In this episode, we explore the long-debated mysteries surrounding Cleveland’s most infamous mansion — Franklin Castle. Often called the most haunted house in Ohio, the towering stone castle on Franklin Boulevard has been surrounded by chilling legends for decades: secret passageways, mysterious deaths, and stories of restless spirits.

But how much of the legend is actually true?

Joining us is historian and author William G. Krejci, whose extensive research into the castle and the family who built it has helped separate fact from folklore. Krejci has spent years digging through historical records to uncover the real story behind the home built by German immigrant Hannes Tiedemann in the late 1800s.

Together we discuss the origins of the castle’s haunted reputation, the tragedies that struck the Tiedemann family, how rumors and media sensationalism shaped the modern legend, and what the historical record actually reveals about life inside the mansion.

Is Franklin Castle truly one of America’s most haunted houses—or is its dark reputation the product of a century of mythmaking?

Join us as we uncover the history, mystery, and truth behind one of Cleveland’s most fascinating landmarks. 🏰👻

https://www.amazon.com/Haunted-Franklin-Castle-America/dp/146713743X

Check out Williams famous tours: https://strangenspooky.com

http://www.williamgkrejci.com

https://thefranklincastle.com

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Please check other podcast episodes like this at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ohiomysteries.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Dan hosts a Youtube Channel called: Ohio History and Haunts where he explores historical and dark places around Ohio: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj5x1eJjHhfyV8fomkaVzsA

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What does it take to bike across frozen landscapes most people are snuggled around their fireplaces sipping hot chocolate? In this episode of the podcast, we follow the extraordinary story of one adventurer who set out to ride a bicycle across all five frozen waters of the Great Lakes—a challenge that pushes the limits of endurance, weather, timing, and courage.

As winter tightens its grip on the Midwest and Canada, our guest Eric shares how a bold idea turned into a multi-lake expedition spanning Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Superior. From carefully tracking ice conditions and brutal wind chills to navigating shifting pressure cracks and whiteout storms, the journey was anything but predictable. Each lake presented its own personality: some deceptively calm, others wild, vast, and unforgiving.

In this episode, we dive into:

How the rider prepared for extreme cold cycling and survival on open ice

The science behind when (and if) the lakes freeze solid enough to cross

Close calls, mechanical failures, and the mental battle of riding across miles of frozen horizon

The unique beauty of winter on the lakes that few people ever witness

It’s a story about determination, risk, and the deep connection people in the Great Lakes region have with these massive bodies of water—especially in winter. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a cycling fan, or simply fascinated by unusual adventures, this episode brings you along for a ride across one of North America’s most ambitious cold-weather challenges.

Eric's cold weather adventures: https://www.youtube.com/@BuckeyeMTB

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Please check other podcast episodes like this at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ohiomysteries.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Dan hosts a Youtube Channel called: Ohio History and Haunts where he explores historical and dark places around Ohio: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj5x1eJjHhfyV8fomkaVzsA

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Rewind Episode

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In this episode of Ohio Mysteries Backroads, we explore the complicated legacy of one of Ohio’s most consequential — and controversial — inventors: Thomas Midgley Jr..

Born in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania but raised and educated in Ohio, Midgley graduated from Cornell University before launching a career that would change the modern world. Working with Charles Kettering at Dayton Research Laboratoriesin Dayton, Midgley helped solve one of the automobile industry’s biggest problems — engine knock — by introducing tetraethyl lead into gasoline.

The result? The rise of “leaded gasoline,” a breakthrough that powered the rapid expansion of the automotive age. But the consequences would prove devastating. Millions were exposed to toxic lead emissions, with public health impacts that echoed for generations.

Midgley didn’t stop there. He later helped develop chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), marketed under the brand name Freon, which were hailed as safe, non-toxic refrigerants. Decades later, scientists would discover that CFCs were destroying Earth’s protective ozone layer — leading to global environmental crisis and the landmark Montreal Protocol.

In this episode, we ask: Were these catastrophic outcomes foreseeable? What responsibility do inventors bear for the unintended consequences of their creations? And how should Ohio remember a man whose innovations both fueled progress and harmed the planet?

Join us as we trace Midgley’s journey through Ohio’s industrial boom, the laboratories of Dayton, and into one of the most cautionary tales in scientific history — right here on Ohio Mysteries Backroads.

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Please check other podcast episodes like this at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ohiomysteries.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Dan hosts a Youtube Channel called: Ohio History and Haunts where he explores historical and dark places around Ohio: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj5x1eJjHhfyV8fomkaVzsA

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In 1896, three members of the Rose family - who operated a mill outside Mansfield - fell sick and died. Police suspected the only surviving member of the family - 24-year-old Ceely Rose - must have poisoned them. What they learned about Ceely led to her finishing her life in an asylum, and - some say - haunting her old farmhouse beside the ghosts of her parents and brother. www.ohiomysteries.com

f[email protected] www.patreon.com/ohiomysteries www.twitter.com/mysteriesohio www.facebook.com/ohiomysteries Music: What I Think of You, by Ash G. Audionautix- The Great Unknown

The Great Phospher- Daniel Birch

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Cassie Chadwick was one of the most audacious con artists in American history—and her trail of deception ran straight through Ohio.

In this episode of Ohio Mysteries: Backroads, we dive into the unbelievable true story of Cassie Chadwick, the woman who convinced bankers, elites, and even her own husband that she was the secret illegitimate daughter of steel tycoon Andrew Carnegie. Through forged documents, bold lies, and sheer confidence, Chadwick swindled millions and exposed the vulnerabilities of America’s Gilded Age financial system.

Joining us is author Wendy Koile, whose research brings new depth and clarity to Chadwick’s rise, her carefully crafted illusions, and her dramatic downfall. Together, we explore how Chadwick built her empire of lies, why so many powerful men believed her, and what her story reveals about greed, trust, and ambition in turn-of-the-century Ohio.

It’s a tale of luxury, lies, and legend—hidden just off the Ohio backroads.

Local author and friend of the show, Wendy Koile has a new book out just in time for Valentine's Day. Wendy will join us soon on an upcoming episode to discuss this fantastic new book: "Love, Lies. Murder in Northern Ohio". You can get a copy through Amazon, any bookseller or direct via her website at: https://wendykoile.com

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Please check other podcast episodes like this at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ohiomysteries.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Dan hosts a Youtube Channel called: Ohio History and Haunts where he explores historical and dark places around Ohio: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj5x1eJjHhfyV8fomkaVzsA

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Hello and welcome to another episode of Ohio Mysteries Backroads.

In this episode, we sit down with Ken Miller, author and longtime Cedar Point historian, to explore the stories behind one of America’s most iconic amusement parks. Ken discusses his book, Cedar Point, Rolling Through the Year, a detailed anthology and chronology that captures the park’s evolution from its early days to its rise as America’s Roller Coast.

Through rare anecdotes, historical insight, and a deep love for the park,

Ken brings Cedar Point’s rides, attractions, milestones, and cultural impact to life. From classic midway memories to groundbreaking coasters, this conversation is a must-listen for theme park enthusiasts, coaster fans, and anyone fascinated by the history behind a legendary destination.

Whether you’ve ridden every coaster or simply appreciate the nostalgia of amusement parks, this episode offers a unique ride through Cedar Point’s past—told by someone who knows it best. 🎢

Get Ken Miller's book (available in late April) here: https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2F1870PublishingGroup.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExcVF4cEExYTQ4VkFobDZoU3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR68-ku40s4A7EDPlxILpG6lYm-F9QhOSSjCRH4mDCwxMO6LA5OQsbaUyj6GkA_aem_aZpKD7XZGDyOkKeBxlltXA&h=AT1XxJP5RgKm5Jc3av1pwZZyxY7bVS4F2r9vZSVZSkO6XE2mKlhihIU7jDZT8wfiOV1Gz3care4_33VVJU4mmo5Tg_0cKvp-qJVjjdj39xuhUBMD-j_cnuIIv3uwDBb_V5g5SvrMIzgwJjdDQoVxGsG3LQ

The Cedar Point Museum is:

http://sanduskycedarpointmuseum.org

Ken Miller's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ken.miller.1610

Podcast Correspondence, recipies, questions, complaints and overall feedback about what hot dogs are made of: [email protected]

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Please check other podcast episodes like this at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ohiomysteries.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Dan hosts a Youtube Channel called: Ohio History and Haunts where he explores historical and dark places around Ohio: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj5x1eJjHhfyV8fomkaVzsA

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Hello and welcome to another episode of Ohio Mysteries Backroads.

George Remus was a lawyer who knew the law better than anyone—and used it to become one of the most powerful criminals in American history.

During Prohibition, Remus exploited legal loopholes to build a multimillion-dollar bootlegging empire, earning the title “The King of the Bootleggers.” But behind the lavish parties, hidden distilleries, and untouchable image was a man driven by ego, control, and obsession.

When betrayal shattered his empire, Remus committed a shocking murder in broad daylight—then defended himself in court using the same legal strategy he had once invented.

This episode explores the rise and fall of George Remus, the crime that stunned the nation, and how a murderer walked free in Prohibition-era America.

Correspondence, recipies, questions, complaints and overall feedback about what hot dogs are made of: [email protected]

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Please check other podcast episodes like this at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ohiomysteries.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Dan hosts a Youtube Channel called: Ohio History and Haunts where he explores historical and dark places around Ohio: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj5x1eJjHhfyV8fomkaVzsA

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