Author Archives: History Goes Bump

USS Lexington, Ep. 114

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During the second world war, sea battles became a much more prevalent and impactful form of warfare. Great battleships and aircraft carriers became massive assets and a nation with an abundance of them was a power to be feared. This was proven in December of 1941 with the attack on Pearl Harbor which forced the hand of the US Government and set off America’s involvement in WWII. Many ships were lost to the sea during battle, but one ship’s legacy carried on in an interesting way. Another ship was named for it, and this ship went on to be the oldest working aircraft carrier in the US Navy. Something else continues on in the afterlife. There are many reports of unexplained happenings aboard the carrier. Join us as we explore the history and the hauntings of the USS Lexington. The Moment in Oddity is suggested by listener Toby Hessenauer and researched by Bob Sherfield and features the Gate of the Sun and This Day in History is by Jessica Bell and features Martin Luther King Jr’s march to Montgomery. Research Assistant on this was provided by our Assistant Producer Steven Pappas.

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Eastern State Penitentiary, Ep. 113

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Ep. 113 is up with help from Research Assistant April Rogers-Krick! Eastern State Penitentiary was built to start a reformation when it came to America’s penal system. Prison was making the move from a place of punishment to a place of reform. Eastern State became the most expensive building in America when it was built in the late 1800s and it was the most famous prison in the world. Al Capone even spent time here. Officers and inmates have reported haunting activity for decades at the prison and this activity seems to have only increased since the penitentiary was closed to inmates for good. The reputation of the prison makes it a perfect place for the haunted house attraction it becomes every Halloween. But the ghosts here are very real. Join us as we explore the history and hauntings of the Eastern State Penitentiary! The Moment in Oddity was suggested by listener Toby Hessenauer and features an underwater city in Japan and This Day in History is by Steven Pappas and features the first woman executed by electric chair.

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Fremantle, Ep. 112

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Australia is a rugged land and due to the fact that much of the country started as a series of penal colonies, it is no wonder that gaols have become an intregral part of its history. Fremantle is a major port city located in Western Australia, which is the biggest territory in Australia at 2,529,875 square km (976,790 sq ml.) Jennilee Watt is a tour guide in Fremantle and she is going to take us on a journey to three key locations in Fremantle: Round House, Fremantle Gaol and the Lunacy Asylum. There is more to these locations than just a long history in Australia. These locations all seem to have supernatural activity. Join us as we explore some of the highlights of Fremantle in Western Australia! The Moment in Oddity is by Bob Sherfield and features the beginning and the end of the Civil War happening in two different homes owned by the same man and This Day in History is by Jessica Bell and features the day Dr. John Snow was born.

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University of Montevallo, Ep. 111

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The University of Montevallo in Alabama has roots back to the Civil War and even back beyond that time period. The college started off as an all girls school using many antebellum buildings in town to serve as campus buildings. It was an educational experiment that worked and eventually led one day to the college becoming a co-ed institution. It’s success continues to this day. The campus is part of a historic district and has seen quite a few tragedies in its time. Massacres, horrific deaths and war have led to unrest in the afterlife. It would seem that the university is quite haunted. Join us as we explore the history and hauntings of the University of Montevallo. Thanks to listener Lisa Atkinson for this suggestion! Moment in Oddity features an overnight in Madame Tussaud’s by Bob Sherfield and This Day in History features Bell making the first successful phone call by Steven Pappas.

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Felt Mansion, Ep. 110

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The Felt Mansion was meant to be a beautiful and spacious place of escape during the summer for the Felt family. It was a representation of a successful life set on the shores of Lake Michigan. Death doesn’t care about family or success. It comes when we least expect it and at cruel times. And that is what happened to the Felt family. Now it would seem that family spirits have chosen to stay here in the afterlife. But there is something else here. Something eerie. Those mysterious shadow people have also made this their home. And on top of that, an urban legend has arisen from the mansion as well. Join us as we explore the history, legends and hauntings of the Felt Mansion! The Moment in Oddity is by Bob Sherfield and features the Crystal Palace Pneumatic Railway and This Day in History is by Jessica Bell and features King Henry VII giving John Cabot permission to explore unknown lands.

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Winchester Mystery House, Ep. 109

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Happy Leap Day! As our gift and as requested by all of you, Ep. 109 features the Winchester Mystery House! The Winchester Mystery House or Winchester Mansion is one of the most unique and bizarre homes ever built. The mystery part of the name refers to the interior infrastructure. It truly is a mystery why certain elements were constructed. There are stairways that lead to nowhere, doors that open to walls and windows on the interior of the house. Numerology plays a significant part in the design as well. Legends and rumors permeate the history of the home. Was the weird construction an elaborate attempt to fool spirits to keep them at bay? Many of the rumors about the house include tales of haunting activity. Tours are very popular here and listener Ronda Williams shares her experience with the Flashlight Tour in this episode. Come with us as we explore the mysteries, history and hauntings of the Winchester Mansion. The Moment in Oddity features Scratching Fanny as suggested by Bob Sherfield and This Day in History is Hattie McDaniels Oscar win.

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Haunted Old Salem, Ep. 108

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We are joined on this episode by Assistant Producer Steven Pappas and he shares his experiences as well as the history and supernatural experiences at Old Salem in North Carolina. When most people think of cities in North Carolina, they think of Charlotte or Raleigh. These are the state’s two sprawling metropolises and home to many large industries. What most people don’t think about is a city mid-way between the two and that is Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem is a town that is not only the home to the headquarters of some large companies such as Texas Pete and RJ Reynolds, but also has a rich history which began as a religious settlement in Old Salem that is still standing 250 years after being established. The town of Old Salem is considered to be an archaeological site. This is a place where people put down roots, and it seems some spirits may have as well. Come with us as we explore the history and the hauntings of Old Salem, North Carolina. The Moment in Oddity features Violet Jessop as suggested by Bob Sherfield and This Day in History features the first Mardi Gras in New Orleans by Jessica Bell.

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Franklin Battlefield, Ep. 107

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Ep. 107 features the Franklin Battlefield! Franklin, Tennessee is a warm small town that just oozes history. The Civil War’s Battle of Franklin took place in this town in 1864. This was one of the Confederate Army’s worst battles. In fact, the assault has been dubbed “The Pickett’s Charge of the West.” The Carter House, the Lotz House and Carnton Mansion sit where the battle took place. As is the case with so many battlefields around the world, this one is reputed to be haunted as are the nearby homes. Join us as we explore this fascinating town, the horrific battle and the history and hauntings of the Franklin Battlefield. Moment in Oddity features Portugal’s Stone House as suggested by Jorge Almeyda and This Day in History features US acquisition of the Panama Canal researched by Jessica Bell. This location was suggested by listener Thomas Cartwright.

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The Fearing Tavern, Ep. 106

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The Fearing Tavern is located in the Massachusetts coastal town of Wareham, in the southeastern portion of the state. The town is bordered by Buzzards Bay and Cape Cod Bay and is considered the “gateway to Cape Cod.” The fact that the town was situated near rivers and coastline made it prime real estate for European settlement. The area is rich in colonial history and the tavern itself dates back hundreds of years. The tavern is considered by paranormal investigators to be one of the most haunted locations on the SouthCoast. Join us as we explore the history and hauntings of the Fearing Tavern. The Moment in Oddity features the City of Souls: Colma, California and This Day in History features the rescue of the Donner Party. Thanks to Dianne Moores for suggesting this location and her research help!

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The Life and Afterlife of Lucille Ball, Ep. 105

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Lucille Ball was a glamorous actress, producer, film studio head and comedian who was not afraid to get a little messed up if it brought a laugh. Her legacy as one of the funniest women – if not THE funniest woman – on television stands to this day. Like nearly all stars in Hollywood, her life was one of successes and failures. Her greatest success was the television show “I Love Lucy” and it has never been out of syndication. She was the first female to head a major Hollywood studio. The spirit of her comedy endures to today and it would seem Lucy’s actual spirit is still here with us in the afterlife. Join us as we explore the life and afterlife of Lucille Ball. The Moment in Oddity features the Mushroom Death Suit and This Day in History was done by Carbon Lilies and features Socrates being sentenced to death.

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