If you were to read an old diary, what could you discover? Secrets? Mystery? Romance? Travel and adventure? Inspiration? Since 1987, Historian Sally Ivey has collected and researched original diaries, journals, and letters from around the world. In this podcast Sally will share unique and captivating stories selected from her extensive collection. Stories forgotten over time but now shared here. Welcome to Diary Discoveries.
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#53 1792 Diary. A Most Remarkable Abolitionist- Her Death, His Grief, and The Testonites.
47:39
47:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:39
This episode is from the oldest diary in Sally's collection. You will hear the story of a gifted, influential woman, Margaret Middleton, who behind the scenes, was instrumental in the abolishment of slavery in England. The diary was written by her husband Charles Middleton, who used his influence and friendships for the anti slavery cause but sadly…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#52 World War II Pin-Up and "A Last Will"
30:59
30:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:59
Two classic pin-up calendar pages with a hand written message on them are what Sally started with for this story. In this episode, we discuss a bit of pin-up art history and then get into the writing on the pages. Five sailors on the U.S.S. Mission Bay signed this "last will" and we'll tell you what we found out about these men. As most WW II Veter…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#51 "Girl In Every Town" Part 2 -The Letters
1:09:30
1:09:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:09:30
In this episode we read and discuss the letters between Charles and Dorothy as they start their life together in 1920 -1921. He has recently been divorced in the very public "Girl In Every Town" divorce case and Dorothy, 21 years his junior, is challenged early on by his absence and her new domestic situation. 100 letters were written between them …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
# 50 "Girl In Every Town" -- Murder and Seduction In Nashville.
32:44
32:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:44
An antique tin containing 100 letters along with a 1919 newspaper article was the starting point for this episode. The article titled "Girl In Every Town" described a divorce case in which 17 letters from various women the husband allegedly had relationships with, were introduced as evidence. As Sally dug deeper, and as usually is the case, the sto…
…
continue reading
In 1903, Mary Louise Edgar traveled from her home in Wisconsin to visit Scotland. She wrote very detailed and descriptive entries in over 200 pages of her diary. In this episode we share some of Sally's research methods to take you through the process of discovery for this diary given to her while in Oregon. The diary was written by an unknown auth…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#48 Castle Thunder Prison Survivor- A Civil War Story
1:06:42
1:06:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:06:42
Union soldier Gillis J. McBane is captured and taken prisoner during the brutally fought battle at Stones River in Tennessee. We will take you to the battlefield and follow his ordeal as he is moved to the notorious Castle Thunder confederate prison in Richmond, Virginia. Forced marches, sleepless nights, starvation, rail car trips in livestock car…
…
continue reading
In this episode we present some of our listeners and their responses to our invitation to share how and why they journal. We learned some fascinating things and were sincerely moved by what these individuals shared with us. Artworks and music, conversations with God, giving women who had no voice a place in history, connections to and honoring thos…
…
continue reading
This is a wonderful Christmas story of a father's love. Go back to 1914 with us to Christmas Eve. A six year old boy is bedridden with illness, so his father, D.D. Sturgeon, a pioneer in the electrical trade, does something never seen before to cheer up his son. Now in modern time, millions of people do what this man did that evening. Christmas mus…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#45 "Dear Mom and Dad...Don't Worry About Me."
25:03
25:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:03
In this episode, as a way to remember those who have served our country, we tell a story taken from a letter written by a pilot to his family back home. He had survived a tour of combat in the Pacific and was writing from Texas. Service can take on many different shapes and sacrifices are made by all who serve no matter where they may be serving. F…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#44 Why Am I Writing and Who's Going To Read It?
38:41
38:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:41
In this episode we discuss diary and journal keeping and some common concerns an author may have. We read entries from two diaries; the first, from 1937, written by a woman losing her vision, and the second; by a very homesick college girl, where both women expressed their thoughts on what they had written and who may read it. Sally has read entrie…
…
continue reading
A letter from 1848 describing a heartbreaking tragedy, presented Sally with questions she just had to get answers to. The deaths of three children in a week's time, even then, would indeed be "deep waters of affliction." Who were the three children and what was the relationship between them and the letter's author? Who was "Jane"? Sally found some …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#42 Gouge Eye, A Knife Fight, Rodeo, and The Best Summer Ever!
1:00:27
1:00:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:27
In 1953, a fifteen year old boy wrote of his great outdoor summer adventure that took place in the West and it has to be one of the best summers a kid could ever have! Mt Rushmore, Cheyenne Frontier Days, the Vagabond Ranch, girls, whitewater rafting down the "River of No Return", fishing, flying, and eating the best food around the campfire. What …
…
continue reading
Milford W. Howard, an attorney by trade and former United States Congressman, wrote a very interesting feature article for The Birmingham News in 1929. And yes, the article is the one we mentioned in the last episode about our favorite "beehive like structure" dwelling man--Henry Stuart. Milford sought Henry out to get his thoughts regarding the si…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#40 Completing A Circle In Fairhope, Alabama.
29:14
29:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:14
This episode is additional to our episodes #8 and #9. Henry Stuart built a circular, beehive like, hut in Fairhope Alabama. We completed a kind of circle by taking his diary first to De Lamar, Idaho (episode 8) where he began writing, and then recently stepping foot into his home in Fairhope with the diary. Henry was a very interesting man who had …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#39 "I Don't Want Them To Be Forgotten." - Marvin Barrash, author of U.S.S. Cyclops.
39:33
39:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:33
Bonus Audio - Our interview with author Marvin Barrash who has spent over Thirteen years researching the disappearance of the Naval Collier Ship Cyclops. He has written three books regarding the Cyclops and is probably the world's foremost expert of this ship's history. His work has helped many families of the lost men gain some closure and underst…
…
continue reading
David Wood was a successful pioneer freight hauler who was instrumental in the development of Western Colorado. Prior to that, when he was ten years old, he enlisted in the Union Army to fight alongside his father, Colonel Samuel Wood. In this episode we tell part of his life story and share some of his Civil War adventures! Send us a Text Message.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#37 U.S.S. Cyclops, Bermuda Triangle, and A Gold Star Mother's Diary
1:05:42
1:05:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:05:42
In 1918 the U.S.S. Cyclops and 309 men vanished without a trace at sea in the area known as the Bermuda Triangle. Sally's Great Great Uncle was aboard that ship. Her G.G. Grandmother kept a diary when, 13 years later, she was on a Gold Star pilgrimage with other mothers and wives who had lost sons or husbands in the war. This is the diary that igni…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#36 Diary Sampler- Six Short Stories From Six Diaries
44:31
44:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:31
In this episode, you will attend the theatre with Mrs. Bram Stoker of Dracula fame, visit the Bridge of No Return in Korea, hear about a suspect in the Jack The Ripper case, and then tour the underground sewers of Paris. You will also hear about the tragic circus fire in 1944 that killed 170 people, and to finish it off, we will tell you about a di…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#35 Gunfights, Murder, Bank Robbery, and Frontier Justice.
1:04:19
1:04:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:04:19
The 1891-92 Diary of former sheriff, Frederick D. Schnebly, led us to discover a couple of significant stories we share in this episode--the murder of an innocent newly wed couple and an armed bank robbery in a coal town. You will also hear of "seduction trials", a vigilante mob, a jail break, and regular towns people armed and ready to administer …
…
continue reading
A 1923 Scrapbook diary led to a mysterious connection between the diarist and the author of Mary Poppins--Pamela L Travers. In this episode, we talk about the woman who wrote the diary and to whom P.L. Travers dedicated a book. Also a very insightful, and interesting entry regarding their first use of a radio in their home, is discussed. Throw in a…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#33 WW2 Sailor- Eyewitness To Catastrophe Part Two
31:56
31:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:56
Mort Jenkins ended his "running log" with an amazing first hand account of the USS Mount Hood exploding in Seeadler Harbor. In this episode, you will hear what Mort wrote after witnessing this "horrible beauty" of an explosion. He wrote so descriptively and honestly about what he saw and how he felt about it--truly wonderful writing and very real. …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#32 WW 2 Sailor- Eyewitness To Catastrophe Part One
39:00
39:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:00
On November 10th, 1944 Mort Jenkins was hard at work on a boat in Seeadler Harbor when a disaster occurred. His eyewitness report of the event is recorded in his diary. In this episode, we are in the "calm before the storm" as Mort writes about sailing from Norfolk Virginia, through the Panama Canal, with stops in San Diego and Hawaii, before arriv…
…
continue reading
We first told the story of Hazel Ramsey Koenig in #6- Rocky Mountain Legacy. In this episode we talk about actually setting foot in the Colorado home Hazel lived in when she wrote the diary. We revisit her story with additional insight acquired from our wonderful visit there. Jess and Lance from Colorado State U's Mountain Campus generously gave us…
…
continue reading
Beautifully written entries in this 1884 Diary led to the story of a cold blooded murder in a home invasion type robbery. Our author writes of the case with his mind resolved, yet his heart in anguish over the killing. The depravity of the bloody work hit close to home as he and the killer share the same last name. Send us a Text Message. Please go…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#29 Thoughts and Theories - Violet's Diary Discussion
1:01:07
1:01:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:07
Spoiler Alert: This episode wraps up the Violet and Vic series. We discuss our thoughts regarding Violet's 1934 diary. Who was Violet? Why was it written? When could it have been written? Finally, Sally reveals her theory of who may have written the diary--a story in itself and one you do not want to miss. Send us a Text Message. Please go to: http…
…
continue reading
Violet's 1934 diary concludes with her December entries. She reflects back on the months she experienced with Vic and looks forward as well. A vacation trip, a budding romance...the diary ends with new possibilities. If only there was a sequel! Send us a Text Message. Please go to: https://diarydiscoveries.com to see episode photos and read our blo…
…
continue reading
Violet settles in to a less stressful routine. The money she has hidden, opens up some new thoughts and possibilities and speaking of something new, Violet may have a new love interest! Content Warning: For younger listeners--A few entries in this month's episode are sexual in nature but are not explicit. Send us a Text Message. Please go to: https…
…
continue reading
This episode starts out with a bang--thirty of them to be precise! Violet is told more disturbing news and finds herself feeling very mixed emotions! Send us a Text Message. Please go to: https://diarydiscoveries.com to see episode photos and read our blog. Thank You.
…
continue reading
In this episode, Violet attempts to put her life in order after deciding to talk to the police. Guns and Cops and second thoughts, all the while Vic is staying away. Where is he and will he make contact with Violet? Send us a Text Message. Please go to: https://diarydiscoveries.com to see episode photos and read our blog. Thank You.…
…
continue reading
The last member of our cast of characters enters the story in this episode. Violet reacts to some disturbing news by taking action and altering the course of her life once again! Send us a Text Message. Please go to: https://diarydiscoveries.com to see episode photos and read our blog. Thank You.
…
continue reading
In this episode Violet, Vic, and her friends celebrate the 4th of July but the fireworks don't end that night. Someone again is watching the house. Vic leaves for Chicago and while he is gone Violet feels more at ease-- until a stranger knocks on the door. Author and Historian Elliott J. Gorn joins us with some inciteful comments we hope you will e…
…
continue reading
Violet's life changes dramatically the first ten days of June! Excitement is followed by worry she is a "kept" woman. Her worry and concerns only increase when Vic gets a mysterious phone call. Thank you to Soundeffectsplus.com for the Doggy sounds. Send us a Text Message. Please go to: https://diarydiscoveries.com to see episode photos and read ou…
…
continue reading
Violet writes of four deaths in May including one member of our cast of characters! Vic moves ahead with a plan that has Violet excited with possibilities but also causes her some worry. Vic also reacts angrily to some news which surprises Violet. Send us a Text Message. Please go to: https://diarydiscoveries.com to see episode photos and read our …
…
continue reading
Violet erased an entry about the Lindbergh Baby kidnapping case which brought up some questions. In this episode we discuss that case and of course read Violet's April entries. A stranger shows up at her apartment. Who is he and what does he want with Vic? Could this be a sign of a storm brewing? Send us a Text Message. Please go to: https://diaryd…
…
continue reading
Violet has been receiving expensive gifts from Vic and he even paid some of her bills. She is enjoying him and the attention but is asking herself some questions... This episode contains an entry that sheds some light on Vic's mysterious life and occupation. Send us a Text Message. Please go to: https://diarydiscoveries.com to see episode photos an…
…
continue reading
This episode is the second of twelve and covers Violet's entries for the month of February 1934. She has written about her intriguing friends, her work and some of the patients she has taken care of, Sherman the pesky dog who belongs to her land lady, and of course Vic-- the man she met at the New Years Eve party. Romance and love seem to be headin…
…
continue reading
This is one of Sally's favorite diaries! A young woman begins writing this diary January 1st, 1934 following a New Years Eve party, where she met a man named Vic. Over the course of a year, Violet's life with Vic is like a rollercoaster ride and something that could be written as a novel or made into a movie! This is the first of twelve episodes--e…
…
continue reading
This experience was a first in 35 years of diary collecting for Sally. In this episode we discuss what happened and talk about the interesting story within this diary. The quote Jeff couldn't remember exactly was by Heraclitus: "No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man". Send us a Text Message…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#15 A Mother, A Daughter, and Alzheimer's
23:44
23:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:44
In this heartfelt story, a daughter learns her mother's lost 1944 diary had been researched and subsequently sold by Sally. Bridget contacted Sally to ask her help in recovering the diary. She explained her mom was suffering from Alzheimer's disease and perhaps the diary could help with her mother's memory. You will hear how this went-- including B…
…
continue reading
Sally discusses her trip to Vienna, Austria to speak at the TED talk about diaries and the untold stories within them. We then transition to the early 1900's and Vaudeville, as Sally had an autograph album from 1908 owned by a Vaudeville performer, who asked other artists to sign the pages. Several of the autographs are by famous performers who wer…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#13 News and Wellington Train Disaster -Deadliest Avalanche in U.S. History
23:44
23:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:44
In this episode we give an update on ep. #12, share an exciting announcement, and then give a little background on a ghost town trip we took to the site of the 1910 Wellington Train Disaster--which is the location of the deadliest avalanche in US history. Send us a Text Message. Please go to: https://diarydiscoveries.com to see episode photos and r…
…
continue reading
A 1950 travel diary takes us on a journey by train, plane, automobile, and ship. Our author writes terrific entries describing the journey, the parties, the food and drink, and notes many famous people from Hollywood including her best friend, an Oscar nominated actress. An interesting connection to a famous and beloved race horse was discovered fr…
…
continue reading
A photo album from 1898 was the starting point for Sally to discover the amazing stories of a pioneer family who were instrumental in settling areas near San Francisco--The Mizners. In this episode you will hear about the seven Mizner children, some of the exploits of two who became quite famous, and the interesting story of the middle kid Henry-- …
…
continue reading
A young woman named Georgia wrote about her stay in a Tuberculosis Sanitarium in 1927. In this episode we discuss her story, give you some TB facts, recite a poem found tucked into the diary we believe written by our author, and discuss the impressive facility built specifically for TB patients. Music in this episode: Porch Blues by Kevin MacLeod L…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#9 Henry Stuart Part 2- The Old Weaver Of Tolstoy Park
54:58
54:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:58
From Idaho to Fairhope Alabama, Henry's life changes as he settles in to live on the Ten acres of land he would call "Tolstoy Park". In this episode we tell you more about Henry, the home he built by himself, and discuss the impact he made on others. You will hear Author Sonny Brewer who wrote a novel inspired by Henry and his unusual home. Henry l…
…
continue reading
Our discoveries from the 1911 journal of Henry Stuart took us to DeLamar Idaho, once a bustling mining town and now an almost entirely non existing ghost town. His story starts there and then takes us to Alabama where Henry built an unusual beehive shaped hut, was known as "The Hermit of Montrose", and the barefooted old man. He made an impression …
…
continue reading
Sally occasionally collects handwritten items that are not diaries and this episode is about a collection of Gibson Hotel Detective Call Slips from 1933. We had a little fun with these and hope you find these stories light and fun like we did. Send us a Text Message. Please go to: https://diarydiscoveries.com to see episode photos and read our blog…
…
continue reading
Imagine living at 9000 feet in the Rocky Mountains. The challenges, the weather, struggling to make a living-- a very difficult life but one our diary's author would never have traded away. The story in this episode is about a family that pioneered an area called Pingree Park in Colorado. We also share the unique experience we had during our time r…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#5 Crocodile Man - A Diary Discovery Short
11:32
11:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:32
Often in Sally's researching a diary, it takes her down rabbit holes of interest. She never knows what she will discover! The story we tell here is a bizarre murder case that happened in Africa in the early 1960's. Send us a Text Message. Please go to: https://diarydiscoveries.com to see episode photos and read our blog. Thank You.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#4 Shipwreck and the Legendary Passenger- Conclusion
28:06
28:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:06
SPOILER ALERT: if this is your first Diary Discovery listening experience you may want to go to episode #1 before listening to this one. Our Legendary Passenger's name is revealed in this episode. Thanks to all who played along. You will see why we called him "Legendary" as you learn about this man's life. It had been written this man never kept a …
…
continue reading