Hometown History

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5: Islands of Michigan, Part 3: The Fox Islands and the Children of the Snow Sep 15, 2020

Show notes

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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4: Islands of Michigan, Part 2: High Island and the House of Virgins Sep 01, 2020

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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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3: Islands of Michigan, Part 1: Beaver Island and the Last American King Aug 10, 2020

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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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2: The Real Dorothy & The Wizard of Oz: A Tale of Tragedy Behind the Tale of Wonder Jul 01, 2020

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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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1: The First Electrically Lighted City: Wabash’s Illuminating Moment in History May 01, 2018

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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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