Long before starched whites and stethoscopes, nursing grew out of medieval convents, overcrowded workhouses, and disease-ridden wards where desperate women labored with little training and even less respect. In this debut episode, we trace caregiving’s shift from a humble act of charity to a grim last-resort job for society’s most marginalized—setting the stage for an unlikely revolution in health care. You’ll meet the anonymous nuns who braved plague, the urban nurses who faced four-times-higher mortality rates than their peers, and the social forces that branded them unskilled “angels of mercy.” These gripping early chapters reveal why hospitals were once feared death traps—and why the profession so badly needed a visionary with a lamp to lead it into the light.

In this episode of Hometown History, we explore the chilling and unsolved mystery of the Sodder children, who vanished on Christmas Eve, 1945, after a fire destroyed their home in Fayetteville, West Virginia. Despite the devastation, no remains were ever found, and a series of strange events both before and after the fire have led to decades of speculation. Were the children victims of a tragic accident, or was there something more sinister at play? Join me as we unravel the clues behind this haunting case that has puzzled investigators for over 75 years.

In this episode of Hometown History, we dive into one of the most intense scientific rivalries of the 19th century—the infamous "Bone Wars." Othniel Charles Marsh and Edward Drinker Cope, two leading paleontologists, began as colleagues but quickly turned into bitter enemies. What started as a competitive pursuit for fossil discoveries spiraled into sabotage, betrayal, and public scandals. Their relentless feud led to the discovery of over 130 new species of dinosaurs, but at the cost of their careers and reputations. Join us as we explore how personal ambition fueled remarkable advancements in paleontology while leaving a legacy of rivalry that still fascinates history lovers today.

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In this episode of Hometown History, we explore the eerie and tragic events surrounding one of Hollywood’s most iconic films, Rebel Without a Cause. While celebrated for its portrayal of youthful rebellion, the film is remembered for more than its performances—it’s also linked to a string of untimely deaths. From James Dean’s fatal car crash to Natalie Wood’s mysterious drowning, and Sal Mineo’s shocking murder, those involved in the movie seemed to face an ill fate. Was it all a tragic coincidence, or could there be something more sinister at play? Join us as we dive into the chilling curse that looms over Rebel Without a Cause, a story as intriguing as the film itself.

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In this episode of Hometown History, we uncover the rise and fall of the Psychiana Movement, one of the most unusual religious movements in American history. Founded in 1929 by Frank Bruce Robinson, a man with a troubled past, Psychiana promised its followers the power to communicate directly with God and harness divine energy through the power of affirmation. This mail-order religion flourished during the Great Depression, offering hope to people during a time of economic despair. But as the movement grew, so did opposition and controversy, leading to Robinson’s deportation and eventual demise. Join us as we explore how Psychiana captured the hearts of thousands and left a lasting impact on America’s religious landscape.

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In this episode of Hometown History, we uncover the mysterious disappearance of Judge Joseph Force Crater, an event that captured the nation’s attention in 1930 and coined the phrase “to pull a Crater.” Judge Crater’s sudden vanishing after a dinner in New York City sparked one of the most baffling investigations in American history. Was it foul play, a voluntary escape, or something more sinister? Decades of speculation, false leads, and conspiracy theories have kept the case alive. Join us as we explore the life, career, and disappearance of the man once dubbed “the Missingest Man in New York,” and how his case remains an unsolved enigma to this day.

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In this episode of Hometown History, we dive into the surprising story of how a monumental achievement in telecommunications catapulted Tiffany & Co. to fame. In 1858, Charles Tiffany seized on the success of the first transatlantic telegraph cable by selling pieces of the cable as souvenirs. What started as a technological milestone turned into a brilliant marketing opportunity that made Tiffany a household name. Join us as we explore how this simple yet strategic move by Tiffany & Co. forever changed the luxury brand’s legacy, proving that innovation and timing can shape the course of history.

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In this episode of Hometown History, we delve into one of the most fascinating literary mysteries of the 20th century: the disappearance of Ambrose Bierce. A celebrated writer, Civil War veteran, and the sharp wit behind The Devil’s Dictionary, Bierce vanished without a trace in 1913 while journeying through Mexico during the revolution. Was it a suicide, an execution, or something far more mysterious? With no definitive answer, we explore the life of this complex figure, the theories surrounding his final days, and the enduring enigma that continues to captivate historians and mystery lovers alike. Join us as we uncover the strange disappearance of one of America's most intriguing figures.

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In this episode of Hometown History, we uncover the incredible story of a secret hidden beneath one of America's most luxurious resorts—the Greenbrier. Nestled in the hills of West Virginia, the Greenbrier has long been a haven for the elite, but during the height of the Cold War, it became the site of a covert government project known as "Project Greek Island." This secret underground bunker, designed to house Congress in the event of a nuclear attack, remained hidden from the public for over 30 years. Join us as we explore how an entire town helped keep this monumental secret, and how it was eventually revealed, leaving the locals both proud and betrayed. Discover the fascinating details of this little-known piece of American history, and ask yourself: could there be more undiscovered bunkers out there?

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In this intriguing episode of Hometown History, we unravel the tale of one of America’s most audacious cons: The Great Diamond Hoax of 1872. What began as a whispered rumor of hidden diamonds in the vast American wilderness quickly escalated into a full-blown frenzy, drawing in some of the country’s wealthiest and most powerful individuals. Led by two cunning prospectors, this elaborate scam convinced even seasoned investors that they were on the brink of unimaginable riches. But as the truth came to light, the story took a darker turn, revealing the dangers of greed and the timeless lesson that not everything that glitters is gold—or diamonds. Join us as we explore the fascinating details of this colossal fraud and the men behind it.

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