Season 2, Episode 1: The Courage of Dr. Mary Edwards Walker

Hi folk’s Marc here, launching Season 2 of Witness of the Times. This season, we’re broadening our scope—as Dr. Bruce Baker will bring you incredible stories from across the globe that deserve more attention. Dr. Baker kicks things off with a gripping tale of bravery: the life of Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, the only female recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Her story is one of relentless determination—breaking barriers in medicine, defying gender norms, and risking her life on the battlefield during the Civil War. From being arrested as a spy to fighting for women's rights and dress reform, Walker’s legacy is a testament to what it means to stand firm in your convictions, no matter the personal cost. In this episode, we dive into her heroic acts, the controversies she sparked, and her hard-won recognition—decades after her death. Join Dr. Baker as he explores courage in its many forms and discover why Dr. Walker’s name still inspires us today. Welcome to Witness of the Times!

Connect with Us: If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review Witness of The Times on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. Every positive review helps new listeners find the show. We also want to hear from you! Send us your questions about the stories we profile. You can email us at [email protected]. You can find us on Facebook at Witness of the Times.

Credits:

Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey through history with Witness of The Times. We can't wait to share more enthralling stories with you in upcoming episodes.

🎙️ Witness of the Times

 Season 2 Introduction: Expanding Horizons with Dr. Bruce Baker

Hi folks, Marc here, excited to kick off Season 2 of Witness of the Times. This season, we’re widening our lens—bringing you captivating stories from around the world that have long deserved more attention. Get ready to hear tales of courageous women who defied immense odds, explore powerful civilizations that once challenged the might of Rome, and dive deep into the legacies of Mediterranean historians who preserved the past. We'll also tackle big questions like, “What is history, anyway?” Join me as I uncover fascinating people, places, and events on this global journey through time. Whether you're a history buff or just love a good story, Witness of the Times will both educate and entertain you. Tune in for a season filled with discovery—you won’t want to miss a moment of these incredible adventures into the wonders of history. Welcome to Witness of the Times!

Connect with Us: If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review Witness of The Times on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. Every positive review helps new listeners find the show. We also want to hear from you! Send us your questions about the stories we profile. You can email us at [email protected]. You can find us on Facebook at Witness of the Times.

Credits:

Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey through history with Witness of The Times. We can't wait to share more enthralling stories with you in upcoming episodes.

In this week’s episode, we delve into pivotal moments that have shaped our nation's journey toward justice and equality as we explore a powerful chapter in American history: Freedom Summer. Dr.  Bruce Baker takes us back to the turbulent summers of 1964 and 1965 in Cherokee County, Georgia—a time when segregation still gripped communities and equality was far from guaranteed. Dr. Baker recounts the experiences of courageous African Americans who risked their safety and stood firm against racial injustice. We’ll hear the gripping stories of Freedom Summer, including the bold actions of young men who attempted to sit in seats marked “whites only” at a local movie theater, challenging entrenched boundaries of segregation. Dr. Baker also tells us about two extraordinary young women, Priscilla Strickland and Cynthia Durham, whose determination to attend Cherokee County High School in 1965 set a new standard for bravery in the fight for civil rights. Their experiences, along with the efforts of The Freedom League, are reminders of the strength and resolve needed to secure justice and equality. Freedom Summer was more than a single season—it was a testament to the power of collective action in confronting racial injustice. The sacrifices made during this pivotal time continue to resonate, reminding us of the enduring narrative of American democracy and the struggle for civil rights. Stay tuned for a compelling journey into a summer that changed history. This is Witness of the Times.

Episode Title: Beyond the rails/Georgia’s devastating train tales

Episode Summary: In this week’s episode, we explore two devastating train tragedies that left an indelible mark on Georgia’s history. Dr. Bruce Baker joins us to recount the harrowing stories of the Mill Pond Trestle collapse and the derailment of the Little Hook Train—accidents that occurred within twenty miles and twenty years of each other.

Our journey begins with the collapse of the Mill Pond Trestle, as reported by the Lee County Journal on November 11, 1904. James P. Harrison, a prominent Atlanta citizen and part-owner of the Atlanta Marble Company, along with A.C. Gaddis, superintendent of the company’s railroad, lost their lives when their train, loaded with marble, plunged over forty feet as the trestle gave way near Ball Ground, Georgia. The thunderous noise of the collapse reverberated through the area, fading into silence and leaving a lasting impact on the local community.

Our second story centers around the tragic derailment of the “Little Hook Train,” another heartbreaking accident that claimed the lives of dedicated workers. In this episode, we honor the memories of those lost in these tragedies and reflect on the legacy they left behind.

Listen to this episode to learn about:

• The circumstances and impacts of the Mill Pond Trestle collapse.

Support the Show: If you enjoy Witness of the Times, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. Every positive review helps new listeners find the show.

Have questions about the stories we cover? Email us at [email protected].

Credits:

• Executive Producers: Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker

Thank you for tuning in to Witness of the Times!

On this week’s episode we’re unraveling a piece of Cherokee County history that speaks to resilience, conflict, and a forgotten act of sabotage. Nestled in the heart of the Bridge Mill Community lies Steel’s Bridge Road, once a route that led to an old wooden covered bridge spanning the Etowah River. Today, the remnants of that bridge rest beneath the waters of Lake Allatoona, a lake constructed by the Corps of Engineers in the wake of World War II. But this isn’t just a story of a submerged structure; it’s a poignant chapter in our history that takes us back to the turmoil of World War I—a tragedy we should never forget.

During the Great War, while many brave young men answered the call to service, others chose a different path, seeking refuge from the draft. In the greater Atlanta area, “anti-draft clubs” sprang up, fostering defiance against conscription and aiding those who resisted. By June 1918, federal authorities and local police knew that dozens of these men were hidden in the remote areas of Cherokee County, prompting a dramatic response. On Sunday, June 16th, 1918, fifty soldiers from Camp Gordon embarked on a mission, accompanied by federal agents and journalists, in a convoy of Velie trucks and police cars, to capture those evading the draft.

But on that fateful day, as they journeyed north past Woodstock and toward Canton, a catastrophe unfolded on Steel’s Bridge. The calamity that took place that day was an act not of misfortune, but of deliberate sabotage—and the men responsible for it have never been found and held accountable.

In today’s episode, we honor the memory of those soldiers who perished on Steel’s Bridge and reflect on a time when war, disease, and defiance intersected in a small Georgia town. Stay tuned as we dive into the full story of the Steel’s Bridge sabotage—a reminder of the countless unseen battles fought not only in fields far away but also in the quiet, hidden corners of our own hometowns.  With Veteran’s Day only a week away, this is Witness of the Times.

High folk’s Marc Here. Welcome to this week’s episode of Witness of the Times, where we take a fascinating journey into the history of distilled spirits with Dr. Bruce Baker. Dr. Baker walks us through the origins of the distillation process, which was first discovered in Mesopotamia around 4000 BC. He also introduces us to the earlier discoveries of wine and mead, dating back to approximately 5400 BC, explaining how the fundamentals of the process have remained largely unchanged over thousands of years. In this episode, Dr. Baker also sheds light on the earliest chemists and their pioneering work linking alcohol to essential oils, as well as the influence of early government taxation on distilled spirits. You’ll learn how these taxes not only shaped economies but also sparked significant historical events, such as the American Revolutionary War. Join us for this deep dive into the world of distillation, chemistry, and history, as we uncover the powerful connections between these ancient practices and modern times. Welcome to Witness of the Times.

 If you like what we do, rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.  Every positive review helps new listeners find the show.  Send us your questions about the stories we profile.  You can email us at [email protected].  The Executive Producers of “Witness of The Times” are Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker.  Our music is by Jorgen Hallberg.  We are your hosts, Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker, and this has been” Witness of the Times.”

On this week’s episode, we dive deep into the delicate dance between bootleggers, moonshiners, and the brave revenuers who tried to shut them down. Dr. Bruce Baker educates us on the crucial role that ATF agents played in the fight against the moonshine industry and the immense bravery these agents displayed. We learn about Justice Department Prohibition Agent Duff Floyd, whose long career was marked by thrilling car chases, gunfights, and even airplane crashes in his pursuit of illegal liquor. Dr. Baker also introduces us to Police Officer Lee Cape, who dedicated much of his career to battling moonshiners. Officer Cape’s headstone poignantly reads, "Through the performance of his duties in the enforcement of the law, he sacrificed his life." Join us as we explore these captivating stories from the Prohibition era and honor the individuals who upheld the law against significant odds.

If you enjoy the show, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. Every positive review helps new listeners find the show. Send us your questions about the stories we profile at [email protected]. The Executive Producers of Witness of the Times are Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker. Our music is by Jorgen Hallberg. We are your hosts, Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker, and this has been Witness of the Times.

In this week’s episode, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Bruce Baker, who introduces us to the fascinating story of John Henry Hardin from Cherokee County, Georgia. Dr. Baker transports us back to the early 1900s, delving into the world of moonshining in Northwest Georgia. He shares the industrious spirit of Hardin in the moonshining industry, along with the numerous encounters Hardin had with the law.

This episode kicks off a compelling three-part series on the history of moonshining. As we explore these stories, we’ll also reflect on the timeless wisdom of Cicero: “What is morally wrong can never be advantageous, even when it enables you to make some gain that you believe to be to your advantage.”

If you enjoy our show, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. Every positive review helps new listeners find the show. We also invite you to send us your questions about the stories we profile. You can email us at [email protected].

The Executive Producers of "Witness of the Times" are Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker. Our music is by Jorgen Hallberg. We are your hosts, Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker, and this has been "Witness of the Times."

Episode 6 Show Notes

Episode 6: The Conclusion of Gold Mining in North Georgia

On this week’s episode of The Witness of the Times, Dr. Bruce Baker concludes his compelling series on gold mining in North Georgia. In this final installment, Dr. Baker sheds light on the profound impact of the removal of Native Americans and the subsequent land lottery—a pivotal moment in history that led to the sale of previously owned Native American land.

The narrative takes an intriguing turn as some of the new landowners make a surprising discovery—gold in their very own backyard. This episode offers a captivating exploration of the historical reverberations and unforeseen developments that arose from this significant period in North Georgia's past.

Show Notes:

• Native American Removal and the Land Lottery: Learn about the historical context of the land lottery and its impact on the Native American population in North Georgia.

Connect with Us: If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review The Witness of the Times on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. Your positive feedback helps new listeners discover the show. We also want to hear from you! Send us your questions about the stories we profile. Email us at [email protected]. You can find us on Facebook at Witness of the Times.

Credits:

• Executive Producers: Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker

Thank you for joining us for this episode of The Witness of the Times. We look forward to bringing you more fascinating stories in future episodes.

Episode 5 Show Notes

Episode 5: The Cherokee Treasure Tunnel and the Quest for Lost Gold

Hi folks, Marc here. Welcome to a riveting new episode of The Witness of the Times as we dive into the captivating tale of the Cherokee Treasure Tunnel and the Red Bank Indian Tribe. In this episode, Dr. Bruce Baker takes us on a journey through history, unraveling the stories of resilience and loss as the Cherokee tribe concealed their gold before the heartbreaking forced removal to Oklahoma during the Trail of Tears.

Join us as Dr. Baker delves into the narratives of individuals on the quest for lost gold in North Georgia, painting a vivid picture of the enduring allure and mystery surrounding hidden treasures. This is an episode not to be missed as we explore the rich history and legends of lost gold in North Georgia.

Show Notes:

• Cherokee Treasure Tunnel: Discover the hidden treasures of the Cherokee tribe and the significance of their efforts to conceal their wealth during the Trail of Tears.

Connect with Us: If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review The Witness of the Times on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. Your positive feedback helps new listeners discover the show. We also want to hear from you! Send us your questions about the stories we profile. Email us at [email protected]. You can find us on Facebook at Witness of the Times.

Credits:

• Executive Producers: Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker

Thank you for joining us for this episode of The Witness of the Times. We look forward to sharing more intriguing stories with you in future episodes.