Going to Killing City

Mr. Swope and Dr. Hyde


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Episode 5 we go WAY BACK to 1909 to discuss multiple murders in a single home - that was either the worst luck ever, or a prescription for murder.


Colonel Thomas Swope was one of the most powerful men in Kansas City history who made millions in real estate. He was also a philanthropist who gave away lots, including the land that became Swope Park. The name Swope is all around Kansas City Swope Park, Swope Health, Swope memorial golf course.

In the fall of 1909 tragedy would befall the Swope family as first Cousin Moss, then Col Swope and then Col's Swope's nephew Chrisman all died of supposed illness - but eyebrows were raised almost immediately. The aftermath was the arrest of Col. Swope's nephew Dr. Hyde. Then trials after trial. These trials were considered the "trial of century". You'll be shocked by the ending!


Want us to watch us? We have a YouTube Channel now - so you can watch the episode here: 

https://www.youtube.com/@KillingCityPodcast


Jamie did much of his research from the book 'Deaths on Pleasant Street' - you can order it here: https://www.amazon.com/Deaths-Pleasant-Street-Giles-Fowler/dp/1931112916?&linkCode=sl1&tag=agpr-20&linkId=4363104d8ce98ba4f0eb12ef6d80a470&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl


Alex's drink recipe: 

Bramble Manor Cocktail

Ingredients:

- 2 oz Gin

- 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

- 0.5 oz Simple Syrup

- 0.5 oz Crème de Mûre (blackberry liqueur)

- Fresh Blackberries and Lemon Wheel for garnish


*OR:


Use Bombay Bramble Gin in place of 

- Gin

- 0.5 oz Crème de Mûre (blackberry liqueur)


Instructions:


1. Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice.

2. In a shaker, combine the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake well.

3. Strain the mixture over the crushed ice.

4. Drizzle the Crème de Mûre over top.*

5. Garnish with fresh blackberries and a lemon wheel.


This cocktail is perfect for enjoying on a sunny afternoon in the garden of an Edwardian manor--even in KCMO. 


What the Swope Mansion used to look like: https://kchistory.org/islandora/object/kchistory%253A108961

Email us: [email protected]

Show theme written and performed by ⁠⁠Jackie Myers⁠⁠. Introduction by ⁠⁠Laura Kelly Ellis⁠⁠.

Going to Killing City Podcast is recorded and produced in beautiful Kansas City, Missouri. Copyright ©2024 ⁠⁠killingcitypod.com⁠⁠ - All Rights Reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission. We are an Amazon Associates seller, and some of our links may earn us a commission. 

Media inquiries: please ⁠⁠contact Alex Greenwood.⁠⁠

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Going to Killing CityBy Jamie Green and Alex Greenwood co-host