Denman Tire Corporation was a Valley mainstay, operating for nearly 100 years in Braceville before finally going out of business in 2010. It was one of the original tire manufacturers that popped up everywhere, especially around Akron, at the dawn of the Automobile Age. Denman employed generations of folks from the area, and many knew the name, yet few knew what the company actually did. Join us with Tim Boyer, a long-time Denman employee, as we explore the history and legacy of Denman Tire.

This historic estate, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, dates back to 1845, was once home to the famous abolitionists Charles & Julia Brown, and served as a documented stop on the Underground Railroad. The property includes 110 acres of beautiful gardens, farmland, and orchards, making it a must-visit for history buffs. In this episode, Roger Peterson, owner and steward of Center Brook, talks about the lengthy and continuing process of restoration of the property. Roger also talks about the families that lived on the property throughout the decades and how the house became a stop for Freedom Seekers as they traveled north to Canada. 

Trumbull County's own William McKinley, born in Niles, Ohio, is certainly remembered in our region. From street names, schools, libraries, and monuments, McKinley left a local legacy. But how much do we actually know about our 25th President? Join us with Belinda Weiss, Museum Director of the National McKinley Birthplace Memorial Museum, as we delve into McKinley's life, politics of the era, and how the museum came to be.

Founded in 1916, Second Baptist Church has a long, rich history in Warren, Ohio. From meetings in members' homes to a permanent location on Walnut St in 'The Flats' to their current, expanded site on Main Ave, Second Baptist has served as a social and spiritual center for Warren's Black community for over 100 years. Pastor Todd Johnson joins us to discuss the history behind the church and what he hopes for Second Baptist's future. 

Recognized as the oldest Black church in Warren, Grace African Methodist Episcopal Church (Grace AME) was founded in 1874. Marking their 150th anniversary in 2024, the church's history is a long one, starting with a dedicated founding circle and expanding to meet the growing needs of their congregation. Rev. Shane K. Floyd joins us to give insights on why AME churches were so important during the 19th century and how the church has changed over time. 

Before Trumbull County had iron or steel, clock production was the flourishing industry in this region in the early 19th century. It has been estimated that upwards of 40,000 clocks were produced in Trumbull County in workshops from Vienna to Hartford and Warren. Join us for a conversation with Chris Klingemier, clock collector and historic preservationist, who demystifies wooden-works clocks and reveals how clock makers transformed and bolstered Trumbull County’s early economy.

In this episode, our guest Dr. Martha Pallante talks about Italian immigrants who lived and worked in the valley. Our guest shares the experience of her family immigrating from Italy to Ohio–what jobs they worked, traditions created, and lives lived. Dr. Pallante is a professor of Early American History, author, and a leading expert on local history at Youngstown State University. She was born and still lives in Niles, OH.

Earnie Shavers was a professional heavyweight boxer who grew up in Braceville. Earnie was known as one of the hardest hitting punchers in boxing history, recording over 70 knockout wins. Joining us for this episode is Earnie’s eldest daughter, Tamara Shavers, who talks not only about his life inside the ring, but more about Earnie the father, husband, and type of person he was and how Braceville influenced him everywhere he went.

Ted Toles, Jr., was born on December 4th, 1925, in Braceville to Ella and Theodore Barnes Toles, Sr. His love of sports started early, as he not only played baseball in high school but also boxed and participated in track and field. After graduating as valedictorian from Braceville High School in 1943, Toles began playing baseball professionally. He played for 4 Negro League teams from 1946 until 1950: the Pittsburgh Crawfords, the Cleveland Buckeyes, the Newark Eagles, and the Jacksonville Eagles. Toles then played for multiple Minor League teams including affiliates of the Cleveland Indians, the New York Yankees, and Philadelphia Athletics for 2 years. Throughout his career, he was known as a switch-hitter, outfielder, and left-handed pitcher. After his retirement from baseball in 1953, he worked for Republic/LTV Steel for over 30 years. He married his wife Jean on September 17, 1955, and the couple had 7 children together. He died at the age of 90 on April 4, 2016.

In this episode, sons of Ted Toles, Teddy and Nelson, talk about their father and his legacy. 

The Perkins family migrated from Connecticut and settled in Warren, Their name has become embedded in the fabric of the city and while living in Warren the family incurred both triumphs and disasters. This week’s guest is Eliza Kirkpatrick, a retired nurse and descendant of the Perkins Family who talks about the memories and objects that have been passed down from generation to generation.