Thirty years after her death, Erma Bombeck is still the patron saint of moms everywhere so it felt only fitting to celebrate her life and legacy with Mother's Day just around the corner. She wrote the messy, hilarious, heartwarming truth about marriage and motherhood before it was a hashtag. "I brought children into this lousy, mixed-up world because when you love someone and they love you back, the world doesn’t look that lousy or seem that mixed up." Join Jennie and Dianne on this latest episode of the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast as they dive into her life, her funniest writings, and why so much of her humor and wisdom still apply today. ~ "When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say: “I used everything you gave me."

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Family Tales: A free printable, is now available! Gather 'round the table and dig into your roots! This interactive family history game is perfect for holidays, reunions, or just because. Ask, listen, and laugh your way through generations of stories and secrets. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UT_R56qEwNTIxIBrTy8KFyVmGnFOe7g8/view?usp=sharing

Resources used to research this episode include:

University Of Dayton. "Erma Bombeck ." https://ermabombeckcollection.com/. ermabombeckcollection.com/. Accessed 3 May 2026.

University Of Dayton. "Erma’s Life ." https://ermabombeckcollection.com/. ermabombeckcollection.com/life/. Accessed 3 May 2026.

Svoboda, Melanie . "Erma Bombeck: American Humorist ." https://melanniesvobodasnd.org/. 22 May 2017. melanniesvobodasnd.org/erma-bombeck/. Accessed 3 May 2026.

Britannica Editors. "Erma Bombeck." https://www.britannica.com/. 18 Apr. 2026. www.britannica.com/biography/Erma-Bombeck. Accessed 3 May 2026.

Wright Memorial Public Library . "Erma Bombeck ." https://www.wrightlibrary.org/. www.wrightlibrary.org/daytonliterarytrail/writers/bombeck. Accessed 3 May 2026.

Burrow, Christopher . https://americanwritersmuseum.org/. 5 Dec. 2017. americanwritersmuseum.org/erma-bombeck/?srsltid=AfmBOoppnJpZqPOqAuu-mrDG10c7-YCvqaUjSPmW-arGVd2-ebyHHZ_A. Accessed 3 May 2026.

Support the show

Sometimes a chat with your local butcher can lead you down a very curious rabbit hole and that is exactly what happened to this week's returning guest, historian Joy Giguere, on this latest episode of the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast. Some history is easy to miss until you know what you’re looking for. In the 1920s, a surge of organized intolerance swept through American towns. It showed up in parades, in politics, and in the way some communities marked their dead. This episode traces how that movement tried to make itself permanent, and what the grave markers left behind can still teach us today.

Joy has been looking at archival records, historical newspapers, and local histories to understand how extremism became normalized, and in some cases, has been engraved in stone.

This episode is heavy. It’s important. And it’s not ancient history. 

Content note: This episode discusses historical racism and extremism in the 1920s. It is presented for educational purposes. We do not promote or glorify hate. This episode examines primary sources to understand how organized intolerance functioned in the 1920s.

If you have come across grave markers such as we discuss in this episode and you would like to pass the information along to Joy for archival purposes, you can reach her at: jmg66@psu.edu

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Family Tales: A free printable, is now available! Gather 'round the table and dig into your roots! This interactive family history game is perfect for holidays, reunions, or just because. Ask, listen, and laugh your way through generations of stories and secrets. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UT_R56qEwNTIxIBrTy8KFyVmGnFOe7g8/view?usp=sharing

Support the show

This week on the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery, Jennie and Dianne are joined by one of their favorite living historians MJ Henion, to unravel a Civil War mystery that still haunts historians today.
Meet Brigadier General Richard B. Garnett, a Confederate officer whose story ends at Pickett’s Charge… or does it? Though he has a memorial marker in Virginia’s historic Hollywood Cemetery, no one knows for certain if his remains ever left the battlefield at Gettysburg.

From his early years before the war to his final moments leading men into that doomed charge, MJ brings Garnett’s Ordinary Extraordinary life, and death, into vivid focus.

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Family Tales: A free printable, is now available! Gather 'round the table and dig into your roots! This interactive family history game is perfect for holidays, reunions, or just because. Ask, listen, and laugh your way through generations of stories and secrets. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UT_R56qEwNTIxIBrTy8KFyVmGnFOe7g8/view?usp=sharing

Support the show

When the 2008 recession upended Eric Anderson’s career, he never imagined the detour would lead to cemetery service. But that’s where he found work that truly mattered. After walking through personal loss herself, his wife Megan joined him, bringing a heart for steady, compassionate guidance in life’s hardest moments.

Through prayer and perseverance, the Andersons were led to Thomasville, North Carolina, where they took on a big challenge: restoring Holly Hill Memorial Park. Brick by brick, conversation by conversation, they’ve rebuilt not just operations, but trust, compassion, and dignity in a final resting place rooted in community and love.

To learn more about Holly Hill Memorial Park, visit their website: https://www.hollyhillcemetery.com/

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Family Tales: A free printable, is now available! Gather 'round the table and dig into your roots! This interactive family history game is perfect for holidays, reunions, or just because. Ask, listen, and laugh your way through generations of stories and secrets. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UT_R56qEwNTIxIBrTy8KFyVmGnFOe7g8/view?usp=sharing

Support the show

On this episode of the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast, Jennie and Dianne are joined by author Gigi Berardi to talk about "Bianca’s Cure", her fact-driven historical novel about Bianca Capello, who in real life was famed for her beauty, but Gigi’s Bianca is a scientist centuries ahead of her time,  hunting a malaria cure with the herb artemisia. 

Malaria, took the lives of many in Italy in the 14th century, including several members of one of Italy's most famed royal families, the Medicis. The same family Bianca married into. When her husband, the Grand Duke Francesco de’ Medici died, they found arsenic in his bones. And Bianca? Her body was never found. Denied a Medici tomb, she likely vanished into an unmarked grave.

Listen in for a fascinating discussion of medicine, politics, passion, and mysteries beyond some of Italy's most Ordinary Extraordinary graves.

Purchase your copy of "Bianca's Cure" here: https://gigiberardi.com/

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Family Tales: A free printable, is now available! Gather 'round the table and dig into your roots! This interactive family history game is perfect for holidays, reunions, or just because. Ask, listen, and laugh your way through generations of stories and secrets. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UT_R56qEwNTIxIBrTy8KFyVmGnFOe7g8/view?usp=sharing

Support the show

This week, Jennie and Dianne are "digging" into some truly Ordinary Extraordinary recent news stories from cemeteries across the US. First up, Lafayette, Colorado, where a local cemetery has run out of burial space, leaving families in a lurch despite owning plots. Then, on to the stunning shores of Lake Superior in Minnesota, where a historic pioneer cemetery is literally losing its graves to erosion, bringing skeletal remains to the surface and sparking a fight for state funding to save it. And finally, a story published by Smithsonian Magazine unearths a tale from the early 2000s in Chicago's historic Burr Oak Cemetery, where four men were busted for desecrating graves for profit, all thanks to a very specific type of moss! 

You can find the links to each of the articles here: 

https://www.cpr.org/2026/03/27/lafayette-cemetery-overcrowding/

https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/scandia-cemetery-erosion-lake-superior-duluth/

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/how-a-tiny-clump-of-moss-helped-the-fbi-solve-a-grave-robbing-case-180988328/

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Family Tales: A free printable, is now available! Gather 'round the table and dig into your roots! This interactive family history game is perfect for holidays, reunions, or just because. Ask, listen, and laugh your way through generations of stories and secrets. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UT_R56qEwNTIxIBrTy8KFyVmGnFOe7g8/view?usp=sharing

Support the show

Just as Women's History Month wraps up, Jennie and Dianne chat with author Sherry Sky Stuart about her fascinating new book, Forgotten Female Felons. Skye resurrects the stories of women locked up in the Colorado Territorial Prison, kicking off with the first female felon from 1872. With help from original prison records and other resources, she crafts the vivid lives of women like Catherine, a midwife jailed for abortion, or women who faced abuse, addiction, and the privations of poverty.

Forgotten Female Felons illuminates battles that mirror many of today's issues still faced by women. This heartening and raw exploration dives into a sidelined slice of history, proving these women's tales are as legendary as any of their male counterparts and deserve to be remembered and even reimagined.

You can order your copy of Forgotten Female Felons here:   https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0F913G91F/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Family Tales: A free printable, is now available! Gather 'round the table and dig into your roots! This interactive family history game is perfect for holidays, reunions, or just because. Ask, listen, and laugh your way through generations of stories and secrets. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UT_R56qEwNTIxIBrTy8KFyVmGnFOe7g8/view?usp=sharing

Support the show

Support the show

"For most of history, Anonymous was a woman." — Virginia Woolf    

In this episode of the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery, Dianne and Jennie follow a single name etched on a simple marble stone in the Pioneer section of Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs - Lorenda Judd. She rests there alone. No husband, no children beside her. After Lorenda’s death, her family moved on, and the record of her life thinned to almost nothing. What we do know comes filtered through other people: a marriage certificate, a few lines mentioned through her youngest son, the bare facts of a woman who was born in New York in the early 1800s, migrated to Illinois, and later crossed into Colorado Territory as a wife and mother. We don’t have her letters, her opinions, or any account of how she felt about leaving home and building a life on the frontier.

This episode asks what’s lost when women’s stories are reduced to their relationships to the men in their lives, and why that loss matters. Lorenda’s missing narrative isn’t an anomaly; it’s the pattern. Throughout history, women’s lives slip out of the archive, and “ordinary” women become extraordinary precisely because we have to work to see them, and why preserving and amplifying their stories changes how we understand history itself. 

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Family Tales: A free printable, is now available! Gather 'round the table and dig into your roots! This interactive family history game is perfect for holidays, reunions, or just because. Ask, listen, and laugh your way through generations of stories and secrets. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UT_R56qEwNTIxIBrTy8KFyVmGnFOe7g8/view?usp=sharing

Support the show

Support the show

What dessert would you eat in a cemetery? This week, we're sharing some of your wild and wonderful social media responses to that very question, inspired by the authors of "To Die For A Cookbook of Gravestone Recipes" and "Haunted Virginia Cemeteries"! We're unwrapping a brand new episode that also features classic clips from our chats with Rosie Grant and Sharon Pajka about their fascinating journeys to writing these books. And as if that's not sweet enough, we're giving away copies of both books! Be sure to tune in for all the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery fun!

To listen to the full episodes with Rosie and Sharon, follow these links: https://www.theordinaryextraordinarycemetery.com/episode-233-dishes-from-the-dearly-departed-with-rosie-grant/

https://www.theordinaryextraordinarycemetery.com/episode-243-haunted-history-exploring-virginias-cemeteries-with-sharon-pajka/

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Family Tales: A free printable, is now available! Gather 'round the table and dig into your roots! This interactive family history game is perfect for holidays, reunions, or just because. Ask, listen, and laugh your way through generations of stories and secrets. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UT_R56qEwNTIxIBrTy8KFyVmGnFOe7g8/view?usp=sharing

Support the show

In this episode of the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery, we're diving into a tale of wartime romance, enduring love, and a connection forged across continents. Dalhousie University, 1914. She was a music student, he was an athlete. They were just friends... until the Great War changed everything. Discover the captivating journey of Reg Roome and Helen Jones – a Canadian soldier fighting on the front lines and a brave 'bluebird' nurse – whose wartime letters unexpectedly blossomed into a passionate romance and a secret proposal. Tune in for this beautiful Ordinary Extraordinary true love story that defied the trenches and atrocities of the First World War. 

To read not only Reg and Helen's love story, but also those of others who experienced the Great War, check out "True Love Stories from World War One" by Amelia Kenton. https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/true-love-stories-from-world-war-one-wwi-inspiring-couples-from-back-in-time_amelia-kenton/39802706/?srsltid=AfmBOopf27MIIxxyJ069HImP1S_M6EOGXNPUzk1vO2h-RfA7y_WiCeQ9#edition=68156381&idiq=59204071

Support the show

All aboard! Join Jennie and Dianne this week as they "ride the rails" with the Pullman Porters, unsung heroes of American history! These men overcame unimaginable prejudice and racism; from being called "George" by passengers, regardless of their name, to working 400+ hours a month with little time off, their struggles were real. Yet, they persevered, forming the first all-Black labor union, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, and paving the way for the Civil Rights Movement. Their legacy extends far beyond the railroad, influencing leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and shaping the course of American history. 

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Family Tales: A free printable, is now available! Gather 'round the table and dig into your roots! This interactive family history game is perfect for holidays, reunions, or just because. Ask, listen, and laugh your way through generations of stories and secrets. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UT_R56qEwNTIxIBrTy8KFyVmGnFOe7g8/view?usp=sharing

*Images: Sleeping car, Pullman Porter portrait & Pullman Porter making the bed are in the public domain • Gates to The Haven of Rest Cemetery in Little Rock, Arkansas by Richard Theilig 3/2/2018 posted to findagrave.com • James William Warren Jr.grave by Mizzizzippy 10/24/2018 posted to findagrave.com • grave of Prince Albert Smith by Richard Theilig 4/23/2019 posted to findagrave.com

Resources used to research this episode include:

Dorsey-Burke, Ethelda. "Ordinary Men—Extraordinary History: A Proud Pullman Porter ." https://www.tacomaartmuseum.org/. 22 Dec. 2021. www.tacomaartmuseum.org/tamblog-proud-pullman-porter/ . Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

Hutchinson , Brittany. "The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters ." https://www.chicagohistory.org/. 4 Sep. 2020. www.chicagohistory.org/brotherhood-sleeping-car-porters/. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

Harris, Kathy Lynn. "Haven of Rest Cemetery ." https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/. 22 Oct. 2025. encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/haven-of-rest-cemetery-14603/. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

"Cemetery Map." https://friendsofhavenofrestcemetery.com/. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

Dover, Elicia. "Community Connections: Friends of Haven of Rest." https://katv.com/. 24 Feb. 2022. katv.com/community/community-connections/community-connections-friends-of-haven-of-rest. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

, Museum Of The American Railroad . "The Pullman Porter ." https://www.historictrains.org/. 24 Apr. 2025. www.historictrains.org/collection/philippe-9z32w. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

Demirel, Evin. "Cemetery holds 27 Pullman porter graves ." Editorial. Arkansas Democrat Gazette [Little Rock], 16 Aug. 2009, p. 17,22.

Support the show

Tune in this week to The Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast as Jennie and Dianne dive into the turbulent history of Kansas from 1854-1856, sparked by the New England Emigrant Aid Company's efforts to make Kansas a free state. What they uncover are eerie echoes of today's headlines. Don't miss this timely exploration of history's parallels to modern America. Join them to unearth the beginning of "Bleeding Kansas's" legacy, and why more than ever, it's important not to forget the stories of the past!

Learn more about Bleeding Kansas with this video: https://youtu.be/ASM1sel--d4?si=VLibuqP_q94ojesl

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Family Tales: A free printable, is now available! Gather 'round the table and dig into your roots! This interactive family history game is perfect for holidays, reunions, or just because. Ask, listen, and laugh your way through generations of stories and secrets. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UT_R56qEwNTIxIBrTy8KFyVmGnFOe7g8/view?usp=sharing

Support the show

This week on the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast Dianne and Jennie sit down with Ryan Seidemann for our first Death and Dying 101 episode of 2026. We discuss the Victorian morals of using ground up mummies for miracle cures, the burial practices of Neanderthals, the law regarding modern-day the grave robbing (specifically two very recent cases in the state of Pennsylvania), odor control in mausoleums and more. This is a conversation you don't want to miss!

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Family Tales: A free printable, is now available! Gather 'round the table and dig into your roots! This interactive family history game is perfect for holidays, reunions, or just because. Ask, listen, and laugh your way through generations of stories and secrets. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UT_R56qEwNTIxIBrTy8KFyVmGnFOe7g8/view?usp=sharing

Support the show

New year, new memories! Tune in to this week's Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast as Jennie and Dianne share heartwarming family stories from listeners who played our game "Family Tales" with us online as we closed out 2025 and ushered in 2026. It's not too late to play for yourself. Grab the free game on our website and start collecting your own family's stories!

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Family Tales: A free printable, is now available! Gather 'round the table and dig into your roots! This interactive family history game is perfect for holidays, reunions, or just because. Ask, listen, and laugh your way through generations of stories and secrets. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UT_R56qEwNTIxIBrTy8KFyVmGnFOe7g8/view?usp=sharing

Support the show

What happens when medical progress clashes with public outrage? Body snatching, bloodletting, and a riot that shook America's founding fathers: join Jennie and Dianne on this latest episode of The Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery as they chat with writer Andy McPhee about his latest book "The Doctors' Riot of 1788". But the story starts earlier - at The African Burial Ground, where New York City's Black community had long been fighting against desecration. We'll explore the complex history of anatomy, ethics, and dignity in death, and why this 1788 riot still resonates today.

View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xbmtMzzJyeg?si=CkUAXc7IFn_EgTLg

To learn more, purchase Andy's book through your local bookstore by visiting: https://bookshop.org/beta-search?keywords=The+Doctors%27+Riot+of+1788

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Family Tales: A free printable, is now available! Gather 'round the table and dig into your roots! This interactive family history game is perfect for holidays, reunions, or just because. Ask, listen, and laugh your way through generations of stories and secrets. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UT_R56qEwNTIxIBrTy8KFyVmGnFOe7g8/view?usp=sharing

Support the show

Kick off the new year with The Ordinary, Extraordinary Cemetery podcast! Join Jennie and Dianne for a delightful chat with Pamela McColl, author of "Wondrous Mrs. Claus: a Literary and Pictorial Review of the Christmas Character". As we bid farewell to 2025, let's take a moment to appreciate a true unsung hero of the holiday season, Mrs. Claus! Join us as we celebrate the woman behind the man in red and appreciate all the love and care she brings to this final festive season of the calendar year.

View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NeY4abu6j1Y?si=HfMC3MCoDyesM4LC

Purchase your copy of "Wondrous Mrs. Claus: a Literary and Pictorial Review of the Christmas Character" by Pamela McColl here: https://a.co/d/0eWM2Iw

Family Tales: A free printable, is now available! Gather 'round the table and dig into your roots! This interactive family history game is perfect for holidays, reunions, or just because. Ask, listen, and laugh your way through generations of stories and secrets. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UT_R56qEwNTIxIBrTy8KFyVmGnFOe7g8/view?usp=sharing

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show

“Hanukkah is about the freedom to be true to what we believe without denying the freedom of those who believe otherwise. It’s about lighting our candle, while not being threatened by or threatening anyone else’s candle.” Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z”l -- This week Jennie and Dianne invite everyone to cozy up with a cup of latke-friendly brew and join them as they revisit their first ever Hanukkah episode (#10!), exploring the connections between Hanukkah and the American Revolution through the stories of war heroes buried in Chatham Square Jewish Cemetery in New York City. We hope this episode inspires all our listeners to find their light in the darkness. 

Episode available on YouTube:https://youtu.be/X1NBLsOqIoY?si=eZSOGgFi4GBuDqQH

Family Tales: A free printable, is now available! Gather 'round the table and dig into your roots! This interactive family history game is perfect for holidays, reunions, or just because. Ask, listen, and laugh your way through generations of stories and secrets. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UT_R56qEwNTIxIBrTy8KFyVmGnFOe7g8/view?usp=sharing

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show

This week Dianne and Jennie are getting into the holiday spirit with the heartwarming story of Colonel Harry Shoup, the Air Force officer who answered a mistaken phone call from a little girl looking for Santa. His kindness sparked a tradition that's tracked Santa for 70 years! Ever wondered how NORAD got involved? Tune in to hear the Ordinary Extraordinary, magical Christmas tale!

Episode available on YouTube:   https://youtu.be/7014a4Stt_0?si=RS2OobqhaCPFBxvC

It may not be Christmas Eve yet, but read stories, play games and more, and of course, track Santa with NORAD on Christmas Eve at:https://www.noradsanta.org/en/

Resources used to research this episode include:                                                    DME Interns. "Harry Shoup: The Santa Colonel ." https://news.va.gov/. 24 Dec. 2021. news.va.gov/98635/harry-shoup-the-santa-colonel/. Accessed 7 Dec. 2025.

Young, Olivia. "Colorado woman recalls phone call that transformed father into NORAD's "Santa Colonel" ." https://www.cbsnews.com/. 24 Dec. 2024. www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/colorado-woman-recalls-phone-call-transformed-father-norads-santa-colonel/. Accessed 7 Dec. 2025.

Multiple Contributors . "NORAD Tracks Santa ." https://en.wikipedia.org/. 6 Nov. 2024. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NORAD_Tracks_Santa. Accessed 7 Dec. 2025.

The Gazette . "Harry Wesley Shoup ." https://obits.gazette.com/. 18 Mar. 2009. obits.gazette.com/us/obituaries/gazette/name/harry-shoup-obituary?id=23024681. Accessed 7 Dec. 2025.

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show

This week on the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery, Jennie and Dianne remind listeners the holidays are the perfect time to gather 'round the dinner table and record the tales of grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other family members. Whether you're a seasoned genealogist or just starting to explore your family's history, this episode includes tips and tricks for getting started with family history research and how to preserve those precious stories for generations to come. 

Episode available on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/_HugPmVxgmI?si=fWZjTixivXBFrezQ

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show

Get ready to dig into the fascinating world of alternate histories! On this week's Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast, Jennie and Dianne welcome back Research Historian Lynette Webber to explore how cemeteries can inspire and provoke our understanding of time and mortality. Just like George Bailey's poignant "what ifs" in It's a Wonderful Life or Marty McFly's wild rides through the Back to the Future timeline, cemeteries hold the whispers of real life what ifs, where families have stood before graves and pondered the roads not taken. We'll explore the butterfly effect of human decision making, and dive into the fascinating story of a mysterious mausoleum in England rumored to hold a time machine. Join the conversation and uncover the secrets of the roads not taken!

Episode available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UE8wrPs7QMo

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show

It's time for a new addition of Death and Dying 101. Join Jennie and Dianne, along with regular contributor Ryan Seidemann, as they dig into the dirt on some heavy hitters: the environmental impact of cremation vs. full body burial, the tricky business of handling cemeteries discovered during construction projects, Civil War burials, and the fascinating world of bone identification. Grab your shovels and join their grave talk!

Episode available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZrpRVTL2Pl4?si=jSZnadm5eUpop8EU

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show

Jennie and Dianne are thrilled to welcome Diana Kresnye, a passionate tour guide and historical interpreter at Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland, Ohio to the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast. Lake View Cemetery is a treasure trove of history, art, and nature, featuring a Level 2 Arboretum with thousands of trees, the final resting place of James A. Garfield (the 20th president of the United States), and the Wade Memorial Chapel, one of the few remaining interiors totally designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany and his studios. 

This episode is perfectly timed to coincide with the November 6 release of the Netflix miniseries "Death by Lightning," which dramatizes the life of President James A. Garfield and his assassin Charles Guiteau.

Diana believes that "cemeteries are among the best storytellers we have in our communities. They hold memory, mystery, and meaning—and invite us to listen." 

To learn more about Lake View Cemetery or to take a tour, visit their website: https://www.lakeviewcemetery.com/

You can also follow them on social media:      https://www.facebook.com/share/1BGwscJxTa/

https://www.instagram.com/lakeviewcemetery?igsh=cHpnanJxZmRtajA2

*All images of Lake View Cemetery provided by Diana Kresney and shared with permission.

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show

Join Jennie and Dianne for the 2025 "Beyond the Grave" episode of the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery, just in time to put you in a spooky mood for Halloween! Dim the lights, get cozy, and immerse yourself in Gaston Leroux's timeless masterpiece. With a special introduction by legendary silent film actor Lon Chaney, you'll be transported to 1880s Paris and the majestic Palais Garnier. Settle in and let the Ordinary Extraordinary tale of the Phantom of the Opera bewitch you. As Christine Daaé's voice rises to stardom, she must make an impossible choice: surrender to the Phantom's dark obsession or risk everything for a chance at true love with Raoul.

Gaston Leroux's classic novel was adapted and performed by phenomenally talented actors live at Evergreen Cemetery on October 3rd & 4th, 2025 in order to help raise funds for the preservation of  Colorado Springs' historic cemeteries, and now we bring it to you for your listening pleasure.

Find this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/26o4BIJq5Ws

Script adaptation written by
Jennie Johnson

Thank you so much to all the actors who lent their time and talent to bring this classic tale to life. The actors are, in order of appearance:

🎶Opera Singer (at event)... Quinn Malmstrom                                                               
 🎶Opera Singer (at event)... Kass Allen                                                                    
🎶 Lon Chaney (audio version)... Charles Johnson                                                           
🎶 Lon Chaney (silent film at event)... Jeremy Moskowitz                                            
🎶Carlotta... Ashley Arroyo
🎶Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny...Asha Hart
🎶Christine Daaé... Casper Johnson
🎶The Phantom... Solomon Abell

💀Beyond the Grave Spirits💀
💀Jair Garcia De la Cruz
💀Naomi Compo
💀Raine Mason
💀Zoe Guinto
💀Lark Tipton    

Music: "Death and the Maiden" by Franz Schubert 🎶 Recorded, produced and published by: Gregor Quendel 🎶 The Arrangement is based on the notes by: H. Fesefeldt 🎶 Courtesy of CLASSICALS.DE EXCLUSIVE RECORDINGS https://www.classicals.de/schubert-d810

Sound effects provided by www.pixabay.com

Photography by: Jeffery Heizer

Produced by Evergreen Heritage & The Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast

Support the show

Get ready for a ghostly good time on this week's Ordinary Extraordinary podcast! Jennie and Dianne are joined by Nicole Beauchamp, author and paranormal researcher, to discuss the power of remembrance and the importance of preserving the Ordinary Extraordinary stories of the past. From the 'Veiled Woman' of Elmwood Cemetery to the value of visiting historic sites, Nicole shares her expertise on how the past can shape our understanding of the world.

Connect with Nicole on Facebook and Instagram @Authornicolebeauchamp.

You can purchase Nicole's Books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Nicole-Beauchamp/author/B08BV1QDND?ref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=e0c238e8-536e-49bc-9fda-8be9c15a5060

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show

On this episode of the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast, Jennie and Dianne are joined by Miles McCallum and Nick Brown, researchers and enthusiasts passionate about uncovering the stories behind Vermont's historic cast-iron grave markers.

Miles, an M.A. in history student at the University of Vermont, and his colleague Nick, share their fascinating findings on two models of cast-iron grave markers that swept through Vermont (and beyond) in the 1840s and 1850s. From the manufacturers to the symbolism, they'll dive into the history and significance of these Ordinary Extraordinary markers. Tune in to hear about their discoveries, the stories behind these iron sentinels, and what they reveal about Vermont's burial practices and cultural heritage. 

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show

Get ready for a haunting tale of love, obsession, and music that echoes beyond the grave! Join Jennie and Dianne on this week's episode of The Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast as they dive into the world of Gaston LeRoux's classic novel, The Phantom of the Opera, with special guest Professor Jerrold E. Hogle. This week’s episode is particularly special as it coincides with the sold-out fundraiser, Beyond the Grave: The Phantom of the Opera, happening at historic Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs. The event will bring the cemetery to life with a dramatic retelling of the Phantom's timeless tale, set against the haunting backdrop of the cemetery's hallowed grounds.

Professor Hogle, a renowned expert on the novel, shares his insights on the story's enduring appeal and its connections to the city of Paris, where LeRoux drew inspiration. With his extensive background in studying the novel, Hogle takes listeners on an Ordinary Extraordinary journey into the world of  Le Fantôme de l'Opéra!

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show

Get ready to confront the uncomfortable truths about death and dying in America, and discover how we can work towards a more equitable system for all. This week on the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast, Jennie and Dianne are joined by Staci Savattaro and Jennifer Wright-Berryman, co-authors of the upcoming book "Equity at the End: The New American Way of Death". From eco-friendly burials to affordable body disposition, they discuss the disparities in access to resources and the biases that shape the system. Whether you're interested in public policy, social work, or simply navigating the often-confusing world of deathcare, this Ordinary Extraordinary conversation is sure to be enlightening. 

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show

What happens when human remains are discovered in public spaces? Can pets be buried alongside their owners? And what's the protocol for handling human remains from space? Jennie and Dianne, along with Ryan Seidemann, tackle these tough questions and more on this week's Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast, part two of Death and Dying 101.

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show

What happens when science and culture collide? Jennie and Dianne dive into the world of human remains with Ryan Seidemann in Part 1 of a new Death and Dying 101 feature. They discuss the challenges of creating inclusive public memory, the ethics of displaying mummified bodies, and the current state of body donation to science. From consent to cultural sensitivity, Ryan shares his expertise on how to approach these topics with respect and understanding. 

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show

Join Jennie and Dianne on The Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast as they welcome Amy Shea, author of the groundbreaking book 'Too Poor to Die: The Hidden Realities of Dying in the Margins.' Amy's work sheds light on the often-hidden truths of death and dying among those experiencing chronic homelessness or who end up indigent or unclaimed at the end of life.

In this powerful conversation, Amy shares her insights on the intersection of poverty, dignity, and death, drawing on her research and personal experiences. From the importance of witnessing and activism to the need for greater awareness and advocacy, Amy's book reminds us all that "Death may be the great equalizer, but not all deaths are created equal."

'Too Poor to Die: The Hidden Realities of Dying in the Margins' will be available for purchase nearly everywhere books are sold beginning Tuesday, September 9, 2025, but you can pre-order it here: https://amysshea.com/book-ordering/

To learn more about The INN Between: End-of-Life Care for the Homeless, visit their website: https://tibhospice.org/

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show

What happens when you combine travel, history, and a dash of humor? You get 'Around the World in 80 Graves: Travel, Tombstones & Transformation', the new book from Tui Snider. Join Jennie and Dianne on the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast as they chat with Tui about her adventures in cemeteries around the world. From the heart of Texas to the ancient tombs of Egypt, Tui's journeys take her to some of the world's most fascinating cemeteries, where she finds adventure and wonder, and shares how cemeteries can be gateways to new experiences and connections to life on our Ordinary Extraordinary planet Earth. Get ready for a grave adventure!

Purchase 'Around the World in 80 Graves: Travel, Tombstones & Transformation' and its companion book here: https://www.amazon.com/Around-World-Graves-Tombstones-Transformation-ebook/dp/B0FHYJRJ3J and here: https://a.co/d/8lXNyaL

For books and more by Tui Snider, visit her website: https://tuisnider.com/

To join Tui in Italy or at any of her other events, Click here: https://tuisnider.substack.com/p/2025-fall-talks-tours-and-events

Tickets are now on sale for the 5th Annual Beyond the Grave: The Phantom of the Opera! Join us for mystery and music of the night all while supporting the preservation of Colorado Springs's historic cemeteries: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-the-grave-presents-the-phantom-of-the-opera-tickets-1598805282639?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie, or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show

Not every public park is as it seems, and not every cemetery is for that matter either! This week on the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast, Jennie and Dianne are joined by fellow taphophile Randy Crane as he shares the story of the life, death and reincarnation of side-by-side (Broadway and Mount Olive) cemeteries located in Whittier, California. Randy tells how the cemeteries began as beautiful late 19th-century garden cemeteries, only to become neglected and forlorn just a few decades later. Don't miss the biggest surprise of the story when Randy reveals the unexpected twist that befell the headstones of the nearly 1300 Ordinary Extraordinary souls laid to rest beneath the foothills of this Southern California town. 

*All images provided by Randy Crane and shared with permission.

Last chance to get your tickets for the Gilpin Historical Society 36th Annual Cemetery Crawl on Saturday, August 23rd: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gilpin-historical-society-36th-annual-cemetery-crawl-tickets-1435390223799?aff=oddtdtcreator

Tickets are now on sale for the 5th Annual Beyond the Grave: The Phantom of the Opera! Join us for mystery and music of the night all while supporting the preservation of Colorado Springs's historic cemeteries: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-the-grave-presents-the-phantom-of-the-opera-tickets-1598805282639?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie, or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show

What happens when we don't share our stories before we become inmates of the cemetery?? This week, The Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast explores the importance of recording our histories with special guest Stephanie Ford. As a caregiver, Stephanie's heard countless tales of love, loss, and life from those who've lived through it all. She emphasizes the importance of learning from our elders, whose Ordinary Extraordinary life experiences hold valuable lessons. Join Jennie and Dianne as they discuss the power of storytelling, because, as Stephanie says, "Our stories matter." Be sure to tune in!

View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tyFhW9LRb7M

Visit Stephanie on her website: https://lifestorieswithsteph.com/ and be sure to follow her on Instagram @lifestorieswithsteph

Purchase tickets for the 36th annual Central City Cemetery Crawl here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gilpin-historical-society-36th-annual-cemetery-crawl-tickets-1435390223799?aff=oddtdtcreator

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie, or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show

Get ready for a chilling conversation! Join Jennie and Dianne as they chat with author Sharon Pajka, PhD, about her new book "Haunted Virginia Cemeteries". As we creep into spooky season, Sharon guides us through the Old Dominion's most haunted burial grounds, from Arlington Cemetery's eerie atmosphere to the ghostly apparitions at Monticello. But don't let the paranormal tales fool you - this book is also a deep dive into Virginia's rich history, and Sharon shares her expertise on the historical research that brings these haunted places to life. Tune in for a conversation that's equal parts spooky and scholarly!

View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/i-6NvYigZBw

Purchase Haunted Virginia Cemeteries (The History Press: Haunted America) Here: https://www.arcadiapublishing.com/products/9781467157209/                    Use Code: SHARON9 for 15% off your entire order!

Keep up with Sharon's events and tours by visiting her website: https://www.sharonpajka.com/ 

or visit her on social media at: https://www.facebook.com/PajkaWrites/ & https://www.facebook.com/RiverCityCemetarians/

Purchase tickets for the 36th annual Central City Cemetery Crawl here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gilpin-historical-society-36th-annual-cemetery-crawl-tickets-1435390223799?aff=oddtdtcreator

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie, or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show

On this episode of the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast, uncover the mystery behind Dr. Samuel Bean's cryptic monument in Wellesley, Ontario, where two of his wives, Henrietta and Susanna, rest in peace. Jennie and Dianne explore the Ordinary Extraordinary life of Samuel, a Civil War veteran and puzzle enthusiast, and the intricate cryptogram headstone that kept visitors guessing for 80 years. What secrets did Samuel hide in the stone, and what message did he want the world to know?

View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xW15IiUlEUg?si=UOzm0omaHFywSlrv

Purchase tickets for the 36th annual Central City Cemetery Crawl here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gilpin-historical-society-36th-annual-cemetery-crawl-tickets-1435390223799?aff=oddtdtcreator

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie, or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Resources used to research this episode include: 

, BirdDog1959. "Cryptic Headstone Puzzles Visitors ." https://ancestrybirddog.wordpress.com/. 12 July 2001. ancestrybirddog.wordpress.com/2021/07/12/cryptic-headstone-puzzles-visitors/. Accessed 20 July 2025.

, Wellesley Township Heritage & Historical Society . "https://www.wellesleyhistory.org/settlement-patterns-of-wellesley-townshiip.html." https://www.wellesleyhistory.org/. www.wellesleyhistory.org/settlement-patterns-of-wellesley-townshiip.html. Accessed 20 July 2025.

Hayden, Martha. "A Grave With A Secret Code." https://www.restless-viking.com/. 30 Jan. 2024. www.restless-viking.com/2024/01/30/a-grave-with-a-secret-code/. Accessed 20 July 2025.

Campbell , Tim. "Henrietta Furry Bean ." https://www.findagrave.com/. 15 May 2010. www.findagrave.com/memorial/52428366/henrietta-bean. Accessed 20 July 2025.

Barwick, Susan. "Rev Samuel G “Sam” Bean ." https://www.findagrave.com/. 27 Feb. 2013. www.findagrave.com/memorial/105902136/samuel_g-bean. Accessed 20 July 2025.

Support the show

Join the dynamic trio—Jennie, Dianne, and Ryan Seidemann—for the third chapter of the “Death and Dying 101” series! This episode dives into global memorials, uncovering cultural quirks and mysteries. Are catacombs serene sanctuaries or lively public spaces? Unravel the Victorian dread of premature burial and the coffin bells that chimed in the night. Explore the collision of burial and cremation in our global village. Delve into the Ordinary Extraordinary Tibetan tradition of letting nature reclaim the body. Learn how enslavement shaped African burial customs across the Americas. All this and more on this latest episode of The Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast. 

View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FoBaByzbkCY

To learn more about the 19 who were returned to be honored by their descendants, check out the following links: 

1. https://www.dillard.edu/about/honoring-the-nineteen/

2. https://vimeo.com/event/5154230 

 Purchase tickets for the 36th annual Central City Cemetery Crawl here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gilpin-historical-society-36th-annual-cemetery-crawl-tickets-1435390223799?aff=oddtdtcreator

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie, or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show

"Every death had a life and every life had a story," but how is it that we uncover so many of the narratives we share on the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast? Much of it comes from searching through genealogical archives and other records. On this latest episode, Jennie and Dianne chat with Jen Shaffer, a full-time professional genealogist and owner of The Formidable Genealogist. She is passionate about short-form genealogy education and has made it her mission to help make the complex world of ancestry accessible to everyone. She engages her audience with daily social media videos, where she generously shares insightful tips, techniques, and stories from the field. Tune in to discover how Jen’s expertise helps us connect the Ordinary Extraordinary dots between lives lived, stories told, and the legacies left behind.

To learn more about the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and how to support it, visit: https://fundnara.com/

Want to learn how to research like Jen Shaffer? Visit her website to purchase her guides, sign up for her classes, and more! https://www.theformidablegenealogist.com/

You can also find her as The Formidable Genealogist on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and BlueSky.

 Purchase tickets for the 36th annual Central City Cemetery Crawl here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gilpin-historical-society-36th-annual-cemetery-crawl-tickets-1435390223799?aff=oddtdtcreator

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie, or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show

Get ready to stop and smell the roses...in the cemetery! This week Jennie and Dianne explore the practical, symbolic, and cultural significance of flowers in death. From ancient Egypt and Greece to Victorian-era cemeteries, flowers have played a significant role in mourning and remembrance around the globe. Sow the seeds of curiosity and tune in to this week's episode of The Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast as we dig up the dirt on floral death traditions. 

View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/e7tFcdAnPV4

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Resources used to research this episode include:

Staff, B. & W. (n.d.). Bloom & Wild Flower Delivery: Flowers & Gifts. https://www.bloomandwild.com/the-blog/floriography-language-of-flowers-meaning 

Wessel, F. (n.d.). Flower symbols and meanings on gravestones. Stoneletters. https://stoneletters.com/blog/flower-symbols-and-meanings-on-gravestones 

O'Brien, M. (2022, October 27). The Significance of Funeral Flowers. Www.Kelleyhousemuseum.org. Retrieved July 2, 2025, from https://www.kelleyhousemuseum.org/the-significance-of-funeral-flowers-by-marguerite-obrien/

(n.d.). Memorial Flowers: The Oldest Form of Tribute. Journalofantiques.com. Retrieved July 2, 2025, from https://journalofantiques.com/features/flowers-the-oldest-form-of-tribute/

Woodyard, C. (2024, February 21). Funeral Flowers. Thevictorianbookofthedead.Wordpress.com. Retrieved July 2, 2025, from https://thevictorianbookofthedead.wordpress.com/tag/funeral-flowers/

(n.d.). Crown of justification. En.Wikipedia.org. Retrieved July 2, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crown_of_justification

(2023, September 11). What is the meaning of the wreath at a funeral? Funeralflorist.Wordpress.com. Retrieved July 2, 2025, from https://funeralflorist.wordpress.com/2023/09/11/what-is-the-meaning-of-the-wreath-at-a-funeral/

Staff, S. &. V. (2018, August 9). The Fascinating History of Funeral Wreaths. Www.Scentandviolet.com. Retrieved July 2, 2025, from https://www.scentandviolet.com/info/blog/fascinating-history-funeral-wreaths/?srsltid=AfmBOooLmeLyV-Tcs-gMhrZaNMd8-PkH5CdrSgIUr5ttKEZY6AfMxmBM

(n.d.). Thistle - national flower of Scotland. Www.Visitscotland.com. Retrieved July 2, 2025, from https://www.visitscotland.com/things-to-do/attractions/arts-culture/thistle

Support the show

"Fear and grief are not just inevitable — they are sacred rites of passage. A catalyst for transformation and resilience. And they belong to all of us." On this episode of the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Jennie and Dianne chat with the creators of a live performance that blends comedy, storytelling, and poetry; Life: A Delightful Show About Fear and Grief. Special guests Andrea Sodergren, Elaina McMillan and Katie Mason share what happens when darkness meets humor, and how that unlikely pairing can lead to profound insights and healing as they all explore the messy, beautiful intersections of humor, heartache, and human connection. 

To learn more about the show or to purchase tickets, visit: https://fearandgrief.com/

*Photos by Paul Winner and Jeff Stonic and shared with permission.

View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/psd1OBKz9_E

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show

Join Jennie, Dianne and favorite guest Ryan Seidemann for the latest installment of Death and Dying 101: a new reoccurring feature on the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast where they answer and discuss questions from Ryan's students at Arizona State University. Some of the questions addressed in this episode include:

What is the typical legal/compensational responsibility of graveyards in the event of a natural disaster? 

Is there any burial insurance that covers the reinterment of bodies after natural disasters, or is it largely covered by state/federal funds?

Do bones ever completely decompose?

They also discuss how the military began setting provisions for the return of the dead beginning in WWI through the present. Tune in to learn the answers to all this and more! 

View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8uJBA4pI020

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show

Join Jennie and Dianne for an Ordinary Extraordinary conversation as they dig up the truth with special guest Bob Perry, aka the Bone Finder! With his expertise in cemetery geophysics and ground-penetrating radar, Bob has uncovered secrets in historic cemeteries and helped law enforcement crack cold cases. The graves are about to get a whole lot more interesting on this episode of the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast!

Watch us on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/AM1P7CXPA3A?si=QxXr889E6t5mthgQ

To learn more about the services Bob provides or his many unique adventures, visit his website: https://topographix.com/

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show

"Grief is forever. It doesn't go away; it becomes a part of you, step for step, breath for breath - That's just how it is. Grief and love are conjoined, you don't get one without the other." - Jandy Nelson, The Sky is Everywhere -- Grief is a universal experience, but it's unique to each individual. On this episode of The Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast Jennie and Dianne tackle the tough topic of grief, exploring different types of loss and the emotional, physical, and psychological impact of mourning. They also share ways to offer meaningful support to those who are grieving, offer some online resources and discuss how cemeteries can be places of solace, comfort and even healing. 

View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/E7ObFxO1tPw?si=YxVKopbnm2iRcb3l

If you or someone you know is grieving and looking for additional support here some local resources that may be able to help: hospitals, public libraries, religious institutions, schools, and community centers. There are also many online resources including: https://good-grief.org/resources/   

https://www.missfoundation.org/   

https://www.opentohope.com/                            

https://willowhouse.org/   

https://whatsyourgrief.com/

Are you a cemetery or a cemetery volunteer? Please take a moment to take the "Cemetery Tourism Survey" https://6y8fuazgsp8.typeform.com/cemeterytourism    The survey is created by Liz Clappin, host of Tomb With a View Podcast, and Ashlynn Rickord Werner. They are collecting data from cemeteries across the country to understand the challenges and varied ways they approach tourism. They hope this data will help better inform historic cemeteries how to best use tourism as a tool for long term preservation. The survey takes approximately 7 minutes to complete.

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show

Discover the untold stories of two Ordinary men who became Extraordinary unsung heroes. This week on the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast, Jennie and Dianne share the stories of George Wasinger and John Wysowatcky Jr., two young soldiers who embodied the Army's motto: "This We'll Defend" during WWI. They defended freedom by giving their lives in return. As Memorial Day approaches, we remember the sacrifice made by all the men and women who have died in combat and acknowledge the debt we owe to those who gave everything in hopes of creating a more peaceful and prosperous tomorrow for future generations.

View this episode on YouTube!   https://youtu.be/ir__mji6srU?si=VzlLT8-HfDNgm3Qw

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Resources used to research this episode include various documents, records, and newspaper articles found at www.ancestry.com and www.newspapers.com in addition to the following:

"Obituary Record by the Olinger Mortuary." The Rocky Mountain News [Denver], 62nd ed., 21 Oct. 1921, p. 9.

"Services Will Be Held for George Wassinger." The Rocky Mountain News [Denver], 62nd ed., 13 Jan. 1921, p. 7.

Sullivan , Evan P. "“Considerable Grief”: Dead Bodies, Mortuary Science, and Repatriation after the Great War ." https://nursingclio.org/. 18 Apr. 2019. nursingclio.org/2019/04/18/considerable-grief-dead-bodies-mortuary-science-and-repatriation-after-the-great-war/. Accessed 18 May 2025.

Finn, Tara. "The war that did not end at 11am on 11 November ." https://history.blog.gov.uk/. 9 Nov. 2018. history.blog.gov.uk/2018/11/09/the-war-that-did-not-end-at-11am-on-11-november/. Accessed 18 May 2025.

Persico, MHQ, Joseph E. "Nov. 11, 1918: Wasted Lives on Armistice Day ." https://www.armytimes.com/. 9 Nov. 2017. www.armytimes.com/veterans/salute-veterans/2017/11/10/nov-11-1918-wasted-lives-on-armistice-day/. Accessed 18 May 2025.

Stewart , Richard W. "Blood, Mud, Concrete, and Barbed Wire: The Meuse-Argonne Offensive ." https://www.armyheritage.org/. www.armyheritage.org/soldier-stories-information/blood-mud-concrete-and-barbed-wire-the-meuse-argonne-offensive/. Accessed 18 May 2025.

"The Soldier's Burden." http://www.kaiserscross.com/. www.kaiserscross.com/40312/42469.html. Accessed 18 May 2025.

"Globeville Neighborhood History ." https://history.denverlibrary.org/. history.denverlibrary.org/neighborhood-history-guide/globeville-neighborhood-history. Accessed 18 May 2025.

"History of Germans from Russia ." https://library.ndsu.edu/. library.ndsu.edu/grhc/research-history/history-germans-russia. Accessed 18 May 2025.

Wiese, Owen. "The 89th Division, A Great Accomplishment ." https://www.garretsongazette.com/. 29 Apr. 2020. www.garretsongazette.com/the-89th-division-a-great-accomplishment/. Accessed 18 May 2025.

English Jr, George H. History of the 89th Division, U.S.A.. 1st ed., 1920. Denver, The War Society of the 89th Division , 1920, pp. 1 - 544.

Support the show

What's cooking in the cemetery? Jennie and Dianne are dishing up a treat with Rosie Grant, the creator behind the viral @GhostlyArchive, where gravestones become recipe cards! Rosie shares her journey of uncovering her first recipe on a tombstone at Congressional Cemetery in Washington, DC, and how that led to serving up not just the recipes, but the stories behind them and how food has the power to bring families, communities and history together in the most Ordinary Extraordinary ways, including from beyond the grave! 

View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/fGzQWbUcewU?si=8D0rtyL7X5yzXBTu

Follow Rosie on Tik Tok and Instagram:

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ghostlyarchive

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ghostly.archive/

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show

May is Cemetery Appreciation Month, and Jennie and Dianne are celebrating by sharing three Ordinary Extraordinary stories buried beneath the soil of three Colorado cemeteries. Hear the tragic tale of a young woman who lost her life to 'consumption' in a rural community, the complex and incomplete story of a woman institutionalized at the Colorado State Hospital for the Insane, and the gold prospector who left his family behind forcing his widow to seek justice on his behalf several years after his passing. Sometimes the most compelling stories are the ones buried in plain sight. As you walk through your own local cemeteries this month, look beyond the headstones and imagine the lives that once were. You might just uncover an Ordinary Extraordinary story waiting to be told.

View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ox2JHkyC-L0

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Resources used to research these stories include various documents and records found at www.ancestry.com and news articles printed in multiple historical newspapers on www.newspapers.com. 

Support the show

Join Jennie and Dianne of the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast as they kick off Cemetery Appreciation Month (May) by exploring the dos and don'ts of cemetery etiquette and safety. With spring in full bloom, cemeteries are coming alive with visitors and furry friends - but what are the unwritten rules to follow? We dive into the importance of respecting graveside services and share valuable tips on how to navigate these sacred spaces. Did we miss something crucial? Let us know - what other cemetery etiquette tips should visitors keep in mind? 

View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/A8tdHFG7aT0?si=Cv5rshEhQ75zEWmv

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Looking for advice on cemetery preservation? Here are some of our recommendations:

Epoch Preservation: https://epochpreservation.com/

Atlas Preservation:  https://atlaspreservation.com/pages/gravestone-restoration-monument-installation

Jason Church & the National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/ncptt/staff.htm

Support the show

"We value virtue but do not discuss it. The honest bookkeeper, the faithful wife, the earnest scholar get little of our attention compared to the embezzler, the tramp, the cheat." - John Steinbeck On this episode of the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast, Jennie and Dianne share the tragic story of a Ida Mae Hanson, a Nebraska woman who followed her heart to Colorado where she was brutally murdered and left in an abandoned prospector's pit as if she were nothing more than trash in the summer of 1933. Joining them later in the episode is actress Meredith Bolthouse who is currently portraying Curley's wife in a theatrical presentation of John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men". While Ida Mae really lived and Curley's wife is fictitious, both are Ordinary Extraordinary women whose stories were taken for granted by the two men who should have loved and protected them above all others.

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck runs April 25-27, 2025 in Castle Pines, Colorado. https://frontrangetheatre.ludus.com/index.php?sections=events&widget=1 

View this episode on YouTube: 

Special thanks to Beth Vaughn for the photos of the Hanson Family graves located in Stromsburg Cemetery in Stromsburg, Nebraska.

Resources used to research this episode include:

Various documents/records via www.ancestry.com

"Jury Selected in Neal Case." Omaha World-Herald [Omaha], 20 Mar. 1935, p. 25.

"Home from Trip." The Columbus Telegram [Columbus ], 1 Aug. 1932, p. 8.

 "Death Penalty Ruled Out by Court Order." The Daily Sentinel [Grand Junction ], 23 Mar. 1935, p. 4.

 "Untitled ." The Daily Sentinel [Grand Junction ], 24 Apr. 1935, p. 12.

, Associated Press. "Neal Convicted of Slaying Milliner." Greeley Daily Tribune [Greeley ], 25 Mar. 1935, p. 1.

 "Murderer Trapped by Victim's Teeth." The Washington Herald [Washington D.C.], 9 June 1935, p. 63.

, Associated Press. "Murder Trial of Chas. Neal In Third Day." The Grand Island Independent [Grand Island], 20 Mar. 1935, p. 2.

 "Untitled ." The Headlight [Stromsburg], 21 Mar. 1935, p. 5.

 "Ex-Convict Denies Charge of Slaying Nebraska Woman." The Omaha Morning Bee-News [Omaha], 6 Feb. 1935, p. 1.

, Associated Press. "Convicted Murderer is Critically Ill." Fort Collins Coloradoan [Fort Collins], 20 May 1936, p. 1.

Sparrow, Beth. "Ida M. Hanson." https://www.findagrave.com/. 2 Nov. 2008. www.findagrave.com/memorial/31078354/ida-m-hanson. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show

This week on the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast Jennie and Dianne are joined by Father Edward Looney, a Marian theologian, author, and speaker. Father Edward has written several books, including "A Heart Like Mary's," and has been featured on EWTN, Relevant Radio, and other platforms. Currently serving as a parish priest in the Diocese of Green Bay, Father Edward shares his passion for strolling through cemeteries and honoring the dead and tells of his work with St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Gardner, Wisconsin, a cemetery he's helped restore; including the remarkable discovery of 31 previously unknown burials and how an antique shrine was relocated to the grounds to honor those without markers. 

Want to tune in to Father Edward's podcast, "Hey Everybody! It's Fr.  Edward!" Listen here: https://heyeverybody.fireside.fm/

You can also follow him on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. You can find is social media links in his "Guest Profile" on our website https://www.theordinaryextraordinarycemetery.com/

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show

Join Jennie and Dianne on The Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast as they sit down with author Jan MacKell Collins to explore the life and legacy of Phoebe Ann Mosey, famously known as Annie Oakley! Celebrated for her sharp shooting skills and starring role in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, Annie Oakley defied Ordinary conventions and became a beloved and Extraordinary icon of the American West. But how much of what we know about her is fact, and how much is fiction? 

View this episode on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/-VZY8ldjS9w?si=en2SO2d50pCnmqiQ

To learn more about Annie Oakley and the stories of so many other women of the Wild West, visit Jan MacKell Collins on her website or via Instagram, Facebook or Bluesky:  https://www.janmackellcollins.com/

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show

Join Jennie and Dianne on the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast as they tackle tough questions about death and dying with returning guest Ryan Seidemann. This week, they're answering questions from Ryan's students at Arizona State University, including:

*When should the needs of the living take precedence over considerations of the dead?

*How can we make death care more inclusive and flexible?

*Why is modern Western culture so uncomfortable discussing death?

Listen in on this thought-provoking conversation and feel free to share your ideas on these important questions in our social media comments or shoot us an email at ordinaryextraordinarycemetery@gmail.com.

View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DCRDg_hAf9s?si=w6K3VUiTehqB2DWR

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show

Imagine visiting a cemetery where instead of sadness, you’re greeted with joy, wit, and art. In the heart of Romania, that’s exactly what you’ll find; “The graveyard that laughs at death” otherwise known as The Merry Cemetery—where the dead are remembered with a smile. On this episode of The Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery, Jennie and Dianne pay tribute to this delightful burial ground that has attracted thousands of tourists from across the globe. You won’t find traditional gravestones here—what you’ll encounter instead are colorful wooden crosses that tell the stories of the deceased with humor, wit, and a playful spirit.

View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xpllZx4kSiU?si=oG1pY3PaNWxpmKCV

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Resources used to research this episode include: 

Moore, John. "The Last Laugh; In the Merry Cemetery, grave markers celebrate life with beautiful images and gentle wit." https://www.romaniatourism.com/. www.romaniatourism.com/press-the-merry-cemetery.html. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

Golopentia, Sanda. "The Merry Cemetery of Sapanta ." https://peterkayafas.com/. peterkayafas.com/the-merry-cemetery-of-sapanta/. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

, Rolandia. "The Merry Cemetery ." https://rolandia.eu/. rolandia.eu/en/blog/unique-places/the-merry-cemetery/?srsltid=AfmBOopyD1j6Popz6vDQJxc4TQMDUN1A5PW4VSqTkWobpBVvF0tyK_il. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

, Go Eat Give. "Have a Laugh At The Merry Cemetery in Romania ." https://goeatgive.com/. goeatgive.com/have-a-laugh-at-the-merry-cemetery-in-romania/. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

"MERRY CEMETERY: A DIFFERENT WAY TO LOOK AT DEATH ." https://cimitirulveselsapanta.ro/. cimitirulveselsapanta.ro/who-we-are/. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

Wallace, Lorna. "The 10 Most Unique Cemeteries Around the World ." https://www.fodors.com/. 7 Apr. 2023. www.fodors.com/news/photos/weird-and-unique-cemeteries-around-the-world. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

Cap-Bun, Marina . "Attitudes towards Death in Romanian Culture and Civilization ." https://www.proquest.com/. 2 Jan. 2012. www.proquest.com/docview/1446905222?sourcetype=Scholarly%20Journals. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

Thuras, Dylan. "The Merry Cemetery ." https://www.atlasobscura.com/. 21 May 2013. www.atlasobscura.com/places/merry-cemetery. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

Support the show

This week on the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast, we conclude our conversation on the fascinating story of Major General Winfield Scott Hancock. From his heroic actions at Gettysburg to his passionate pursuits and personal heartbreaks, Civil War historian MJ Henion shares the human side of this celebrated war hero. Join us as we explore Hancock's politics, death, and burial, and discover why his wife is laid to rest in another state. 

View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rYsv5ROurS4 

To learn more about Hancock, follow MJ Henion on social media

• on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087492832959
• on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hancockhistorian_mjhenion/
• on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mjhenion?lang=en

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show

Step into the historic Montgomery Cemetery in Norristown, Pennsylvania, with Jennie and Dianne as they're joined by returning guest and U.S. Civil War historian MJ Henion to uncover the story of Major General Winfield Scott Hancock, whose life was marked by both triumph and tragedy. Often remembered as a hero at the battle of Gettysburg, MJ covers not only the facts mentioned in the history books, but shares the stories of what made him human - his passions, his heartbreaks, and his triumphs, reminding us that even the most celebrated war heroes are more than just their exploits on the battlefield. 

View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XDrSM8PuDEU 

To learn more about Hancock, follow MJ Henion on social media

• on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087492832959
• on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hancockhistorian_mjhenion/
• on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mjhenion?lang=en

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show

Known for her books 199 Cemeteries to See Before You Die and 222 Cemeteries to See Before You Die, Author Loren Rhodes has spent years visiting the dead around the globe and joins Jennie and Dianne on this episode to chat about some of her serendipitous moments among the graves. In 2017 the second edition of Loren's book Wish You Were Here: Adventures in Cemetery Travel was released. Part travel memoir, part cemetery history, the book contains 35 graveyard travel essays and visits more than 50 cemeteries, churchyards, and gravesites across the globe. Now Loren is near to releasing a second book of essays entitled Still Wish You Were Here: More Adventures in Cemetery Travels. These essays are more personal as Loren shares stories of how the little moments in life and in the cemetery come to mean so much over the years. From the poignant to the peculiar, Loren's stories will inspire you to plan your next Ordinary Extraordinary cemetery adventure!

To learn more about Loren Rhoads or purchase any of her books, visit her website: https://lorenrhoads.com/ 

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here:
https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show

Situated on a hill overlooking the James River and the city of Richmond, Virginia is the iconic Shockoe Hill Cemetery founded in 1820. Over its rolling hills, along its winding paths and beneath the arches of its historic trees, you will find a mix of ornate mausoleums, obelisks, and headstones, reflecting various architectural styles and funerary art. On this latest episode of The Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast, Jennie and Dianne are joined by one of Shockoe Hill's long-time guardians, Jeffry Burden, a recently-retired attorney in Richmond, Virginia, and a longtime student of American history, particularly the Civil War and Reconstruction eras. Since 2006, he has been a member of the “Friends of Shockoe Hill Cemetery”, a volunteer citizens group that helps the City of Richmond maintain, improve and interpret the cemetery. Jeffry shares some of the fascinating stories of those who made Shockoe Hill their final resting place and tells of the efforts that go into preserving and maintaining this treasured burial ground. From the graves of Civil War soldiers to the monuments of Richmond's elite, Jeffry's insights bring the history of Shockoe Hill Cemetery to life. 

To learn more about Shockoe Hill Cemetery or get involved as a volunteer, visit them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1E9D9a9L2B/

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here:
https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show

Passion, dedication, and a love for history! Join Jennie and Dianne on this episode of the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast as they welcome David and Jenny Carr, a remarkable couple who have made it their mission to preserve history. From their early days of documenting gravestones (they’ve documented over 171,000 gravestones across 348 cemeteries in three countries!) to founding Gravestone Guardians, a non-profit dedicated to cemetery restoration, meet the couple who's making a mark on history...literally! 

View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qL3H7ETiOxk

To learn more about Gravestone Guardians or to get involved, visit their website: https://gravestoneguardians.org/

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here:
https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show

Gravestones are more than just stones... They hold the stories of our past and are considered sacred objects by many including this week's guest, Rachel Meyer from Epoch Preservation. Join Jennie and Dianne as they learn of Rachel's mission to outlaw the selling of gravestones in Massachusetts that have been removed from cemeteries. She shares Ordinary Extraordinary stories of gravestones that have been recovered and returned over the years and how her bill aims to protect these precious monuments. 

Read Bill SD.2426 (An Act Relative to the Theft of Graves) in full here: 

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/SD2426?fbclid=IwY2xjawIRR65leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHRyKlANg3F-Ytusr7k-aM9KHAMRvmXqajTbgKvQznE86jsC7ykDXMixUdw_aem_iFMI8E3fRyRGE0lLRXxmcg

If you want to help pass this bill, begin here: https://malegislature.gov/StateHouse/Contact

If you would like to contact Rachel regarding cemetery preservation/ conservation, you can reach her through Epoch Preservation's website: 

https://epochpreservation.com/contact/

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here:
https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show

This week on the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast, Dianne and Jennie welcome Kurt Jordan, a.k.a KC Cemetery Man, a champion of cemetery preservation. Kurt's chance discovery of his 2X Great Grandfather's marker sparked a passion for cemetery preservation. From surprising discoveries to heartwarming encounters, Kurt's Ordinary Extraordinary stories have helped to spark preservation fever across his home state of Missouri and beyond.
 
View this episode on YouTube!
https://youtu.be/r393wR09vEQ?si=hnu6KN6doKgT9hj_

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here:
https://oecemetery.etsy.com

To contact Kurt, you can reach him through the email link on his website:
https://kccemeteryman.com/

You can also follow Kurt and his adventures on social media:
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/share/1Nqg9NKGAv/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/kccemeteryman?igsh=MTF2ZXA5bWZ4Nndoaw==

Support the show

Don't miss the latest episode of the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast, where Jennie and Dianne are joined by special guest Charles Johnson to chat about fictional cemeteries and ghost towns in the virtual world of video games and the real-life counterparts that inspired the game creators. Sometimes Ordinary Extraordinary history can be found in the most surprising places!

View this episode on YouTube!
https://youtu.be/XS9KnxrIBGQ?si=QKI2CG_Mc0g_ttOE

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here:
https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Resources used to research this episode include:

Staff Reporters. "Crumptonia’s Long History ." https://www.selmatimesjournal.com/. 13 Aug. 2007. www.selmatimesjournal.com/2007/08/13/crumptonias-long-history/. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.

"Fielding Vaughan Family Cemetery ." https://www.findagrave.com/. 28 Mar. 2018. www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2662791/fielding-vaughan-family-cemetery. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.

"Crocheron Columns at Old Cahawba ." https://www.ruralswalabama.org/. www.ruralswalabama.org/attraction/crocheron-columns-at-old-cahawba/. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.

"Cochran House at Crumptonia near Orrville, AL (built c. 1855) ." https://www.ruralswalabama.org/. www.ruralswalabama.org/attraction/cochran-house-crumptonia/. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.

"The grave of John A. Bell in the “New” Cemetery at Old Cahawba ." https://www.ruralswalabama.org/. www.ruralswalabama.org/attraction/john-bell-grave-old-cahawba-park/. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.

"St. Roch Cemetery #2 ." https://nolacatholiccemeteries.org/. nolacatholiccemeteries.org/st-roch-cemetery-2. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.

, Mordy. "Helltown, Ohio ." https://www.atlasobscura.com/. 5 Oct. 2016. www.atlasobscura.com/places/helltown-ohio. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.

"Boston Mills - Hell Town ." https://www.ghostsofohio.org/. www.ghostsofohio.org/lore/ohio_lore_36.html. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.

Dimuro, Gina. "Why Helltown, Ohio Actually Lives Up To Its Name." https://allthatsinteresting.com/. edited by Austin Harvey , 2 Oct. 2021. allthatsinteresting.com/helltown-ohio. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.

"Pleasance." https://reddead.fandom.com/. reddead.fandom.com/wiki/Pleasance. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.

"Shady Belle." https://reddead.fandom.com/. reddead.fandom.com/wiki/Shady_Belle. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.

"Shady Belle Graveyard ." https://reddead.fandom.com/. reddead.fandom.com/wiki/Shady_Belle_Graveyard. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.

"Saint Denis Cemetery ." https://reddead.fandom.com/. reddead.fandom.com/wiki/Saint_Denis_Cemetery.

"Saint Roches Cemetery ." https://left4dead.fandom.com/. left4dead.fandom.com/wiki/Saint_Roches_Cemetery. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.

Support the show

Join Dianne and Jennie for a trip down memory lane! This week's episode of The Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast is a Colorado-themed throwback, featuring snippets from their favorite homestate episodes, PLUS, an exciting announcement! You'll have to listen (or watch) to find out what's in store!

View this episode on YouTube!

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here:
https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Colorado Cemeteries: Full Episodes include: 
Episode 2 - The champions and Central City, Colorado 

Episode 3: Bald Mountain Cemetery and the Poet P.E. Redmond 

Episode 23: Riverside Cemetery in Denver, Colorado 

Episode 25: The Mysterious Grave of Miss Princess Nucassee Malloniii Johan  Sun Bow Wooton

Episode 31: Last Great Mining Boom Cripple Creek, Colorado and Mount Pisgah Cemetery

Episode 44: A Gold Mine, a Pocket Watch and a Heart of Gold

Episode 45: The Irish Miners of Leadville, Colorado and Their Forgotten Graves

Episode 68: In Remembrance of Joe Arridt at Greenwood Cemetery in Cañon City, Colorado

Episode 101: "Operation Sacred Rescue" the Rebarial of the Sisters of Loretto near Denver, Colorado 

Episode 127: A Tale of Two Women: Molly Brown and Louise Sneed Hill

Episode 131: Under the Stone: Early Women Doctors in Evergreen Cemetery: A Discussion with Doris McCraw

Episode 138: Beneath the Rockies part 1: Visiting Colorado's Historic Cemeteries

Episode 139: Beneath the Rockies part 2: Visiting Colorado's Historic Cemeteries

Episode 142: From Quaker Values to Railroad Empires: The Life and Legacy of William Jackson Palmer 

Episode 143: Kindness in the Wild West: The Inspirational Life of Mary "Queen" Mellen Palmer

Episode 171: Madam with a Heart: Durango, Colorado's Bessie Rivers 

Episode 177: Unveiling the True Legacy of Louise Sneed Hill 

Episodes with some Colorado Cemeteries or Graves Include:
Episode 4: Coast to Coast Haunted Cemeteries

Episode 35: War stories, Buffalo soldiers and More

Episode 70: Till Death Do Us Part- True Love all the Way to the Grave

Episode 77: Three women of the Wild West

Support the show

On this episode ofThe Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery, Jennie and Dianne attempt to piece together the life story of Dr. Marianna Smalley, a pioneering woman of her era. Celebrated for her research in tuberculosis treatment, Dr. Smalley was once a prominent figure at the University of Michigan and in the city of Ann Arbor, but her life and contributions have largely been forgotten. As they shine a light on her remarkable achievements, they also investigate the mysterious final years leading up to her untimely death
Why has Dr. Smalley's Ordinary Extraordinary story remained obscured for so long?

View this episode on YouTube!
https://youtu.be/-0z9VcjjKaw?si=aBDm4TdSB1GrwP8D

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here:
https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Resources used to research this episode include various documents, records, and newspaper articles found at www.ancestry.com and www.newspapers.com in addition to the following:

Edwards, Leslie S. "‘No respecter of persons’: Michigan’s fight against tuberculosis ." https://www.pioneertribune.com/. 6 Jan. 2021. www.pioneertribune.com/articles/no-respecter-of-persons-michigans-fight-against-tuberculosis/. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

"Two Sentenced to Prison Terms." The Ypsilanti Daily Press [Ypsilanti ], 21 Jan. 1941, p. 8.

, AP. "'M' Instructor Called Suicide ." Detroit Free Press [Detroit ], 23 June 1948, p. 15.

"Police Capture Three Burglars." The Ypsilanti Daily Press [Ypsilanti ], 13 Jan. 1941, p. 8.

"Early X-Ray Is a Big Factor In Saving Life and Expenses in State War on Tuberculosis." The Grand Rapids Press [Grand Rapids ], 15 Dec. 1937, p. 10.

"Death Ends Career of Dr. Smalley." Ann Arbor News, 22 June 1948.

"About ." https://mortarboard.org/. mortarboard.org/about/. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

Schroll-Bakes, Katharina. "Lung Screening Then and Now." https://www.medmuseum.siemens-healthineers.com/. 14 Aug. 2023. www.medmuseum.siemens-healthineers.com/en/stories-from-the-museum/lung-screening#:~:text=Once%20X%2Dray%20technology%20developed,diagnosis%20of%20this%20pernicious%20disease. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

"Michigan’s Medical History ." https://chm.med.umich.edu/. chm.med.umich.edu/michigans-medical-history/. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

Tobin, James. "The First Women." https://heritage.umich.edu/. heritage.umich.edu/stories/the-first-women/. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

https://bentley.umich.edu/. bentley.umich.edu/legacy-support/um/voices/advanced_search.php. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

Support the show

We begin 2025 with the Ordinary Extraordinary, but nearly unknown story of Ellen Robena Field, a talented writer and educator whose contributions to children's literature have mostly been overlooked. Born in 1869 in Bangor, Maine, Ellen's writing talent emerged during her own school years. In 1894, she founded 'The West Side Kindergarten' and published her beloved book, 'Buttercup Gold and Other Stories'. Her gentle moral tales resonated with children and parents alike. Despite her literary gifts, Ellen's passing in 1957 made no mention of them or the impact they had on so many children. Jennie and Dianne end the episode with the reading of her story, ‘The Little New Year’, reminding us all that the best way to begin and continue the year is with love and kindness.

View this episode on YouTube!
https://youtu.be/dfz5HXqbbNw?si=KNUG5-ZaSsgJd7zH

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here:
https://oecemetery.etsy.com

You can read 'Buttercup Gold and Other Stories' through this link on Project Guttenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/1978/1978-h/1978-h.htm

Resources used to research this episode include various documents, records, and newspaper articles found at www.ancestry.com and www.newspapers.com. 

Support the show

This week on the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast Jennie and Dianne continue their fascinating discussion with author Pamela McColl about Elizabeth "Libbie" Custer, the resilient wife of General George Armstrong Custer. In part one, they explored her pioneering experiences living with Custer in the West.  Now, they're diving deeper into the incredible changes she witnessed during her lifetime - from the Civil War to the dawn of the 20th century, through World War I, and into the Great Depression. They examine how Libbie's own experiences as a widow fueled her mission to support others navigating life after the death of a beloved husband.  They also discuss how Christmas evolved into a cherished tradition after the Civil War, bringing people together during an Ordinary Extraordinary time of great change not only for America, but much of the world navigating new found identities.

View this episode on YouTube!
https://youtu.be/663DRer_nFk?si=V6gbPOpNJ5GVBobz

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here:
https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Links to Libbie Custer's books:
"Boots and Saddles"; Or, Life in Dakota with General Custer
And
"Tenting on the Plains"; or, General Custer in Kansas and Texas
Can both be ready for free on Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/40799

Physical Copies can be purchased here:
https://www.abebooks.com/book-search/author/custer-elizabeth-bacon/

Resources used to research this episode include:
Monnett, John H. "Christmas With the Custers: In Bitter Cold and Battles, Libbie Custer Fought for Holiday Cheer ." https://www.historynet.com/. 24 Dec. 2016. www.historynet.com/frontier-christmas-custers/. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Enright, Gary. "The Life of Libby Custer ." https://www.sdpb.org/. 3 Oct. 2017. www.sdpb.org/images-of-the-past/2017-10-03/the-life-of-libby-custer. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

, Mandan Historical Society . "Elizabeth Clift [Bacon] Custer (1842-1933)." http://www.mandanhistory.org/. www.mandanhistory.org/biographiesac/elizabethcuster.html. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Hufford, Deborah . "Elizabeth Custer—The Great Woman Behind the Man ." https://www.notesfromthefrontier.com/. 18 Aug. 2020. www.notesfromthefrontier.com/post/elizabeth-custer-the-great-woman-behind-the-man.

Support the show

Get ready for Part One of a holiday treat! Join Jennie and Dianne on the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast as they welcome Christmas aficionado and author Pamela McColl back to experience the "spirit of Christmas" through the memories of Elizabeth "Libbie" Bacon Custer, wife of the legendary (and controversial) George Armstrong Custer. As Libbie so eloquently put it, "Sometimes I think our Christmas on the frontier was a greater event to us than to anyone in the States. We all had to do so much to make it a success."

View this episode on YouTube!
https://youtu.be/L0a1pXcIQP0?si=1mz_XomKEtHDZ-W4

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here:
https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Links to Libbie Custer's books:
"Boots and Saddles"; Or, Life in Dakota with General Custer
And
"Tenting on the Plains"; or, General Custer in Kansas and Texas
Can both be ready for free on Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/40799

Physical Copies can be purchased here:
https://www.abebooks.com/book-search/author/custer-elizabeth-bacon/

Resources used to research this episode include:
Monnett, John H. "Christmas With the Custers: In Bitter Cold and Battles, Libbie Custer Fought for Holiday Cheer ." https://www.historynet.com/. 24 Dec. 2016. www.historynet.com/frontier-christmas-custers/. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Enright, Gary. "The Life of Libby Custer ." https://www.sdpb.org/. 3 Oct. 2017. www.sdpb.org/images-of-the-past/2017-10-03/the-life-of-libby-custer. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

, Mandan Historical Society . "Elizabeth Clift [Bacon] Custer (1842-1933)." http://www.mandanhistory.org/. www.mandanhistory.org/biographiesac/elizabethcuster.html. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Hufford, Deborah . "Elizabeth Custer—The Great Woman Behind the Man ." https://www.notesfromthefrontier.com/. 18 Aug. 2020. www.notesfromthefrontier.com/post/elizabeth-custer-the-great-woman-behind-the-man.

Support the show

Resting peacefully in graves across the United Kingdom are some of the 20th century's best mystery writers who set the standard for the detective stories we know and love today. Get ready for a whodunit of an episode! We're "investigating" the fascinating story of the 94 year old "Detection Club", formed by a group of renowned detective fiction authors including Agatha Christie, Anthony Berkeley Cox, Dorothy Sayers, and others who came together to socialize and elevate the genre. In recent years, these stories along with new works, have become especially popular during the holidays with many of them taking place during Christmas or other winter holidays. Grab your magnifying glass and Fedora as we "inspect" the Ordinary Extraordinary world of the founding members of the Detection Club, with a dash of holiday cheer!

View this episode on YouTube!
https://youtu.be/Sj5W8kn3CJA?si=kCCo2pi8NtFN5pBQ

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here:
https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Images: *Photos of Agatha Christie, G.K. Chesterton, Dorothy Sayers and The Detection Club - Public Domain
*Agatha Christie's grave: UFT, 10/30/2019 posted to www.findagrave.com
*G.K. Chersterton's grave: Iain McFarlaine, 11/01/2004 posted to www.findagrave.com
*Dorothy Sayers grave: David Conway, 07/24/2001 posted to www.findagrave.com

Resources used to research this episode include:
Westron, Carol. "Anthony Berkeley Cox (1893-1971) ." https://promotingcrime.blogspot.com/. 3 Feb. 2017. promotingcrime.blogspot.com/2017/02/anthony-berkeley-cox-1893-1971.html?m=1. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

Garcia - Bosque, Jose Ignacio Escribano . " Berkeley, Anthony (1893 – 1971) ." https://jiescribano.wordpress.com/. 26 Feb. 2022. jiescribano.wordpress.com/2022/02/26/berkeley-anthony-1893-1971-updated-26-02-2022/. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

, agathachristie.com. "Detection Club." https://www.agathachristie.com/. www.agathachristie.com/stories/detection-club. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

Edwards, Martin. "The Detection Club." https://martinedwardsbooks.com/. martinedwardsbooks.com/home/about-martin/martins-writing/the-detection-club/. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

, mydearhastings.com. "The Detection Club — A Dream Team of Mystery Writers ." https://www.mydearhastings.com/. www.mydearhastings.com/home/agatha-christie-amp-the-detection-club. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

, Gladstone Library . "The Records of the Detection Club ." https://www.gladstoneslibrary.org/. www.gladstoneslibrary.org/reading-rooms/the-collections/archives/the-records-of-the-detection-club. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

Wade, Francesca . "No Divine Revelation, Feminine Intuition or Mumbo Jumbo’: Dorothy L Sayers and the Detection Club ." https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/. 4 Feb. 2020. www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/books/2020/feb/04/dorothy-l-sayers-and-the-detection-club. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Members_of_the_Detection_Club.

Support the show

What if you knew the exact date of your own death? For Samuel P. Golden, a series of prophetic dreams foretold his passing...or so he believed! Join Jennie and Dianne as they uncover the Ordinary Extraordinary life and death of Samuel P. Golden, a charismatic man whose obituary described him as one who "dressed nicely and was a fine specimen of physical manhood." His short life on earth was anything but boring!

View this episode on YouTube!
https://youtu.be/RqS47Y-N_LQ?si=xz-cqz4n6eXC0hFR

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here:
https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Resources used to research this episode include:

Various documents available through www.ancestry.com

"Believes in a Dream." Western Newspaper Union [Wichita ], 3 Nov. 1900, p. 3.

"Verdict for a Carpenter ." The Freehold Transcript [Freehold], p. 1 13 Jan. 1899.

 "Given Hope by Health." The Freehold Transcript , 31 May 1901, p. 1.

 "Chronic Bright's Disease ." The Brooklyn Daily Eagle [Brooklyn ], 18 June 1901, p. 4.

"Trouble of the Golden Family ." The Daily Standard [Red Bank], 6 Dec. 1902, p. 2.

 "Golden Family Troubles ." The Daily Register [Red Bank], 18 Feb. 1903, p. 1.

 "Samuel P Golden Dies on Saturday ." The Daily Standard [Red Bank], 11 Apr. 1903, p. 1.

 "Samuel P Golden Burned Out and the Building Destroyed ." The Daily Register [Red Bank], p. 1 20 Aug 1890.

 "Monmouth Courts." Monmouth Democrat [Freehold ], p. 3 19 Jun 1879.

 "Golden Farm Sold." Long Branch Record [Long Branch], 25 Jan. 1905, p. 10.

"A Big Profit Being Made in the Peter S Golden Place." The Daily Register , 16 Mar. 1904, p. 1.

, Department Of Public Information . "Middletown’s Fairview Cemetery is featured in video series Latest installment features historic resting place  ." https://www.co.monmouth.nj.us/. 9 Oct. 2009. www.co.monmouth.nj.us/PressDetail.aspx?ID=413. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Support the show

Join Jennie on this week's Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast as she explores the incredible story of William R. Harland, whose cremains were discovered 85 years after his death in an Oregon hospital's 'Room of Forgotten Souls.' Learn how Life Forest Whistle Ridge, a conservation cemetery in Maine, provided Harland's final resting place among the trees. Chelsea Eaton and Michelle Melaragno share the mission behind this innovative cemetery, where nature and remembrance intertwine.

Available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lBEiZyKNG9k?si=w0ZhY5ytVCOCEnwu

Learn more about both Life Forest Cemeteries here:
https://www.thelifeforest.com/

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here:
https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show

Step into the enchanting world of Italian cemeteries with Jennie, Dianne, and special guest Tui Snider who shares her adventures as a tour guide in Italy's iconic Monumental Cemeteries, visiting Milan, Genoa, Bologna, and Florence. From 19th-century widow sculptures to groundbreaking Jewish burial grounds, Tui helps uncover the treasures hidden within Italy's Ordinary Extraordinary cemeteries. "Tra lapidi e leggende!" Join in "among tombstones and legends!"

Watch this episode on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/PYEHcIiGsBY?si=w5yKDYYui3uB5De-

Learn more about Tui and her travels here: https://tuisnider.com/

Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here:
https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Support the show

In the stillness of a dense Newfoundland forest, a hidden cemetery whispers a  tale both tragic and triumphant. This week on the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast Jennie and Dianne explore the St. Martin-in-the-Woods Cemetery, a plane crash site turned burial ground in the autumn of 1946.
Among the victims were refugees who had endured the Holocaust, seeking a new beginning, only to face another devastating loss. This November, we reflect on gratitude amidst tragedy, honoring those who came to the rescue of survivors and remembering those whose lives were ended.

To see photos of the cemetery, view this episode on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/G1c1uAPmUdg?si=EC2eO-P_0k2E5un4

Cemetery Photos taken by Anan Sahadi 05/12/2022 and posted to www.findagrave.com

Photos of survivor being transferred to a raft and Gander rescue helicopter team: U.S. Coast Guard on file in the Public Domain

Photo of Dr. Samuel Martin and rescue crew published in The Denver Post, September 24, 1946

Follow this link to view additional photos and listen to broadcast footage:
http://www.ganderairporthistoricalsociety.org/_html_4658/Sabena_crash.htm

Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast merch now available! https://oecemetery.etsy.com

Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast special tea blend, Cemetery Story, can be purchased here:
https://www.adagio.com/signature_blend/blend.html?blend=231274

Resources used to research this episode include:
Historical Society, Gander Airport. "Sabena Crash 1946." http://www.ganderairporthistoricalsociety.org/. www.ganderairporthistoricalsociety.org/_html_4658/Sabena_crash.htm. Accessed 3 Nov. 2024.

Arklie, Bob. "St. Martin-in-the-Woods 26 OF 44 PASSENGERS WERE KILLED ." http://www.ganderairporthistoricalsociety.org/. 12 Nov. 1975. www.ganderairporthistoricalsociety.org/_html_4658/stMartins.htm. Accessed 3 Nov. 2024.

O’Leary, USCG (Ret), Warrant Gunner R.J. "The Day I Was Ten Feet Tall." http://www.ganderairporthistoricalsociety.org/. www.ganderairporthistoricalsociety.org/_html_4658/TenFeetTall.htm. Accessed 3 Nov. 2024.

, National Air & Space Museum . "The Evolution of the Commercial Flying Experience ." https://airandspace.si.edu/. airandspace.si.edu/explore/stories/evolution-commercial-flying-experience#:~:text=gum%20at%20all!-,1941%2D1958,travel%20surged%20to%20new%20levels. Accessed 3 Nov. 2024.

, Gander International Airport . "Our History ." https://ganderairport.com/. ganderairport.com/about-giaa/our-history/. Accessed 3 Nov. 2024.

, Associated Press. "At Least 5 to 7 Survive Plane Crash." The Sun Times [Ontario ], Last ed., 19 Sep. 1946, p. 1.

Cross, United States Coast Guard (Retired), Captain Sean M. "18 September 1946 ." https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/. 18 Oct. 2024. www.thisdayinaviation.com/18-september-1946/. Accessed 3 Nov. 2024.

Death certificates scanned and uploaded to www.ancestry.com

Support the show

Join Jennie and Dianne for the annual "Beyond the Grave" episode of the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery, just in time to put you in a spooky mood for Halloween! Wrap yourself cozy, dim the lights and let Mary Shelley's haunting masterpiece envelop you as you venture into 'Frankenstein's eerie world. The tale begins with an introduction from Percy and Mary Shelley before transporting you to 19th-century Geneva, Switzerland. Witness Victor Frankenstein's doomed experiment, the creature's awakening and the devastating consequences for the Family Frankenstein and the monster himself.

Mary Shelley's classic novel was adapted and performed by phenomenally talented actors live at Evergreen Cemetery on October 4th & 5th, 2024 in order to help raise funds for the preservation of  Colorado Spring's historic cemeteries and now we bring it to you for your listening pleasure.

Find this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sJ1E2Zr62oU?si=ePU8xCt3U8Ynf1K-

Script adaptation written by
Jennie Johnson

Thank you so much to all the actors who lent their time and talent to bring this classic tale to life. The actors are, in order of appearance:

⚡Percy Shelley... Charles Johnson
⚡Mary Shelley... Casper Johnson
⚡Justine Moritz...Karol Gates
⚡Elizabeth Lavenzo... Holly Haverkorn
⚡Victor Frankenstein... Chris Scarciotta
⚡The Monster... Tim Gates
💀Beyond the Grave Spirits💀
💀Quinn Malmstrom
💀Kass Allen
💀Chloe Wilkins
💀Rebecca Weber
💀Asha Hart
💀Ni Riggs
💀Vicente Guzman     

Music: "The Dark Castle" by David Fesliyan courtesy of FesliyanStudios
Sound effects provided by www.pixabay.com
Photography by: Jeffery Heizer, Chloe Wilkins & Jennie Johnson
           
Produced by Evergreen Heritage, Front Range Theatre Company & The Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast

Support the show

Beyond the ornate 19th century headstones and crumbling mausoleums lies a world of custom and superstition that dictated death and mourning for more than eighty years. This week on the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast Jennie and Dianne explore the complex social norms dictating grief, the rise of spiritualism, and the eerie practices that governed Victorian society. While some of these customs have faded with time, others continue to shape our relationship with death today.  Tune in for this Ordinary Extraordinary journey twixt life and death. "Passing out of the shadows into eternal day, why do we call it dying, this sweet passing away?"

To see additional photos in real time with this discussion, view this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZFWSGVwSujU?si=KNLIH7PE3HDP_NXM

To order our signature tea, "Cemetery Story", follow this link: https://www.adagio.com/signature_blend/blend.html?blend=231274

Resources used to research this episode include:
Smith, Nicola. "Mourning the Death of Prince Albert ." https://www.historytoday.com/. 3 Oct. 1983. www.historytoday.com/archive/feature/mourning-death-prince-albert#:~:text=At%2010.50%20pm%20Prince%20Albert,bitter%20and%20agonising%20cry%20'Oh!. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.

Sebesta, Samantha . "A Royal Marriage: Prince Albert’s Love Letters & Quotes From Queen Victoria ." https://thechroniclesofhistory.com/. 19 July 2020. thechroniclesofhistory.com/2020/07/19/a-royal-marriage-a-prince-albert-love-letter-quotes-from-queen-victoria/. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.

, Australian Museum . "Mourning - Victorian Era ." https://australian.museum/. 21 Nov. 2018. australian.museum/about/history/exhibitions/death-the-last-taboo/mourning-victorian-era/. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.

Celiberi, Stephanie . "Mid-Late Victorian Mourning Dress ." https://www.lancasterhistory.org/. 6 Oct. 2021. www.lancasterhistory.org/victorian-mourning-dress/. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.

, Compass Rose Design . "History of Victorian Mourning Jewelry." https://www.compassrosedesign.com/. www.compassrosedesign.com/pages/history-of-victorian-mourning-jewelry?srsltid=AfmBOopwBTlQLpCt6ltB_a_S7JXqpBLPokThsX9T8woAOLyCGpnaDKnS. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.

, Rosenberg Library Museum. "Victorian Hair Jewelry ." https://www.rosenberg-library-museum.org/. www.rosenberg-library-museum.org/treasures/victorian-hair-jewelry#:~:text=These%20pieces%20of%20adornment%20often,the%20death%20of%20Queen%20Victoria. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.

Dents Museum Curator , Sarah. "Gloves." https://us.dentsgloves.com/. us.dentsgloves.com/blogs/magazine/queen-victoria-the-etiquette-of-mourning. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.

Rusch, Barbara . "The Secret Life of Victorian Cards ." https://www.ephemerasociety.org/. www.ephemerasociety.org/the-secret-life-of-victorian-cards/. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.

, The Solitary Historian . "Mourning the Dead: Funeral Practices in 1870 and 1900. ." https://thesolitaryhistorian.com/. 6 Nov. 2020. thesolitaryhistorian.com/2020/11/06/mourning-the-dead-funeral-practices-in-1870-and-1900/. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.

, Friends Of Oak Grove Cemetery . "Victorian Funeral Customs and Superstitions ." https://friendsofoakgrovecemetery.org/. 1 Oct. 2008. friendsofoakgrovecemetery.org/victorian-funeral-customs-fears-and-superstitions/. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.

Support the show

Step into history with Jennie and Dianne on the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast! This week, they uncover the fascinating story of Pauline Cushman, a Union spy and actress who risked it all during the American Civil War. Joining them is living historian MJ Henion, who brings Pauline's courage and determination to life. From stage to battlefield, Pauline's bravery and cunning will leave you inspired. Tune in to discover the Extraordinary life of this Ordinary woman.

Episode available on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/clW3SZ4BV5U?si=9KXnEWnXGnTyicG9

Support the show

The story continues...Jennie, Dianne and Professor Jared Richman continue their discussion about the life and legacy of Mary Shelley. From the heartache of losing three of her four children in infancy, to the tragic drowning death of her husband Percy Bysshe Shelley, Mary was often forced to be resilient and rise above darkness and depression. Yet, amidst sorrow, Mary continued to impact the Ordinary Extraordinary world of literary arts forging a path that paved the way for future generations of women writers and cement her place as one of literature's most trailblazing figures.

Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/xCcNVXpUPuw?si=u8GwoUax5wl5R5tS

Tickets for the 4th annual Beyond the Grave: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein at Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs, Colorado can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-the-grave-mary-shelleys-frankenstein-tickets-986081605627

Support the show

This year's Beyond the Grave event honors Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, but who was the woman behind the iconic novel? Born to radical parents Mary Wollstonecraft and William Godwin, Mary Shelley navigated a life of intellectual fervor, passionate relationships – including her tumultuous marriage to Percy Bysshe Shelley – and literary friendship with none other than the bad boy of English literature, Lord Byron. Yet, her life was also marked by profound loss, evident in her frequent visits to her mother's grave, a sanctuary where she sought solace and inspiration as a child and young woman.

Professor Jared Richman, English Literature Professor at Colorado College, joins Jennie and Dianne to explore how these influences shaped Mary's masterpiece. Tune in to Part 1 as they dive into the Ordinary Extraordinary story of how a teenaged Mary Shelley forged a timeless classic.

Watch this episode on YouTube!
https://youtu.be/BKxnYsfBuOE?si=Wo8Wk0ebPMlvhTur

Tickets for the 4th annual Beyond the Grave: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein at Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs, Colorado can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-the-grave-mary-shelleys-frankenstein-tickets-986081605627

Support the show

This week on the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast; while Dianne is away, Jennie welcomes a new guest, JoEllen Hundeland, to share her passion project, "Hillside Cemetery: Middletown, New York: Beyond the Graves". From school bus curiosity to researching incredible local stories, JoEllen's journey is as fascinating as the book itself. JoEllen shares how the cemetery reveals the extraordinary stories of her ordinary hometown and the lasting impact it has had creating her love for cemeteries and photography.

Watch this episode on YouTube!: https://youtu.be/xIvlXCYTuOU?si=wPiHmyR2FC8JeZ0L

Visit these links to purchase your copy of "Hillside Cemetery: Middletown, New York: Beyond the Graves":

https://www.through-time.com/collections/latest-books/products/hillside-cemetery-middletown-new-york-beyond-the-graves?fbclid=PAZXh

https://a.co/d/5kNl6ra

Tickets for the 4th annual Beyond the Grave: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein at Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs, Colorado can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-the-grave-mary-shelleys-frankenstein-tickets-986081605627

Support the show

Join The Ordinary, Extraordinary Cemetery podcast for a milestone episode - our 200th!

For this special episode Dianne and Jennie welcome back returning guest Kristen Allen of Bloombridge, the cemetery flower delivery service, to share exciting updates on the organization's remarkable growth since its inception in 2021. Discover how Bloombridge has formed connections across the US, weaving powerful stories of the departed that transform the lives of the living. Stay tuned for a very special, Ordinary Extraordinary story about a flower delivery to Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau's tomb in St. Louis Cemetery #1 in the mystical city of New Orleans, Louisiana.

We wish to thank all our Ordinary Extraordinary listeners for tuning in each week, for sharing your stories, your feedback and your episode suggestions. We wouldn't have made it this far without you!

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RXoRXS5HFks?si=1cgcWcgDCGUDeIba

To become a Bloombridge customer or runner, visit https://bloom-bridge.com/
Discount code: cstn

Tickets for the 4th annual Beyond the Grave: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein at Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs, Colorado can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-the-grave-mary-shelleys-frankenstein-tickets-986081605627

Support the show

Jennie and Dianne are excited to share Part 2 of our discussion with author Joy Giguere on "Pleasure Grounds of Death: The Rural Cemetery in Nineteenth-century America".
They explore how the rural cemetery movement transformed the funeral industry, especially following the civil war. The rise of funeral homes to handle the duties surrounding the deceased, hospitals as a place for the dying, and how cemeteries took on more management of their grounds providing stricter guidelines for monuments and plot decorations and how all of this impacted our modern relationship with death and grief.

Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/vjWF5MPDUlU?si=G4_DXkM3B3-JsiIp

Visit any of these links to purchase your copy of "Pleasure Grounds of Death:The Rural Cemetery in Nineteenth-century America":

University of Michigan Press
https://press.umich.edu/Books/P/Pleasure-Grounds-of-Death3

Barnes and Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pleasure-grounds-of-death-joy-m-giguere/1144258523?ean=9780472056897

Amazon
https://a.co/d/8BVMJdN

Tickets for the 4th annual Beyond the Grave: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein at Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs, Colorado can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-the-grave-mary-shelleys-frankenstein-tickets-986081605627

Support the show

This week on The Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery, Jennie and Dianne welcome Joy Giguere back to discuss her new book "Pleasure Grounds of Death: The Rural Cemetery in Nineteenth-century America". They chat about the rise of rural cemeteries in the United States, including Mount Auburn Cemetery's pioneering design to the nationwide movement it inspired. Tune in for part one of a conversation about the intersections of death, culture, and society, and how these Ordinary Extraordinary 19th-century burial grounds continue to reflect America's past and present.

Watch this episode on YouTube!
https://youtu.be/nM6FWBgDIrY?si=p64orIt5H3oS-982

Visit any of these links to purchase your copy of "Pleasure Grounds of Death:The Rural Cemetery in Nineteenth-century America":

University of Michigan Press
https://press.umich.edu/Books/P/Pleasure-Grounds-of-Death3

Barnes and Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pleasure-grounds-of-death-joy-m-giguere/1144258523?ean=9780472056897

Amazon
https://a.co/d/8BVMJdN

Tickets for the 4th annual Beyond the Grave: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein at Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs, Colorado can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-the-grave-mary-shelleys-frankenstein-tickets-986081605627

Support the show

Saddle up, partners as Jennie and Dianne 'shoot' the breeze with Josh Taylor of the Wild West Extravaganza Podcast (and YouTube channel) while they pay their respects at the graveside of infamous outlaw Billy the Kid and his Ordinary Extraordinary life and legacy that ended before it had barely begun.

Available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DcdxHH7S8cc?si=unnJIo-w_DCJJKxm

Ticket link to the 35th Annual Cemetery Crawl at Central City's IOOF Cemetery: Gilpin Historical Society 35th Annual Cemetery Crawl: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gilpin-historical-society-35th-annual-cemetery-crawl-tickets-934551547837?aff=ebdsshother&utm_share_source=listing_android

Tickets for the 4th annual Beyond the Grave: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein at Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs, Colorado can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-the-grave-mary-shelleys-frankenstein-tickets-986081605627

For more "true tales from the wild and woolly west", check out the Wild West Extravaganza podcast: https://www.wildwestextra.com/

Photo Credits: 
*Portrait of Billy the Kid - Public Domain
*'Billy the Kid' Tombstone - Public Domain
*'Pals' Tombstone - www.fortsumner.net
*Ft. Sumner Cemetery Gate - M.Robinson 

Support the show

In part 1 of "The Great Eiffel Tower Swindle" Jennie and Dianne share the humble beginnings of a man who became known as one of the world's greatest swindlers, Victor "The Count" Lustig; and left listeners hanging after recounting his notorious first sale of the Eiffel Tower in 1925. In part 2 the ladies follow Lustig's escape from authorities in Paris and his return to the US to continue his life of crime and cons, only to be brought down by one of his greatest weaknesses...an Ordinary Extraordinary woman!

Available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mFb3MLHqqXU?si=buZwcgG6kJtYpNGl

Ticket link to the 35th Annual Cemetery Crawl at Central City's IOOF Cemetery: Gilpin Historical Society 35th Annual Cemetery Crawl: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gilpin-historical-society-35th-annual-cemetery-crawl-tickets-934551547837?aff=ebdsshother&utm_share_source=listing_android

Tickets for the 4th annual Beyond the Grave: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein at Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs, Colorado can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-the-grave-mary-shelleys-frankenstein-tickets-986081605627

Photo of Lustig grave by: Rick Gleason and posted to: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/176656691/victor-lustig#view-photo=152334006

Resources used to research this episode include: Various news articles found on www.newspapers.com & documents from www.ancestry.com

Laidlaw, Katherine. "The con man who sold the Eiffel Tower — twice ." https://thehustle.co/. 15 Mar. 2024. thehustle.co/originals/the-con-man-who-sold-the-eiffel-tower-twice-1. Accessed 4 Aug. 2024.

King, Gilbert. "The Smoothest Con Man That Ever Lived ." https://www.smithsonianmag.com/. 22 Aug. 2012. www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-smoothest-con-man-that-ever-lived-29861908/. Accessed 4 Aug. 2024.

Linning, Stephanie . "The man who conned the world ." https://www.dailymail.co.uk/. 12 Aug. 2021. www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-9880185/The-man-conned-world-Audacious-scams-career-criminal-Victor-Lustig-told-new-book.html. Accessed 4 Aug. 2024.

Malvenuti, Edorardo. "Victor Lustig, the Bohemian Scarlet Pimpernel." https://www.progetto.cz/. 27 Oct. 2020. www.progetto.cz/victor-lustig-la-primula-rossa-boema/?lang=en#:~:text=A%20savoir%20faire%20blending%20with,end%20Victor%20Lustig's%20maritime%20adventure. Accessed 4 Aug. 2024.

Sanford, Christopher . The Man Who Conned the World Victor Lustig. 1st ed., 2022. Gloucestershire, The History Press, 2022, pp. 1 - 320.

Support the show

As the world's eyes are on Paris for the Olympics, we're looking back at a different kind of champion - the con artist who sold the Eiffel Tower not once, but twice! We're shining a light on the Ordinary Extraordinary story of Victor Lustig who sold the unsellable and swindled the unsuspecting. Join Dianne and Jennie for part one of a tale of deception and daring that's as thrilling as any Olympic event!

Available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jRlO4DAjtKs?si=NjFD9WP4X6cN9IqS

Ticket link to the 35th Annual Cemetery Crawl at Central City's IOOF Cemetery: Gilpin Historical Society 35th Annual Cemetery Crawl: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gilpin-historical-society-35th-annual-cemetery-crawl-tickets-934551547837?aff=ebdsshother&utm_share_source=listing_android

Photo of Lustig grave by: Rick Gleason and posted to: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/176656691/victor-lustig#view-photo=152334006

Resources used to research this episode include: Various news articles found on www.newspapers.com & documents from www.ancestry.com

Laidlaw, Katherine. "The con man who sold the Eiffel Tower — twice ." https://thehustle.co/. 15 Mar. 2024. thehustle.co/originals/the-con-man-who-sold-the-eiffel-tower-twice-1. Accessed 4 Aug. 2024.

King, Gilbert. "The Smoothest Con Man That Ever Lived ." https://www.smithsonianmag.com/. 22 Aug. 2012. www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-smoothest-con-man-that-ever-lived-29861908/. Accessed 4 Aug. 2024.

Linning, Stephanie . "The man who conned the world ." https://www.dailymail.co.uk/. 12 Aug. 2021. www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-9880185/The-man-conned-world-Audacious-scams-career-criminal-Victor-Lustig-told-new-book.html. Accessed 4 Aug. 2024.

Malvenuti, Edorardo. "Victor Lustig, the Bohemian Scarlet Pimpernel." https://www.progetto.cz/. 27 Oct. 2020. www.progetto.cz/victor-lustig-la-primula-rossa-boema/?lang=en#:~:text=A%20savoir%20faire%20blending%20with,end%20Victor%20Lustig's%20maritime%20adventure. Accessed 4 Aug. 2024.

Sanford, Christopher . The Man Who Conned the World Victor Lustig. 1st ed., 2022. Gloucestershire, The History Press, 2022, pp. 1 - 320.

Support the show

On this episode of The Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery, Jennie and Dianne pay a virtual visit to the graveside of a man who truly made a "splash" not only in America, but around the world. Join them as they relate
the fascinating story of John Michael Kohler, the man credited as the inventor of the modern bathtub. From his humble beginnings as a young farm child in Austria to his journey as an immigrant in America, Kohler's life was a true rags-to-riches tale. Join us as we explore his rise to success in building the Kohler business in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, his charitable works, and his involvement with the Masons and Odd Fellows. Plus, discover how he made a splash in local politics as the mayor of Sheboygan in 1892! It's an ordinary life turned extraordinary!

Learn more about the Kohler company here:
https://www.kohlercompany.com/

Learn about the John Michael Kohler Arts Center here: https://www.jmkac.org/

Photo Credits:
John Michael Kohler: Public Domain

Photo of portrait of 
Elizabeth "Lillie" Vollrath Kohler: Debra Shadd

Photo of Kohler house: Debra Shadd

Photos of Kohler Family Graves: Joe Selinski

Resources used to research this episode include:

Publishing , Excelsior . "John M. Kohler." https://freepages.rootsweb.com/. freepages.rootsweb.com/~sheboygan/genealogy/bios623.htm. Accessed 21 July 2024.

, Herostratus. "John Michael Kohler." https://en.m.wikipedia.org/. edited by Theanonymoustypist, 23 Jan. 2024. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Michael_Kohler. Accessed 21 July 2024.

, Kohler. "Our History ." https://www.kohler.com/. www.kohler.com/en/about-us/our-heritage. Accessed 21 July 2024.

Historical Collections , Harvard Business School . "1873: Off the Rails." https://www.library.hbs.edu/. www.library.hbs.edu/hc/crises/1873.html. Accessed 21 July 2024.

"History of enamelware - kitchen & household ." http://www.oldandinteresting.com/. 5 Mar. 2012. www.oldandinteresting.com/enamelware-history.aspx. Accessed 21 July 2024.

Dipple, Beth. "History Uncovered: Location, location, location – Kohler and Vollrath companies' first homes ." https://www.sheboygansun.com/. 29 Dec. 2021. www.sheboygansun.com/history/history-uncovered-location-location-location-kohler-and-vollrath-companies-first-homes/article_9ffd3928-68c8-11ec-864f-1b7c2d61bad2.html. Accessed 21 July 2024.

Selinski, Joe. "John Michael Kohler." https://www.findagrave.com/. edited by Linda Belmonte, 21 May 2006. www.findagrave.com/memorial/14351528/john_michael_kohler. Accessed 21 July 2024.

Made In Wisconsin. 1987, pp. 17 - 23.

Broman, Thomas. "The Early History of the Kohler Company ." https://wi101.wisc.edu/. 2 Nov. 2020. wi101.wisc.edu/the-early-history-of-the-kohler-company/. Accessed 21 July 2024.

Support the show

This week on the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast Jennie and Dianne review their recent "gravestone preservation workshop" after attending the "48 State Tour" hosted by Atlas Preservation at Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs, Colorado. They share what they learned and what was accomplished while working alongside  others whose enthusiasm for cemetery preservation is infectious! They also announce some details about this year's Beyond the Grave fundraising event this coming October as well as the 35th Annual Cemetery Crawl at Central City's IOOF Cemetery on August 24th where Jennie is excited to once again be a historical reenactor.

Now on Yo Tube: https://youtu.be/gXohAt9OPv8?si=MHbGh5wGMwDF4EO_

Ticket link to the 35th Annual Cemetery Crawl at Central City's IOOF Cemetery: Gilpin Historical Society 35th Annual Cemetery Crawl: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gilpin-historical-society-35th-annual-cemetery-crawl-tickets-934551547837?aff=ebdsshother&utm_share_source=listing_android

To learn more about Atlas Preservation's "48 State Tour", click here: https://atlaspreservation.com/

To learn more about Epoch Preservation, click here: https://epochpreservation.com/

National Center for Preservation Technology and Training:
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/ncptt/index.htm

Support the show

This week on the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast Jennie and Dianne chat about Dianne's recent East Coast adventures in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Dianne shares about the many historical locations she visited including the Lizzie Borden house in Fall River Massachusetts, sites important to the American revolution and of course several of America's oldest cemeteries. Get ready for a dose of history, humor and inspiration to explore history in your own backyard!

Now on YouTube! https://youtu.be/Rrzm1xKSkSY?si=BNGrhQV2Vbjtu_x_

To shop Hart and Horn click here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HartandHorn

If you are interested in visiting some of the sites mentioned in this episode, follow the links below to learn more:

In Providence, Rhode Island: https://www.goprovidence.com/things-to-do/historic-providence/historic-attractions/?bounds=false&view=list&sort=qualityScore

In Fall River, Massachusetts:
Lizzie Borden House: https://lizzie-borden.com/
Additional Historical Sites: https://stantonhouseinn.com/things-to-do-in-fall-river-ma-attractions

In Ipswich, Massachusetts: https://historicipswich.net/

In Salem, Massachusetts:
Salem Witch Museum: https://salemwitchmuseum.com/
The House of the Seven Gables: https://7gables.org/
The Peabody Essex Museum: https://www.pem.org/
The Charter Street Cemetery: https://www.charterstreetcemetery.com/
All things Salem: https://www.salem.org/

Support the show

Happy Birthday America, or as Americans say, "Happy 4th of July!" Jennie and Dianne celebrate America's  birthday with author and presidential historian Kurt Deion as he recounts his adventures in his book "Presidential Grave Hunter: One Kid's Quest to Visit the Tombs of Every President and Vice President". From sneaking past Secret Service agents to gaining entry to a private family burial ground, Kurt's  Ordinary Extraordinary story is a captivating exploration of American history and the power of a child's curiosity that has continued to spark his imagination and love for history and cemeteries well into adulthood!

Available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VGnKf4b4bGE?si=M0RfXgHiSy5cnEbv

To learn more about Kurt Deion or to purchase his book, "Presidential Grave Hunter: One Kid's Quest to Visit the Tombs of Every President and Vice President", click here: https://www.kurtshistoricsites.com/

To learn more about Atlas Preservation's "48 State Tour", click here: https://atlaspreservation.com/

Support the show

In this episode of the "Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery" podcast, Jennie chats with Sandra K. Doyle, a former deathcare industry professional turned author. Sandra's book, "MY LIFE AT THE CEMETERY: IT'S NOT AS DEAD AS YOU THINK", is a heartwarming and sometimes humorous collection of stories from her fourteen years working in the industry. She shares her Ordinary Extraordinary experiences and the valuable lessons she's learned along the way, inspiring us to appreciate the beauty in life. It is Sandy's prayer that "when you read these stories, you'll realize that we all have unique life experiences and that we can all learn from what others go through on this journey of life and death." 🪦

Links to purchase "MY LIFE AT THE CEMETERY: IT'S NOT AS DEAD AS YOU THINK" include: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-life-at-the-cemetery-sandy-doyle/1143770850?ean=9798886446616

https://www.amazon.com/My-Life-Cemetery-Spiritual-Journey/dp/B0CBNSM3XD?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&dplnkId=4783d6c3-9c09-409c-9308-c388fd0c4660

To learn more about Optimist International, click here: https://www.optimist.org/aboutoi.cfm

Now available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/hag-MkkNjDg?si=f5aD4a1nGN0DQGOg

To learn more about Atlas Preservation's "48 State Tour", click here: https://atlaspreservation.com/

Support the show

“Cemeteries are for the living. They’re there for us, they’re there to comfort us, they’re there to educate us, they’re there to provide peaceful meditative places to contemplate our own mortality and our own life." This is what Tui Snider told Dominic Genetti of the Midland Daily News and she said it again on this week's episode of the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast. Join Jennie, Dianne and author Tui Snider for a delightful and insightful discussion of all things cemetery including a harrowing adventure as a young Girl Scout, her world-wide cemetery travels, including her recent trip to Romania, cemetery symbolism, her books and many more of Tui's Ordinary Extraordinary cemetery anecdotes.

Available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tsqtryc1DWo?si=pnW_KIRdNc5XF9IQ

To learn more about Tui, her travels, her books and to sign up for her newsletter, visit her website at: https://tuisnider.com/

To join Tui on her tour of Italian cemeteries, learn more here:
https://www.lisastatkus.com/tui-snider-sept-1-11-2024-monumental-cemeteries-of-italy-tour/

To learn more about Atlas Preservation's "48 State Tour", click here: https://atlaspreservation.com/

Support the show

Join Jennie and Dianne on the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast as they delve into the hidden histories of Charleston, South Carolina's iconic graveyards. This week, they're joined by Patrick Harwood, a man who's spent his career uncovering the truth. From his days as an investigative journalist to his current work as a professor and author, Patrick's passion for storytelling shines through in his most recent book. Listen in (or view Patrick's photos on YouTube) as he shares Ordinary Extraordinary tales from his book "Stories from the Underground: The Churchyards of Charleston" and reveals what drew him to become a taphophile.

View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CXBD0vLCH4I

Purchase Patrick Harwood's books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Patrick-Harwood/author/B00KIPVKP6?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

To learn more about Atlas Preservation's "48 State Tour", click here: https://atlaspreservation.com/

Support the show

Ask and ye shall receive! This episode was made possible because several listeners reached out to this week's guest letting him know that Jennie and Dianne were eagerly hoping to speak with him. Get ready for a journey through history as Jennie and Dianne welcome Ed Breen, a descendant of the incorrigible Maurice Breen, whose story is a tribute to the American dream. You may remember Maurice's incredible story from episode 173 - from humble beginnings as an Irish immigrant to a successful businessman and Underground Railroad conductor, Maurice's legacy has spawned generations of trailblazers!
 In this latest episode, Ed shares the Ordinary Extraordinary tales of other Breen family members and their remarkable achievements; from politics (including a thrilling tale that involves a president and the secret service) to hotel moguls to aeronautics and even espionage! Ed has passionately shared these stories when giving tours of Dayton Ohio's Calvary cemetery and we are fortunate to have him share them on the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast!

For more family photos and other memorabilia, check out the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/11StWyR6ryY?si=qxsWbbnfY0arm6xj

Support the show

Join Jennie and Dianne on the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast as they welcome Mel Bennett, founder of Life Forest cemetery, for a heartwarming and insightful conversation. Mel shares the personal story of how Life Forest was born out of her desire to give her mother a better burial after a long and painful battle with dementia, and how this vision has grown into a revolutionary approach to death care. Life Forest's two locations offer a profound connection with nature, believing that this connection is not just an experience, but a source of healing. As leaders in eco-friendly practices, Life Forest sets a new standard for conservation burials, providing GPS-mapped deeded rights and legal protection under cemetery law. Tune in to learn more about this Ordinary Extraordinary sanctuary for celebrating life and eternal rest, and how Mel's vision is changing the way we think about death and burial.

Be sure to check out the end of this episode on YouTube where you can view the video of Mel's mother and experience the wonderful woman, she was before dementia and death took her from this Earth. https://youtu.be/_400CcKdAfQ?si=F_GiBMGFNv13BNlU

To learn more about Life Forest Cemetery and it's two locations, visit their website: https://www.thelifeforest.com

Mel shared this NPR article regarding our conversation about young children losing parents: https://apple.news/AjHZNSBEpQiK6I3PfqVQmrw

Support the show

Just in time for Memorial Day, Jennie and Dianne are honored to be joined in this episode by Major General Mari K. Eder (U.S. Army, Retired) to discuss her amazing book, 'The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line'. These Ordinary Extraordinary women are "heroes of the Greatest Generation whom you have most likely never heard about. These extraordinary women didn't expect thanks and shied away from medals and recognition. Despite their amazing accomplishments, they've gone mostly unheralded and unrewarded. These are the women of World War II who served, fought, struggled, and made things happen-in and out of uniform." In this episode Mari shares how she came to write the book and shares additional stories that she learned of after publication. Join us for the stories of these truly notable women who changed the course of history as we honor them and so many others this Memorial Day.

Now on YouTube: https://youtu.be/C0fyQ3mWQNc?si=R8ocA4E37360tEZh

Purchase your copy of 'The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line' by Major General Mari K. Eder here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/172824272X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Support the show

In this episode of the ordinary extraordinary cemetery podcast, Jennie and Dianne are joined by returning guest Hugh Yemen as he shares a tale that in many ways is truly stranger than fiction! The story begins with a tornado that left tragedy and death in its wake in Fort Smith, Arkansas in January 1898. However, it is events that take place shortly after this tragedy that becomes a different sort of "twister" that takes us from scandal in a cemetery, to a sensationalized newspaper exposé, and eventually culminates in "explosive" courtroom drama! With no prior knowledge from Hugh of this Ordinary Extraordinary story Jennie and Dianne reveal their completely unscripted reactions alongside their listeners!

Now on YouTube: https://youtu.be/fYxKpPppFZQ?si=d2-HAwT9NklZhAgk

For more fabulous stories from Hugh Yeaman check out his podcast "Historic Headlines": https://historicheadlines.podbean.com/

Support the show

Join Jennie and Dianne as they continue their conversation with Lynette Webber, Cousin Jennies: Cornish Women of Mining Country Cemeteries, probing deeper into the surprising connections she unearthed between the graves of Colorado and Michigan during her exploration of Gilpin County's picturesque mountain cemeteries. Lynette sheds light on the hardy Cornish families who made the journey from Michigan to Colorado, highlighting the remarkable stories of the Ordinary Extraordinary women who played pivotal roles in nurturing these families through challenges and triumphs.

For a truly in-depth experience, make sure to watch this episode on YouTube where Lynette showcases photos, documents, and additional details while narrating these stories. https://youtu.be/t7fyc52c_vA?si=rje3WfsLgpz_uumU

Support the show

This week, buckle up for part one of a riveting tale as Jennie and Dianne team up with Lynette Webber, an expert who has dedicated years to researching the cemeteries and their residents in Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula. Picture this: a time machine back to the 1800s when tin miners and their kin from Cornwall, Great Britain, made the Peninsula and its copper mines their stomping ground. As the copper mines declined in productivity, families sought opportunities elsewhere, leading to their migration. 

Fast forward to summer 2023, Lynette, Jennie, and Dianne, all members of the Association for Gravestone Studies, attended the annual AGS conference which was held in Colorado. As Lynette explored Gilpin County's picturesque mountain cemeteries, she unearthed surprising links between several graves of Colorado and Michigan. Lynette spins tales of resilient Cornish families who journeyed from Michigan to Colorado, with a spotlight on the Ordinary Extraordinary women who nurtured these families, enduring  challenges, heartache, and finding both success and happiness along the way.

For a truly in-depth experience, make sure to watch this episode on YouTube where Lynette showcases photos, documents, and additional details while narrating these stories.
https://youtu.be/OTLagJL2thY?si=LqVu7C8D-EzsIi6Y

Support the show

"I hope the adventures in this book inspire you to explore a cemetery. It’s good
for the cemetery—and I promise it will be good for you." This is how Loren Rhoads welcomes readers to indulge in her latest cemetery book, 'Death's Garden Revisited: Personal Relationships with Cemeteries'. Loren, who is the editor, says the book is a "collection of over two dozen essays and more than two hundred photographs
involving twenty-seven contributors, ranging from spoken word diva Lydia Lunch
and artist/poet Jane Handel to ceramics artist Mary Jo Bole. The contributors
included writers for the LA Weekly, zinesters, underground musicians, and high
school girls." Loren, who is also the author of '199 Cemeteries to See Before You Die' and 'Wish You Were Here: Adventures in Cemetery Travel', joins Jennie and Dianne in a delightful discussion about the book and her relationship with those who contributed to it, and how her own relationship with cemeteries began and her Ordinary Extraordinary career as a writer of not only books about cemeteries, but also fiction in the realms of horror, fantasy and sci-fi.

Now available on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/DyJXVKcB6I0?si=7CylT2EYY6iyT8Yb

To purchase an autographed copy of 'Death's Garden Revisited' click here: https://lorenrhoads.com/product/deaths-garden-revisited/

To subscribe to Loren Rhoads's newsletter, follow her blogs or learn more about any of her publications, visit her website: https://lorenrhoads.com/

Support the show

Get ready for an unforgettable journey into the heart of mystery and romance with Jennie and Dianne in the latest episode of the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast featuring author Roy Widing and his captivating book "Whispers From The Tomb: A True Love Story Discovered In A Century Old Mausoleum." Join them as they unravel the secrets behind the magnificent Rae Room tomb in Portland, Oregon—an Ordinary Extraordinary resting place shrouded in history, romance, and intrigue. Delve into the little-known story of George and Elizabeth Rae, a tale of love, lumber, lucre, and lawsuits that spans generations. Roy tells how a chance discovery of this opulent mausoleum, open to the public only once a year, leads to a fascinating exploration of a bygone era, filled with courtroom dramas, buried secrets, and timeless love.

Now available on YouTube:https://youtu.be/nIxbERDYwkk?si=ktxLvL_cH5t6nSSA

To purchase Whispers From The Tomb as either a paperback book , Kindle Book, or audio book, follow this link:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0615630561?dplnkId=a72da32c-479e-4cfd-bf39-4305759a8439

To learn more about the book and Roy's journey, click here: https://whispersfromthetomb.com/

Support the show

Dianne and Jennie are thrilled to continue their conversation with Rachel Meyer from Epoch Preservation. Join them for part 2 of an insightful two-part series delving into the fascinating world of cemetery conservation and preservation. In this episode, they discuss crucial topics like advocating for saving cemeteries, securing funding, leveraging social media for promotion, and the imperative mission of preserving indigenous, black, and emigrant cemeteries. Tune in for an enriching conversation that sheds light on the importance of preserving our collective history and honoring all the Ordinary Extraordinary resting places of our ancestors.

Now available on YouTube:https://youtu.be/tGoB1_rM3Gc

To learn more about Epoch Preservation or to contact them for help visit their website: https://epochpreservation.com/

Follow Epoch Preservation on Social Media:
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/epochpreservation?igsh=MWd2aWwzYnl3OGloYw==

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/share/LVt5J9vLe7S6ZZkb/?mibextid=qi2Omg

Support the show

Dianne and Jennie are thrilled to welcome Rachel Meyer from Epoch Preservation as this week's special guest. Join them for part 1 of an insightful two-part series delving into the fascinating world of cemetery conservation and preservation.

Discover the remarkable journey of Epoch Preservation, a leading gravestone conservation business based in Massachusetts. From humble beginnings to becoming pioneers in the field, Rachel shares their inspiring story rooted in a passion for preserving historic burying grounds and their invaluable artifacts.  Hear how their Ordinary Extraordinary origin tale unfolds, starting with a single cemetery in desperate need of preservation, ultimately blossoming into a thriving preservation venture across New England and beyond.

Now available on YouTube:https://youtu.be/8QWw_iO2YpQ?si=WeYE26GgXgKOqQT8

To learn more about Epoch Preservation or to contact them for help visit their website: https://epochpreservation.com/

Follow Epoch Preservation on Social Media:
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/epochpreservation?igsh=MWd2aWwzYnl3OGloYw==

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/share/LVt5J9vLe7S6ZZkb/?mibextid=qi2Omg

Support the show

Join Jennie and Dianne on an enlightening journey through history with the author of "The Queen of Denver: Louise Sneed Hill and the Emergence of Modern High Society" Shelby Carr.  In this captivating follow-up to Episode 127, Shelby, who is the leading historian on Louise Sneed Hill, joins us to set the record straight and correct misconceptions about the woman who took charge of Denver's high society social circles that included the who's who of Denver's wealthiest and most influential people at the turn of the 20th century. With her expertise in American history and genealogical research, Shelby sheds light on the Ordinary Extraordinary woman behind the legend uncovering the truth and celebrating her enduring contributions to history.

Now available on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/R4aSQaxh84I?si=g_gNhtz2fiHKm7c2

To learn more about Shelby Carr or to purchase her book visit her website:  https://shelbyncarr.com/

Support the show

Join Jennie and Dianne, along with returning guest Avrohom Krauss, as they continue their exploration into the world of Ordinary Extraordinary Jewish cemetery sites. This week, they delve deeper into the topics of desecration and preservation of these sacred spaces, shedding light on the importance of honoring the memory of those laid to rest. In a time when our world is once more grappling with the ravages of war and animosity, their discussion on Holocaust memorials around the globe serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of intolerance and injustice.

Available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sI1TQAwpwuo

The Hebrew Free Burial Association  https://www.hebrewfreeburial.org/who-we-are/

Holocaust Memorials Featured in this episode:
https://www.museumoffamilyhistory.com/hm-eishishok-uh.htm
https://nycemetery.wordpress.com/2021/02/23/united-hebrew-cemetery/
https://diasporayeshiva.org/holocaust-chamber/
https://www.yadvashem.org/
https://www.seetheholyland.net/schindlers-grave/

Support the show

In this episode of the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery, Jennie and Dianne, along with special guest Avrohom Krauss, an educator, genealogist, and speaker specializing in Jewish resources and cemetery research, delve into the  Ordinary Extraordinary Jewish immigrant cemeteries of New York. These cemeteries hold the final resting places of victims from tragic events like the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire in 1911 and the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. Avrohom, who frequently presents and writes on the topic of landsmanshaftn (immigrant social benefit societies), brings a wealth of knowledge from his experiences touring Jewish cemeteries across the U.S. and around the world, including in Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine, and Israel.

Available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kh-xuXeuZKY?si=PS24t-sZ2pmUyIOd

The Hebrew Free Burial Association  https://www.hebrewfreeburial.org/who-we-are/

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire
https://trianglefire.ilr.cornell.edu/

The Titanic
https://titanichistoricalsociety.org/titanic-museum/
And
https://www.mypigeonforge.com/business/titanic

Episode 70 - Till Death Do Us Part: True Love all the Way to the Grave (Isadore and Ida Strauss)
https://www.theordinaryextraordinarycemetery.com/episode-70-til-death-do-us-part-true-love-all-the-way-to-the-grave/

Support the show

Jennie and Dianne dive into history with special guest Tim Smith, the Director of Education for the Adams County Historical Society and town historian at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This week, Tim unfolds captivating tales of the battlefield, revealing how the citizens of Gettysburg coped with the historic battle including the tragic account of Jenny Wade, the only civilian casualty of the battle. He also details how the battlefield and the town of Gettysburg itself evolved into a bustling tourist destination almost immediately after the end of the Civil War. Tune in as they explore the significance of many of the Ordinary Extraordinary monuments scattered across the battlefield that honor not only those who died during the Civil War, but in all the wars fought by America since becoming one of the nation's national cemeteries.

Now available on YouTube! https://youtu.be/HnUtmVGIb88?si=ClyiitT1_FV-2Z-k

Adams County Historical Society at Gettysburg on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@AdamsCountyHistoricalSociety?si=NWoKoc7Q-kAWCWxD

Adams County Historical Society: https://www.achs-pa.org/

New Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum: https://www.achs-pa.org/visit/

Support the show

Support the show

This episode is part one of at least two episodes covering one of Dayton, Ohio's largest green spaces, Calvary Cemetery. Founded in 1872 to accommodate three Catholic parishes that grew out of the German, Irish, Polish, Hungarian, Italian and Lithuanian immigrants who flocked to the area in the mid 1800s, it replaced the overflowing St. Henry's cemetery, and has become a crown jewel among Midwestern cemeteries. In this first episode Jennie and Dianne delve into the cemetery's beginnings and discover many of the beautiful buildings, natural spaces and Ordinary Extraordinary monuments that make up the cemetery. In part two they will cover some of the stories of those who made Cavalry cemetery their final resting place; a cemetery that is not just a place of final rest, but a living testament to the beauty of the human experience.

All photos used in this episode belong to Calvary Cemetery and are borrowed from their website: https://calvarycemeterydayton.org/

To view this episode on YouTube, click here: https://youtu.be/5xz77afh580?si=6dm7vaOmFpBUFw-n

Resources used to research this episode include:
Various news articles found on www.newspapers.com

, Calvary Cemetery . "About Calvary Cemetery ." https://calvarycemeterydayton.org. calvarycemeterydayton.org/about/. Accessed 18 Feb. 2024.

, Calvary Cemetery . "Historical People." https://calvarycemeterydayton.org. calvarycemeterydayton.org/historical-people/. Accessed 18 Feb. 2024.

Powell, Lisa. "Memorial to ‘unclaimed dead’ undergoing renovation at Calvary Cemetery ." https://www.dayton.com. 23 June 2021. www.dayton.com/lifestyles/crown-centerpiece-memorial-to-unclaimed-dead-undergoing-renovation-at-calvary-cemetery/WQMQVSA3VBFBNM6YOFFP7ZKPJ4/. Accessed 18 Feb. 2024.

Encyclopedia Britannica , The Editors Of. "St. Kateri Tekakwitha ." https://www.britannica.com. 1 Jan. 2024. www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Kateri-Tekakwitha. Accessed 18 Feb. 2024.

, Cyaneyed. "Frank Mills Andrews ." https://en.m.wikipedia.org. edited by Pedantical, 23 Oct. 2012. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Mills_Andrews. Accessed 18 Feb. 2024.

, Mike Does History . "Ancient America Vol 1 - Calvary Cemetery, Dayton, Ohio." https://youtu.be/, 26 Apr. 2018, youtu.be/Mv7WMiN1zGA?si=SFUJb-Lp9ZZF3U6E.

Goldstein , Stan. "ACE Awards Runner-Up." American Cemetery & Cremation , 1 Nov. 2023, pp. 20 - 21.

Support the show

Love is in the air this week as Jennie and Dianne share the story of a woman who led, shall we say, an alternative life as madam Bessie Rivers, and despite her unconventional  path, found love and respect among many in her community and her final resting place has not been forgotten in lovely Greenmount Cemetery in Durango, Colorado. Situated in the southwestern part of Colorado, Durango is surrounded by the rugged San Juan Mountains and boasts a well-preserved historic district with Victorian architecture, reflecting its mining and railroad past; a past whose Ordinary Extraordinary story would not be complete without the generosity, compassion, tenacity, and ingenuity of madam Bessie Rivers.

To view this episode on YouTube, click here: https://youtu.be/L8A3_OR-_SI?si=ljcXa52NKKceihUd

Resources used to research this episode include:
, City Of Durango. "Cemetery Records." https://www.durangoco.gov. www.durangoco.gov/518/Cemetery-Records. Accessed 11 Feb. 2024.

, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. "The Route." https://www.durangotrain.com. www.durangotrain.com/ride-us/route/. Accessed 11 Feb. 2024.

Alexander , Kathy. "Painted Ladies of the Old West." https://www.legendsofamerica.com. 1 Dec. 2022. www.legendsofamerica.com/we-paintedlady/. Accessed 11 Feb. 2024.

MacKell Collins , Jan. "Brothels, Bordellos & Bad Girls: Prostitution in Colorado 1860-1930, Chapter Two: Life as a Harlot ." https://janmackellcollins.wordpress.com. 14 Nov. 2018. janmackellcollins.wordpress.com/2018/11/14/brothels-bordellos-bad-girls-prostitution-in-colorado-1860-1930-chapter-two-life-as-a-harlot/. Accessed 11 Feb. 2024.

Carter, Gary. "Heavy Freight Wagons of the American West ." https://westernmininghistory.com. westernmininghistory.com/4127/heavy-freight-wagons-of-the-american-west/. Accessed 11 Feb. 2024.

MacKell Collins, Jan. Good Time Girls of Colorado . 2019. Lanham, The Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group, 2019, pp. 122 - 130.

Support the show

Jennie and Dianne relate a gripping yet heart-wrenching chapter of circus history that led to the first burials at Showmen's Rest in Chicago's beautiful Woodlawn Memorial Park. Listen in as they spotlight the Hagenbeck-Wallace circus train wreck of 1918 – a tragic event that claimed over 80 lives and left many injured. In the spirit of February and love-themed episodes, they explore the profound love that emerged amidst the wreckage. Despite the devastating accident, the survivors found solace and support within their tight-knit circus community.  Tune in to the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast for an emotional journey through history, where even in the face of tragedy, love prevails. 
 
To view this episode on YouTube, click here: https://youtu.be/3D9WZe3hoB8?si=xYfdnqFQ3gE9wK5C


Resources used to research this episode include:

Various articles located on www.newspapers.com

Grossman, Ron. "Circus graveyard: Showmen’s Rest and the Hagenbeck-Wallace tragedy of 1918." https://www.chicagotribune.com/. 12 Aug. 2016. www.chicagotribune.com/2016/08/12/circus-graveyard-showmens-rest-and-the-hagenbeck-wallace-tragedy-of-1918/. Accessed 4 Feb. 2024.

, Dignity Memorial . "About/Showmen's Rest." https://www.dignitymemorial.com/. www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/illinois/forest-park/woodlawn-funeral-home/7862. Accessed 4 Feb. 2024.

, Showmen's League . "Showmen's Rest." https://www.showmensleague.org/. 15 Sep. 2023. www.showmensleague.org/Showmens-Rest/13255248. Accessed 4 Feb. 2024.

, American Experience . "The Circus ." https://azpbs.org, 8 Oct. 2018, azpbs.org/2018/10/learn-the-history-and-cultural-impact-of-american-circus/#:~:text=The%20first%20U.S.%20circus%20was,a%20spectacle%20of%20their%20own.

"Ben Wallace." https://www.m.circusesandsideshows.com. www.m.circusesandsideshows.com/owners/ben-wallace.html. Accessed 4 Feb. 2024.

"Hagenbeck Wallace Circus." https://www.m.circusesandsideshows.com/. www.m.circusesandsideshows.com/circuses/hagenbeck-wallace-circus.html. Accessed 4 Feb. 2024.

"Benjamin E. Wallace." https://www.mthopeperu.com. www.mthopeperu.com/Documents/Ben%20Wallace%20Funeral%20Info.pdf . Accessed 4 Feb. 2024.

Higgins, Will. "The truths of the circus train crash of 1918 are more horrifying than myths ." https://www.indystar.com. 20 June 2018. www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/2018/06/20/hagenbeck-wallace-circus-train-crash-more-horrifying-than-myths/644289002/. Accessed 4 Feb. 2024.

"The Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus: 7 Fast Facts ." https://frenchlickresort.blogspot.com/. 22 July 2021. frenchlickresort.blogspot.com/2021/07/the-hagenbeck-wallace-circus-7-fast.html?m=1. Accessed 4 Feb. 2024.

Elwell, Mina. "WHAT 19TH-CENTURY CIRCUS LIFE WAS REALLY LIKE." https://www.grunge.com/. 26 Aug. 2023. www.grunge.com/1375360/what-19th-century-circus-life-was-like/. Accessed 4 Feb. 2024.

Berry, Chris. "Hagenbeck Wallace CARL HAGENBECK PERFORMING ELEPHANTS." https://www.collectorsweekly.com. www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/161680-hagenbeck-wallace-carl-hagenbeck-perfor. Accessed 4 Feb. 2024.

Boiseoneault, Lorraine . "The Hammond Train Wreck of 1918 Killed Scores of Circus Performers ." https://www.smithsonianmag.com. 22 June 2018. www.smithsonianmag.com/history/hammond-train-wreck-disaster-1918-killed-dozens-circus-performers-180969428/. Accessed 4 Feb. 2024.

Norton, Richard Arthur . "American Circus Corporation ." https:

Support the show

Jennie and Dianne delve into the remarkable tale of James and Olivia Tate, enslaved in Georgia prior to the American civil war but united by love. This February, they kick off a month-long celebration of love and honor Black History with the Tate's inspiring story at Atlanta's historic Oakland Cemetery. True love knows no bounds, not even the challenges of the Civil War. Discover how James and Olivia overcame separation, legal barriers, and emerged as a symbol of enduring love and how their Ordinary Extraordinary story helped other freed black Americans to begin life anew in Atlanta.

Click here to see volunteers at Historic Oakland Cemetery reenact James and Olivia’s story during the 2021 Capturing the Spirit of Oakland Halloween tour. https://youtu.be/rhC0d6VN9dA?si=Rza44RqHTiMWKQDh

Resources used to research this episode include:

Various articles through www.newspapers.com as well as historical documents through www.ancestry.com

"About CAU ." https://www.cau.edu. www.cau.edu/about/index.html. Accessed 28 Jan. 2024.

, Historic Oakland Foundation . "Love Stories of Oakland: James and Olivia Tate ." https://oaklandcemetery.com. 19 Jan. 2022. oaklandcemetery.com/love-stories-of-oakland-james-and-olivia-tate/. Accessed 28 Jan. 2024.

Ferree, L. "James Tate." https://www.findagrave.com. 5 Feb. 2016. www.findagrave.com/memorial/157833473/james-tate. Accessed 28 Jan. 2024.

Owens, Brian. "Belief in the Future." http://www.brianowensart.com. www.brianowensart.com/tate.html. Accessed 28 Jan. 2024.

Mohamed , Besheer, et al. "A brief overview of Black religious history in the U.S. ." https://www.pewresearch.org. 16 Feb. 2021. www.pewresearch.org/religion/2021/02/16/a-brief-overview-of-black-religious-history-in-the-u-s/. Accessed 28 Jan. 2024.

"Berry family collection ." https://www.nypl.org. www.nypl.org/research/research-catalog/bib/b11822942?originalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fcatalog.nypl.org%2Frecord%3Db11822942. Accessed 28 Jan. 2024.

, Atlanta History Center. "A City Enslaved." https://www.atlantahistorycenter.com. www.atlantahistorycenter.com/exhibitions/the-color-line-the-problem-of-the-centuries/a-city-enslaved/#:~:text=In%20Atlanta%2C%20African%20American%20residents,Black%20population%20of%20nearly%202%2C500.&text=Credit%20Close.,-02%2F03&text=Storrs%20School%2C%20the%20first%20schoolhouse,formerly%20enslaved%20people%20in%20Georgia. Accessed 28 Jan. 2024.

, Atlanta History Center. "After Reconstruction ." https://www.atlantahistorycenter.com. www.atlantahistorycenter.com/exhibitions/the-color-line-the-problem-of-the-centuries/after-reconstruction/. Accessed 28 Jan. 2024.

Contributer , Guest. "160th Anniversary of the Historic Friendship Baptist Church of Atlanta, Georgia ." https://atlinq.com. 14 Apr. 2022. atlinq.com/160th-anniversary-of-the-historic-friendship-baptist-church-of-atlanta-georgia/#. Accessed 28 Jan. 2024.

Support the show

Join Jennie and Dianne as they unravel the remarkable life of Margaret Ann Harvey Neve in this episode of the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast! This latest episode delves into the story of the first recorded female supercentenarian, the second person to reach 110 (after Geert Boomgaard), and the first to span three centuries (1792-1903).  "Living to be over 100 is not just about time; it's about witnessing the dance of history." Explore the political, social, and fashion transformations she witnessed throughout her Ordinary Extraordinary lifetime, along with some of the inventions that defined the 1800s and took not only Margaret Ann, but the world into the 20th century! 

Resources used to research this episode include:

Various articles accessed through www.newspapers.com

de Jersey, Dr. Philip , et al. The Brothers’ Cemetery, Rue des Frères Condition Survey and Report March 2012. St. Peter Port, Guernsey Museums & Galleries , 2012.

"A very short history ." https://brotherscemetery.wordpress.com/. brotherscemetery.wordpress.com/about/. Accessed 21 Jan. 2024.

"Historical Events in 1792 ." https://www.onthisday.com. www.onthisday.com/events/date/1792. Accessed 21 Jan. 2024.

"Historical Events in 1812 ." https://www.onthisday.com. www.onthisday.com/events/date/1812. Accessed 21 Jan. 2024.

Bellis, Mary. "Nineteenth Century Inventions 1800 - 1850." https://theinventors.org. theinventors.org/library/weekly/aa111100a.htm. Accessed 21 Jan. 2024.

Majer, Michele. "1790-1799 ." https://fashionhistory.fitnyc.edu. fashionhistory.fitnyc.edu/1790-1799/. Accessed 21 Jan. 2024.

Cadeau, C. "WOMEN’S FASHION DURING THE REGENCY ERA (1810S TO 1830S) ." https://cdnhistorybits.wordpress.com. 2 Jan. 2018. cdnhistorybits.wordpress.com/2018/01/02/womens-fashion-during-the-regency-era-1810s-to-1830s/. Accessed 21 Jan. 2024.

, Nina. "Victorian Era (1837 - 1901) ." https://www.epochs-of-fashion.com. www.epochs-of-fashion.com/the-epochs/victorian-era/. Accessed 21 Jan. 2024.

Poulain, Michel, et al. "Margaret Ann Harvey Neve – 110 Years Old in 1903. The First Documented Female Supercentenarian ." https://link.springer.com. 10 Dec. 2020. link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-49970-9_16. Accessed 21 Jan. 2024.

Support the show

Jennie and Dianne ride into the Wild West in this latest podcast episode! 🤠 Together they cover the unique story of Cattle Annie and Little Britches, two adventurous young girls who defied the norms of their time by becoming outlaws in the vast Oklahoma territory of the 1890s. 🌵 Explore their journey, the challenges they faced, and the Ordinary Extraordinary legacy they left behind. 🐎 Whether you're a history buff or just love a good tale, this episode is a must-listen!

To watch the 1981 movie "Cattle Annie and Little Britches", click here:
https://youtu.be/7R9DuAUIbRY?feature=shared

A Word on Westerns interview with William Russ: https://youtu.be/cyk6YOSxtZ8?feature=shared

Resources used to research this episode include:

Various sources through both www.ancestry.com and www.newspapers.com

Samuelson, Nancy B. "CATTLE ANNIE (1882–1978). ." https://www.okhistory.org. www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry?entry=CA075. Accessed 14 Jan. 2024.

Synar, Edwyna. "Remember the Ladies: Cattle Annie and Little Britches ." https://www.muskogeephoenix.com. 27 Jan. 2023. www.muskogeephoenix.com/news/remember-the-ladies-cattle-annie-and-little-britches/article_b5c99730-b603-518c-8df7-8f91aedb85cf.html. Accessed 14 Jan. 2024.

"Cattle Annie & Little Britches ." https://okielegacy.net. 18 Jan. 2015. okielegacy.net/journal/tabloid/?ID=7796&iss=38&vol=17. Accessed 14 Jan. 2024.

Mclennan, Jim. "Cattle Annie and Little Britches: Fact vs. fiction ." https://girlswithguns.org/. 3 Sep. 2018. girlswithguns.org/cattle-annie-little-britches-fact-fiction/. Accessed 14 Jan. 2024.

"CATTLE ANNIE AND LITTLE BRITCHES ." https://catalog.afi.com. catalog.afi.com/Catalog/moviedetails/56566#:~:text=%22Cattle%20Annie%2C%22%20by%20Tom,Tom%20Slocum%20and%20Beverly%20Spaulding. Accessed 14 Jan. 2024.

Support the show

Jennie and Dianne uncover the remark ble legacy of Irene Lentz – a trailblazing fashion designer turned Hollywood costume innovator during the 1930s and 40s. Delve into the Ord nary Extraordinary story of how she not only took the reins as MGM's chief designer in 1942 but also managed an exclusive fashion line for over 20 department stores – a true pioneer working both in Tinseltown and for herself simultaneously. Yet, beneath the glitz and glamour, Irene's life was marked by tragedies, lost loves, and personal struggles that led her down a path of alcohol use, ultimately culminating in a tragic end. In this episode, Dianne and Jennie unravel the layers of Irene's life, shedding light on a remarkable woman often overshadowed by her contemporaries in history.

Images: 
Columbarium Niche at
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
photo: Scott G 11/06/2000
www.findagrave.com

Irene Lentz
www.womenoutwest.blogspot.com

Resources used to research this episode include:
"Irene Lentz – pioneer of an American luxury fashion brand ." https://www.aenigma-images.com/. 1 Mar. 2019. www.aenigma-images.com/2020/03/irene-lentz-pioneer-of-an-american-luxury-fashion-brand/. Accessed 31 Dec. 2023.

Bramlett, Lizzie. "Currently Reading – Irene: A Designer from the Golden Age of Hollywood; The MGM Years 1942 – 1949." https://thevintagetraveler.wordpress.com. 14 Sep. 2014. thevintagetraveler.wordpress.com/2014/09/11/currently-reading-irene-a-designer-from-the-golden-age-of-hollywood-the-mgm-years-1942-1949/. Accessed 31 Dec. 2023.

Sonstegard, Dr. Viki. "Irene Lentz: Fashion and Style Icon during Hollywood's Golden Age ." https://womenoutwest.blogspot.com. 6 Dec. 2016. womenoutwest.blogspot.com/2016/12/irene-lentz-fashion-and-style-icon.html?m=1. Accessed 31 Dec. 2023.

"Former Montana Girl is Success." https://www.newspapers.com/. 3 Jan. 1923. www.newspapers.com/image/956878488/?terms=%22Irene%20Lentz%22&match=1. Accessed 31 Dec. 2023.

Williams , Lisa. "Irene – Californian Elegance Irene Lentz-Gibbons (1900-1962) American ." https://blog.seamwork.com/. blog.seamwork.com/inspiration/irene-californian-elegance/. Accessed 31 Dec. 2023.

"Irene (1901–1962) ." https://www.encyclopedia.com. www.encyclopedia.com/women/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/irene-1901-1962. Accessed 31 Dec. 2023.

Support the show

As we bid farewell to 2023, the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast team wishes you a Happy New Year! Don't miss this final episode of the year, weaving history, literature, and friendship into an Ordinary Extraordinary story. Jennie and Dianne are joined by author Pamela McColl as they explore the charming friendship between literary giant Mark Twain and the remarkable Helen Keller.

Discover the shared love of literature, Christmas, and adventures that bound America's most satirical storyteller
and a young Helen Keller together. Unveil how Mark Twain, despite the challenges of Helen's deaf-blindness, became a second father figure, treating her as the extraordinary individual she was.

In the second half, experience an dramatic performance by Charlie and Casper Johnson, embodying the voices of Mark Twain and Helen Keller. Hear the heartfelt letters exchanged between these two icons, a testament to a friendship that bridged the gap between the 19th and 20th centuries.

Resources used to research this episode include:
"TESSIE'S TIDBITS: Helen Keller and Mark Twain ." https://www.times-gazette.com. 12 Apr. 2021. www.times-gazette.com/story/lifestyle/2021/04/12/tessies-tidbits-helen-keller-and-mark-twain/7128616002/. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.

Meares, Hadley. "Helen Keller and Mark Twain Had an Unlikely Friendship That Spanned More Than a Decade ." https://www.biography.com. 1 June 2020. www.biography.com/authors-writers/helen-keller-mark-twain-friendship. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.

Blakemore, Erin. "History’s Other Odd Couple: Mark Twain and Helen Keller ." https://daily.jstor.org. 4 Mar. 2015. daily.jstor.org/historys-odd-couple-mark-twain-helen-keller/. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.

Flannery, Christopher . "Helen Keller and her remarkable friendship with Mark Twain ." https://metrovoicenews.com. 24 Feb. 2021. metrovoicenews.com/helen-keller-and-her-remarkable-friendship-with-mark-twain/. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.

Twain, Mark. "Letter to Helen Keller from Mark Twain (St. Patrick's Day, 1903) ." https://www.afb.org. www.afb.org/about-afb/history/helen-keller/letters/mark-twain-samuel-l-clemens/letter-miss-keller-mark-twain-st. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.

Keller, Helen. "Letter to Mr. Clemens from Helen Keller (March 27, 1906, copy) ." https://www.afb.org. www.afb.org/about-afb/history/helen-keller/letters/mark-twain-samuel-l-clemens. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.

Keller , Helen. "Letter to Mr. Clemens from Helen Keller (December 8, 1905, draft) ." https://www.afb.org. www.afb.org/about-afb/history/helen-keller/letters/mark-twain-samuel-l-clemens/letter-mr-clemens-miss-keller. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.

Hale, Jen, and Susanna Coit. "The Frost King incident ." https://www.perkins.org. www.perkins.org/the-frost-king-incident/. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.

Jones, Josh. "Mark Twain & Helen Keller’s Special Friendship: He Treated Me Not as a Freak, But as a Person Dealing with Great Difficulties." https://www.openculture.com. 13 May 2015. www.openculture.com/2015/05/mark-twain-helen-kellers-special-friendship.html. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.

"A Christmas Memory from Helen Keller ." https://www.aph.org. 23 Dec. 2020. www.aph.org/a-christmas-memory-from-helen-keller/. Accessed 24 Dec. 2023.

"Redding's Mark Twain and Easton's Helen Keller." http://historyofredding.net. historyofredding.net/Mark-Twain-Helen-Keller.htm. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.

Keller, Helen . "The Story of My Life." https://www.gutenberg.org. 1 Feb. 1903. www.gutenberg.org/files/2397/2397-h/2397-h.htm. A

Support the show

Embark on a heartfelt yuletide journey with Jennie and Dianne as they uncover the remarkable story of James J. Brady at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Detroit, Michigan. Despite humble beginnings, Brady's life is etched in the unadorned markers beside his wife, a testament to a life lived in simplicity and generosity. From a runaway at the tender age of six to becoming a successful businessman, Brady's legacy extends beyond his time, resonating through the Old Newsboys' Goodfellow Fund he founded in 1914, ensuring "No Kiddie Without a Christmas." 109 years later, the organization stands as a testament to a life well-lived. Discover how James J. Brady, who kept Christmas in his heart year-round, serves as a timeless reminder to believe in the joy of giving, especially during the holiday season. Join us for a tale of resilience, kindness, and the enduring spirit of Christmas.

Images: Photo of James J. Brady grave by: Rob Decker & News clipping image of James J. Brady posted to:
 https://www.findagrave.com
Cartoon: “The Boy He Used to Be,” Burt Thomas
https://americacomesalive.com/former-newsboys-of-detroit-doing-good/

Resources used to research this episode include:
"Mt. Olivet Cemetery ." https://www.mtelliott.com. www.mtelliott.com/mt-olivet-cemetery/. Accessed 17 Dec. 2023.

"Mount Olivet Cemetery (Detroit) ." https://en.m.wikipedia.org. 2 Dec. 2023. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Olivet_Cemetery_(Detroit). Accessed 17 Dec. 2023.

, Motor Cities. "Mount Olivet Cemetery ." https://www.motorcities.org. www.motorcities.org/locations/mount-olivet-cemetery. Accessed 17 Dec. 2023.

, Chevy. "James J. Brady." https://www.findagrave.com. 30 Apr. 2013. www.findagrave.com/memorial/109755907/james-j-brady. Accessed 17 Dec. 2023.

Kelly, Kate. "Former Newsboys of Detroit Doing Good ." https://americacomesalive.com. americacomesalive.com/former-newsboys-of-detroit-doing-good/. Accessed 17 Dec. 2023.

"Good Fellows Arrange Sale." https://www.newspapers.com. 11 Nov. 1923. www.newspapers.com/image/97441477/?terms=%22The%20Old%20Newsboys%27%20Goodfellows%20Fund%20%22&match=1. Accessed 17 Dec. 2023.

"Our Story." https://www.detroitgoodfellows.org. www.detroitgoodfellows.org/about-us/. Accessed 17 Dec. 2023.

Rich Keenen, Marney. "Family marks 100 years of Goodfellows tradition ." https://www.detroitnews.com. 30 Nov. 2014. www.detroitnews.com/story/life/columnists/marney-rich-keenan/2014/11/30/goodfellows-oldnewsboys-years-giving-poor-kids-christmas/19722931/. Accessed 17 Dec. 2023.

Austin, Dan. "James J. Brady Monument ." https://historicdetroit.org. 20 Sep. 2020. historicdetroit.org/buildings/james-j-brady-monument. Accessed 17 Dec. 2023.

"Old Newsboys To Honor Dead." https://www.newspapers.com. 14 June 1925. www.newspapers.com/image/97413550/?terms=%22James%20Brady%22&match=1. Accessed 17 Dec. 2023.

Zwieres, Helmut. "James J. Brady Monument - Photos ." https://historicdetroit.org. 1 Dec. 2023. historicdetroit.org/galleries/james-j-brady-monument-photos. Accessed 17 Dec. 2023.

Untener, Bishop Ken. The Little Blue Book Advent and Christmas 2023-2024. Saginaw, Little Books of the Diocese of Saginaw, Inc , 2023, p. 6.

Support the show

Join Jennie and Dianne as they unravel a tale of light from darkness in Landsberg am Lech, Germany. From the city's historical significance to the Jüdischer Friedhof,  a small Jewish cemetery containing about 600 victims of the Nazi terror that were killed in one of the nearby concentration camps, discover the poignant journey of Holocaust survivors and how the celebration of Hanukkah took place in secret throughout concentration camps during the darkest days of WWII. After the war Landsberg am Lech became an all Jewish Displaced Person's camp where the creation of a Menorah became a symbol of resilience. Don't miss these Ordinary Extraordinary stories of hope, revival, and the indomitable spirit that rose from the ashes of tragedy.

Resources used to research this episode include:

"Landsberg am Lech ." https://en.m.wikipedia.org. 27 Nov. 2023. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landsberg_am_Lech. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.

"Landsberg am Lech ." https://www.romanticroadgermany.com. www.romanticroadgermany.com/landsberg/. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.

Hahne, Katharina. "Erpfting (Stadt Landsberg/Lech, Kreisstadt)  Jüdischer Friedhof (KZ-Friedhof) ." https://www.alemannia-judaica.de. 21 Jan. 2016. www.alemannia-judaica.de/erpfting_friedhof.htm. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.

, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. "APRIL 29, 1945 Liberation of Dachau ." https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org. encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/timeline-event/holocaust/1942-1945/liberation-of-dachau. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.

Popowycz, PhD, Jennifer . "“The Last Million:” Eastern European Displaced Persons in Postwar Germany ." https://www.nationalww2museum.org. 4 Apr. 2022. www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/last-million-eastern-european-displaced-persons-postwar-germany. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.

, Yad Vashem. "February 1948, Jews in the Landsberg Displaced Persons' Camp, Germany ." https://www.yadvashem.org. www.yadvashem.org/holocaust/this-month/february/1948.html. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.

"Organization of survivors of the Nazi persecution (She'erit Hapleita) ." https://portal.ehri-project.eu. portal.ehri-project.eu/units/us-005578-irn616351. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.

Tikkanen, Amy. "menorah ." https://www.britannica.com. 4 Dec. 2023. www.britannica.com/topic/menorah. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.

Frost, Natasha. "Amid the Holocaust’s Horrors, Many Jews Found Ways to Mark Hanukkah ." https://www.history.com. 20 Dec. 2019. www.history.com/news/holocaust-hanukkah-concentration-camps-jews. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.

Support the show

Uncover the rich history of the second oldest rural cemetery in America on "The Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery" podcast! Join Jennie and Dianne alongside Laurel Hill Cemetery's President & CEO Nancy Goldenberg, Arboretum Manager Aaron Greenberg, and Volunteer & Tour Guide Sarah Hamill as they share Ordinary Extraordinary stories of those buried in the two burial grounds that make up Laurel Hill (including two fictional characters made famous in the Rocky movies), their passion for the hundreds of trees, plants, and wildlife that turn the park-like setting into an oasis in an urban jungle, and how vital this cemetery is to the city of Philadelphia and the state of Pennsylvania. "Explore two wonderfully unique sites with an abundance of history, art, and natural beauty."

To learn more about Laurel Hill Cemetery, visit their website: https://laurelhillphl.com/

Support the show

 On this episode of "The Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery" join Jennie as she journeys to the picturesque Toledo Cemetery in Lincoln County, Oregon to discover the history of this charming seven-acre resting place, founded in the 1880s by the generous donation of a local citizen. Uncover tales of early settlers, relocated graves, and the enduring spirit of a town shaped by lumber mills and a now vibrant arts community. Stroll through time and explore the Native American heritage that predates the European settlers and uncover the history of a population impacted by the dual forces of disease and conflict with the incoming settlers, revealing a poignant chapter in the tapestry of this Ordinary Extraordinary coastal Oregon community.

Resources used to research this episode include:
, Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. "Our Heritage ." https://www.ctsi.nsn.us. www.ctsi.nsn.us/heritage/. Accessed 26 Nov. 2023.

, City Of Toledo. "History of Toledo." https://www.cityoftoledo.org. www.cityoftoledo.org/community/page/history-toledo. Accessed 26 Nov. 2023.

, Oregon Coast Visitors Association . "Toledo." https://visittheoregoncoast.com. visittheoregoncoast.com/cities/toledo/. Accessed 26 Nov. 2023.

, Toledo Oregon History Center. "Toledo Oregon ." https://toledooregonhistory.org/. toledooregonhistory.org/toledo-oregon/. Accessed 26 Nov. 2023.

, Tons Of Facts. "20 Interesting And Amazing Facts About Toledo, Oregon, United States ." http://tonsoffacts.com. 7 Nov. 2021. tonsoffacts.com/20-interesting-and-amazing-facts-about-toledo-oregon-united-states/. Accessed 26 Nov. 2023.

"Lincoln County Leader/Newport ." https://www.newspapers.com. 9 Nov. 1917. www.newspapers.com/image/47597117/?terms=C.%20B.%20Crosno%20death&match=1. Accessed 26 Nov. 2023.

"Lincoln County Leader/County News." https://www.newspapers.com. 25 Mar. 1910. www.newspapers.com/image/47625894/?terms=W.C.%20Copeland%20&match=18. Accessed 26 Nov. 2023.

"Lincoln County Leader/Clarke Copeland Dies." https://www.newspapers.com. 14 June 1918. www.newspapers.com/image/78136181/?terms=W.C.%20Copeland%20death&match=1. Accessed 26 Nov. 2023.

"Lincoln County Leader/In Tribute to Clark Copeland ." https://www.newspapers.com. 14 June 1918. www.newspapers.com/image/78136185/?terms=W.C.%20Copeland%20death&match=1. Accessed 26 Nov. 2023.

, Ester. "Charles Barton Crosnos." https://www.findagrave.com. 30 June 2022. www.findagrave.com/memorial/47192963/charles-barton-crosno/photo. Accessed 26 Nov. 2023.

Support the show

Dive into a remarkable journey through time on the latest episode of "The Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery" podcast with Jennie and Dianne. This Thanksgiving, we're especially thankful for the wit and humor of Will Rogers. Join us as we celebrate the laughter-filled legacy of this iconic figure, along with the high-flying adventures of Wiley Post. In a tragic turn of fate, they bid farewell to life on earth in the same airplane accident in 1935 and were both laid to rest in Oklahoma. Listen along as we pay tribute to these two Ordinary Extraordinary men who left an indelible mark on history. As Will Rogers once said, "You must judge a man’s greatness by how much he will be missed."

CO0067P - Evergreen Cemetery Benevolent Society: Please help us Remember, Honor, and Teach on December 16, 2023 at 10:00 am (Wreath Placement Immediately Following Ceremony) by sponsoring a wreath, volunteering, or inviting friends to help. https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/42498/Overview

Resources used to research this episode include:
, Will Rogers Memorial Museum . " Will Rogers was America's Cowboy Philosopher. ." https://www.willrogers.com. www.willrogers.com/learn-about-will. Accessed 19 Nov. 2023.

Mullins, Jonita. "Three Forks History: Mother’s roots brought Rogers to Three Forks often ." https://www.muskogeephoenix.com. 7 May 2016. www.muskogeephoenix.com/news/three-forks-history-mother-s-roots-brought-rogers-to-three-forks-often/article_0b251971-d412-558f-b6ea-9d1735a61233.html. Accessed 19 Nov. 2023.

, Oklahoma Historical Society . "ROGERS, WILLIAM PENN ADAIR (1879–1935) ." https://www.okhistory.org. www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry.php?entry=RO021. Accessed 19 Nov. 2023.

, Various Author Contributions . "Will Rogers ." https://en.m.wikipedia.org. 28 Feb. 2023. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will_Rogers. Accessed 19 Nov. 2023.

Johnson,MD, Spencer. The Value of Humor: The Story of Will Rogers. 1st ed., 1976. La Jolla, Value Communications, Inc., 1976, p. 63.

Manilla, Ben , and Devon Strolovitch. "Will Rogers’ Bacon, Beans, and Limousines ." https://www.wnyc.org. 21 Nov. 2013. www.wnyc.org/story/will-rogers-bacon-beans-and-limousines/. Accessed 19 Nov. 2023.

Conner, Roger. "Remembering Wiley Post and Will Rogers." https://airandspace.si.edu. 16 Aug. 2013. airandspace.si.edu/stories/editorial/remembering-wiley-post-and-will-rogers. Accessed 19 Nov. 2023.

, Oklahoma Historical Society . "POST, WILEY HARDEMAN (1898–1935). ." https://www.okhistory.org. www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry.php?entry=PO023. Accessed 19 Nov. 2023.

, Various Author Contributions . "Wiley Post." https://en.m.wikipedia.org. 29 Mar. 2004. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiley_Post. Accessed 19 Nov. 2023.

Pisano, Dominick. "Wiley Post." https://airandspace.si.edu. 22 July 2010. airandspace.si.edu/stories/editorial/wiley-post. Accessed 19 Nov. 2023.

Support the show

Jennie and Dianne share three captivating stories of headstones found in unusual places and how they were restored to the cemeteries where they belong. They begin with the story of a WWII veteran's headstone discovered in a backyard in St. Petersburg, Florida. Next they journey to Pennsylvania to visit the oldest narrow gauge railroad in the U.S.; East Broad Top Railroad's mission to return a Civil War hero's gravestone after 118 years results in a touching family reunion. And finally, they unveil the remarkable restoration of a woman's headstone, once discarded near a dumpster, far from the cemetery where she was laid to rest. Tune in for these Ordinary Extraordinary stories of current generations restoring peace and dignity to those in the past.

CO0067P - Evergreen Cemetery Benevolent Society: Please help us Remember, Honor, and Teach on December 16, 2023 at 10:00 am (Wreath Placement Immediately Following Ceremony) by sponsoring a wreath, volunteering, or inviting friends to help. https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/42498/Overview

To learn more about East Broad Top Railroad, follow this link: https://eastbroadtop.com/

Resources used to research this episode include:
, Trains.Com. "East Broad Top and historians solve mystery of unclaimed Civil War veteran’s headstone ." https://www.trains.com. 13 Nov. 2023. www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/east-broad-top-and-historians-solve-mystery-of-unclaimed-civil-war-veterans-headstone/. Accessed 13 Nov. 2023.

, Times Staff Writer. "Headstone discovered in St. Petersburg yard launches a quest for answers ." https://www.tampabay.com. 31 July 2018. www.tampabay.com/news/Headstone-discovered-in-St-Petersburg-yard-launches-a-quest-for-answers_170462798/. Accessed 13 Nov. 2023.

Lawrence White, D'Ann. "Lost 66-Year-Old Headstone Returned To WWII Veteran's Grave ." https://patch.com. 7 Aug. 2018. patch.com/florida/stpete/lost-66-year-old-headstone-returned-wwii-veterans-grave. Accessed 13 Nov. 2023.

, R.C. "William Henry Matthews ." https://www.findagrave.com. 20 June 2019. www.findagrave.com/memorial/200325409/william-henry-matthews?_gl=1*h789xf*_gcl_au*MTEwMTM4NDA2Ny4xNjkyODAxNzIy*_ga*MTE3ODc2MTA3MS4xNjYzNjkxMTEx*_ga_4QT8FMEX30*M2I0OWI4OGEtMzE5ZC00YmNmLTljNmEtYjdiYjBlNmYwYTMxLjQuMS4xNzAwMDA2Njg0LjU0LjAuMA..*_ga_LMK6K2LSJH*M2I0OWI4OGEtMzE5ZC00YmNmLTljNmEtYjdiYjBlNmYwYTMxLjEuMS4xNzAwMDA2Njg0LjAuMC4w. Accessed 13 Nov. 2023.

, TonyElvis. "Andrew Jackson Gamble ." https://www.findagrave.com. 15 May 2023. www.findagrave.com/memorial/254010576/andrew-jackson-gamble. Accessed 13 Nov. 2023.

Support the show

In this episode Jennie and Dianne honor Veterans Day and celebrate National Native American Heritage Month along with guests Charlie Johnson and Connie Kellwood Pitt. Connie's father, Joe Hosteen Kellwood was one of the renowned Navajo Code Talkers of WWII. Connie has made it her mission to share not only her father's personal story, but the stories of the 420 Ordinary Extraordinary Navajo men who participated in every major Marine operation in the Pacific theater. They translated hundreds of thousands of messages using the Navajo language between 1942 and the end of the conflict in 1945, and not one message was ever decoded by the Japanese. Upon returning home at the end of the war, the men were forbidden to tell of their heroic deeds until the mission was finally declassified by the military in 1968. Connie paints a vivid picture of courage and the strength and determination of true Navajo warriors who fought to protect their fellow Marines, their families and their country. To all of America's veterans, thank you.

To learn more about the Navajo Code Talkers, follow these links graciously shared by Connie Pitt:
Peter MacDonald Video:  https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=185510686096640

Library of Congress Video: https://guides.loc.gov/navajo-code-talkers/profiles/joe-kellwood

     Navajo Code Talkers: A Guide to First-Person Narratives in the Veterans History Project

     Biography of Navajo Code Talker Joe Kellwood, together with a video recording of his oral history interview from the Veterans History Project archives

Dad's Passing (Joe Kelleood) - CNN:  https://www.cnn.com/2016/09/07/us/navajo-code-talker-joe-hosteen-kellwood-obit/index.html

Obituary: https://funeralinnovations.com/obituaries/view/365395/2

https://navajocodetalkers.org/ (lots of information)

Additional resources used to research this episode include:

, Intel.Gov. "1942: NAVAJO CODE TALKERS ." https://www.intelligence.gov. www.intelligence.gov/people/barrier-breakers-in-history/453-navajo-code-talkers#:~:text=The%20U.S.%20Marines%20knew%20where,key%20phrases%20and%20military%20tactics. Accessed 5 Nov. 2023.

Operations, Intelligence And. "Navajo Code Talkers and the Unbreakable Code ." https://www.cia.gov. 6 Nov. 2008. www.cia.gov/stories/story/navajo-code-talkers-and-the-unbreakable-code/. Accessed 5 Nov. 2023.

Jevec, Adam. "Semper Fidelis, Code Talkers ." https://www.archives.gov. 1 Jan. 2001. www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2001/winter/navajo-code-talkers.html. Accessed 5 Nov. 2023.

United States . VA Cemeteries . American Indian Code Talkers, World War ll.

Nez, Chester, and Judith Schiess Avila. Code Talker. 1st ed., New York , Berkley Publishing Group, 2011, pp. 1 - 242.

Support the show

Happy belated 3rd anniversary to the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast! In this episode Jennie and Dianne take a stroll down memory lane, celebrating three years of stories and inspiring discussions. They reminisce about how far the podcast has come, discuss some of their favorite episodes and guests from this past year, and share their hopes and ideas for the future of cemetery preservation and the podcast itself, inviting you to be part of this adventure! Here’s to many more years of Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery stories! 

Support the show

Join Jennie and Dianne for this very special Halloween edition of the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast. Grab your favorite warm beverage, turn the lights down low, and curl up with a cozy blanket as we delve into the enigmatic world of Bram Stoker, the genius behind the legendary novel "Dracula." Prepare to be transported into a chilling atmosphere, embracing the essence of Stoker's timeless legacy. The tale begins with an introduction from Bram Stoker himself before being whisked off to Victorian England and Castle Dracula where Mina, Jonathan, Lucy and Dr. Van Helsing become ensnared in the evil doings of Count Dracula.

Stoker's classic novel was adapted and performed by phenomenally talented actors live at Evergreen Cemetery on October 13th & 14th, 2023 in order to help raise funds for the preservation of  Colorado Spring's historic cemeteries and now we bring it to you for your listening pleasure. Happy halloween!

Script adaptation written by Jennie Johnson & Casper Johnson

Thank you so much to all the actors who lent their time and talent to bring this classic tale to life. The actors are, in order of appearance:

🧛‍♂️Jeremy Moskowitz - Bram Stoker
🧛‍♂️ Kimberly Douglas - Mina Harker
🧛‍♂️Warren Epstein - Jonathan Harker
🧛‍♂️Casper Johnson - Lucy Westenra
🧛‍♂️Ashley Arroyo - Dr. Abrianna Van Helsing

Music: "The Dark Castle" by David Fesliyan courtesy of FesliyanStudios
Sound effects provided by www.pixabay.com
Photography by: Jeffery Heizer & Billy Dias

Support the show

Just in time to help kick off the third annual Beyond the Grave: An Evening with Bram Stoker, Dianne and Jennie engage in a captivating conversation with Stanley Stepanic, an Assistant Professor of Slavic Languages and Literatures at the University of Virginia who teaches a VERY popular course called "Dracula". With his vast knowledge of Slavic folklore and the origins and subsequent manifestations of vampirism, Professor Stepanic helps Jennie and Dianne take a deep dive into the world of Bram Stoker and how his iconic novel "Dracula" became his most celebrated work. He sheds light on Stoker's  Ordinary Extraordinary life and how his novel helped to establish the timeless allure of vampires in popular culture.

To purchase tickets to Beyond the Grave: An Evening with Bram Stoker in Colorado Springs, Colorado, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-the-grave-an-evening-with-bram-stoker-tickets-696195337997?aff=oddtdtcreator

Support the show

It's officially October which means many of us are feeling a bit spookier than usual! In this episode Jennie and Dianne  unravel some of the secrets of omens and taboos lurking in the shadows of our minds. They delve into the Ordinary Extraordinary world of cemetery lore, uncovering eerie omens and ancient taboos that have stood the test of time. They also journey across diverse cultures, shedding light on how death is perceived differently around the globe. From ancient rituals to modern interpretations, they dissect the evolution of the Western world's perspective on mortality. And for a bonus on omens and taboos, be sure to check the link in the show notes to the 'Thou Shalt Not Suffer: The Witch Trial Podcast' in which Jennie and Dianne had a lovely time as guests helping to kick off spooky season across podcasts!

To purchase tickets to Beyond the Grave: An Evening with Bram Stoker in Colorado Springs, Colorado, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-the-grave-an-evening-with-bram-stoker-tickets-696195337997?aff=oddtdtcreator

Thou Shalt Not Suffer: The Witch Trial Podcast
https://thoushaltnotsuffer.com/2023/09/28/omens-with-the-ordinary-extraordinary-cemetery-podcast/

Resources used to research this episode include:

Munnik, Jo, and Katy Scott. "In Famadihana, Madagascar, a sacred ritual unearths the dead ." https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.cnn.com. 27 Mar. 2017. www.google.com/amp/s/amp.cnn.com/cnn/2016/10/18/travel/madagascar-turning-bones/index.html. Accessed 10 Sep. 2023.

, Myend.com. "Madagascar Dancing with the Dead - Famadihana ." https://myend.com. myend.com/country/madagascar/. Accessed 10 Sep. 2023.

, TalkDeath. "Omens of Death Around the World ." https://www.talkdeath.com. 18 Sep. 2017. www.talkdeath.com/omens-death-around-world/. Accessed 10 Sep. 2023.

Hudson, Beth. "64 Death Omens: Real or Folklore? ." www.getcurrant.org. 14 Aug. 2020. www.google.com/amp/s/www.getcurrant.org/amp/death-omens. Accessed 10 Sep. 2023.

Wright, Jeremiah . "The 10 Most Common Animals That Represent Death ." https://a-z-animals.com. 31 July 2023. a-z-animals.com/blog/the-most-common-animals-that-represent-death/. Accessed 10 Sep. 2023.

Support the show

"Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Hang down your head and cry
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Poor boy, you're bound to die."
The murder ballad, 'Tom Dooley', made famous by the Kingston Trio in 1958, is the tale of a twisted love triangle that culminated in two sensational trials that both captivated and disgusted the people of North Carolina in the years following the American civil war.

Dianne and Jennie also delve into the song 'Swannanoa Tunnel', a work song that was sung by African American prison laborers who were tasked with the arduous job of building the railroad tracks and tunnels through North Carolina. An estimated 125 – 300 convicts died during the construction of these tunnels.

Join Jennie and Dianne on this Ordinary Extraordinary musical journey through the hidden histories and the real-life dramas that inspired these songs.

To purchase tickets to Beyond the Grave: An Evening with Bram Stoker in Colorado Springs, Colorado, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-the-grave-an-evening-with-bram-stoker-tickets-696195337997?aff=oddtdtcreator

Resources used to research this episode include:
Baker, Bruce E., et al. "Folk Music." https://www.ncpedia.org. 20 Sep. 2006. www.ncpedia.org/folk-music. Accessed 17 Sep. 2023.

Kemp, Mark. "An Our State Playlist: North Carolina Folk Music ." https://www.ourstate.com. 31 Aug. 2023. www.ourstate.com/an-our-state-playlist-north-carolina-folk-music/. Accessed 17 Sep. 2023.

, North Carolina Arts Council . "The Legend Behind North Carolina’s Most Famous Murder Ballad ." https://www.ncarts.org. 29 Oct. 2019. www.ncarts.org/blog/2019/10/29/legend-behind-north-carolinas-most-famous-murder-ballad#:~:text=In%201868%20a%20man%20named,the%20crime%20and%20its%20fallout. Accessed 24 Sep. 2023.

Martin, Christy. "The Story Behind the Ballad and Legend of Tom Dooley ." https://thesouthernvoice.com. 7 Oct. 2022. thesouthernvoice.com/the-story-behind-the-ballad-and-legend-tom-dooley/. Accessed 24 Sep. 2023.

, North Carolina Ghosts . "The Scary Truth: The Legend of Tom Dooley ." https://northcarolinaghosts.com. northcarolinaghosts.com/mountains/tom-dooley/scary-truth/. Accessed 24 Sep. 2023.

McKown, Harry. "May 1868: The Death of Tom Dooley ." https://blogs.lib.unc.edu. 1 May 2008. blogs.lib.unc.edu/ncm/2008/05/01/this_month_may_1868-2/. Accessed 24 Sep. 2023.

"Tom Dooley Gravesite ." https://www.findagrave.com. 22 July 2001. www.findagrave.com/cemetery/641036/tom-dooley-gravesite. Accessed 24 Sep. 2023.

Sabatella, Matthew. "Swannanoa Tunnel: About the Song ." https://balladofamerica.org. balladofamerica.org/swannanoa-tunnel/. Accessed 24 Sep. 2023.

, WLOS Staff. "New memorial & exhibit recognize incarcerated laborers' contribution to WNC railroads ." https://wlos.com. 24 Oct. 2021. wlos.com/news/local/new-memorial-exhibit-recognize-incarcerated-laborers-contribution-to-wnc-railroads. Accessed 24 Sep. 2023.

"The Rail Project." https://therailproject.org. therailproject.org/. Accessed 24 Sep. 2023.

Support the show

"Come all good people, I’d have you draw near,
A sorrowful story you quickly shall hear;
A story I’ll tell you about Omie Wise,
How she was deluded by Lewis’s lies." From the ballad Omie Wise. This week Jennie and Dianne begin a two part series exploring three folk songs that originated out of North Carolina. Each song relates a tragic narrative that has been spun out of real life events. In this first episode they will delve into the Ballad of Omi (Naomi) Wise; Omie’s ballad is especially tragic as she was a woman who really lived and lost her life to a man who promised to make an honest woman of her, but in the end chose to take her life instead. Join us on this poignant journey through North Carolina's haunting folk songs as we unravel the Ordinary Extraordinary tale of Omie Wise.

To purchase tickets to Beyond the Grave: An Evening with Bram Stoker in Colorado Springs, Colorado, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-the-grave-an-evening-with-bram-stoker-tickets-696195337997?aff=oddtdtcreator

Videos of the Ballad of Omie Wise:
Doc Watson: https://youtu.be/C-CGqAdW2vE?feature=shared

Clifton Hicks: https://youtu.be/OkytFy9rW1U?feature=shared

Zac Zokolow:
https://youtu.be/ANRwZHQmLM0?feature=shared

Resources used to research this episode include:

Baker, Bruce E., et al. "Folk Music." https://www.ncpedia.org. 20 Sep. 2006. www.ncpedia.org/folk-music. Accessed 17 Sep. 2023.

, Secretary Of State Knowledge Base. "North Carolina History." https://www.sosnc.gov. www.sosnc.gov/divisions/publications/kids_page_history#:~:text=In%20the%201600s%20permanent%20settlers,declare%20independence%20from%20Great%20Britain. Accessed 17 Sep. 2023.

, Blue Ridge National Heritage Area . "Music Heritage ." https://www.blueridgeheritage.com. www.blueridgeheritage.com/heritage/music/. Accessed 17 Sep. 2023.

Kemp, Mark. "An Our State Playlist: North Carolina Folk Music ." https://www.ourstate.com. 31 Aug. 2023. www.ourstate.com/an-our-state-playlist-north-carolina-folk-music/. Accessed 17 Sep. 2023.

Pugh, Hal E., and Eleanor Minnock-Pugh. Naomi "Omie" Wise: Her Life, Death and Legend. E-book, McFarland and Company, Inc., 2022, pp. 1-219.

, SleepingDog. "Naomi Wise." https://www.findagrave.com. 21 Sep. 2006. www.findagrave.com/memorial/15846775/naomi-wise. Accessed 17 Sep. 2023.

Support the show

In this episode Jennie and Dianne are joined by the delightful Kathleen Maca who shares the stories of the Broadway District cemeteries on the island of Galveston off the gulf coast of Texas. Kathleen is a member of the Association for Gravestone Studies, a cemetery historian, cemetery restorationist, Certified Tourism Ambassador, genealogist and just completed a two-year project for ancestry.com involving photographing approximately 250,000 vital records! Kathleen shares the Ordinary Extraordinary story of a woman whose grave is covered in Mardi Gras beads each year, how decades of hurricanes have affected the cemeteries in the island, and how at the Battle of Galveston the fighting was paused so that a father could bury his son; one was a Confederate soldier and the other fought for the Union. She also shares stories of some of the adventures that have happened while giving tours in the cemeteries and through historic and reportedly haunted sections of Galveston itself.

Photos of Galveston's Broadway Cemetery District provided by Kathleen Maca and shared with permission.

To purchase tickets to Beyond the Grave: An Evening with Bram Stoker in Colorado Springs, Colorado, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-the-grave-an-evening-with-bram-stoker-tickets-696195337997?aff=oddtdtcreator

To learn more about the history of Galveston, Texas, book a tour with Kathleen, or order any of her books, please visit her website: http://kathleenmaca.com/

Support the show

In this episode, Jennie and Dianne are joined by Annalisa Heppner, Cemetery Director of North Burial Ground in Providence, Rhode Island. North Burial Ground was officially recognized as a burial ground in 1700 and is the largest municipal cemetery in the region at around 110 acres and with more than 40,000 gravestones.  From its inception North Burial Ground has welcomed all people of the Providence area regardless of race, religion or creed. Annalisa shares some of the Ordinary Extraordinary stories of those buried there including: Edward and Christina Bannister prominent members of Providence's African-American society who were major contributors to the arts and the abolitionist movement before and during the American Civil War; Stephen Hopkins, colonial governor, founding father, signatory of the Declaration of Independence; and Sarah Helen Whitman, poet, essayist, and a romantic interest of Edgar Allan Poe. Annalisa also, shares news of the many upcoming events hosted within or near the cemetery that continue to make North burial ground a vibrant center of cultural life for all to enjoy.

To purchase tickets to Beyond the Grave: An Evening with Bram Stoker in Colorado Springs, Colorado, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-the-grave-an-evening-with-bram-stoker-tickets-696195337997?aff=oddtdtcreator

To learn even more about North Burial Ground, visit their website: https://www.providenceri.gov/parks/north-burial-ground/

Check out North Burial Ground Events and Merchandise here: https://www.providenceri.gov/parks/nbg-tickets/

Support the show

Join Jennie and Dianne as they delve into the intriguing world of Fisk metallic burial cases, also known as Fisk coffins. Unearth the remarkable story of Almond Dunbar Fisk, the visionary behind the cast iron coffin, whose innovation forever changed the way we lay our loved ones to rest. From first lady Dolley Madison who made the cast iron coffin fashionable among the leaders in Washington D.C. to the mysterious "Lady in Red" discovered within the sturdy embrace of another metallic burial case, this episode uncovers the secrets of one of history's most unique burial methods. They also share the Ordinary Extraordinary narrative of an African American woman whose remains, preserved for over 150 years, were found in one of these remarkable coffins reminding the world of the many freed African American communities that made up the fabric of New York City long before the American Civil War.

To purchase tickets to the third annual Beyond the Grave: an evening with Bram Stoker, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-the-grave-an-evening-with-bram-stoker-tickets-696195337997?aff=oddtdtcreator

Resources used to research this episode include:
, Family Search. "Dr. Almond Dunbar Fisk." https://ancestors.familysearch.org. ancestors.familysearch.org/en/LCJT-LJG/dr-almond-dunbar-fisk-1818-1850. Accessed 27 Aug. 2023.

Warnasch, Scott. "Almond Dunbar Fisk." https://ironcoffinmummy.com. ironcoffinmummy.com/inventors/almond-dunbar-fisk/. Accessed 27 Aug. 2023.

, Genealogy Trails. "Fisk Metallic Burial Case South Carolina Genealogy Trails ." http://genealogytrails.com. genealogytrails.com/scar/fisk_coffins.htm. Accessed 27 Aug. 2023.

Blart, Art. "Photgraphs: Exhumed Coffins." https://artblart.com. 2 May 2019. artblart.com/2019/05/02/photographs-exhumed-coffin/. Accessed 27 Aug. 2023.

Bot, Citation . "Fisk metallic burial case ." https://en.m.wikipedia.org. 4 Nov. 2022. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisk_metallic_burial_case. Accessed 27 Aug. 2023.

Biesinger, Meredith . "The Mystery of Mississippi’s Lady in Red ." https://www.ourmshome.com. 11 Jan. 2023. www.ourmshome.com/the-mystery-of-mississippis-lady-in-red/. Accessed 27 Aug. 2023.

Broom, Brian. "She has no one to pray over her:' Lady in Red remains a Mississippi mystery. Who is she? ." https://www.clarionledger.com. 14 Feb. 2019. www.clarionledger.com/story/magnolia/2019/02/14/lady-red-who-woman-unearthed-mississippi-1969-unsolved-mystery/2766496002/. Accessed 27 Aug. 2023.

McBride Jacobson, Molly. "Grave of the Lady in Red ." https://www.atlasobscura.com. 17 Oct. 2016. www.atlasobscura.com/places/grave-of-the-lady-in-red#:~:text=No%20one%20is%20sure%20about,traveling%20the%20nearby%20Yazoo%20River. Accessed 27 Aug. 2023.

, The White House Historical Association . "Dolley Madison ." https://www.whitehousehistory.org. www.whitehousehistory.org/bios/dolley-madison. Accessed 27 Aug. 2023.

Schwartz Foster, Feather. "The Funeral of Dolley Madison: End of an Era." https://featherschwartzfoster.blog. 28 Dec. 2018. featherschwartzfoster.blog/2018/12/28/the-funeral-of-dolley-madison-end-of-an-era/. Accessed 27 Aug. 2023.

Public Media, WOUB. "Found in Queens, NY, “The Woman in the Iron Coffin” on SECRETS OF THE DEAD ." https://woub.org. 2 Feb. 2023. woub.org/2023/02/02/the-woman-in-the-iron-coffin-secrets-of-the-dead-wednesday-october-3-at-10/. Accessed 27 Aug. 2023.

PBS, Ro

Support the show

A Google search for Martha's Chapel Cemetery will lead you down a reportedly haunted road where any number of ghostly spirits and demons are said to roam unsettling the living who pass through this desolate corner of Eastern Texas. But what happens when a cemetery’s main attraction is only about its ghosts and otherworldly atmosphere? We tend to lose sight of why the cemetery even exists, as a burial ground for real people who lived Ordinary Extraordinary lives and they deserve to be respectfully remembered. In this episode Jennie and Dianne learn the true story of Martha's Chapel Cemetery and share the stories of many who were laid to rest among the peaceful shade of its pine trees. From Methodist ministers to Civil War soldiers to women who dedicated their lives to caring for their families, they uncover a tapestry of lives, showcasing the depth and richness of history that resides within the cemetery's grounds.

To purchase tickets to the 34th annual Gilpin County Historical Society Cemetery Crawl, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gilpin-historical-society-34th-annual-cemetery-crawl-tickets-657128116887

To purchase tickets to the third annual Beyond the Grave: an evening with Bram Stoker, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-the-grave-an-evening-with-bram-stoker-tickets-696195337997?aff=oddtdtcreator

Photos from https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/5045/martha's-chapel-cemetery - Photographers include: T. Demars, Janet Bertram, Becky Dale, Mark D. Peters, and G. Walker

Resources used to research this episode include:
Goolsby, Dana. "Martha's Chapel ." http://www.texasescapes.com. 16 Mar. 2012. www.texasescapes.com/DanaGoolsby/Marthas-Chapel-Texas.htm. Accessed 20 Aug. 2023.

Hulse, James. "Martha's Chapel ." https://www.hmdb.org. 6 Apr. 2022. www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=195026. Accessed 20 Aug. 2023.

, National Archives And Records Administration . "Pensions for Military Service in the Army of the Confederate States of America." https://www.archives.gov. 1 Dec. 2010. www.archives.gov/files/research/military/civil-war/confederate/confederate-pensions.pdf . Accessed 20 Aug. 2023.

, Texas State Library And Archives Commission . "Confederate Pension Applications ." https://www.tsl.texas.gov. www.tsl.texas.gov/arc/pensions/introcpi.html. Accessed 20 Aug. 2023.

"Taxas 1821-1836." http://www.let.rug.nl. www.let.rug.nl/usa/essays/1801-1900/anglo-american-colonization-in-texas/texas-1821-1836.php. Accessed 20 Aug. 2023.

Support the show