Behind Gray Walls

In the premiere of season 8, Anthony and Skye again take on some of the prison’s heaviest hitters, including a former mayor who may or may not have been falsely accused #5826 Duncan Johnston (Murder in the 1st Degree), and the prison’s youngest female inmate who had an affinity for dolls #8170 Alwilda Reems (Murder in the 2nd Degree). Both stories feature intense gun violence. Listener discretion is advised.

Check Skye out in Wilda by Parallel Worlds Productions - the winner of our 13 Stories History Award in 2021: https://youtu.be/YMtZ_oRf3bk

We're back at it, bringing you Idaho history and the stories of the men and women who worked and resided at the Old Idaho State Penitentiary. Stay tuned!

In this episode, Skye and Anthony wrap up the Mining season with a look at the industry from the 1860s to today, and reflect on the ghost towns scattered throughout the state.

If you like the podcast, you can support us by becoming a member of the Idaho State Historical Society (https://history.idaho.gov/membership/). A membership gives you free admission to the Old Pen and State Museum, early access to exhibits, early registration to select events, 15% discount in the gift shop, and much more! Join today!

In this episode, Anthony interviews Dan Everhart, Outreach Historian for the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Dan discusses his career in historic preservation, the history and development of the historic Assay office in downtown Boise, and his own unique connection to the Old Idaho State Penitentiary.

Oral History:

Josef Munch - Summer 2001.

In this episode, Skye and Anthony discuss the first five men to serve time in the Territorial Prison from Ada County - Al Priest and John Stuart Black (Highway Robbery), Charles LaDuke (Grand Larceny), Jacob Drake (Assault with Intent to Murder), and Michael Donahue (Assault with Intent to Murder) - and dig into the county's role as a center for lumber and commerce.

In this episode, Skye and Anthony discuss the first three men to serve time in the Territorial Prison from Boise County - Ah Hood (Robbery and Assault with Intent to Commit Murder), On Gow (Manslaughter), and Dennis Crowley (Murder in the 2nd Degree), and dig into the county's rich mining history.

Donate today! Idaho Gives - Foundation for Idaho History:

https://www.idahogives.org/organizations/foundation-for-idaho-history

State Historic Preservation Office Poster Unveiling with Ward Hooper:

https://history.idaho.gov/event/idaho-archaeology-and-historic-preservation-month-poster-unveiling-with-ward-hooper/

In this episode, Anthony and Skye interview Dr. Heather Branstetter, author of Selling Sex in the Silver Valley: A Business Doing Pleasure. Heather shares the history and role of sex work that flourished around Idaho mining and timber towns as late as 1991.

Check out this short documentary about Wallace, Idaho and the history of sex work by Dr. Branstetter and director Delaney Buffett. Viewer discretion advised:

https://filmshortage.com/dailyshortpicks/wallace/

In this episode, Skye and Anthony discuss the first man to serve time in the Territorial Prison from Nez Perce County - William Scott(Grand Larceny), and dig into the county's rich mining and union history.

Clips:

Senator Robert Wagner speech on the National Labor Relations Act (1935)

Frank "Andy" Starr - "Tragedy in the Sunshine Mine" - In Concert at the Idaho State Penitentiary (1973)

In this episode, Skye and Anthony discuss the first men to serve time in the Territorial Prison from Owyhee County - John Thomas (Grand Larceny) and Ah Shock (Manslaughter), and dig into the county's rich mining history.

In this episode, Skye and Anthony dig deep into Idaho's early mining history, and cover a brutal murder and the first executions in the territory.