The First Electric Chair Execution

On this episode, Beard Laws and Meg discuss the story of the first electric chair execution that during a vacation to Lake Placid, the hosts stumbled upon a tasting room for Prison City Brewery and learned about the story behind one of their beers called Crispy Boys. This led to a discussion about the history of the electric chair and the infamous execution of William Kemmler. The episode explores the context of capital punishment in the late 19th century, the battle between Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse over electrical currents, and the development of the electric chair. The botched execution of Kemmler raised ethical questions about the death penalty and the methods used to carry it out.

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Episode Highlights

Lake Placid is home to Prison City Brewery, which has a beer called Crispy Boys with a controversial name.

The electric chair was developed as a more humane method of execution and was adopted by the state of New York.

The execution of William Kemmler in the electric chair was botched, leading to public outcry and improvements in the method.

Kemmler's case raised ethical questions about the death penalty and the intersection of technology, ethics, and law.

Episode Quotes

"She refused to drink it and actually left because the name Crispy Boy, she thought, was inspired by the electrocution chair."

"The electric chair was actually developed by Alfred P. Southawik. What do think the P stands for? Paul."

"The botched execution horrified those present and actually led to a public outcry."

Check out all the podcast on the Beard Laws Studio: https://beardlawsstudio.com

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Yore Town Podcast is a podcast that features your towns dark, wild, unbelievable past that has you thinking no way that really happened here. Matt and Megh dust off the books, hit the streets and an occasional nursing home to unveil Yore Town’s past. From small towns to where we live to big cities before they were what they are today. This is Yore Town, Yore Stories

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The Extraordinary Story of Ann Hodges and the Meteorite Strike

On this episode, Beard Laws and Meg discuss the story of Ann Hodges, the only confirmed person in history to have been hit by a meteorite. They explore the events leading up to the meteorite strike, the aftermath, and the legal battle over ownership of the meteorite. The hosts also touch on other notable incidents involving meteorites and the significance of studying meteorites in understanding the early history of our solar system.

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Episode Highlights

Ann Hodges is the only confirmed person in history to have been hit by a meteorite.

Meteorite strikes on humans are extremely rare, with odds estimated to be about one in 1.6 million.

Meteorites provide valuable insights into the early history of our solar system.

The story of Ann Hodges is a testament to the unpredictability of life in the cosmos.

Meteorites have played a memorable role in Earth's history and continue to fascinate scientists and the public alike.

Episode Quotes

"Ann Hodges became the first and so far only confirmed person in history to have been hit by a meteorite."

"The odds of a person being hit by a meteorite are as low that it's almost unfathomable."

"Meteorites remain a hot topic of study, providing valuable insights into the early history of our solar system."

Check out all the podcast on the Beard Laws Studio: https://beardlawsstudio.com

Check out the interactive map at https://yoretown.com

Yore Town Podcast is a podcast that features your towns dark, wild, unbelievable past that has you thinking no way that really happened here. Matt and Megh dust off the books, hit the streets and an occasional nursing home to unveil Yore Town’s past. From small towns to where we live to big cities before they were what they are today. This is Yore Town, Yore Stories

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Thomas Sullivan Satanic Murder

On this episode, Beard Laws and Meg discuss the tragic events involving a 14-year-old Catholic schoolboy named Thomas Sullivan Jr. in 1988. Thomas had a growing fascination with satanic rituals and ended up killing his mother and setting their house on fire. He then tragically took his own life. The episode highlights the impact of untreated mental health issues and obsession with dark themes on young minds. It serves as a cautionary tale and emphasizes the importance of seeking help for mental health struggles.

Episode Highlights

Untreated mental health issues and obsession with dark themes can have a devastating impact on young minds.

It is important to seek help for mental health struggles and not let them go untreated.

The tragic events in this episode serve as a cautionary tale and highlight the need for mental health support.

The episode emphasizes the importance of open conversations about mental health and the availability of resources for those in need.

Episode Quotes

"This episode revolves around the tragic events involving a 14-year-old Catholic schoolboy who was also a boy scout named Thomas Sullivan, Jr."

"He arranged several books on the occult in a ring on the floor, piled newspapers in the center, and then sets them on fire."

"In the chaos, Thomas then flees the house. He goes to a neighbor's backyard where he tragically ends his own life."

Check out all the podcast on the Beard Laws Studio: https://beardlawsstudio.com

Check out the interactive map at https://yoretown.com

Chapters

00:00 The Tragic Events Involving Thomas Sullivan Jr.

09:38 The Disturbing Scene and Tragic Ending

13:01 The Impact on Thomas's Friends

Yore Town Podcast is a podcast that features your towns dark, wild, unbelievable past that has you thinking no way that really happened here. Matt and Megh dust off the books, hit the streets and an occasional nursing home to unveil Yore Town’s past. From small towns to where we live to big cities before they were what they are today. This is Yore Town, Yore Stories

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Escape From Alcatraz Cold Case

On this episode, Beard Laws and Meg discuss the story of the escape from Alcatraz, focusing on the three inmates who vanished into the San Francisco Bay in 1962. The conversation explores the planning and execution of the escape, as well as the mystery surrounding the fate of the escapees. The authenticity of a letter received in 2013, claiming to be from one of the escapees, is also discussed. The conversation ends with speculation about whether the escapees survived and the ongoing investigation by the US Marshals.

Episode Highlights

Alcatraz was once considered inescapable, but three inmates managed to vanish into the San Francisco Bay in 1962.

The escapees meticulously planned their escape, using improvised tools and exploiting the flaws in Alcatraz's security.

The fate of the escapees remains a mystery, with no conclusive evidence of their survival or demise.

The US Marshals continue to investigate the case and will pursue it until the escapees are confirmed dead or reach 99 years old.

Titles

Episode Quotes

"The escape from Alcatraz story"

"A letter prompting the FBI to reopen the case"

"The lights go out, the escape begins"

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On this episode, Beard Laws and Meg discuss the life and mysterious death of actress Natalie Wood. It explores her career, her relationships, and the events leading up to her tragic drowning. The conversation raises questions about the circumstances surrounding her death and the possibility of foul play. The unresolved nature of the case adds to the intrigue and speculation surrounding Wood's legacy.

Episode Highlights

Natalie Wood was a celebrated actress known for her roles in films such as West Side Story and Rebel Without a Cause.

Her career spanned several decades, and she received critical acclaim and awards for her performances.

Wood's death in 1981 remains a cold case, with conflicting accounts and unexplained injuries raising suspicions of foul play.

The circumstances surrounding her drowning, including the presence of bruises and the behavior of those on the boat, continue to fuel speculation and debate.

Episode Quotes

"At night when the sky is full of stars and the sea is still, you get the wonderful sensation that you are floating in space"

"The unresolved nature of the case adds to the intrigue and speculation surrounding Wood's legacy"

Check out all the podcast on the Beard Laws Studio: https://beardlawsstudio.com

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On this episode, Beard Laws and Meg discuss the Father's Day bank massacre that took place in Denver, Colorado in 1991. The tragic event involved a man posing as a bank vice president who gained entry to the bank and proceeded to murder four security guards. The motive behind the crime remains unknown, and the case remains unsolved. The conversation also touches on the history of Father's Day and its connection to a coal mine disaster. Overall, the episode explores the details of the bank massacre and the subsequent investigation.

Episode Highlights

The Father's Day bank massacre in Denver, Colorado in 1991 was a tragic event that left four security guards dead.

The motive behind the crime remains unknown, and the case remains unsolved.

The investigation focused on two suspects, a retired police officer and a former bank guard, but both were acquitted.

The surviving bank employees described the assailant as a man in his late 50s or 60s wearing a gray sport coat, white shirt, multicolor necktie, blue or gray slacks, a brown fedora, and mirrored sunglasses.

The crime left a lasting impact on the community and is considered a cold case.

Episode Quotes

"Apparently they didn't listen very well about closing their eyes and getting down to the ground. If somebody tells me that, I'm closing my damn eyes."

"Investigators were puzzled by the robber's decision to not only take around $200,000, a small fraction of over $2 million available that was in the cash room and the vault."

"FBI agents William McMath and Charles Evans testified that when they went to investigate Yocum's apartment, they found a closet door secured with handcuffs. Inside the closet, they found .38 caliber and .357 caliber ammunition, as well as a police scanner and speed loaders, batons, replicas of badges of several police organizations and dummy grenades."

Check out all the podcast on the Beard Laws Studio: https://beardlawsstudio.com

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Yore Town Podcast is a podcast that features your towns dark, wild, unbelievable past that has you thinking no way that really happened here. Matt and Zac dust off the books, hit the streets and an occasional nursing home to unveil Yore Town’s past. From small towns to where we live to big cities before they were what they are today. This is Yore Town, Yore Stories

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In this episode of the Yore Town Podcast Matt and Megh discuss the life and crimes of Robert Durst, a notorious figure involved in multiple disappearances and murders. The conversation covers Durst's upbringing, his troubled family dynamics, and his ventures into entrepreneurship. The primary focus is on the disappearances of Kathleen McCormack Durst and Susan Berman, both of which Durst was suspected of being involved in. The episode also touches on other potential cases linked to Durst. The conversation provides a comprehensive overview of Durst's life and the enduring mysteries surrounding his actions.

Keywords

Episode Highlights

Robert Durst was a notorious figure involved in multiple disappearances and murders

The disappearances of Kathleen McCormack Durst and Susan Berman are the primary focus of the conversation

Durst's troubled family dynamics and his ventures into entrepreneurship are discussed

There are potential links between Durst and other unsolved cases

Episode Quotes

"We did it. I don't have to wonder if it works anymore. We got this down."

"Who is Robert Durst? Well, he entered the world in New York City, April 12th, 1943"

"With his demise, this figure who had long been shrouded in mystery and suspicion, left behind a legacy marked by unanswered questions and unresolved cases."

Check out all the podcast on the Beard Laws Studio: https://beardlawsstudio.com

Check out the interactive map at https://yoretown.com

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In this episode of the Yore Town Podcast Matt and Megh discuss In this episode, the hosts discuss the Monongah tragedy, America's worst mining disaster, and its impact on the community. They explore the historical context, the rescue efforts, the aftermath, and the lasting legacy of the disaster. The conversation also touches on workplace safety and the importance of advocating for safe working conditions.

Episode Highlights

The Monongah tragedy was America's worst mining disaster, resulting in significant loss of life and reshaping the mining industry.

The disaster led to public demand for stricter mine regulations and the establishment of the United States Bureau of Mines in 1910.

The community continues to remember the victims with memorials and annual commemorations, emphasizing the importance of workplace safety and workers' rights.

Advocating for safe working conditions remains crucial, as the tragedy serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of workplace accidents.

Episode Quotes

"We're going to deep dive into America's worst mining disaster."

"To fully understand this disaster, we need to kind of paint the pictures of Bob Ross."

"The safety regulations that did come from here. But at least it didn't kind of go for nothing."

Check out all the podcast on the Beard Laws Studio: https://beardlawsstudio.com

Check out the interactive map at https://yoretown.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.