I remember the first time I tried to visit the French family grave, just outside of Wabash, Indiana. It was a Sunday, in the middle of the winter, one day before the mini-blizzard that closed county schools and buried every car on Market Street up to its door handles. I had just moved into town, and I was feeling the things you feel when you move someplace new. I was wondering if the people were nice, and I thought of the friends I hoped to make. I wondered if the new job would work out, and I hoped that Wabash was a good place to call home. Visit us online at itshometownhistory.com

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61: French Family Murders, Part 1: The Frenches

Welcome to Hometown History, where the forgotten past comes alive. Our mission? To unearth the hidden gems of history that do not make it into the textbooks. Whether it&#39;s a local legend that&#39;s been overlooked, a historical event that shaped a small town, or a mysterious occurrence lost in the annals of time, we dig deep to bring you the untold stories that deserve to be heard. Tune in as we travel back in time, uncovering the history you thought you knew and introducing you to the stories you never knew existed. Let&#39;s rewrite history, one hometown at a time. 

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In this Hometown History episode, we explore the chilling era of the Hollywood Blacklist, a time when fear and suspicion dominated the American entertainment industry. Initiated during the Cold War, this blacklist barred countless artists from Hollywood jobs due to their real or suspected Communist ties, as dictated by the House Un-American Activities Committee and fueled by anti-Communist hysteria. We delve into the blacklist's beginnings, its impact on careers, and the stories of those who resisted, like the "Hollywood Ten," who faced severe repercussions for their stand against the crackdown. As the blacklist saga unfolds, we examine its stifling effect on creative expression and the personal devastation for those targeted. Highlighting the gradual dissolution of the blacklist and the resilience of the artistic community, the episode reflects on the enduring lessons of this period. Through a concise narrative, Hometown History revisits a pivotal moment in Hollywood's history, emphasizing the critical need to protect artistic freedom in the face of political paranoia. Visit me online at itshometownhistory.com

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143: The Hollywood Blacklist

In today's episode of Hometown History, we delve into the life of Lewis Howard Latimer, an unsung hero whose inventions and technical skills significantly influenced the development of electric lighting and telecommunications. Despite his crucial work with Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison, Latimer's contributions have often been overshadowed. His innovations in improving lightbulb filament durability and efficiency changed how we light our world, yet his name remains lesser-known. Lewis Latimer's story is remarkable not only for his scientific achievements but also for his perseverance against racial prejudice. From humble beginnings as the son of escaped slaves to becoming Edison's trusted chief draftsman and a pioneer in electrical engineering, Latimer broke barriers and paved the way for future generations. Join us on Hometown History as we celebrate Latimer's legacy, a testament to the enduring power of innovation and courage in the face of adversity. Visit me online at itshometownhistory.com Episode Sponsor:Head to http://FACTORMEALS.com/hometownhistory50 and use code hometownhistory50 to get 50% off!

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142: Lewis Howard Latimer

In this Hometown History episode, we explore the transformative Fatty Arbuckle scandal of the 1920s, which led to a critical examination of movie censorship. Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle's rise from adversity to comedy stardom and his subsequent fall following Virginia Rappe's death spotlighted Hollywood's darker aspects. Despite his acquittal, Arbuckle's career never recovered, underscoring the scandal's lasting impact on his life and the film industry. The aftermath of the scandal saw the introduction of the Motion Picture Production Code, establishing moral guidelines for film content. This code, an effort by Hollywood to self-regulate and avoid external censorship, dictated the portrayal of topics ranging from sexuality to crime, significantly influencing American cinema for decades. Tune into Hometown History as we uncover how Arbuckle's scandal reshaped Hollywood, illustrating the enduring influence of public perception and media power on the entertainment industry. Visit me online at itshometownhistory.com

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141: The Truth about Movie Censorships

In this episode of Hometown History, we explore the legacy of Charles Brush, a pioneering inventor whose contributions predate even Edison's lightbulb. Brush's work with arc lighting and dynamos in the late 19th century brought electric light to city streets, laying the groundwork for the widespread use of electricity. From his childhood experiments on a farm in Ohio to revolutionizing public lighting, Brush's journey is a testament to the power of curiosity and innovation. Despite not being as celebrated as Thomas Edison, Charles Brush's impact resonates through today's technology, from lighting to welding. His development of arc lamps and the dynamo system marked a significant leap forward in electric power utilization, illustrating how visionary ideas can illuminate the world. This Hometown History episode shines a light on Charles Brush, an unsung hero whose contributions continue to brighten our lives, highlighting the importance of innovation and persistence. Visit me online at itshometownhistory.com

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140: The First Light: Charles Brush's Lighting System

In today's Hometown History episode, we explore the true essence of May Day, an emblem of workers' rights and social justice, born from the strife of the late 19th-century Industrial Revolution. Workers faced daunting challenges: grueling hours, meager pay, and hazardous conditions. This episode dives into the labor movement's rise, galvanized by dire need for change, and the crucial Haymarket Affair of 1886, which became a watershed moment for labor rights. Following the Haymarket Affair's fallout—marked by tragedy, trials, and global solidarity—May Day emerged as a powerful symbol of unity and the struggle for equitable labor practices. This episode highlights how May Day transcends mere celebration, embodying the resilience and collective strength of workers worldwide. Join us on Hometown History as we uncover the enduring legacy of May Day, a reminder of the labor movement's impact and the continuous journey towards a just society. Magic Mind: They have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code HOMETOWNHISTORY20 at checkout. You can claim it at: https://www.magicmind.com/hometownhistory Visit me online at itshometownhistory.com

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61: French Family Murders, Part 1: The Frenches

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