Can You Dig it

In the season two finale of the "Can You Dig It?" podcast, hosts Dan Fuller and Joe Shields unearth the hidden history of the Mexican American War through the lens of St. Louis’s iconic Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum . The duo explores the lives of local veterans and influential figures—ranging from the namesake of Alton, Illinois, to the fifth military governor of California—while...

Can You Dig It - Season 2 EP 009 - Olympics Episode In the "Can You Dig It" podcast episode, hosts Dan Fuller and Joe Shields discuss the historical significance of the 1904 Olympics in St. Louis, which introduced gold, silver, and bronze medals for the first time. They highlight notable figures like Martha Brown, who won three gold medals in swimming, and Albert Bond Lambert, who won si...

Can You Dig It - Season 2 EP 008 - John Hughes - Hughes Funeral Alternatives Dan Fuller and Joe Shields discuss the history and innovations of Hughes Funeral Alternatives LLC with owner John Hughes. Hughes' company, established in 2017, offers alkaline hydrolysis, a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cremation, with a 18-times lower carbon footprint and 90% less energy us...

In the "Can You Dig It" podcast episode, hosts Joe and Dan discuss the historical significance of St. Louis lawyers and court cases. They highlight the impact of the Virginia Minor case in 1874, which, though unsuccessful, paved the way for the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote. They also mention Hamilton Rowan Gamble's dissenting vote in the Dred Scott case, which infl...

This episode explores the century-long fight for women's suffrage in St. Louis, highlighting the pivotal legal challenges of Virginia Minor and the tactical brilliance of Edna Gellhorn’s "Golden Lane" protest. The discussion emphasizes how local organizations and grassroots activism evolved from post-Civil War aid societies into a powerful, non-violent political movement. Recorded at...

Travel from St. Louis to Brooklyn as we uncover the deep-rooted connections between Bellefontaine and the legendary Green-Wood Cemetery. Former Horticulture Director Art Presson shares gripping tales of surviving Hurricane Sandy, managing ancient landscapes, and preserving iconic art like the Minerva statue. Discover the shared legacy of these American treasures and the passionate stewardship requ...

Episode Summary: The Social Evil of St. Louis in the 1870s Episode 4 of the "Can You Dig It" podcast, hosted by Dan Fuller and Joe Shields (Director of Development for Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum), delves into the often-overlooked history of prostitution in St. Louis during the 1870s. The episode features special guest Christopher Gordon , Director at the Missouri Historical Society, who...

In the "Can You Dig It" podcast episode, Dan Fuller and Joe Shields discuss the significance of art in society and its presence at Bellefontaine Cemetery. They highlight the cemetery's diverse art forms, including sculptures, architecture, and photography, and feature notable artists like Sadie Waters, Edith Spink, and Abraham Moeller. They also mention the cemetery's artist-in-residence program,...

Join hosts Dan Fuller and Joe Shields as they welcome Christopher Gordon, board member at Bellefontaine Cemetery and the Missouri Historical Society's Library Research Center. Unearth the story of Joseph McCullough, the influential first White House correspondent whose unmarked grave was recently discovered. Plus, get a unique glimpse into the 1904 World's Fair through the eyes of Adele Quinette P...

The First episode of Season 2 explores the pop culture impact of notable figures buried at Bellefontaine Cemetery, including William S. Burroughs, Vincent Price, Irma Rombauer, and Sarah Teasdale. The hosts discuss the unique stories, cultural contributions, and ongoing legacies of these individuals, as well as the significance of the Potters group and St. Louis history.

Think grand architecture is just pretty? Think again. Episode 10 of "Can You Dig It?" throws you into the echoing halls of St. Louis Union Station, a living monument to America's westward dream. This wasn't just a depot; it was the gateway to the West . Imagine pioneers, prospectors, and immigrants pouring through its arches, their hopes and futures tied to the rails stretching westward. We'll une...

Tired of dusty history lessons? Craving adventure that shaped a nation? Then episode 9 of "Can You Dig It?" isn't just a listen, it's your uncharted territory waiting to be explored. We're not just reciting dates about Lewis & Clark; we're trekking alongside them through breathtaking landscapes, facing down the unknown, and uncovering the raw human drama behind this p...

For St. Louisans (and those who appreciate its history): Uncover a Cornerstone of Your City's Identity: The Wainwright Building isn't just a pretty facade; it's a symbol of St. Louis's ambition and its pivotal role in architectural innovation during a transformative era. This episode will illuminate the why behind its significance, giving you a deeper connection to a landmark you m...

Alright, history buffs and architecture aficionados, get ready to dive deep! Welcome to "Can You Dig It," the podcast where we unearth the fascinating stories buried beneath the bricks and mortar of our world. This week, we're embarking on a two-part journey into the heart of St. Louis, a city that served as a crucible for architectural innovation in the late 19th century. We're setting our sights...

From humble beginnings, Eads rose to become one of the most celebrated engineers of his time. He built ironclad warships for the Union during the Civil War, saving the Mississippi River for the North. But his ambitions didn't stop there. He conquered the treacherous currents of the Mississippi with his revolutionary bridge in St. Louis, a marvel of engineering that still stands today. And if that...

Ever heard of a man who moved mountains... or, more accurately, rivers ? A man who wrestled with the mighty Mississippi, tamed its currents, and literally changed the course of American commerce? We're talking about a self-taught genius, a visionary who defied convention and laughed in the face of impossibility. His name was James Buchanan Eads, and he was a force of nature. Subscribe to "Can You...

Dare to delve into the shadowed history of Bellefontaine? On this episode, James Faupel, Director of Horticulture and the Arboretum, unveils the secrets hidden within the three hundred and fourteen acres of this St. Louis landmark. Join Dan Fuller, the Cemetery Chronicler, and Joe Shields, the Development Exec with a peculiar passion for plots, as they unearth the chilling tales and forgotten fact...

Dig deep into the world of Rural Cemeteries and how they came to be. Dan and Joe talk about Garden concepts at your final resting place.

Let us Tease you with what this podcast is all about.

Come hear about all the different Beer Barons that are now forever resting at the Bellefontaine Cemetery. From Adolphus Busch and beyond this is a can't miss episode.

Introducing the Hosts of the Can You Dig It - Podcast.