It’s History

It’s History

By Ryan SocashHistory
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It’s History episodes

  • Oregon City's Weird Municipal Elevator Explained

    Oregon City's Forgotten Municipal Elevator, a hidden gem in the heart of the city, stands as a testament to the bygone era of industrial innovation. Tucked away from the bustling streets, this historic elevator once played a crucial role in connecting the upper and lower sections of Oregon City. Constructed in the early 20th century, the elevator was an engineering marvel, offering a convenient means for residents to traverse the steep cliffs that define the city's topography. Over time, as transportation methods evolved and the need for such a distinctive elevator diminished, it fell into obscurity. Despite its forgotten status, the Municipal Elevator stands as a silent witness to Oregon City's rich history and serves as a reminder of the ingenuity that shaped the cityscape in days gone by.

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    10 min
  • How Early Computers Hacked Secret Military Codes | The Original "Hackers"

    The story of Colossus unveils a pivotal chapter in the history of computing and code-breaking during World War II. Developed by British engineers at Bletchley Park, Colossus was the world's first programmable electronic computer, designed with the specific purpose of deciphering encrypted German messages. Completed in 1944, Colossus played a crucial role in breaking the Lorenz cipher, a high-level code used by the German military. Its innovative design and groundbreaking capabilities marked a significant leap forward in computational technology, demonstrating the power of electronic machines in handling complex cryptographic tasks. The success of Colossus significantly contributed to the Allied victory, showcasing the transformative potential of early computing technology and setting the stage for future advancements in the field.

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    19 min
  • What's on the Rooftops of New York's Most Famous Skyscrapers

    In this podcast episode, we explore what's on the rooftops of some of New York's most famous skyscrapers. From the iconic Empire State Building to the lesser-known but equally fascinating Chrysler Building, we take a journey high above the city to uncover the hidden treasures and secret spaces that exist atop these architectural wonders. Join us as we delve into the history, design, and engineering of these structures, and discover what makes them some of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.

    25 min
  • Pittsburgh's Lost 'Igloo' | What went wrong?

    The Civic Arena, fondly known as the "Igloo" for its unique domed roof, stood as a Pittsburgh icon from its opening in 1961 until its closure in 2010. Originally designed for the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, the arena became the home of the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1967, witnessing the team's triumphs, including back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in the early 1990s. Despite its innovative retractable roof and historic moments, the arena faced challenges with aging infrastructure and was eventually replaced by the modern PPG Paints Arena in 2010. The closure marked the end of the Igloo era, and in 2012, the iconic dome was imploded, concluding a significant chapter in Pittsburgh's sports and entertainment history. The Civic Arena's legacy lives on in the memories of those who experienced its unique charm and celebrated the city's sporting achievements within its distinctive walls.

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    19 min
  • Rise and Fall of the Pennsylvania Railroad

    The Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) was one of the most influential and successful railroad companies in the United States, playing a crucial role in the development of the nation's transportation infrastructure. Chartered in 1846, the PRR began operations in 1847 and quickly grew into a vast network that connected the Midwest and Northeast, particularly linking Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

    One of the key figures in the early history of the Pennsylvania Railroad was J. Edgar Thomson, who served as its first chief engineer and later as its president. Under Thomson's leadership, the PRR adopted innovative engineering practices and technologies, including the use of standard gauge track, which facilitated smoother and more efficient operations.
    The railroad expanded rapidly during the 19th century, acquiring or constructing numerous branch lines and connecting with other railroads to create an extensive network. The completion of the Horseshoe Curve in 1854, an engineering marvel at the time, further enhanced the efficiency of the PRR's mainline through the Allegheny Mountains.
    The Pennsylvania Railroad continued to grow and modernize, becoming the largest publicly traded corporation in the world by market capitalization during the early 20th century. It played a crucial role in transporting goods and passengers, contributing significantly to the industrial and economic development of the regions it served.
    The decline of the railroad industry in the mid-20th century had a profound impact on the Pennsylvania Railroad. In 1968, the PRR merged with the New York Central Railroad to form the Penn Central Transportation Company, which eventually became part of the federally created Conrail in 1976.
    Although the Pennsylvania Railroad itself no longer exists, its legacy endures through its contributions to the development of American railroads and its impact on the nation's transportation history. Many of its former routes and structures remain in use today as part of the modern rail network.

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    26 min
  • The Rise and Fall of Asbury Park New Jersey

    In this podcast episode, we delve into the fascinating history of Asbury Park, New Jersey, a once-thriving seaside resort town that became a symbol of urban decline and neglect. From its early days as a fashionable vacation destination for wealthy New Yorkers to its heyday as a bustling center of music and culture in the 20th century, we explore how Asbury Park rose to prominence and ultimately fell into disrepair. We also examine the efforts to revitalize the city in recent years and the challenges that still remain. Join us on this journey through the rise and fall of Asbury Park.

    20 min
  • New York's Lost Money Train

    The New York City Subway's "money train" was a specialized train used to collect and transport cash fares from stations throughout the city to a central processing facility. Introduced in 1951, the armored train was a crucial part of the subway's operations, ensuring that the vast sums of money generated from passenger fares were safely secured and transported. The train operated throughout the night, making multiple stops at stations to collect money bags from ticket machines and booths. Armed guards accompanied the money, and the train itself was equipped with reinforced compartments and security measures. In 2006, the introduction of MetroCards and the phasing out of token-based fare collection rendered the money train obsolete. The last money train service ran in January 2006, marking the end of an era for this iconic part of the subway's history.

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    14 min
  • The Lost Docks of "Fort" Brooklyn & The Downfall of Brooklyn Harbor

    In this podcast episode, we dive into the history of Brooklyn Harbor and its once-thriving dockyards, exploring the factors that led to their downfall and eventual abandonment. From the growth of competing ports to changing technologies and government policies, we explore the complex factors that contributed to the decline of this once-great industrial center. Join us as we take a journey back in time to uncover the lost history of the docks of "Fort" Brooklyn.

    16 min
  • Why New York Lifted the Bayonne Bridge

    Discover the engineering marvel behind the unprecedented transformation of the Bayonne Bridge! Join us to uncover the strategic reasons why New York elevated this iconic structure by 64 feet, revolutionizing its role in global trade and transportation. Explore the innovative motives and impact of this historic lift in our concise video explanation.

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    23 min

About It’s History

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IT’S HISTORY is a ride through history – join us in discovering the world’s most important eras, the minds that changed everything, and the most important inventions of our time through weekly tales of Urban Decay.