Badgerland Journal

Between 1890-1910 Black River Falls fell on hard times, due to the lumber industry and mines failing. People were out of work, and many succumbed to alcoholism, mental health issues, or other sinister means. In 1973 Michael Lesy wrote a book using photographs and newspaper articles from the time to show how grisly and morbid life was during this time. His book Wisconsin Death Trip was turned into...

Whitewater Wisconsin is known as the Second Salem. There are plenty of ghost stories to back up its name, but this episode dives into not only the legend and lore surrounding this city, but the historical roots of these stories. Plus we threw in a little bit of historical murder and mayhem. It is after all spooky season. Be sure to let me know what other spooky stories you want to hear during the...

This episode is a little different than our normal episode. I had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with David Hanneken and talk about his historical fiction book The Home Front . The book takes place in Wisconsin during WWII and specifically discusses the POWs housed in Wisconsin during the war. David shares his research and process for writing the book, his inspiration, and general views on...

Door County takes its name from the passage between the Bay of Green Bay and Lake Michigan. The French, drawing on native stories, named the passage Cap a la Mort or Death's Door. How it gained this name is shrouded in legend, but Death's Door has claimed multiple ships throughout the year. Tune in to find out more about this legendary passage. Check us out on Facebook , Instagram , or send an ema...

Prohibition during the 1920s made for great business within the Chicago Mob, but what did these outlaws do when the police got too close? They took a vacation to Wisconsin of course! Mobsters and Gangsters Like Al Capone, Jimmy Hoffa, Baby Face Nelson, and John Dillinger all used Wisconsin as a hideout to take a break from their criminal ways... sort of. Listen to find out more and how the FBI had...

Harley Davidson is one of the most well-known businesses to come out of Wisconsin, but did you know it all started with four men in a small yard shed? Tune in to find out how Harley-Davidson became the best-known Motorcycle company in the world. We love feedback! Let us know what you think on Facebook , Instagram , or send an email badgerlandjournal@gmail.com Sources: “Arthur Davidson and Bill Har...

Did you know that an Eagle lived in the Wisconsin State Capital for 15 years? Old Abe became the mascot for the Wisconsin 8th infantry during the Civil War and saw thirty-seven battles and skirmishes during the war. He became a legendary eagle known throughout the country. Tune in to find out more about Old Abe. Don't forget to keep in touch on Facebook , Instagram , or send an email badgerlandjou...

Roaring Dan Seavey was as colorful of a character as they come. He had connections to the Pabst family and the Chicago Mob. Adventure followed him where ever he went, but he was most well known for being the only man charged with Piracy on the Great Lakes. Tune in to listen to the life of Dan Seavey. Check us out on Facebook , Instagram , or send an email badgerlandjournal@gmail.com Sources: Dan S...

What in the World is a Hodag? It's a demon, water panther and mascot all rolled into one. Tune in to find out how this mythical creature became synonymous Rhinelander Wisconsin. Keep in touch on Facebook , Instagram , or send an email badgerlandjournal@gmail.com Sources: Emily Bright, Emily. “The Legend of the Hodag.” Wisconsin Life, January 19, 2018. https://wisconsinlife.org/story/the-legend...

We have had our first listeners request! Today we are diving into how Fish Fries became so popular in Wisconsin. Leave episode suggestions on Facebook , Instagram , or send an email badgerlandjournal@gmail.com Source: “Fish Fry Fridays, 1997-2010.” Wisconsin Historical Society, August 7, 2013. https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS3968. Johnson, Samantha. “History in the Eating: Popul...

Lake Michigan has taken countless ships throughout it's history. Despite this, ships would attempt journeys from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to Chicago in the early winter months in order to bring Christmas trees to the city. One captain became so well known for this journey, he was given the nickname Captain Santa. However, his last journey ended in tragedy. Tune in to find out more about...

Old Fashioneds and fish fries are a staple at any supper club in Wisconsin. Have you ever wondered where Wisconsin got its unique spin on the Old Fashioned? Check us out on Facebook , Instagram , or send an email badgerlandjournal@gmail.com If you are in search of a muddler check out Silverwood Arts Sources: “The History of Brandy.” The Brandy Bar + Cocktails, April 6, 2018. https://thebrandybar.c...

Have you ever wondered why Wisconsin is the Badger State? It isn't because of the abundance of badgers... Join Badgerland Journal as we discuss how we became the Badger State. Let us know what you think on Facebook , Instagram , or send an email badgerlandjournal@gmail.com

Did you know 39 communities throughout Wisconsin housed German prisoners of war during WWII? Tune in to learn about these POWs and the relationships they had with different Wisconsin communities. Keep in touch on Facebook , Instagram , or send an email badgerlandjournal@gmail.com

Did you know 39 communities throughout Wisconsin housed German prisoners of war during WWII? Tune in to learn about how they got here and how they played an important role they played in filling the labor shortage caused by the war. Let us know what you think on Facebook , Instagram , or send an email badgerlandjournal@gmail.com

Please take a listen to my very first podcast! It is the story of Joshua Glover and the State of Wisconsin taking on the Federal Government over the refusal to return a former slave to Missouri. Please feel free to comment suggestions for future episodes on Facebook , Instagram , or send an email badgerlandjournal@gmail.com