Where They Stood

The final episode of this four part series takes a look at some of the conspiracy theories surrounding the fatal plane crash (one that led to the exhumation of The Big Bopper), how rock & roll was saved, and the legacy that raves on.  Partial list of sources: "The Day The Music Died: The Story of Don McLean's American Pie: American Pie Documentary VH1's Behind The Music: The Day...

8 and a half hours. For 8 and a half hours, the bodies of four young men lay in a rural field in Iowa, half frozen with snow drifting around them. When these men were discovered, the word would spread far and wide but not take the time to notify loved ones first. How did the families of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, JP Richardson, and Roger Peterson find out about their deaths? And who would ultima...

A three part series about Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and JP Richardson, the Big Bopper. This episode discusses the horrendous conditions the musicians traveled in and under as part of the Winter Dance Party tour, the concert on Feb. 2, 1959 at the Surf Ballroom, and the fateful flight that took their lives along with the life of pilot Roger Peterson.  Support the show Music: Saint Kilda Wedding...

A three part series on Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and JP Richardson, the Big Bopper. This episode introduces these young men and what led to their fateful decision to tour with the Winter Dance Party.  Cover art used with permission by Bradley Tierney Sources for entire series: https://www.quora.com/Why-did-Ed-Sullivan-and-Buddy-Holly-have-feud , https://performingsongwriter.com/buddy-holly-ed-s...

Dr. Fred Drolett was a well known Lansing, MI doctor who delivered over 6,400 babies during his years of service. This man inspired his descendants to also live in a way that helps, saves, and nurtures others. In this episode you will learn more about the twists and turns of the Droletts but also their tie to the deadliest attack on a school in U.S. History.  Support the show Music: Saint Kilda We...

Bernard and Rebecca Corr had many children. Meet their offspring: Ella, Frank, Tess, John, Lou, Bill, Earl, and Bridgie. These siblings not only shared parents and memories, they helped each other throughout life, even naming their offspring after each other. Learn more about these Corr siblings and their life stories. Included in this episode: the mysterious Grove Street, my fumbling of the word...

The Corr line started in Ireland, grew in Ann Arbor, MI, and rooted itself in Lansing, MI. This family's story includes a murder, a disappearance, and wanderlust. Join me and a special Corr guest...or two...or three to discuss this family's unique and tangled roots. Sources: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Flintstone#:~:text=Fred%20is%20a%20typical%20blue,%22%20is%20%22geolo...

April 2, 1977, the day before Palm Sunday, was not supposed to include a major weather event. However, a supercell that touched down in Kalamazoo and wrecked havoc all the way to Bath, MI, changed that for many people. Hear the stories from survivors and of the victims on the 47th anniversary of this horrific day, the "last" F4 tornado to hit Michigan. Support the show Music: Saint Kilda...

In this episode I dig deeper into the roots of the Hastings, Bennett and Gladding families. Also discussed are tips (and warnings) for your own research.  Support the show Music: Saint Kilda Wedding by Harpo Marks

She's baaaack!  Join us as I read more of the stories we discussed in episode 8!  WARNING: The dates I give are a mess and so is the audio but that tracks! Sources: Newspapers.com, Ancestry.com Support the show Music: Saint Kilda Wedding by Harpo Marks

In this episode we take a closer look at the SS Edmund Fitzgerald.  Topics discussed: the interior of the ship, different ways to describe the shape of the Upper Peninsula, and if Lake Superior does give up her dead. Please do not use this photo without seeking permission from Where They Stood podcast. Transmission between Captain Cooper and the United States Coast Guard on November 10, 1975: http...

Let's play a little game, Dear Listeners.  I tell you about some native, famous men from Michigan and you try to guess who they are!  Intriguing stories, trivia, and perhaps too many Star Wars references.  Oof.  Also, no looking at the sources until after you listen!!!   Support the show Music: Saint Kilda Wedding by Harpo Marks

A story about a man, stuck in the Colorado Mountains, with only one hope, using SOS to signal for help.  But this story, while fascinating, is not what it seems.  Learn more about the secret that just wouldn't keep and how familial DNA broke an unsolved case wide open. https://permies.com/t/136145/Wearing-wool-summer#:~:text=The%20obvious%20question%20was%3A%20'Wasn,summer%20and%20warm%2...

Here are a few stories to get you in the Halloween mood! Music by ALEKSEY CHISTILIN, "Alice In Dark Wonderland" via Pixabay.com Support the show Music: Saint Kilda Wedding by Harpo Marks

Okay, I wasn't really haunted...or was I?  This is the story of Sleep Demons and Sleep Paralysis with some creepy Beaver Island tales thrown in the mix. Happy Halloween! Song and Sound effects: courtesy of Pixaby.com Episode Art: the picture of JFK that I personally took on my trip to Beaver Island in 1997 (picture is taken from the video I made that day) Sources:  https://www.healthline.com/...

Sarah Lonsberry disappeared on January 1, 1905, one cold, Michigan January. No one saw her leave and her concerned husband contacted the police.  After years without a lead in the case, a serious of strange events caused the search to reopen and this time, with results.  This is the story of the Dimondale Lonsberrys and one sheriff who wouldn't let this cold case go. Wikipedia Detroit Free Pr...

What do Frankenstein's monster and Charlotte, MI have in common? More than you might realize. This week's story tells of purposeful poisoning, the life of Billy Pratt, and answers the question: did Boris Karloff ever visit Charlotte? Special thanks to: Julie Wheaton Myers and CGB for their monthly support of the podcast. Image: By Universal Studios, NBCUniversal - Dr. Macro, Public Domai...

In reality, I have many *favorite* artists (as I have several *best* friends), but not every artist would garner an episode from me.  This man most certainly does.  Episode 15 is my own tribute to Jimmy Buffett but also a reflection of life itself: looking back, looking around, looking forward.  Fins up, Parrot Heads. Sources: https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-one-particular-har...

The story of Bobby Kennedy's bid for the 1968 Democratic Nomination, his last speech in California, and a Michigan woman who was waiting for him to speak in the other ballroom.   Also, the story of the killer Ferris wheel (that never killed anyone). Sources: "Authority Song" by John Mellencamp YouTube videos of Robert Kennedy and Edward Kennedy speaking Pete Hamil's first hand...

They fell in love at the Eaton County Fair and then, they became parents of a country music legend. This episode takes a long look at some family history, the settling of Chester, MI (again) and the evolution of marriage. Oh, and I finally set a rumor to rest: NO, "he" wasn't necessarily from Charlotte, MI...but his momma sure was! And, "he" did live here... when he was on...

A long, long time ago (1988) I can still remember How that music used to make me smile...(Debbie Gibson, George Michael, Glen Medeiros) And I knew if I had the chance, I could share a dance  and maybe be happy for a while... But March made me shiver Bad news on our doorstep and I absolutely cried.... But this isn't about the day the music died.  This was about the day I almost died and it&apo...

Berrien, Livingston, Van Buren, Barry, Cass, Livingston, Ingham and Eaton. No, I did not just read you a list of counties under a tornado watch. But, If you live in mid or Southern Michigan, you’ve heard these names before because of course, these are the names of… Andrew Jackson’s presidential cabinet members.  Learn more about our country’s 7th president, a territory called Michigan (trying to b...

According to Marriage and Divorce 19th Century Style  written by Margaret Wood, “A man could divorce his wife for one instance of adultery but a woman could only obtain a divorce if her husband was physically cruel, incestuous, or bestial in addition to being adulterous." Zella Belle Wheaton, from Charlotte, MI, was part of this 19th century marriage culture and caught in the snare of wanting...

A ghost town, pioneer days of Charlotte, MI and...wrestling a toothless bear?  Meet the Wheatons which include the first sheriff of Eaton County, a two time mayor of Charlotte, MI and the descendants that brought these stories to us.  Also, I have a returning guest and I'm SURE you're going to love the story I'm forcing him to share! Support the show Music: Saint Kilda Wedding by Ha...

Something different!  Please join ma-self and my dear friend, Brittany as I read her some bonkers headlines I've found while researching, she tells me what she thinks the story is about and then, I read the rest of the story.  Dipshitery and hilarity ensue!  Hope you enjoy this episode! Sources: Newspapers.com Genealogybank.com WILX.com Support the show Music: Saint Kilda Wedding by Harpo Mar...