History
**Detroit Strange**

Jess and Alex explore and celebrate the strange and unusual history of Detroit with a side of humor. They tell stories, share a cocktail, and have some laughs while discussing the great and sometimes ooky spooky city they love.

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 82 - So Many Pianists (Baker's Keyboard Lounge & Eddie Jefferson) Mar 03, 2021

Show notes

Join Jess & Alex on this episode as they talk about Vision Boards, the MCU, and the Flintstones. Then Jess tells Alex the history of Baker's Keyboard Lounge, the last performance by Jazz Singer Eddie Jefferson, and what happened that made it his last. What did Baker's originally open as in 1933? What big name acts have performed at the venue? And what does tap dancing have to do with it all? Tune in and find out!

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Ep. 81 - Denny's Grand Slam (The Detroit Stars) Feb 24, 2021

Show notes

On this week's episode of Detroit Strange, Alex and Jess talk about the possible dangers of throwback Thursday, Bananas, and all the advice. Then Alex tells Jess about the Detroit Stars, a charter member of the original Negro National League for baseball. Who started the league? Who were the players? And who bit off part of a players nose? All this and more on this week's episode!

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Ep. 80 - Spice of the Week (The Michigan War Veteran's Memorial) Feb 17, 2021

Show notes

Jess & Alex chat about spices, cannibals, & beyond meat amongst whatever else is on their brain and then Jess tells Alex all about the Michigan War Veterans Memorial. How eternal is the eternal flame? What roadblock (or Benz) was hit that put a pause on raising the funds to restore/move it in 2015? What mysterious bus passenger may be there because of the monument? Tune in to find out!

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Ep. 79 - The Fighting Technicians (Cass Tech) Feb 10, 2021

Show notes

This week Alex & Jess celebrate Alex's new last minute microphone (after technical difficulties go in the way of recording,) talk essential kitchen appliances and ice skating mishaps. Then Alex tells Jess about the very historical Cass Tech, one of Detroit's best known schools. What famous alum went there? (so many, a few hints: Back to the Future, Seven Nation Army, Grace & Frankie, Miss America, In Living Color, and so many more.) How many times has the building moved? What unique course offerings have been a part of the schools history? Tune in to find out!

Ep. 78 - Will the Real Frances Dodge Please Stand Up? (The Dodge Family Pt. 3) Feb 03, 2021

Show notes

Episode Notes

Alex and Jess catch up for a few and then we get to our final installment about the history of the Dodge Family and one of the biggest twists yet. Who was Frances Mealbach? What secret did she learn after her father's death? What clues did she uncover to help her get closer to the truth? And what secrets remained hidden? How has the modern state of DNA testing changed the mystery? Tune in and find out!

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Ep. 77 - Bad Heir Day (The Dodge Family Pt. 2) Jan 27, 2021

Show notes

Part 2 of the Dodge Family

This week Alex and Jess talk about a few movie and podcast recommendations, talking to themselves, and about the "covid brains" they've developed. Then they dive back into the story of the Dodge family and Jess tells Alex all about the Heirs of John and Horace. Who died in a mysterious way? Who sued their own grandmother? And what record was set by one of the heirs? Tune in to find out!

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Ep. 76 - Live Together, Die Together (The Dodge Family Pt.1) Jan 20, 2021

Show notes

In this weeks episode Jess and Alex catch up, talk about Alex's construction on his basement, movies that they will defend to the end, Legos, and simple syrup. Then Jess tells Alex all about the History of the Dodge Brothers. There is so much here, this is Part 1 of a multi-part episode. So buckle up this week and learn about why Henry Ford owed them so much money. What kind of trouble the Dodge Brothers tempers got them into. And just how close they were (we hear they wore matching clothes.) All this and more in this weeks episode! And tune in next episode to hear all about their many heirs!

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Ep. 75 - A Little Bird Told Me (The Blue Bird Inn) Jan 13, 2021

Show notes

On this week's episode of Detroit Strange, Alex and Jess talk about drinking by the fire, hot takes on Subway, and what they've been watching. Then Alex tells Jess about the legendary jazz venue, the Blue Bird Inn. Who played there? What's bebop? And how has it's history led to the creation of the worlds first traveling stage? All this and more on this week's Detroit Strange

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Ep. 74 - Where's the Peach? (The Curse of Peche Island) Jan 06, 2021

Show notes

Happy New Year! This week Alex and Jess talk a few ideas about how to look forward into 2021 (mainly how NOT to make resolutions,) a few movies from their past, and then Jess tells Alex all about the OTHER island that sits in the Detroit River near the city...Peche Island. How do you get there? What ruins are located on the island? Who use to live there? And why is it said to be cursed? All of this and more in this weeks episode, so join us!

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Ep. 73 - Battery Powered Chickens (Christmas in Detroit) Dec 30, 2020

Show notes

On this episode Jess and Alex talk their holiday traditions, Jess's Birthday and how the week between Christmas and new years doesn't exist. Then Alex tunes into The Ghost of Christmas Past and tells Jess about Detroit Christmas traditions throughout the years. Why was it such a fire hazard? What odd meat was in a favorite Christmas pie? What made even the toys dangerous? Tune in and find out!