Chicago History Podcast

Latest Episodes:

FROM THE ARCHIVES - Old Chicago Amusement Park Jun 15, 2024

Show notes

It was an innovative idea in its day - a 200 store indoor shopping center 35 miles outside of Chicago with a 31-ride amusement park in the middle. Unfortunately, once you throw in costly delays, waning attendance, lackluster store selection, competition, and a trapeze death, that's when trouble starts.
This is the story of Old Chicago, billed at the time as the "world's first enclosed combination theme park and shopping center," which in five years went from the next big thing to bust.
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN MAY, 2020. This version contains some changes.
Show some love for the podcast for the cost of a cup of coffee and help offset production costs:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory
Amazon Affiliate Links (anything you buy - not just this stuff - through these links helps benefit the show):
BOOKS:
History Lover's Guide to Chicago, A by Greg Borzo
https://amzn.to/3w8fcQF
Fodor's Chicago (Full Color Travel Guide)
https://amzn.to/3P6Mmc0
CHICAGO ITEMS (PERFECT FOR GIFT GIVING):
Greenline Goods Whiskey Glasses - 10 Oz Tumbler Gift Set for Chicago lovers, Etched with Chicago Map | Old Fashioned Rocks Glass - Set of 2
https://amzn.to/3FrjSFr
Chicago Map Coasters by O3 Design Studio, Set Of 4, Sapele Wooden Coaster With City Map, Handmade
https://amzn.to/3vNyDiN
Chicago History Podcast (chicagohistorypod AT gmail.com):
https://www.facebook.com/Chicago-History-Podcast-107482214277883
https://twitter.com/chicago_pod
https://www.instagram.com/chicagohistorypod/
Chicago History Podcast Art by John K. Schneider (angeleyesartjks AT gmail.com) and on https://www.instagram.com/angeleyesartjks/
Like, subscribe, and kindly review. Much appreciated!

Support the show

Episode 714 - Rondout Train Robbery of 1924, The Jun 08, 2024

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

It is the largest train robbery in U.S. history, and it occurred just 32 miles north of Chicago. Hear how the Rondout Train Robbery unfolded 100 years ago in June 1924.
Show your support of the show for the cost of a coffee:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory
Leave me a voice message - just click on the microphone in the lower right corner here: https://www.chicagohistorypod.com
Up your cocktail or Sodastream game with Portland craft syrups!
https://portlandsyrups.com/collections/all?sca_ref=1270971.MO4APpJH1k
The Newton Gang Speaks (including Joe Newton on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson (1/20/1980):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fenpjqq-UBo&t=6s
Affiliate Links (anything you buy through these links - not just this stuff - helps benefit the show at no additional cost to you):
BOOKS:
Newton Boys: Portrait of an Outlaw Gang, The by Claude Stanush and David Middleton
https://amzn.to/4bR8wdq
Rondout Train Robbery, The by H.K. Petschel
https://amzn.to/3KE6H7v
Last Train Robber, The: The Life and Times of Willis Newton by W.C. Jameson
https://amzn.to/3RigDrg
Willis Newton: The True Story of the Notorious Newton Gang by G.R. Williamson
https://amzn.to/3KzuohC
MOVIE:
Newton Boys, The (1998) with Matthew McConnaughey, Ethan Hawke, Skeet Ulrich
Amazon Prime: https://amzn.to/4edWk7Y
Want to read hundreds of free books every month? Try Kindle Unlimited: https://amzn.to/4dInhRb
Chicago History Podcast Art by John K. Schneider (angeleyesartjks AT gmail.com)
Gear used in the recording of this podcast:
Shure MV7 Microphone: https://amzn.to/4aN8Xo6
Zoom H6 Recorder: https://amzn.to/3y0wWh0

Support the show

FROM THE ARCHIVES - U-505 German Submarine in Chicago, The Jun 01, 2024

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

It was one of the defining moments for the United States during World War II - the capture of a German U-boat on the Atlantic Ocean. Hear the story and the event's many Chicago connections before the 80th anniversary of the event (June 4, 1944), and then see the submarine at the Museum of Science and Industry.
#ChicagoHistory #USNavy #MuseumOfScienceandIndustry #U505Submarine #WorldWarII
U-505 Live Submarine Tour:
https://www.msichicago.org/explore/whats-here/exhibits/u-505-submarine/
Chicago History Podcast Clothing, Mugs, Totes, & More (your purchase helps support the podcast):
https://www.teepublic.com/user/chicago-history-podcast
https://teespring.com/stores/chicago-history-podcast
Chicago History Podcast (chicagohistorypod AT gmail.com):
https://www.chicagohistorypod.com
https://www.facebook.com/Chicago-History-Podcast-107482214277883
https://x.com/chicago_pod
https://www.instagram.com/chicagohistorypod/
Chicago History Podcast Art by John K. Schneider (angeleyesartjks AT gmail.com)

Support the show

Episode 713 - Chicago's World War II POW Camps May 25, 2024

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

Captured World War II enemy combatants were often brought back to the United States to be housed in facilities across the country, including here in Illinois. Today we’re discussing Chicago’s World War II POW Camps.
Show your support of the show for the cost of a coffee:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory
Leave me a voice message - just click on the microphone in the lower right corner here: https://www.chicagohistorypod.com
Up your cocktail or Sodastream game with Portland craft syrups!
https://portlandsyrups.com/collections/all?sca_ref=1270971.MO4APpJH1k
Affiliate Links (anything you buy through these links - not just this stuff - helps benefit the show at no additional cost to you):
The Enemy in Our Hands : America's Treatment of Enemy Prisoners of War, From the Revolution to the War on Terror by Robert C. Doyle
https://amzn.to/3QWTb2u
Men in German Uniform: POW’s in America during World War II by Antonio Thompson
https://amzn.to/3VcLR5i
Fort Sheridan (Images of America) by Diana Dretske
https://amzn.to/3wWaBp6
Chicago History Podcast Art by John K. Schneider (angeleyesartjks AT gmail.com)
Gear used in the recording of this podcast:
Shure MV7 Microphone: https://amzn.to/4aN8Xo6
Zoom H6 Recorder: https://amzn.to/3y0wWh0

Support the show

Episode 712 - Wrigley Field: The Diamond on the Northside May 18, 2024

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

It is one of the oldest original ballparks in the country, and with that lengthy run is an interesting history as well. Hear all about the area before the ballpark was even built and much more.
Show your support of the show for the cost of a coffee:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory
Leave me a voice message - just click on the microphone in the lower right corner here: https://www.chicagohistorypod.com
Up your cocktail or Sodastream game with Portland craft syrups!
https://portlandsyrups.com/collections/all?sca_ref=1270971.MO4APpJH1k
Affiliate Links (anything you buy - not just this stuff - through these links helps benefit the show at no additional cost to you):
Wrigley Field Year by Year; A Century at the Friendly Confines by Sam Pathy
https://amzn.to/3QQKIxR
Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines by Stuart Shea
https://amzn.to/3V5yK68
Wrigley Field: 100 Stories for 100 Years by Dan Campana
FREE with Kindle Unlimited: https://amzn.to/4dInhRb
Chicago History Podcast Art by John K. Schneider (angeleyesartjks AT gmail.com)
Gear used in the recording of this podcast:
Shure MV7 Microphone: https://amzn.to/4aN8Xo6
Zoom H6 Recorder: https://amzn.to/3y0wWh0

Support the show

Episode 711 - Chicago's Irish History: The Murder of Dr. Patrick Henry Cronin May 11, 2024

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

His funeral was the largest in Chicago since that of Abraham Lincoln. Who was Dr. Patrick Henry Cronin, and how did his connection to secret Irish organizations lead to his murder?
Show your support of the show for the cost of a coffee:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory
Leave me a voice message - just click on the microphone in the lower right corner here: https://www.chicagohistorypod.com
Up your cocktail or Sodastream game with Portland craft syrups!
https://portlandsyrups.com/collections/all?sca_ref=1270971.MO4APpJH1k
Affiliate Links (anything you buy - not just this stuff - through these links helps benefit the show at no additional cost to you):
Blood Runs Green: The Murder That Transfixed Gilded Age Chicago by Gillian O'Brien
https://amzn.to/3TLguOx
Chicago History Podcast Art by John K. Schneider (angeleyesartjks AT gmail.com)
Gear used in the recording of this podcast:
Shure MV7 Microphone: https://amzn.to/4aN8Xo6
Zoom H6 Recorder: https://amzn.to/3y0wWh0

Support the show

FROM THE ARCHIVES - 16 Inch Softball in Chicago May 04, 2024

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

No sport is more closely identified with Chicago than 16-inch softball. Enjoy the history of 16" softball along with some insights about the game from a few guys who know it best - the 16" Softball Hall of Fame co-founder Al Maag, Hall of Fame President Ron Kubicki, and Hall of Fame Vice President Ray Topps.
#Chicago #History #ChicagoHistory #ChicagoSports #16InchSoftball
16-Inch Hall of Fame:
https://www.16inchsoftballHoF.com
Order "The Greatest Game on Dirt" and help support the Hall of Fame:
https://16inchsoftballhof.com/shop/
16-Inch Hall of Fame Documentary with Jack Brickhouse
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVrKCsxB3ic
Want to help support the show? Buy me a coffee!
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory
Check out If The Walls Could Talk, a podcast about the downfall of Edgewater Hospital in Chicago:
https://ifthewallscouldtalkpodcast.com/
Affiliate Links (anything you buy - not just this stuff - through these links helps benefit the show):
Secret History Of Balls: The Stories Behind The Things We Love To Catch, Whack, Throw, Kick, Bounce, and Bat, The by Josh Chetwynd
https://amzn.to/3zjhFaV
Second City Sinners: True Crime From Historic Chicago's Deadly Streets by Jon Seidel
https://amzn.to/3g5n1js
Unknown Chicago Tales by John R. Schmidt
https://amzn.to/3x6GgPh
Looking to get out and explore Chicago? Here are a few ideas:
16" Softball Hall of Fame
https://16inchsoftballhof.com/visit-us/
Chicago Movie Tours
chicagomovietours.com
Chicago Detours: Tours For Curious People
https://chicagodetours.com/
Summertime Outdoor Movies? Here's the gear I use:
UUO 1080p Projector:
https://amzn.to/3v6F25S
120" Projector Screen
https://amzn.to/3ozAuTf
Love the podcast? Leave us a review!
https://lovethepodcast.com/chicagohistorypod
Chicago History Podcast Clothing, Mugs, Totes, & More (your purchase helps support the podcast):
https://www.teepublic.com/user/chicago-history-podcast
https://teespring.com/stores/chicago-history-podcast
Chicago History Podcast (chicagohistorypod@gmail.com):
https://www.chicagohistorypod.com
https://www.facebook.com/Chicago-History-Podcast-107482214277883
https://twitter.com/chicago_pod
https://www.instagram.com/chicagohistorypod/
Chicago History Podcast Art by John K. Schneider (angeleyesartjks@gmail.com) and on https://www.instagram.com/angeleyesartjks/

Support the show

FROM THE ARCHIVES - Soldier Field Apr 27, 2024

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

With all the talk of the Chicago Bears plans for a new stadium by the lake, it seemed like a good time to revisit this episode about the Bears' current home, Soldier Field.
Show some love for the podcast for the cost of a cup of coffee and help offset production costs:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory
Up your cocktail game with Portland craft syrups!
https://portlandsyrups.com/collections/all?sca_ref=1270971.MO4APpJH1k
Anything purchased through the links below may generate a small commission for this podcast at no cost to you and help make the podcast even better.
Soldier Field: A Stadium and Its City by Liam T. A. Ford
https://amzn.to/3mAna0T
Chicago's Soldier Field by Paul Michael Peterson
https://amzn.to/3sMz0ck
MasterPieces NFL Soldier Field Panoramic 1000-Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
https://amzn.to/32PugIa
TUMOVO 5 Panel Soldier Field Chicago Bears Canvas Wall Art
https://amzn.to/3sFSwHt
Join Kindle Unlimited here: https://amzn.to/2WsP1GH
CONTENT CREATION:
DJI Mini 2 - Ultralight and Foldable Drone Quadcopter
https://amzn.to/3l8SZNK
AFHT 5'x7' Portable Green Screen Backdrop with Stand
https://amzn.to/3cUA7gW
Need music for YOUR projects? Audiio has got you covered. Try a free trial here:
https://audiio.com/pricing?oid=1&affid=481

Looking to get out and explore Chicago? Here are a few ideas:
Chicago Movie Tours
chicagomovietours.com
Chicago Detours: Tours For Curious People
https://chicagodetours.com/
Chicago History Podcast Clothing, Mugs, Totes, & More (your purchase helps support the podcast):
https://www.teepublic.com/user/chicago-history-podcast
https://chicago-history-podcast.creator-spring.com
Chicago History Podcast Art by John K. Schneider (angeleyesartjks AT gmail.com) and on https://www.instagram.com/angeleyesartjks/
Chicago History Podcast email: chicagohistorypod AT gmail.com

Support the show

Episode 710 - Chicago Mysteries with Geoffrey Baer Apr 13, 2024

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

Friend of the podcast Geoffrey Baer is BACK with a new special on WTTW called "Chicago Mysteries." Listen as Geoffrey and I discuss a few of the stories from the program.
https://www.wttw.com/mysteries
Show your support of the show for the cost of a coffee:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory
Leave me a voice message - just click on the microphone in the lower right corner here: https://www.chicagohistorypod.com
Up your cocktail or Sodastream game with Portland craft syrups!
https://portlandsyrups.com/collections/all?sca_ref=1270971.MO4APpJH1k
Affiliate Links (anything you buy - not just this stuff - through these links helps benefit the show at no additional cost to you):
Alchemy of Bones: Chicago's Luetgert Murder Case of 1897 by Robert Loerzel
https://amzn.to/3PZjFA7
Secret Chicago: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure by Jessica Mlinarik
https://amzn.to/4aSXKTa
Chicago Scavenger by Jessica Mlinarik
https://amzn.to/3Ubgpnz
Graceland Cemetery: Chicago Stories, Symbols, and Secrets by Adam Selzer
https://amzn.to/3xvW6Ix
Chicago History Podcast Art by John K. Schneider (angeleyesartjks AT gmail.com)
Gear used in the recording of this podcast:
Shure MV7 Microphone: https://amzn.to/4aN8Xo6
Zoom H6 Recorder: https://amzn.to/3y0wWh0

Support the show

FROM THE ARCHIVES - Chicago's Teen Rock Clubs of the 1960s Apr 06, 2024

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

Not long after The Beatles invaded America and kids everywhere picked up guitars and drumsticks and formed their own bands, enterprising individuals all over Chicago and the suburbs saw… opportunity. This is the story of Chicago's Teen Rock Clubs of the 1960’s.
Additional Reading (anything purchased through these links - not just the items listed - may generate a small commission and help support the podcast at no additional cost to you):
The Who: Concert File by Joe McMichael and "Irish" Jack Lyons
Kindle - https://amzn.to/34YBSqA
Paperback - https://amzn.to/2YVDpd5
The Chicago Music Scene: 1960s and 1970s by Dean Milano
Paperback - https://amzn.to/31PrFL6
Harcover - https://amzn.to/2YZYwen
Chicago History Podcast Clothing, Mugs, Totes, & More:
https://www.teepublic.com/user/chicago-history-podcast
https://teespring.com/stores/chicago-history-podcast
Chicago History Podcast (chicagohistorypod AT gmail.com):
https://www.facebook.com/Chicago-History-Podcast-107482214277883
https://twitter.com/chicago_pod
https://www.instagram.com/chicagohistorypod/
Chicago History Podcast Art by John K. Schneider (angeleyesartjks AT gmail.com) and on https://www.instagram.com/angeleyesartjks/
Like, subscribe, and if you enjoy what you hear, please leave a written review. Much appreciated!
Gear used in the recording of this podcast:
Shure SM-58 Microphone: https://amzn.to/2DsouQo
Zoom H6 Recorder: https://amzn.to/3gSxrjF

Support the show

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected