Highway to History Podcast

44: Highway to History #4 - The Truth About The Amityville Horror and The Warrens Oct 30, 2024

Recorded on September 18, 2024.
There are a few foundational horror movies that live in the cultural consciousness of America, films that shocked and frightened the more innocent population of the United States of the past. The Exorcist awakened the fear of demons among us, not to mention within us, in 1973, while the Texas Chainsaw Massacre made travelers weary of stopping in small town America for gas and snacks the following year. From Rosemary's Baby to Halloween, the genre of horror took off in the 1970s, leading to the tremendous output seen in the 1980s. The Amityville Horror closed out the decade in 1979 with the terrifying tale of the Defeo Family murders on November 13, 1974 by troubled son, Ronald Defeo Jr. The Lutz Family moved in a little over a year later, and wove a tale so frightening millions of people bought the subsequent book, based on a "true" story, and flocked to the movie theaters a year later. Ed and Lorraine Warren had already achieved fame as America's favorite supernatural experts, and they made sure to capitalize off of America's most famous haunting. However, controversy surrounds the Warrens and the Lutz Family themselves. We dive into the mess, talking about the murders, alleged haunting, the controversy surrounding the story and the cultural phenomenon The Amityville Horror became, plus a few more horror movies. Happy Halloween!

3: Highway to History #3 - Crabbing, Cocaine and The Truth About The Deadliest Catch Oct 23, 2024

Our guest Phillips Hayman is an HONEST mechanic that I myself use! He can be reached at: (208) 421-0895.
There's a mystique surrounding crabbers and fishermen risking it all in some of the most dangerous environments on earth to reel in a good catch. From fishing for Salmon in far north-coastal Alaska, to crabbing for kings in the Bering Sea, you need to be tough to hack it! London and Mark recently sat down with mechanic, fisherman and crabber Phillips Hayman to talk about life lived on the edge of civilization where big personalities compete for fish and too much sleep is the enemy, an impediment to serious money. We talk about the use of cocaine to stay awake during the fierce derby days of the 1980s, to running drugs on crabbing and fishing vessels to make a little extra scratch. Phillips tells some illuminating truths about the real Deadliest Catch stars and much more! The next time you enjoy a plate of seafood or a few crab legs, just remember some tired SOB busted their asses to get it there!

2: Highway to History #2 - Ruby Ridge & The Conspiracy Pyramid Oct 16, 2024

Recorded August 23, 2024.
Join writer/historian Mark Iverson and writer/history-enthusiast London Talbot as they discuss the nuance of history. This episode we have our first guest, Timothy Guill, a historian, a lecturer at Boise State University, a father, a veteran, as well as an expert in conspiracies in the United States and the psychology behind them. We talk about the Ruby Ridge incident in Northern Idaho, the Waco Massacre, the Tuskegee Experiments, and the anti-semitic roots within many of the more absurd conspiracies theories. History isn't always pretty folks, but it's what got us here today.

1: Highway to History #1 - America is Complicated Oct 08, 2024

Recorded August 14, 2024.
Join writer/historian Mark Iverson and writer/history-enthusiast London Talbot as they discuss the nuance of history. This episode covers topics like Fred Hampton and the Black Panthers, the genocide of Indigenous Americans, the complexity of Abraham Lincoln, and a little about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. History isn't always pretty folks, but for better or worse, it's what got us here today.

43: Genocide In the Name of Democracy - The French Revolution and the Extermination of the Catholic Vendèe Jul 05, 2024

The justification to single out and exterminate another group of people can come from any group coalesced around any ideological system of belief, be it religious or secular in nature. In Revolutionary France, the secular forces of the newly established French Republic were threatened on all sides by the old system of empire they had just overthrown in the guise of the Christian Empires of Europe, a form of civilization that had repressed the French people for many centuries, as they saw it. However, the Catholic peasantry known as the Vendèe, interpreted current events differently, viewing the French Revolution as the overthrow of a divinely appointed monarch by secular heretics. After a year long war with the Vendèe from 1893 to 1894, when the Vendèe were defeated at the Second Battle of Cholet in October of 1894, the Committee of Public Safety ordered the eradication of the Vendèe in the name of preserving the French Republic.

42: Anti-Gay Idaho - A History of Proposition 1 Jun 26, 2024

The rallying cry of the pro Prop 1 crowd was "stop gay special rights." They felt that if gay people in Idaho were labeled a minority officially, they'd be protected from discrimination in the workplace and other public organizations like schools and libraries. They said gay people were not a minority like black people or Latinos because they chose to be gay and live "immorally," whereas true minorities had no choice. Proposition 1, claimed the Idaho Citizens Alliance after submitting the initiative for the November 1994 ballot, would prevent this from happening. The LGBT community and others opposed to Prop 1 said the intiative was active discrimination, and all they wanted was fair treatment, not discrimination because they were gay. In 1993 and 1994, the debate filled the headlines in Idaho and without. However, only the pro prop 1 crowd continually applied hatefilled rhetoric and blatant lies to attack LGBT people.

41: The Bracero Program - Mexican Nationals Enduring Discrimination in WWII Era Idaho and The Pacific Northwest Jun 13, 2024

From 1942 until 1948, Mexican citizens came to the United States at the behest of the federal government to fill the labor gaps created by the increased need for agricultural production during WWII. They bolstered the agricultural economy of the United States and proved an asset to the development of our nation, but they also face rampant racism and discrimination, especially in the Pacific Northwest. Idaho, of all the Pac NW States, proved the worst and the Mexican government restricted their citizens from working for growers there in October of 1948. However, most of the Braceros endured as did Mexican laborers using H2-A and H2-B Visas after 1964. Enduring hardship, after all, is a common theme in American history and Mexican laborers known as the Braceros did just that. In that regard, their descendants, those that became American citizens and endured similar bigotry are quintessentially American.

40: Reintroduction - Hi I'm Mark Iverson... Jun 07, 2024

39: Self-Emancipated - George Washington's Relentless Hunt for Martha's Personal Servant Ona Maria Judge May 16, 2024

This podcast contains mature themes and language - Parental Advisory Advised

38: From Mormonism to Social Media Sensation - A Conversation with Lindsay Van Allen, Host of the City Cast Boise Podcast and Tik Tok Persona Socialistly Awkward May 10, 2024

This conversation is intended for adults and contains mature subject matter and language.

37: A Conversation with Idaho's Own Naked Neighbor - Innovative Artist, Advocate and Warrior Woman! Apr 26, 2024

This episode contains adult language and subject matter, parental advisory is advised.

36: Idaho's Libraries are for You, Me, and Those Guys Too - A Conversation With Librarian Molly Nota of the Idaho Library Association and Chelsea Major - Owner of the Lit Room Book Lounge Apr 19, 2024

This week Mark sat down with librarian Molly Nota and bookshop owner Chelsea Major to discuss the importance of literature in defining who we are as individuals and Americans. We discuss Idaho's HB 710, an attempt to censor the materials Idaho's readers can readily access within their public libraries. We discuss the books that have defined us, how literature has the ability to represent groups that have been continuously oppressed throughout our nation's history and how books have the ability to fight ignorance and thus hate.

35: A Conversation with Tomás Baiza, author of Delivery: A Pocho's Accidental Guide to College, Love and Pizza Delivery, and A Purpose to Our Savagery Mar 26, 2024

Tomás Baiza is the author of two published books and numerous articles and short stories. He is also an historian and educator. In short, Tomás Baiza is many things and then more. I see him as a bit of a rebel, but he's also a family man. I could apply more labels to him, but it's hardly necessary, he puts so much of himself onto every page he writes. We talked about our identities and how we were shaped by the United States, but we also talk about our nation's history, and why to call oneself a "real American" is so problematic. Listen in!

34: A Conversation with Dean Worbois - Author of Gay Bars in Boise: 1976 to 2021 Mar 21, 2024

This conversation includes material that is not appropriate for children.

33: Dynamite and Fire, The Buffalo Soldiers in North Idaho's Silver Valley - 1892 to 1910 Nov 02, 2023

Buffalo Soldiers fought the tribes of The West, that's what they're known for, but they also fought in the Spanish American War, during the revolution in the Philippines and also in North Idaho during the Coeur d'Alene Mining Wars and the Big Burn in 1910. We compare the service of Buffalo Soldiers during both events and examine how the largely white inhabitants of North Idaho viewed the black soldiers in both instances.
Image: Buffalo Soldiers in Avery, Idaho in 1910 during the Big Burn - Museum of North Idaho

32: A Conversation with Nampa, Idaho's Haunted Crescent Brewery Oct 26, 2023

One of my favorite breweries of all is Nampa, Idaho's Crescent Brewery for a number of reasons, chief among them is the history the lives in those that own the brewery, man the taps and brew the beer, and patronize the tasting room bar! Jerry Fergusson and family know beer and so do his employees and what's more, they are knowledgeable of the history of the first Crescent Brewery established in Nampa in 1906-1907. Additionally, most of the people that make the Crescent the great place it is today, have experienced what they believe to be supernatural activity. Recently, IdaHistory's Mark Iverson and Cathy Charlton sat down to chat with Mahlia Goldberg, the Brewery's Manager to talk about the Crescent's history and it's paranormal residents!

31: Mountain Home's Haunted Bengoechea Hotel Oct 19, 2023

While I improve my editing skills, please enjoy this diamond in the rough...
Mountain Home, Idaho is an interesting place where many of the town's historic structures remain standing, including the Bengoechea Hotel. Bengoechea is a Basque name and the hotel was established by Jose "Joe" Bengoechea, a Basque sheepherder turned businessman turned millionaire in the 1910s. Like all old hotels, people lived and died within the confines of its sturdy brick walls; it is claimed by residents that some guests from days past still remain. I am joined by historian and resident of the haunted hotel, Calista Houdek to discuss Basque history and a handful of her supernatural experiences on the episode of this Idahistory Podcast.

30: The Nation Needed Idaho's Miners - WWII and the Stibnite Mines Sep 26, 2023

This episode lacks it's usual intro and editing.
On this episode of The IdaHistory Podcast, Shane Plummer of the Boise Bubble Podcast sits down with Mark to discuss their trip up to the ghost town of Stibnite, Idaho, a mining community that supplied 40% of America's domestic antimony and tungsten supply during WWII. These metals were used to strengthen tank armor, produce more effective munitions, make fire retardant materials and much more. Everything from Sean Connery in a bikini to observances from a long abandoned mining site are discussed on this episode of The IdaHistory Podcast.
A note to listeners, Jeff and Mark have ended their partnership as co-hosts of the IdaHistory Podcast and the show is on hiatus until a new format and possibly name might be developed. Thanks for listening and supporting Jeff and I!

29: Jeff Standifer: The James Bond of the Confederacy Sep 13, 2023

https://www.amazon.com/Brave-Lion-Standifer-Knights-Golden/dp/B0BRZ7H365

28: She Turned the Tide of the Civil War: Jane Silcott, Elias Pierce, and Idaho Gold Sep 06, 2023

Elias Pierce knew there was gold to be found on the Nez Perce Reservation, but it was too dangerous for him to find it. That's when a young maiden volunteered her services as a guide, and led Pierce to the first major gold find in Idaho. On this episode, we talk about Jane Silcott, her people, and how she helped usher in the first permanent settlement in Idaho.

27: After Tombstone: Wyatt Earp in Coeur d’Alene River Country Aug 16, 2023

After the wild events in Arizona, including the shootout at the OK Corral, and his Vendetta ride, Wyatt Earp was looking for a slightly more peaceful life. So he packed up and headed to Idaho Territory to take part in the Coeur d’Alene gold rush.

26: Be Brave and Go: The Titanic's Idaho Bound Passengers Aug 09, 2023

This week we bring you the tragic stories of the people who were aboard the RMS Titanic on her maiden voyage, whose ultimate destination was Idaho. We talk about their lives before they decided to travel across the Atlantic to the Gem State, their intentions in Idaho, and what became of them. Intro and outro music- Near My God to Thee, via Violin Online.

25: Boise's Chinese Tunnels: A Guy Who Knew A Guy Who Knew the Guy that Went in Them Told Me About Them! Aug 02, 2023

Tunnels do not possess national identities as far as Jeff and I know, but there are tunnels and passageways, spaces really, under the buildings of Boise. However, if you're imagining tunnels with little doors behind which hundreds of "Chinamen" lived, smoked opium, and pet their Siamese Cats that ran from 8th and Idaho all the way to Julia Davis Park's lagoon, you have a vibrant imagination, but not much of an understanding of the facts behind why major systems don't exist.

24: Love in an Idaho Concentration Camp: An Interview with Maggie Tokuda-Hall Jul 26, 2023

"Love in the Library" by Maggie Tokuda-Hall is the story of George and Tama, and how they met and fell in love in the Minidoka Relocation Center, a concentration camp for Japanese-Americans. Their story is one of heartbreak, sadness, joy and happiness. This week we talk about how American citizens came to be forced into concentration camps, and then Jeff interviews the granddaughter of George and Tama. We finish the conversation with a discussion on how book bans and the language we use can end up with our neighbors torn from their homes, and their entire lives ruined. Check out Maggie's website here https://www.prettyokmaggie.com/

23: Almost Heaven: Bo Gritz and his North Idaho Covenant Community Jul 19, 2023

James "Bo" Gritz was a hero to many. He was the most decorated soldier in the Vietnam War and helped negotiate an end to the standoff at Ruby Ridge. Gritz was also rumored to be the inspiration for John Rambo, of the First Blood movies. However, he was also a leader of the Christian Identity movement, an anti-Semitic, right-wing philosophy. Because he was afraid that someday Jewish people would use the United Nations to kick off the New World Order, he built a survivalist community near Kamiah, Idaho.

22: Advertisements for Democracy: German and Italian POW Camps in Idaho - 1943-1946 Jul 12, 2023

During World War Two, Idaho was home to around 21 prisoner of war camps for German and Italian soldiers captured in Europe and North Africa. They came here to help the war effort by providing farm labor, but many came to love America for the humanity shown them as prisoners. The United States has never been perfect, but even while our government imprisoned its own citizens, it also did all it could to live up to the Geneva Conventions of 1929 while imprisoning German and Italian soldiers, a task our Axis Power foes and our Soviet allies hardly bothered with.

21: The Great Nampa Fire Jun 21, 2023

On July 3rd, 1909, a Mysterious Stranger sparked a fire that would go on to destroy Nampa's business district. The perpetrator was never brought to justice, but Nampa was rebuilt. We talk about that as well as the even more tragic Drake Drug Store Fire of 1937. For photos referenced in this episode be sure to check out idahistory.com/nampafireworks

20: Idaho Folklore: The Legend of Chief Bigfoot Jun 14, 2023

In the 1860s, it was common to find large footprints at the scene of a wagon train massacre, or livestock theft in Idaho. Soon, settlers realized that it was one man leaving these footprints, and dubbed that man "Chief Bigfoot". Since then, the Chief has become a legend. In this episode we deconstruct that legend and analyze the folklore behind it.

19: How to Defeat Hate Groups: Idaho Against the Aryan Nations Part 2 Jun 07, 2023

This week we finish off our discussion of the Aryan Nations in Idaho. When they felt the pressure, they turned to fear and intimidation by unleashing a domestic terrorism campaign. But the good people of the Kootenai County Task Force would not let a few bombs deter them from ridding North Idaho of hate.

18: How to Defeat Hate Groups: Idaho Against the Aryan Nations Part 1 May 31, 2023

We were told we shouldn't talk about it. The Aryan Nations, Idaho's black eye. But we're here to talk about it and help ensure it never happens again. In this two part installment of the IdaHistory Podcast, Jeff and Mark examine the twisted ideology behind one of America's most insidious white supremacist hate groups, the Aryan Nations.

17: Dress His Wounds Before He Dies - The Execution of Herman St. Clair May 24, 2023

Van Wyck, Idaho. What used to be a humble little berg, now lies at the bottom of Lake Cascade. It was also once the scene of a horrific murder, which led to the death by hanging of the perpetrator, a man named Herman St. Clair. Before he climbed the gallows, he attempted to escape the Idaho City jail and was shot in the jaw and stabbed 17 times. Learn more about the crime he was accused of, and how he met his end on this episode of IdaHistory.

16: Life and Death Along the Boise River 1811-1862 May 17, 2023

For thousands of years, people have been living and dying in the Boise River Valley, and for a period of about 50 years, as two cultures clashed, the death intensified. Find out what happened as these two distinct groups came together, much of it has been little discussed in the recent era.

15: Nightmare in the Bitteroots: The Magruder Murders May 10, 2023

During the Autumn of 1863, Idaho was a lawless place, but Lloyd Magruder was determined to change that by helping to create the laws to govern the new territory. Before he could though he took a trip to the mining camps of Western Montana, where he exchanged his goods for gold dust. On his way back, a group of men accompanied him with the intention of causing harm to Lloyd and stealing his gold. Magruder got the axe, the bad guys got the noose. This is the story that can be called the first true crime story in Idaho's history.

14: BONUS- Drunken Idaho Trivia May 03, 2023

This week we are feeling a little goofy, so we thought we would grab a few drinks and see how much we really know about Idaho. Play along at home, but definitely not if you are planning on driving. Also, take nothing of what we say on this episode seriously.

13: Idaho Beer History - A Conversation with Alliteration Ales Apr 19, 2023

Beer came to what would be the Idaho Territory with the first miners to stake claims around Florence, Idaho in 1861. Small breweries sprang up in all the boom or bust towns of the 1860s. As Idaho developed so too did the breweries. But prohibition had been hotly debated since the days of the Wild West and anti liqour leagues won out in various counties for a time, drastically reducing the number of breweries in operation during the early 1900s. However, people like to drink, so beer returned ready for mass production by massive brewing outfits that would swallow up many independent Idaho breweries. We talk about all this and more with Adam Fleck, owner and brewer for Alliteration Ales on this episode of the IdaHistory Podcast.

12: Covered Wagon Coffee House- The Interviews Apr 12, 2023

This is part two of our episode about the GI Movement and the Covered Wagon Coffee House in Mountain Home. This week, Jeff interviews two people who were involved with the movement. Thanks to our sponsors Advanced Services, Flying M Boise, and Birch Leaf Group by eXp Realty.

11: BONUS-Idaho V. Vallow Opening Statements Apr 11, 2023

The Lori Vallow case has rocked Idaho for the past few years. Today, it finally ended up in court and we are lucky enough to be able to interview someone who was in that court room. We talk about how it all went down.

10: Vets Against Vietnam: The GI Movement in Mountain Home Apr 05, 2023

It was the early 1970s, and Vietnam was getting bombed back to the stone age. Around the world though, members of the United States military were fighting back against this perceived genocide in Southeast Asia. This week we discuss the GI Movement, the military opposition to the war, and the Covered Wagon Coffee House, the center of war protests in Mountain Home. Check out the album "We Say No To Your War" Spotify https://open.spotify.com/album/3SMZOwxbeloY97mxG0Bbon?si=6Yo7yjAWT8elVVjYdesHfg YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDJ1JwzwSFVjOrXLaoIwr1w Read the Helping Hand for Free on JSTOR https://www.jstor.org/site/reveal-digital/independent-voices/helpinghand-27953566/

9: Dr. Alan Hart - Trans Healer of Idaho Consumptives Mar 29, 2023

Humankind has been plagued by one disease more than others, a disease that tears apart a person's lungs and often much more. Tuberculosis has killed more people than any other malady in human history, hands down. For most of humanity's time on earth, no cure for consumption, another name for TB, existed. It wasn't until 1943 that streptomycin was discovered, but until then, managing TB was the best one could hope for. Tragically, for most, being diagnosed with TB was a death sentence. Idaho lost many to TB, but a remarkable person, Dr. Alan Hart, came to Idaho and saved thousands, drastically reducing the death rate caused by TB. Interestingly, Dr. Hart was also born Lucille Hart on October 4, 1890.

8: The Lynching of Peter Mallick Mar 22, 2023

Its not a story most historians would tell you. You won't find it on Google. In fact, most people would say there were no recorded lynchings of a Native American in Idaho. But IdaHistory will tell that story. This is the story of the lynching of a member of the Nez Perce tribe, shot to death by a mob in his cell at the Grangeville jail in 1911.

7: The Snake War, Part 2 Mar 08, 2023

This week we wrap up our two-parter on the Snake War, where we discuss what led to some of the most violent skirmishes of the war, the military response, and what led to the surrender and relocation of the natives in Southern Idaho.

6: The Snake War, Part 1 Mar 01, 2023

Few people realize that during the Civil War, another war was being fought right here in Idaho. The war between the whites, and what they called the "Snake Indians" would become the most deadly war in the western Indian wars. On part one, we discuss what brought settlers and natives together, the tension between them, the early fighting, and the signing of the Fort Boise Treaty.

5: The Confederate Invasion of Boise Feb 22, 2023

The year was 1864, and Boise's first major election was at hand. However, camped outside the town were about 600 members of Sterling Price's Army, a Confederate-aligned militia originating in Missouri. Find out what happened when these troops entered Boise. We would like to thank Devil's County for our music and our sponsors, Birch Leaf Realty, Datum Technology, and Pearlhouse Collective. If you enjoy it, please leave a rating and review on your podcast app. And don’t forget to share with your friends!

4: A Necessary Evil: Prostitution in Idaho's Frontier Towns, Part 2 Feb 15, 2023

The second part of our series on the history of prostitution in Idaho. We talk about how important prostitution was to Wallace, tell the story of Nettie Bowen who didn't take crap from any man, and finish up by discussing some of the more tragic tales we have found about sex workers in Idaho. We would like to thank Devil's County for our music and our sponsors, Birch Leaf Realty, Datum Technology, and Pearlhouse Collective. If you enjoy it, please leave a rating and review on your podcast app. And don’t forget to share with your friends!

3: A Necessary Evil: Prostitution in Idaho's Frontier Towns, Part 1 Feb 08, 2023

This week we take a look at the history of prostitution in Idaho. It was necessary to all levels of society, yet frowned upon by many. This is the first of a two part episode, so stay tuned for the second part next week! Thank you to our sponsors Pearlhouse Collective, Datum Technical Solutions, and Birch Leaf Realty. Also, thank Devil's County for using their song "Highway 55 Ride" for our music!

2: Idaho Myth Breakers Feb 01, 2023

Today we tackle some tall tales about Idaho. Does the word "Idaho" come from the Shoshone language? And what about those Chinese tunnels under Boise? We separate fact from fiction in these stories and more. We would like to thank Devil's County for our music and our sponsors, Birch Leaf Realty, Datum Technology, and Pearlhouse Collective. If you enjoy it, please leave a rating and review on your podcast app. And don’t forget to share with your friends!

1: Introductions Jan 16, 2023

In this episode, Mark and Jeff introduce themselves and talk about why they are the right guys to host an Idaho history podcast. Thank you to Devil's County for our music!

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