Best Dan Wrigley Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 715 - The Outrage of Danny Sotomayor with WTTW's Dan Andries 26:32

4d ago26:32

26:32

Send us a Text Message. Danny Sotomayor, a fiery, openly gay AIDS activist, was a man on a mission. Today we discuss Sotomayor with Dan Andries, the writer and producer of the WTTW documentary "The Outrage of Danny Sotomayor." The Outrage of Danny Sotomayor (WTTW) https://interactive.wttw.com/chicago-stories/outrage-of-danny-sotomayor/video The Out…

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FROM THE ARCHIVES - Old Chicago Amusement Park 21:45

13d ago21:45

21:45

Send us a Text Message. It was an innovative idea in its day - a 200 store indoor shopping center 35 miles outside of Chicago with a 31-ride amusement park in the middle. Unfortunately, once you throw in costly delays, waning attendance, lackluster store selection, competition, and a trapeze death, that's when trouble starts. This is the story of O…

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Episode 714 - Rondout Train Robbery of 1924, The 29:47

20d ago29:47

29:47

Send us a Text Message. It is the largest train robbery in U.S. history, and it occurred just 32 miles north of Chicago. Hear how the Rondout Train Robbery unfolded 100 years ago in June 1924. Show your support of the show for the cost of a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Leave me a voice message - just click on the microphone i…

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FROM THE ARCHIVES - U-505 German Submarine in Chicago, The 27:42

27d ago27:42

27:42

Send us a Text Message. It was one of the defining moments for the United States during World War II - the capture of a German U-boat on the Atlantic Ocean. Hear the story and the event's many Chicago connections before the 80th anniversary of the event (June 4, 1944), and then see the submarine at the Museum of Science and Industry. #ChicagoHistor…

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Episode 713 - Chicago's World War II POW Camps 31:59

1M ago31:59

31:59

Send us a Text Message. Captured World War II enemy combatants were often brought back to the United States to be housed in facilities across the country, including here in Illinois. Today we’re discussing Chicago’s World War II POW Camps. Show your support of the show for the cost of a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Leave me a…

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Episode 712 - Wrigley Field: The Diamond on the Northside 31:37

1M ago31:37

31:37

Send us a Text Message. It is one of the oldest original ballparks in the country, and with that lengthy run is an interesting history as well. Hear all about the area before the ballpark was even built and much more. Show your support of the show for the cost of a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Leave me a voice message - just …

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Episode 711 - Chicago's Irish History: The Murder of Dr. Patrick Henry Cronin 34:00

2M ago34:00

34:00

Send us a Text Message. His funeral was the largest in Chicago since that of Abraham Lincoln. Who was Dr. Patrick Henry Cronin, and how did his connection to secret Irish organizations lead to his murder? Show your support of the show for the cost of a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Leave me a voice message - just click on the …

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FROM THE ARCHIVES - 16 Inch Softball in Chicago 25:04

2M ago25:04

25:04

Send us a Text Message. No sport is more closely identified with Chicago than 16-inch softball. Enjoy the history of 16" softball along with some insights about the game from a few guys who know it best - the 16" Softball Hall of Fame co-founder Al Maag, Hall of Fame President Ron Kubicki, and Hall of Fame Vice President Ray Topps. #Chicago #Histor…

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FROM THE ARCHIVES - Soldier Field 25:50

2M ago25:50

25:50

Send us a Text Message. With all the talk of the Chicago Bears plans for a new stadium by the lake, it seemed like a good time to revisit this episode about the Bears' current home, Soldier Field. Show some love for the podcast for the cost of a cup of coffee and help offset production costs: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Up your cock…

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Episode 710 - Chicago Mysteries with Geoffrey Baer 34:33

3M ago34:33

34:33

Send us a Text Message. Friend of the podcast Geoffrey Baer is BACK with a new special on WTTW called "Chicago Mysteries." Listen as Geoffrey and I discuss a few of the stories from the program. https://www.wttw.com/mysteries Show your support of the show for the cost of a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Leave me a voice message…

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FROM THE ARCHIVES - Chicago's Teen Rock Clubs of the 1960s 22:59

3M ago22:59

22:59

Send us a Text Message. Not long after The Beatles invaded America and kids everywhere picked up guitars and drumsticks and formed their own bands, enterprising individuals all over Chicago and the suburbs saw… opportunity. This is the story of Chicago's Teen Rock Clubs of the 1960’s. Additional Reading (anything purchased through these links - not…

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Episode 709 - Chicago's Parks - Five Named for Notable Women 35:14

3M ago35:14

35:14

Send us a Text Message. Connie Fairbanks, author of "Chicago's West Loop: Then and Now," joins me on this episode as co-writer and co-host as we discuss five Chicago parks named for women. Purchase Connie Fairbanks' book "Chicago's West Loop: Then and Now" from the author: https://www.conniefairbanks.com/ Amazon link: https://amzn.to/3BzEPxt Show s…

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FROM THE ARCHIVES - Jane Addams and Hull House 20:31

3M ago20:31

20:31

Send us a Text Message. She grew up in a small town in Illinois in the late 1800s and became known worldwide as an activist, reformer, and winner of a Nobel Peace Prize. This is the story of Jane Addams and Hull House. Want to help support the show? Buy Me A Coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Art for this episode courtesy of Rebecc…

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Episode 708 - Forgotten Sisters author Cynthia Pelayo 28:39

4M ago28:39

28:39

Send us a Text Message. Local author Cynthia Pelayo's new book masterfully blends dark Chicago history and fairy-tale horrors. Listen as the author and I discuss her life growing up in Chicago and her exciting new book about two sisters and a killer dumping men into the Chicago River. cinapelayo.com YouTube version: https://youtu.be/r32m2jwrxHc Sho…

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FROM THE ARCHIVES - Chicago's Saint - Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini 22:59

4M ago22:59

22:59

Send us a Text Message. Her last name is well known around the city, but do you know the story behind Chicago's Saint, Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini? Listen and learn, Chicago history fans! Show some love for the podcast for the cost of a cup of coffee and help offset production costs: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Up your cocktail or…

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Episode 707 - Chicago History Minis: Chicago's First Murder, An Egyptian Museum Theft, and Spuds MacKenzie 33:59

4M ago33:59

33:59

Send us a Text Message. Three! Three! Three episodes in one! Enjoy. Show your support of the show for the cost of a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Leave me a voice message - just click on the microphone in the lower right corner here: https://www.chicagohistorypod.com Up your cocktail or Sodastream game with Portland craft syru…

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FROM THE ARCHIVES - Jack Johnson and Café de Champion 28:24

5M ago28:24

28:24

Send us a Text Message. Jack Johnson not only became the first Black American heavyweight championship boxer but who also lived (and loved) in Chicago and opened the wildly popular Café de Champion before tragedy and the government forced its closure. Show some love for the podcast for the cost of a cup of coffee and help offset production costs: h…

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FROM THE ARCHIVES - Marshall "Major" Taylor - The Black Cyclone 24:39

5M ago24:39

24:39

Send us a Text Message. He has been called the first international African American sports superstar and in his time was the biggest star of any sport. Although he wasn’t born in Chicago, some of Marshall "Major" Taylor's most lasting accomplishments occurred here. Want to read more about "Major" Taylor? (purchasing through the links below may help…

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Episode 706 - Sergio Mayora and the Art of Weeds Tavern 21:16

5M ago21:16

21:16

Send us a Text Message. Bartender, poet, musician, artist, and more. Sergio Mayora and the art of Weeds Tavern. In the Weeds: How Bartender, Poet, Musician and Artist Sergio Mayora Cultivated One of the Most Important Taverns in Chicago History by Dave Hoekstra (New City, November 2022) https://www.newcity.com/2022/11/01/in-the-weeds-how-bartender-…

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Introducing Undertow: Narcosis 19:07

5M ago19:07

19:07

This week, we would like to introduce you to Undertow: Narcosis, a new show from Realm. After the loss of her childhood friend, Veronica returns home to find things are amiss. Undertow: Narcosis is a Realm production created by Fred Greenhalgh. Listen away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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FROM THE ARCHIVES - School By Radio: The 1937 Polio Outbreak in Chicago 21:29

5M ago21:29

21:29

Send us a Text Message. Enjoy this episode originally posted in January 2021. In 1937, 87 years before the current pandemic forced kids to find ways to learn outside of the traditional classroom, Chicago school children took classes by radio while trying to stay safe from the threat of polio. Support the show for the cost of a cup of coffee. https:…

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FROM THE ARCHIVES - Sans Souci Amusement Park and Frank Lloyd Wright's Midway Gardens 19:46

6M ago19:46

19:46

Send us a Text Message. Enjoy this story from July 2020. Six years after the closing of the World's Fair of 1893, on 10 acres near the University of Chicago, a new outdoor entertainment venue opened called Sans Souci. Sans Souci and Midway Gardens, although all but forgotten, paved the way for outdoor entertainment for generations to come. Support …

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Episode 705 - Tragedy on the Tracks: Connecting Winnetka to Chicago 28:59

6M ago28:59

28:59

Send us a Text Message. A series of tragedies prompted one Chicago suburb to change the way trains travel through their city. This is the story of Connecting Winnetka to Chicago. Show your support of the show for the cost of a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Leave me a voice message - just click on the microphone in the lower ri…

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Episode 704 - Chicago's Deadly Stockyards Fire of 1910 27:56

6M ago27:56

27:56

Send us a Text Message. Just days before Christmas in 1910, a fire broke out at the stockyards in Chicago that resulted in the highest loss of life of firefighters due to a building collapse, a grim claim held for nearly 91 years before being surpassed on 9/11. Show your support of the show for the cost of a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chi…

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Episode 703 - Points North: Mayor Daley, a Japanese Prince, and 18 Bluegill 15:41

7M ago15:41

15:41

Send us a Text Message. In October 1960, Prince Akihito of Japan visited Chicago for 21 hours. Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley presented the prince with a diplomatic gift: 18 bluegill. What happened next would change the underwater world of Japan forever. Today's episode is from Points North, part of Northern Michigan's Interlochen Public Radio. htt…

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FROM THE ARCHIVES - Captain Santa and the Christmas Tree Ship 24:17

7M ago24:17

24:17

Send us a Text Message. A holiday-themed episode from 2020. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, a familiar sight near the river at Clark Street was the Rouse Simmons, also known as The Christmas Tree Ship, and its captain Herman Schuenemann, who became known to families in Chicago as Captain Santa. During a trip from upper Michigan to Chicago in Nov…

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Episode 702 - The Most Beautiful Places in Chicago 2 with Geoffrey Baer 33:59

7M ago33:59

33:59

Send us a Text Message. Geoffrey Baer is back on the podcast to discuss his latest program for WTTW - The Most Beautiful Places in Chicago 2. https://interactive.wttw.com/most-beautiful-places-in-chicago YouTube version: https://youtu.be/9q4JKk0t3bA?si=VZJNeWARwdqSaXri Show your support of the show for the cost of a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee…

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FROM THE ARCHIVES - CTA Derailment of 1977, The 20:44

8M ago20:44

20:44

Send us a Text Message. With the recent crash of a Yellow Line L train into a snow removal machine (?), it seems like a good time to repost this episode. In the 1970s, one of the most horrifying transportation accidents in Chicago happened downtown at the height of rush hour. This is the story of the CTA Derailment of 1977. Show some love for the p…

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FROM THE ARCHIVES - The Teepee at Wrigley Field: Native American Protests in Chicago in the 1970s 27:15

8M ago27:15

27:15

Send us a Text Message. In May of 1970, those driving past Wrigley Field were greeted with an unusual sight – a Native American teepee, surrounded by smaller tents and groups of people. This was just the beginning of the Native American protests in Chicago in the 1970s . Want to help support the show? Buy me a coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/c…

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Episode 701 - Chicago's Ghoulish Past, Part 3 - Women Who Poison 28:56

8M ago28:56

28:56

Send us a Text Message. Women and poison. Chicago's history is thick with these killers. Want to help support the show? Buy me a coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Leave me a voice message - just click on the microphone in the lower right corner here: https://www.chicagohistorypod.com Up your cocktail game for the holidays with Por…

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Chicago Connections - Lincoln Perry aka Stepin Fetchin 31:22

9M ago31:22

31:22

Send us a Text Message. He was an African American performer who went from humble beginnings to become a huge movie star based on a single character, but soon his Hollywood standing, his personal fortunes, and his acceptance by fellow Blacks collapsed. Today we’re discussing Chicago Connections: Lincoln Perry, aka Stepin Fetchit. The interview with…

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Episode 625 - Silas Jayne, The Killer Horseman with co-writer/co-host Anna Mason 39:59

9M ago39:59

39:59

Send us a Text Message. This story of sibling rivalries, suicides, arson, missing heiresses, and murder was originally presented at a members-only event at the Chicago History Museum. Thanks to my co-writer and co-host for this episode, Anna Mason (@annadotmason). Anna's piece on the Medinah Temple for WBEZ's Curious City can be found here. Show yo…

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FROM THE ARCHIVES - Libby Prison War Museum, The 20:44

9M ago20:44

20:44

Send us a Text Message. It was a Civil War prison in Richmond, VA, housing thousands of Union soldiers captured during that war. After the war, someone thought the building would make a good tourist attraction in… Chicago. This is the story of the Libby Prison War Museum. Get tickets to the Cats in Action Bingo Benefit (October 2nd at 7pm in Chicag…

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Episode 624 - Chicago Stories Season Three with WTTW's Eddie Griffin 23:07

10M ago23:07

23:07

Send us a Text Message. Producer Eddie Griffin and I discuss the new season of Chicago Stories on WTTW. The reversal of the Chicago river, candy companies of the city, and more! Watch episodes of Chicago Stories on the PBS app or online at wttw.com/chicagostories YouTube version of this can be found here: https://youtu.be/rqL3GoBCCJ0 Get tickets to…

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FROM THE ARCHIVES - Wrongfully Convicted: Majczek and Marcinkiewicz 26:50

10M ago26:50

26:50

Send us a Text Message. The true Chicago crime story that inspired the film "Call Northside 777." On a cold day in 1932, a Chicago cop named William Lundy was gunned down at a speakeasy in the Back of the Yards neighborhood. Two men were sent to prison for the crime, but did prosecutors get the right men? 11 years later, a classified ad placed in t…

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EXTRAS - Episode 623 - Chicago's Polish History 21:08

10M ago21:08

21:08

Send us a Text Message. This really could have been a six or eight-part podcast experience as there is SO MUCH Polish history in Chicago. Here are more things of interest regarding this subject. Enjoy. Get tickets to the Cats in Action Bingo Benefit (October 2nd at 7pm in Chicago): tinyurl.com/CIABingo Show your support of the show for the cost of …

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Episode 623 - Chicago's Polish History 31:26

10M ago31:26

31:26

Send us a Text Message. Chicago's Polish history is far too extensive for one episode, but I'm hopeful this gives you a nice overview. Enjoy. Get tickets to the Cats in Action Bingo Benefit (October 2nd at 7pm in Chicago): tinyurl.com/CIABingo Show your support of the show for the cost of a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Leave …

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FROM THE ARCHIVES - Spider-Dan Goodwin Climbs The Sears Tower 30:27

11M ago30:27

30:27

Send us a Text Message. FROM THE ARCHIVES from October, 2020: On Memorial Day, May 25th, 1981, a 25-year-old year old sport climber dressed as comic book hero Spider-Man used a system of suction cups and other climbing gear to scale the outside of the 110-story Sears Tower, which at that time was the tallest building in the world. He came back late…

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FROM THE ARCHIVES - 1980: The Summer of Entertainment 24:20

11M ago24:20

24:20

Send us a Text Message. In the summer of 1980, two new large entertainment venues, one indoor and one outdoor, opened in the Chicago area at which those seeking amusement could see live music and more. Both of those and many others made for a busy summer of entertainment in the Greatest City in the World. Want to help support the show for a one-tim…

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Episode 622 - "The Fugitive" in Chicago - 30th Anniversary 29:09

11M ago29:09

29:09

Send us a Text Message. It is the 30th anniversary of one of the BEST action films shot in the Greatest City in the World, so today Kelli from Chicago Movie Tours and I are talking about all things "The Fugitive" in Chicago. The train derailment scene (North Carolina): https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-fugitive-train-wreck-sylva-north-carolin…

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FROM THE ARCHIVES - Chicago's Drive-In Theaters 24:34

11M ago24:34

24:34

Send us a Text Message. An archive episode from way back in August 2020. Enjoy! There was a time you could sit in your car and watch a movie on a giant screen. Crazy, I know. Wait - what? Drive-ins still exist? In this episode we discuss drive-in movies and their history in the Chicagoland area. Additional Reading (your purchase using this link hel…

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Episode 621 - Chicago Scavenger with author Jessica Mlinaric 26:13

12M ago26:13

26:13

Send us a Text Message. I had the pleasure of speaking with local author Jessica Mlinaric about her book Chicago Scavenger: The Ultimate Search for Chicago's Hidden Treasures. Have a listen, and get a copy of the book for yourself! Chicago Scavenger: The Ultimate Search for Chicago's Hidden Treasures by Jessica Mlinaric https://amzn.to/3K7WJvo Secr…

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Episode 620 - Chicago's Terrifying Tornadoes 29:59

12M ago29:59

29:59

Send us a Text Message. The Chicago area has seen many weather events that have resulted in catastrophic destruction and death. Today's we're discussing Chicago's Terrifying Tornadoes. Show your support of the show for the cost of a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Leave me a voice message - just click on the microphone in the lo…

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FROM THE ARCHIVES - Chicago's World's Fair Ferris Wheel in Lincoln Park 22:10

12M ago22:10

22:10

Send us a Text Message. Chicago introduced the first ever Ferris Wheel at the World's Fair of 1893, but... whatever happened to it? Listen for the full story. Want to help support the show? Buy me a coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Affiliate Links (anything you buy - not just this stuff - through these links helps benefit the sho…

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FROM THE ARCHIVES - Chicago's Fresh Air Sanitariums for Babies - Man-Made Lincoln Park 20:14

1y ago20:14

20:14

Send us a Text Message. With Chicago air quality ranging from "Unhealthy" to "Very Unhealthy" to "Downright Unbreathable" most of this week, I thought I'd drag out this episode from the archives. During a time of tuberculosis and cholera taking a deadly toll on Chicago's children, "Fresh Air" sanitariums were built to help provide children and moth…

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EXTRAS - Episode 619 - One On Every Corner - Archie's with Tyler Henry and Katrina Arthur 12:10

1y ago12:10

12:10

Send us a Text Message. A little more from the Archie's interview and GOOD NEWS for fans of vintage signs in Chicago. Archie's Bar: https://www.facebook.com/ArchiesBar Show your support of the show for the cost of a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Leave me a voice message - just click on the microphone in the lower right corner …

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Episode 619 - One On Every Corner - Archie's with Tyler Henry and Katrina Arthur 30:44

1y ago30:44

30:44

Send us a Text Message. A family-run corner bar in Humboldt Park celebrating 80 years of being in business? One location, yet so many stories. Guest host: Tyler Henry Archie's Bar: https://www.facebook.com/ArchiesBar Show your support of the show for the cost of a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Leave me a voice message - just c…

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Episode 618 - Chicago's Pride Events History with Tours with Mike's Mike McMains 25:51

1y ago25:51

25:51

Send us a Text Message. Special guest Mike McMains (Tours with Mike) helps me break down the history of Chicago LGBTQ Pride Events. Enjoy! See the city in an all new way on a Tours with Mike tour! https://tourswithmike.com/ Show your support of the show for the cost of a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Leave me a voice message -…

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Episode 617 - Five on the Scaffold - The Murders of Clarence D. Hiller and Fred Guelzow 23:16

1y ago23:16

23:16

Send us a Text Message. Two murders. One paved the way for fingerprint use to determine the identity of a criminal. The other cut short the life of a farmer. Those responsible for the horrible deeds ended up in the same place. Show your support of the show for the cost of a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Leave me a voice messag…

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FROM THE ARCHIVES - Chicago Steel and the 1937 Memorial Day Massacre 29:35

1y ago29:35

29:35

Send us a Text Message. One from the archives for your Memorial Day weekend listening. Enjoy. It was an industry that at one time employed 700,000 workers, including 200,000 here in the Chicago area. Italians, Poles, Mexicans, African Americans, and others willing to put in a long and sometimes dangerous day’s work found good pay and a career worki…

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