It’s History

It’s History

By Ryan SocashHistory
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It’s History episodes

  • Chicago's Forgotten Island

    Goose Island is a neighborhood located on the north side of Chicago and has a rich history dating back to the late 1800s. It was initially settled by European immigrants and was once an industrial hub known for its breweries and factories. Today, we discover its mysterious history.

    23 min
  • The Disturbing History of Action Park

    Welcome to the podcast delving into the disturbing history of Action Park, a now-defunct amusement park in Vernon Township, New Jersey. While the park was once a popular destination for thrill-seekers, it was also known for its extreme and dangerous rides, earning it the nickname "Traction Park."

    In this episode, we'll explore the origins of Action Park and its founder, Eugene Mulvihill, who had a reputation for skirting regulations and taking risks. We'll delve into the many injuries and deaths that occurred at the park, including the infamous "Cannonball Loop" water slide and the dangerous "Tarzan Swing."

    We'll also examine the legal and regulatory issues that plagued the park, as well as the public outcry and media attention that eventually led to its closure. Through interviews with former employees and park-goers, we'll paint a vivid picture of the chaotic and sometimes terrifying atmosphere of Action Park.

    Join us as we take a dark journey through the history of Action Park, and explore the complex issues of safety, risk, and responsibility that continue to shape our attitudes towards amusement park culture today.

    16 min
  • The Tourist Logistics of D-Day | Disgraceful or Righteous?

    Normandy is a picturesque region of northern France known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and cultural heritage. This video explores the tourist logistics of Normandy, providing valuable information on transportation, accommodations, and must-see attractions. From the charming port town of Honfleur to the iconic D-Day landing beaches, viewers will discover the best ways to navigate the region, where to stay, and what to do. Join us on this virtual journey through Normandy and start planning your next adventure!

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    13 min
  • Chicago's Lost Baseball Stadium

    Welcome to the podcast exploring the fascinating history of Comiskey Park, the former home of the Chicago White Sox. Built in 1910 and located in the heart of Chicago's South Side, Comiskey Park was a beloved landmark for generations of baseball fans, hosting countless games and historic moments over the course of its long and storied history.

    In this episode, we'll delve into the origins of Comiskey Park and its role in shaping the history of baseball and Chicago itself. We'll explore the many changes and renovations the park underwent over the years, as well as the various controversies and scandals that occurred within its walls.

    But despite its long and iconic history, Comiskey Park ultimately met a sad and ignominious fate, as the White Sox made the decision to move to a new stadium in 1991, leaving the old park to be demolished and replaced by a parking lot.

    Join us as we explore the lost world of Comiskey Park, and discover the stories and legends that have made it such an important and enduring part of Chicago's cultural heritage.

    1 min
  • New York's Lost Croatan distribution Reservoir

    Welcome to the podcast uncovering the forgotten history of the Croton Distribution Reservoir in New York. Once a vital source of drinking water for the city, this reservoir has been largely forgotten in the shadow of the more well-known Croton Aqueduct.

    In this episode, we'll explore the origins of the reservoir and its construction in the mid-19th century, as well as its significance in helping to transform New York City into the thriving metropolis it is today. We'll also examine the challenges and controversies surrounding the reservoir, including its impact on the surrounding communities and the struggles to maintain water quality in the face of pollution and development.

    Join us as we journey through the history of this forgotten but important piece of New York City's past, and discover the stories and struggles that have shaped our modern water systems.

    13 min
  • Chicago's Forgotten Island

    Goose Island is a neighborhood located on the north side of Chicago and has a rich history dating back to the late 1800s. It was initially settled by European immigrants and was once an industrial hub known for its breweries and factories. Today, we discover its mysterious history.

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    24 min
  • New Jersey's Most Insane Waterpark | The Story of Action Park

    Action Park was an amusement park located in Vernon, New Jersey, that operated from 1978 to 1996. The park was known for its dangerous and sometimes deadly attractions, which included a wave pool with unpredictable waves, a ski slope with poorly maintained equipment, and a looping waterslide that often resulted in injuries. Despite these hazards, Action Park continued to attract thrill-seekers from all over the country, becoming a cultural icon of the 1980s. The park's lack of safety measures, combined with inexperienced and untrained staff, led to numerous accidents and several fatalities. Despite the risks, the park remained popular, and its wild reputation only seemed to add to its allure. Despite its dangerous reputation, Action Park has a cult following and is remembered by many as a symbol of an era of fearless, no-holds-barred fun. The park's legacy has been the subject of numerous articles, documentaries, and even a book, and its name is still synonymous with dangerous, unregulated amusement park attractions. While the park may have been infamous for its danger, for those who experienced it, Action Park will always be remembered as a place where anything was possible and the excitement was nonstop.

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    17 min
  • Louisiana's Abandoned Sea Fort

    Fort Proctor is a mysterious and abandoned fort located deep in the heart of Louisiana. Built in 1863, it was a strategic military installation during the Civil War, designed to protect the Mississippi River and the surrounding region from Confederate attacks. But today, the fort lies in ruins, overgrown with vines and surrounded by a thick, impenetrable swamp.

    As you approach the fort, the first thing you'll notice is the eerie silence that surrounds it. The only sounds are the chirping of crickets and the distant calls of birds. The fort's walls are made of brick and are at least 10 feet high, with a large gate that leads into the main courtyard. The walls are covered in graffiti, and it's clear that the fort has been abandoned for a long time.
    Once inside, you'll find yourself standing in the main courtyard, a large open space that would have once been used for drilling and training. But now, it's just a barren wasteland, with the only signs of life being the weeds and the moss that have taken over.
    As you explore the fort, you'll come across several buildings that have been left to rot. The barracks, which would have housed the soldiers, are now just crumbling ruins, with holes in the roof and walls. The hospital, which would have been used to treat the sick and injured soldiers, is now a ghostly shell, with empty rooms and peeling wallpaper.
    One of the most striking features of the fort is the underground tunnels that run beneath it. These tunnels were used as a means of escape in case of an attack, but now they're dark, damp, and eerie. You'll need a flashlight to navigate them and hear the sound of dripping water and the scurrying of small animals.
    As you wander through the fort, you'll begin to feel the weight of history pressing down on you. You'll imagine the soldiers who once lived and fought here, and the hardships they must have endured. You'll also think about the fort's role in the Civil War, and how it played a part in shaping the history of the United States.
    Overall, Fort Proctor is a place that is both eerie and fascinating. It's a testament to a time long gone, and a reminder of the sacrifices that were made for our freedom. If you're ever in Louisiana, it's definitely worth a visit. Just to let you know, once you enter, you may never want to leave.

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    18 min
  • The Church Tower that Became a Paratrooper's Nightmare | Sainte-Mère-Église

    During World War II, a team of paratroopers embarked on a daring mission to plant a bomb on a church steeple in occupied France. This video tells the incredible story of their bravery and skill as they navigated through enemy territory, facing incredible odds to complete their mission. Through archival footage and expert interviews, we delve into the planning and execution of this high-stakes operation, and the impact it had on the war effort. It's a gripping tale of heroism and sacrifice that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

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    17 min
  • San Francisco's Outrageous Bathhouses Closure

    Ever wonder why San Francisco has bathhouses? Once a thriving getaway for the working-class public filled with countless amenities, the Sutro Baths were monuments of their time— however, today, they sit as crumbling ruins. Today, we discover their incredible history.

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    15 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.