We're working hard to bring you a brand new season! Check out our new logo and pick up some merch at the Old Pen! We have t-shirts and stickers available!

We recorded a live episode at the Old Pen on July 16. Our next live recording will be at Treefort on Saturday, September 25 at 4pm!

Oral Histories: 
Josef Munch, 7/15/1987 (Idaho State Archives)
Mark Maxwell, 10/2/1981 (Idaho State Archives)

Season 6 Teaser

“Behind Gray Walls” is a podcast featuring stories from the men and women who lived and worked at the Old Idaho State Penitentiary. Each week, Anthony, Samuel, and Skye explore prisoners whose crimes led them to serve time at the "Old Pen." Their history is explored in depth and compared to corrections topics faced in communities today.

To support this podcast, visit: https://store.history.idaho.gov/Donation.aspx?C=BGWOP

True crime

In this very heavy episode, Skye and Anthony close the season with two stories of people whose states of mental health lead to some emotional moments and incredibly tragic stories, #7035 Ethelyn Irene Peterson (Murder in the 2nd Degree) and #788 Ed Rice (Murder in the 1st Degree).

WARNING: This episode includes discussions of crime against a child, suicide, and execution. Please take care while listening. Listener discretion is advised. 

Please help us improve! Take our survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Q2PHF3J

EP 90 - Peterson And Rice

In this Stool Pigeon Saturday, the team interviews Matthew Connelly, lead park ranger at Alcatraz Island. Matthew provides an overview of the renowned prison's history, delves into the daily experiences of both the residents and staff on the island, and concludes the story surrounding William Dainard's (#3821) associate, Harmon Waley (#4188).

To learn more about Alcatraz or to book your next trip, visit:
https://www.nps.gov/alca/index.htm

Stool Pigeon Saturday - Matthew Connelly On Alcatraz

In a completely coincidental yet oddly-Rathdrum-history-heavy penultimate episode, the original duo are back in with Sam in the commenter's chair. Anthony starts, covering a man of many names whose felony in Idaho was one of the least interesting things about his story #3821 William Dainard (Robbery), while Skye follows with a story of a Rathdrum pioneer whose gambling habits may have gotten a little bit out of control #6691 Minnie Jane Farr (Embezzlement).

EP 89 - Dainard And Farr

On today’s episode, Skye tells the story of a young woman whose husband, in the 1950s, was a real door-to-door vacuum salesman(!) #10351 Donna Mae Peterson (Burglary). Meanwhile, first-time host, Charlee, tells the story of one of the most influential doctors in the city of Boise (who also served as prison physician), Dr. George Collister.

EP 88 - Peterson And Dr. Collister

In this week's special episode, Skye comes to the episode empty-handed (school is hard) and Anthony-less (work is hard) and instead comments on Samuel's masterful telling of #111 William "Teton" Jackson (Grand Larceny) whose story intersects with a crucial event in Wyoming history and the controversial Sheriff Frank Canton.

Photo:
Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum Collection: 1958.0003.001P

Season 6 Teaser

Download our free app to listen on your phone