It’s History

It’s History

By Ryan SocashHistory
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It’s History episodes

  • Chicago’s Lost Rock n’ Roll McDonald’s (What Happened?)

    Chicago's Lost Rock 'n Roll McDonald's was a beloved fast food restaurant located on Clark Street in the River North neighborhood. The iconic establishment featured a unique design with a two-story rock music-themed interior complete with a stage, a DJ booth, and rock memorabilia. It quickly became a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, attracting customers with its fun atmosphere and tasty food. However, after more than 30 years in operation, the Rock 'n Roll McDonald's closed its doors in 2017 and was replaced with a modern, sleeker version of the restaurant. The loss of the beloved establishment left many Chicagoans feeling nostalgic for its unique ambiance and delicious menu items. This video explores the history of Chicago's Lost Rock 'n Roll McDonald's, featuring interviews with former employees and regular customers who share their memories and experiences. Viewers will also get a glimpse of the restaurant's unique interior design, as well as learn about the factors that led to its closure. Whether you're a fan of fast food, rock music, or Chicago history, this video is a must-watch for anyone who wants to learn more about this iconic establishment.


    15 min
  • How New Jersey Pine Barrens Became the Creepiest Place in America

    In this podcast episode, we will be exploring the natural beauty and unique history of the New Jersey Pine Barrens - a vast and mysterious wilderness area that covers more than a million acres of the Garden State. The Pine Barrens is home to a stunning array of wildlife, from rare bird species to endangered plants and animals. We will delve into the natural history and ecology of the region, including the unique adaptations that have allowed its inhabitants to thrive in a challenging and ever-changing environment. We will also examine the cultural and social significance of the Pine Barrens, including its role in shaping the identity of New Jersey and the surrounding region. Additionally, we will explore the challenges and opportunities facing the Pine Barrens today, including efforts to preserve and protect this valuable ecosystem for future generations. Join us for a fascinating discussion on the New Jersey Pine Barrens, and the important lessons it holds for our understanding of the natural world and our place within it.

    17 min
  • New Jersey's Problematic Monument | The High Point Monument

    Looking for a fascinating journey into New Jersey's history and architecture? Look no further than our latest video exploring the High Point Monument!

    Starting with the basics, we'll delve into the origins of this incredible structure, tracing its roots all the way back to the early days of New Jersey's statehood. From there, we'll explore the monument's construction, taking a close look at the engineering marvels that went into creating this towering masterpiece.
    Of course, no exploration of the High Point Monument would be complete without a deep dive into its grand opening, a historic moment that still resonates with visitors to this day. We'll also take a closer look at the current state of the monument, including its ongoing preservation efforts and the many challenges that come with maintaining such an iconic structure.
    But it's not all sunshine and roses when it comes to the High Point Monument. We'll also explore some of the issues that have arisen around the monument, from its problematic location to its temporary closure and eventual reopening. And finally, we'll take a look at what remains of the monument today, offering an up-close and personal view of this truly impressive structure.
    So whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or just someone looking for a great story, join us for an unforgettable journey into the heart of the High Point Monument!

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    12 min
  • Hitler's Train Bunker

    In this podcast episode, we will be exploring the little-known history of Hitler's Train Bunker - a massive underground complex built during World War II to protect the Nazi leader and his entourage from air raids. The train bunker was located near Berlin and served as a secure and hidden location where Hitler could conduct military operations and meet with his top advisors. We will delve into the history and architecture of the bunker, including its unique design and the challenges and opportunities posed by its underground location. We will also examine the cultural and social significance of the bunker, including its role in shaping the history of World War II and the Holocaust. Additionally, we will explore the challenges and opportunities facing the train bunker today, including efforts to preserve and protect this valuable piece of history for future generations. Join us for a captivating discussion on Hitler's Train Bunker, and the important lessons it holds for our understanding of the past and the present.

    4 min
  • Forgotten Rail Yard Under Chicago's Largest Historic Building

    In this podcast episode, we will be exploring the forgotten rail yard that lies beneath one of Chicago's largest and most iconic historic buildings. The building in question is a magnificent Beaux-Arts structure that has served many purposes over the years, including as a post office, library, and government center. But beneath the grandeur of this building lies a hidden history - a vast and intricate network of rail lines and tunnels that once carried mail, goods, and people through the heart of the city. We will delve into the history and architecture of this forgotten rail yard, including the unique challenges and opportunities posed by its underground location. We will also examine the cultural and social significance of the rail yard, including its role in shaping the identity of Chicago as a hub of transportation and commerce. Additionally, we will explore the challenges and opportunities facing the forgotten rail yard today, including efforts to preserve and protect this valuable piece of the city's history and heritage. Join us for a fascinating discussion on the forgotten rail yard under Chicago's largest historic building, and the important role it plays in the city's past, present, and future.

    31 min
  • The Dancing Plague of 1518

    In the summer of 1518, a bizarre phenomenon took place in Strasbourg, France. A woman named Frau Troffea began dancing in the streets, and soon dozens of others joined her, unable to stop despite exhaustion, dehydration, and even broken bones. Over the course of several weeks, the so-called "dancing plague" spread, leaving hundreds of people writhing and convulsing in a bizarre display of mass hysteria. In this podcast, we explore the possible causes and effects of this mysterious event, and what it reveals about the power of suggestion and the human psyche.

    12 min
  • New York's Most Polluted Waterway | New Town Creek

    Learn about the tragic story of America's largest domestic oil spill on Newtown Creek, and how it became one of the most polluted waterways in the country. Meet the environmental activist fighting for Newtown Creek's restoration and discover the creek's geologic history and how Native Americans used it for trade and transportation. Explore the early history and colonization of Newtown Creek and how it was transformed into an industrial waterway in the 1800s.

    Discover the causes and consequences of Newtown Creek's pollution and the impact of the oil industry on the creek's ecosystem. Learn about the vital role Newtown Creek played during World War II and the great fire that ended oil refining at the creek. Find out when New York City discovered the extent of pollution in Newtown Creek and take a tour of the creek's infrastructure, past, and present.
    Understand the manufacturing of natural gas and its impact on Newtown Creek and why its cleanup efforts seem hopeless. Finally, learn about the state of Newtown Creek today and the challenges and opportunities for restoration. Follow us for more environmental history and news.

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    18 min
  • New York's Abandoned Cemetery Island | Hart Island

    Discover the hidden secrets of Hart Island in this informative and fascinating video. From the tragic tale of John Rooney to the hardships faced by prisoners who worked on the island, we uncover the untold history of this unique place. Learn how hurricanes and the 2019 pandemic impacted Hart Island, and explore the inspiring Hard Island Project. Join us as we discover what remains on Hart Island today and delve into the island's fascinating past.


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    15 min
  • Forgotten Border Markers of a Fallen Country

    In this podcast episode, we will be exploring the forgotten border markers of Danzig - a fascinating and little-known aspect of the city's history and geography. Danzig, now known as Gdansk, has a rich and complex history as a port city at the crossroads of Europe. We will delve into the history of Danzig and its changing borders, as well as the design and function of the border markers that once defined its limits. We will also examine the cultural and social significance of these markers, including their role in shaping the identity of the city and its inhabitants. Additionally, we will explore the challenges and opportunities facing the forgotten border markers of Danzig today, including efforts to preserve and protect these valuable markers of the city's history and heritage. Join us for a captivating discussion on the forgotten border markers of Danzig, and the important role they play in the cultural and geographic landscape of this unique and fascinating city.

    18 min
  • New York's Island Cemetery | Hart Island

    Discover the hidden secrets of Hart Island in this informative and fascinating video. From the tragic tale of John Rooney to the hardships faced by prisoners who worked on the island, we uncover the untold history of this unique place. Learn how hurricanes and the 2019 pandemic impacted Hart Island, and explore the inspiring Hard Island Project. Join us as we discover what remains on Hart Island today and delve into the island's fascinating past.

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    17 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.