 (Idaho State Archives)
In this Stool Pigeon Saturday, Anthony and Skye hang up their spurs again to hear Samuel share the fascinating story of six-shooter-Jack and the Gunfight at Grave Creek. Listener discretion is advised.
Today, all three hosts are together, with Anthony working as our star commentator. Samuel shares the story of a young man who was, at worst, a murderer, and at his most intriguing, an assassin #286 Oscar “Tex” Selene Herbert (Murder in the Second Degree), while Skye recounts the story of an alleged cattle thief who really had more problem with Prohibition Laws than her actual crime #2529 Cora Atkinson (Grand Larceny).
In this Stool Pigeon Saturday, Anthony interviews Jennifer Hills, President of the Friends of Stricker, and discusses the fascinating history of Rock Creek Station and the Stricker Homesite which served as a stopping point along the Oregon Trail. It is a must see for anyone interested in Idaho and Oregon Trail History. To learn more: facebook.com/friendsofstricker/ friendsofstricker.org/ https://history.idaho.gov/stricker/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OD6ndFjbCY8 To volunteer: friendsofstricker@gmail.com
In this week’s episode, Anthony is back and ready to regale us with the tale of an old Mormon pioneer whose desire for revenge ended up being his downfall William Dowdle (Grand Larceny) and a young woman who was accused of being a “Moll” (slang for a gangster’s girlfriend) #5183 Delia Smith (Robbery). Visit the Rock Creek Station/Stricker Homesite on Friday, October 13th, to hear stories of death and tragedy from days gone by. $5! https://www.facebook.com/strickerafterdark/
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