1836 Podcast

In this episode, we dig into the rollercoaster history of Dogpatch USA, a unique theme park inspired by the "Li'l Abner" comic strip that charmed visitors in the Ozark Mountains from 1968 to 1993. Join us as we explore the park's origins, from its start as a simple trout farm to its transformation into a beloved destination packed with quirky attractions and unforgettable charact...

In this episode, we explore the extraordinary journey of Lum and Abner, two iconic characters who left a lasting mark on American radio comedy for nearly 25 years. Discover how two young men from Arkansas, Chet Lauck and Norris Goff, captured the hearts of thousands of listeners across the entire nation with their genuine portrayal of rural life and relatable humor. Their success not only earned t...

In Episode 32, we explore the life of Clifton Clowers, a World War I veteran whose humble beginnings in the Ozark Hills of North Central Arkansas led to unexpected fame through the hit song 'Wolverton Mountain.' This song transformed Clifton into a folk legend, cementing his place in Arkansas’s cultural history and American music folklore.   #Ozarks #Arkansas #History #Podcast

What if I told you one of the most popular toys in the entire world was created and built in North Arkansas? Explore the story of William “Bill” Baltz, the Arkansas engineer who created the Wonder Horse in 1939. From a simple idea using old cypress joists to a national sensation, learn how this ride-on toy captured hearts across America. Join us for a quick dive into the history of this iconic toy...

From Arkansas to Hollywood: The Legacy and Impact of Cinematic Innovator Freeman Harrison Owens Explore the extraordinary life of Freeman Harrison Owens, a pioneering cinematographer born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas on July 20, 1890. From humble beginnings, Owens’s passion for film technology led him to create his own 35mm movie camera by age 16. His career took off with Essanay Studio and notable col...

Warning : This episode may be emotional for some viewers and listeners. Join us as we talk about the history of some of the most significant and devastating tornadoes in Arkansas. We'll discuss events from the earliest documented tornado to more recent ones that have impacted our families, friends, neighbors, and loved ones. Additionally, we'll talk about the impact and aftermath of the EF...

On Episode 28, we welcome Mrs. Patsy Ann Burdine Jones. Patsy was born on June 12th, 1936, in Red Rock, Newton County, Arkansas. She attended grade school at Log Hall and high school at Mount Judea, graduating in 1954. Out of the 48 students who started, only 13 made it to graduation. Join us as Patsy shares her memories of growing up in the Ozarks during World War II. She talks about her daily ch...

The Buffalo River, located in North Central Arkansas, is America’s first National River. On this episode, we briefly discuss the river’s length, depth, Native Americans, pioneers, ferries, bridges, wildlife, floods, the beloved “Granny Henderson” and more! #arkansas #history #ozarks #podcast

S.C. Turnbo was born in 1844. He roamed through the Ozarks, talking with pioneers and documenting their stories in a collection of manuscripts. One of these stories, titled "Opposed to Civil War" by Turnbo, recounts the experiences of two Confederate soldiers who were forced into joining but refused to fight in battle. #arkansas #missouri #ozarks

Join us on Episode 25 as we explore the legend of Bigfoot in Arkansas and the Ozarks. This episode delves into the history of sightings, from Native American legends to modern encounters, including well-known tales like Arkansas' Fouke Monster (also known as the Boggy Creek Monster), Missouri's "MoMo," and Oklahoma's Boggy Bottom Monster and Greenhill Monster. Whether you&#39...

In episode 24 of the 1836 Podcast, we talk about the enigmatic legend of a creature said to haunt the Ozark Mountains. Known for its eerie howl and described as a large, black, bear-like beast with glowing red eyes and prominent horns, the Ozark Howler has sparked tales and sightings for generations. The episode explores the origins of the legend, possible explanations for the creature, and a comp...

On episode 23, we delve into one of Arkansas's most enduring legends—the White River Monster. As we follow the trail of the White River Monster, we unravel stories that go back decades, offering a captivating look at the folklore and the people who keep the legend alive. Join us as we navigate the murky waters between fact and fiction, and discover what might be lurking in the depths of Arkans...

On episode 22 of the 1836 Podcast, we hear from Mr. Jim Welch, a lifelong resident of the Ozarks. Jim was born on January 29, 1938, in a small remote cabin in the “Freck” area of Marion County, Arkansas. He attended school at Cantrell school, in Marion County, which no longer exists, with a class of 26 graduates. He proudly served in the United States military and is 86 years old at the time of th...

During the Civil War, many that lived in North Central Arkansas was against joining the confederacy. They didn't have plantations and most did not have slaves. They wanted nothing to do with a Civil War. A secret group emerged called the Arkansas Peace Society, also known as "The Yellar Rag Boys". When the confederate government learned about them, they arrested over a hundred member...

On this episode we talk about the great Shawnee leader, Tecumseh, and his prediction of the New Madrid Earthquakes. The earthquakes started in Blytheville, AR and was felt by the president at the White House in Washington DC. This path of destruction created much of todays landscape as we know it... And will "the big one" happen here again?

Join us in the final installment of our series on Ray Farmer. Listen to Ray talk about what it was like to come home from World War II and how damming the White River to create the Bull Shoals Lake, affected Boone and Marion County, Arkansas.

On this episode of the 1836 Podcast, we talk about the murder of Baxter County's very first sheriff, Abraham (A.G.) Byler, and the fate of his mysterious killer, the outlaw, Jesse Roper. #arkansas #Ozarks #history #Podcast #Sheriff #Outlaw

In part 2 of this series on Ray Farmer, listen as Ray talks about getting drafted and his experiences going off to World War 2. #Arkansas #Ozarks #History #Podcast #WW2

Ray Farmer lived from 1916 to 2006. Hear him tell his story, in his own words through recordings from 2005. In this first installment of a mult-episode series, Ray talks about growing up in Marion and Boone County, Arkansas, then moving to Oklahoma and coming back home. Hear what is was like when the Mighty White River flowed before it became the Bull Shoals Lake, to having measles, and picking co...

Join us as we talk about Rush, Arkansas. An official federally protected “Ghost Town" with the population of zero. Rush was once believed to be the second largest city in Arkansas, with a population of up to 22,000 people. Now, only dilapidated structures and memories remain.  #Rush #Ozarks #Arkansas #History #Podcast

No Joe and Nathan this week, but fear not! Dive into a quick story by Silas Turnbo about the Treat brothers, Steve and Billy, as they were known to be voracious eaters in Rea Valley!

Let’s step back in time and talk about the “poor scribbler”, Silas Claiborne Turnbo, who was a storyteller that captured the essence of the Ozarks, preserving its history and folklore. #Ozarks #Arkansas #History #Turnbo

On this episode of the 1836 Podcast, we will hear from Zelma Hudson Jones. Zelma was born on January 26, 1925, and faced early hardships as her mother passed away when she was just 6 months old. Raised by her loving grandparents, Pate and Tennessee Wilkerson, Zelma affectionately called them “mommy and poppy.” Her journey began in the township of Turkey, in Marion County Arkansas, where she was bo...

This episode contains details that may be disturbing. Viewer and Listener Discretion is advised. Join us as we finish our story on Alf Bolin. On Episode 3, we talked about his origins and rein of terror of in the Ozarks, during the Civil War. On this episode, we talk about Bolin's downfall and demise.

Let's talk about the legendary Arkansas Lawman, Bass Reeves. How he went from a slave to an icon; and how he broke racial barriers, when the "Hanging Judge" Isacc Parker, hired Bass to become one to the very first black US Deputy Marshals.