Tuesday Tidbits

April 2, 2024

The Legend of the Aurora, Texas UFO Crash

Cemeteries hold a plethora of stories, some stories whispered in hushed tones, others etched into weathered gravestones. Yet, among the countless tales that echo through these solemn grounds, few captivate the imagination quite like the legend of Au…

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March 26, 2024

Mystic, Connecticut's Whitehall Mansion and the Tale of Dr. Dudley Woodbridge

In the heart of Mystic, Connecticut, lies the tiny Whitehall Cemetery, a place steeped in history since its establishment in 1644. Among its solemn grounds rests Dr. Dudley Woodbridge, a man whose life story weaves through the fabric of time. Desce…

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Feb. 20, 2024

The Symbolism and Reverence of Mary Statues in Catholic Cemeteries

(This "Tidbit" is meant to explain some of the significance of Mary in the Catholic belief, but it is by no means a complete understanding of her importance to the Catholic faith.) If you have ever visited a Catholic cemetery or even a Catholic gra…

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Feb. 13, 2024

The Unconventional Romance of the Wild West

In honor of Valentine's Day this week, we take a quick look at love and lust that helped to shape many western states in the 18 and early 1900s. In the untamed days of the Wild West, brothels played a significant role in the settlement of frontier t…

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Dec. 19, 2023

Symbolism of Holly, Ivy, and Evergreen in Christmas Celebrations & Cemeteries

"The holly bears a prickle As sharp as any thorn And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ On Christmas Day in the morn." - The Holly and The Ivy, a traditional Christmas carol Christmas Day is fast approaching and the vibrant hues of holly, ivy, and eve…

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Dec. 19, 2023

Symbolism of Holly, Ivy, and Evergreen in Christmas Celebrations & Cemeteries

"The holly bears a prickle As sharp as any thorn And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ On Christmas Day in the morn." - The Holly and The Ivy, a traditional Christmas carol Christmas Day is fast approaching and the vibrant hues of holly, ivy, and eve…

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Dec. 12, 2023

From Tunkhannock to the Rockies: The Untold Story of Thomas Hoadley

Sometimes a very simple gravestone will catch your eye and set you wondering about the person whom it memorializes. In this instance, we have a small rounded marble stone with tassels carved on either side and the three chain links at the top with t…

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Oct. 24, 2023

In the Shadow of Battle: The Story of George Wasinger

George Wasinger was born on April 3, 1895, in Kansas, to Jas and Lizzie Wasinger, Catholic Russian immigrants seeking a new life in the American landscape. As a teenager, George and his family relocated to Omaha, Nebraska, where he found employment …

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Oct. 17, 2023

In the Shadow of Tombstones: Cemetery Superstitions

For as long as there have been burial grounds, there have been superstitions about what you should or should not do when visiting them. Some of these include:  Avoid Stepping on Graves: Many people believe it is disrespectful and bad luck to s…

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Oct. 10, 2023

A Bolt from the Past: Salem's Caleb Pickman and the Lightning Tree

Often the best stories, whether they are true or legendary, begin with the phrase "Once upon a time". I was reminded of this story last night when we were recording this week's episode of the podcast and so we will begin with... Once upon a time, t…

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