Key to the Pastcast Wed, 19 Aug 2026 09:25:46 -0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2181070 en-us © 2026 Key to the Pastcast yes 743768fe-f204-5864-9c96-e73ebbbb0204 info@trumbullcountyhistory.org Meghan episodic false A podcast produced by the Trumbull County Historical Society.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Meghan info@trumbullcountyhistory.org https://storage.buzzsprout.com/ifl494l5t9pwv5fbwombwoqu7z89?.jpg Key to the Pastcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2181070 Denman Tire Co. Denman Tire Co. Denman Tire Corporation was a Valley mainstay, operating for nearly 100 years in Braceville before finally going out of business in 2010. It was one of the original tire manufacturers that popped up everywhere, especially around Akron, at the dawn of the Automobile Age. Denman employed generations of folks from the area, and many knew the name, yet few knew what the company actually did. Join us with Tim Boyer, a long-time Denman employee, as we explore the history and legacy of Denman Tire.

]]> Denman Tire Corporation was a Valley mainstay, operating for nearly 100 years in Braceville before finally going out of business in 2010. It was one of the original tire manufacturers that popped up everywhere, especially around Akron, at the dawn of the Automobile Age. Denman employed generations of folks from the area, and many knew the name, yet few knew what the company actually did. Join us with Tim Boyer, a long-time Denman employee, as we explore the history and legacy of Denman Tire.

]]> Meghan Buzzsprout-16372664 Thu, 02 Jan 2025 15:00:00 -0500 2034 1 17 full false Center Brook Manor Center Brook Manor This historic estate, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, dates back to 1845, was once home to the famous abolitionists Charles & Julia Brown, and served as a documented stop on the Underground Railroad. The property includes 110 acres of beautiful gardens, farmland, and orchards, making it a must-visit for history buffs. In this episode, Roger Peterson, owner and steward of Center Brook, talks about the lengthy and continuing process of restoration of the property. Roger also talks about the families that lived on the property throughout the decades and how the house became a stop for Freedom Seekers as they traveled north to Canada. 

]]> This historic estate, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, dates back to 1845, was once home to the famous abolitionists Charles & Julia Brown, and served as a documented stop on the Underground Railroad. The property includes 110 acres of beautiful gardens, farmland, and orchards, making it a must-visit for history buffs. In this episode, Roger Peterson, owner and steward of Center Brook, talks about the lengthy and continuing process of restoration of the property. Roger also talks about the families that lived on the property throughout the decades and how the house became a stop for Freedom Seekers as they traveled north to Canada. 

]]> Meghan Buzzsprout-16372659 Thu, 02 Jan 2025 15:00:00 -0500 2127 1 16 full false William McKinley William McKinley Trumbull County's own William McKinley, born in Niles, Ohio, is certainly remembered in our region. From street names, schools, libraries, and monuments, McKinley left a local legacy. But how much do we actually know about our 25th President? Join us with Belinda Weiss, Museum Director of the National McKinley Birthplace Memorial Museum, as we delve into McKinley's life, politics of the era, and how the museum came to be.

]]> Trumbull County's own William McKinley, born in Niles, Ohio, is certainly remembered in our region. From street names, schools, libraries, and monuments, McKinley left a local legacy. But how much do we actually know about our 25th President? Join us with Belinda Weiss, Museum Director of the National McKinley Birthplace Memorial Museum, as we delve into McKinley's life, politics of the era, and how the museum came to be.

]]> Meghan Buzzsprout-15510755 Wed, 31 Jul 2024 16:00:00 -0400 2334 1 15 full false Second Baptist Church Second Baptist Church Founded in 1916, Second Baptist Church has a long, rich history in Warren, Ohio. From meetings in members' homes to a permanent location on Walnut St in 'The Flats' to their current, expanded site on Main Ave, Second Baptist has served as a social and spiritual center for Warren's Black community for over 100 years. Pastor Todd Johnson joins us to discuss the history behind the church and what he hopes for Second Baptist's future. 

]]> Founded in 1916, Second Baptist Church has a long, rich history in Warren, Ohio. From meetings in members' homes to a permanent location on Walnut St in 'The Flats' to their current, expanded site on Main Ave, Second Baptist has served as a social and spiritual center for Warren's Black community for over 100 years. Pastor Todd Johnson joins us to discuss the history behind the church and what he hopes for Second Baptist's future. 

]]> Meghan Buzzsprout-15272149 Tue, 18 Jun 2024 14:00:00 -0400 2947 1 14 full false Grace AME Grace AME Recognized as the oldest Black church in Warren, Grace African Methodist Episcopal Church (Grace AME) was founded in 1874. Marking their 150th anniversary in 2024, the church's history is a long one, starting with a dedicated founding circle and expanding to meet the growing needs of their congregation. Rev. Shane K. Floyd joins us to give insights on why AME churches were so important during the 19th century and how the church has changed over time. 

]]> Recognized as the oldest Black church in Warren, Grace African Methodist Episcopal Church (Grace AME) was founded in 1874. Marking their 150th anniversary in 2024, the church's history is a long one, starting with a dedicated founding circle and expanding to meet the growing needs of their congregation. Rev. Shane K. Floyd joins us to give insights on why AME churches were so important during the 19th century and how the church has changed over time. 

]]> Meghan Buzzsprout-15272138 Tue, 18 Jun 2024 14:00:00 -0400 2455 1 13 full false Trumbull County Clock Industry Trumbull County Clock Industry Before Trumbull County had iron or steel, clock production was the flourishing industry in this region in the early 19th century. It has been estimated that upwards of 40,000 clocks were produced in Trumbull County in workshops from Vienna to Hartford and Warren. Join us for a conversation with Chris Klingemier, clock collector and historic preservationist, who demystifies wooden-works clocks and reveals how clock makers transformed and bolstered Trumbull County’s early economy.

]]> Before Trumbull County had iron or steel, clock production was the flourishing industry in this region in the early 19th century. It has been estimated that upwards of 40,000 clocks were produced in Trumbull County in workshops from Vienna to Hartford and Warren. Join us for a conversation with Chris Klingemier, clock collector and historic preservationist, who demystifies wooden-works clocks and reveals how clock makers transformed and bolstered Trumbull County’s early economy.

]]> Meghan Buzzsprout-14985272 Tue, 30 Apr 2024 14:00:00 -0400 2688 1 12 full false Italian Immigration in the Mahoning Valley Italian Immigration in the Mahoning Valley In this episode, our guest Dr. Martha Pallante talks about Italian immigrants who lived and worked in the valley. Our guest shares the experience of her family immigrating from Italy to Ohio–what jobs they worked, traditions created, and lives lived. Dr. Pallante is a professor of Early American History, author, and a leading expert on local history at Youngstown State University. She was born and still lives in Niles, OH.

]]> In this episode, our guest Dr. Martha Pallante talks about Italian immigrants who lived and worked in the valley. Our guest shares the experience of her family immigrating from Italy to Ohio–what jobs they worked, traditions created, and lives lived. Dr. Pallante is a professor of Early American History, author, and a leading expert on local history at Youngstown State University. She was born and still lives in Niles, OH.

]]> Meghan Buzzsprout-14793984 Fri, 29 Mar 2024 16:00:00 -0400 3144 1 11 full false Earnie Shavers Earnie Shavers Earnie Shavers was a professional heavyweight boxer who grew up in Braceville. Earnie was known as one of the hardest hitting punchers in boxing history, recording over 70 knockout wins. Joining us for this episode is Earnie’s eldest daughter, Tamara Shavers, who talks not only about his life inside the ring, but more about Earnie the father, husband, and type of person he was and how Braceville influenced him everywhere he went.

]]> Earnie Shavers was a professional heavyweight boxer who grew up in Braceville. Earnie was known as one of the hardest hitting punchers in boxing history, recording over 70 knockout wins. Joining us for this episode is Earnie’s eldest daughter, Tamara Shavers, who talks not only about his life inside the ring, but more about Earnie the father, husband, and type of person he was and how Braceville influenced him everywhere he went.

]]> Meghan Buzzsprout-14603557 Thu, 29 Feb 2024 16:00:00 -0500 2473 1 10 full false Ted Toles Ted Toles Ted Toles, Jr., was born on December 4th, 1925, in Braceville to Ella and Theodore Barnes Toles, Sr. His love of sports started early, as he not only played baseball in high school but also boxed and participated in track and field. After graduating as valedictorian from Braceville High School in 1943, Toles began playing baseball professionally. He played for 4 Negro League teams from 1946 until 1950: the Pittsburgh Crawfords, the Cleveland Buckeyes, the Newark Eagles, and the Jacksonville Eagles. Toles then played for multiple Minor League teams including affiliates of the Cleveland Indians, the New York Yankees, and Philadelphia Athletics for 2 years. Throughout his career, he was known as a switch-hitter, outfielder, and left-handed pitcher. After his retirement from baseball in 1953, he worked for Republic/LTV Steel for over 30 years. He married his wife Jean on September 17, 1955, and the couple had 7 children together. He died at the age of 90 on April 4, 2016.

In this episode, sons of Ted Toles, Teddy and Nelson, talk about their father and his legacy. 

]]> Ted Toles, Jr., was born on December 4th, 1925, in Braceville to Ella and Theodore Barnes Toles, Sr. His love of sports started early, as he not only played baseball in high school but also boxed and participated in track and field. After graduating as valedictorian from Braceville High School in 1943, Toles began playing baseball professionally. He played for 4 Negro League teams from 1946 until 1950: the Pittsburgh Crawfords, the Cleveland Buckeyes, the Newark Eagles, and the Jacksonville Eagles. Toles then played for multiple Minor League teams including affiliates of the Cleveland Indians, the New York Yankees, and Philadelphia Athletics for 2 years. Throughout his career, he was known as a switch-hitter, outfielder, and left-handed pitcher. After his retirement from baseball in 1953, he worked for Republic/LTV Steel for over 30 years. He married his wife Jean on September 17, 1955, and the couple had 7 children together. He died at the age of 90 on April 4, 2016.

In this episode, sons of Ted Toles, Teddy and Nelson, talk about their father and his legacy. 

]]> Meghan Buzzsprout-14272073 Mon, 08 Jan 2024 13:00:00 -0500 2967 1 9 full false The Perkins Family with Guest Eliza Kirkpatrick The Perkins Family with Guest Eliza Kirkpatrick The Perkins family migrated from Connecticut and settled in Warren, Their name has become embedded in the fabric of the city and while living in Warren the family incurred both triumphs and disasters. This week’s guest is Eliza Kirkpatrick, a retired nurse and descendant of the Perkins Family who talks about the memories and objects that have been passed down from generation to generation.

]]> The Perkins family migrated from Connecticut and settled in Warren, Their name has become embedded in the fabric of the city and while living in Warren the family incurred both triumphs and disasters. This week’s guest is Eliza Kirkpatrick, a retired nurse and descendant of the Perkins Family who talks about the memories and objects that have been passed down from generation to generation.

]]> Meghan Buzzsprout-14272032 Mon, 08 Jan 2024 13:00:00 -0500 2607 1 8 full false Oktoberfest on the Square Oktoberfest on the Square This can’t miss, family friendly event will feature grape-stomping competition, children’s activities, music by the Youngstown Saxon Brass Band, and of course, a copious amount of BEER! Each ticket purchase includes two drink tokens and German inspired cuisine. Children ages 12 and under are FREE!

]]> This can’t miss, family friendly event will feature grape-stomping competition, children’s activities, music by the Youngstown Saxon Brass Band, and of course, a copious amount of BEER! Each ticket purchase includes two drink tokens and German inspired cuisine. Children ages 12 and under are FREE!

]]> Meghan Buzzsprout-14272015 Mon, 08 Jan 2024 13:00:00 -0500 442 1 7 bonus true Connecticut Western Reserve Connecticut Western Reserve From Case Western Reserve University to Western Reserve High School, the Connecticut ‘Western Reserve’ is a term that most people have heard before. But what does it mean? Join us with the Curator of Collections at the Litchfield Historical Society, Alex Dubois, as we talk about how this northeast section of Ohio was once owned by the state of Connecticut and the early stories that created the communities that we have today.

]]> From Case Western Reserve University to Western Reserve High School, the Connecticut ‘Western Reserve’ is a term that most people have heard before. But what does it mean? Join us with the Curator of Collections at the Litchfield Historical Society, Alex Dubois, as we talk about how this northeast section of Ohio was once owned by the state of Connecticut and the early stories that created the communities that we have today.

]]> Meghan Buzzsprout-13569407 Mon, 11 Sep 2023 10:00:00 -0400 2037 1 6 full false Ernie Hall Ernie Hall Ernie Hall is Ohio's unsung aviator. An inventor, teacher, and mechanic, he spent 50 years employed in aviation. From working with the Wright Brothers to training pilots during World War I and World War II, Hall left a legacy that continues through the Ernie Hall Aviation Museum in Howland, Ohio. Join us with pilot Bob Griffin as we talk about Hall's upbringing and career--as well as what it takes to build and operate an aircraft.


]]> Ernie Hall is Ohio's unsung aviator. An inventor, teacher, and mechanic, he spent 50 years employed in aviation. From working with the Wright Brothers to training pilots during World War I and World War II, Hall left a legacy that continues through the Ernie Hall Aviation Museum in Howland, Ohio. Join us with pilot Bob Griffin as we talk about Hall's upbringing and career--as well as what it takes to build and operate an aircraft.


]]> Meghan Buzzsprout-13309099 Fri, 28 Jul 2023 15:00:00 -0400 2777 full false Kenneth Patchen Kenneth Patchen Kenneth Patchen was an American poet and novelist who experimented with different forms of writing and incorporated painting, drawing, and jazz music into his works. He received an award for life-long contribution to American letters from the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities.

Patchen was largely self-taught and never seemed to gain widespread recognition from the prominent literary critics or university professors of his generation. He suffered an early tragedy when his younger sister Kathleen was struck and killed by a car in 1926.

Writing in a style often referred to as “jazz poetry,” Patchen struck up a publishing relationship and friendship with James Laughlin, the original publisher of New Directions, in 1936.

Bill Mullane, our guest this week, gives insights into Patchen's career and how growing up in the Mahoning Valley influenced his artistic work.

]]> Kenneth Patchen was an American poet and novelist who experimented with different forms of writing and incorporated painting, drawing, and jazz music into his works. He received an award for life-long contribution to American letters from the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities.

Patchen was largely self-taught and never seemed to gain widespread recognition from the prominent literary critics or university professors of his generation. He suffered an early tragedy when his younger sister Kathleen was struck and killed by a car in 1926.

Writing in a style often referred to as “jazz poetry,” Patchen struck up a publishing relationship and friendship with James Laughlin, the original publisher of New Directions, in 1936.

Bill Mullane, our guest this week, gives insights into Patchen's career and how growing up in the Mahoning Valley influenced his artistic work.

]]> Meghan Buzzsprout-13225311 Fri, 14 Jul 2023 15:00:00 -0400 2436 full false The Edwards Family The Edwards Family The oldest remaining house in Warren, the John Stark Edwards House, dates to 1807, but the Edwards Family left an infamous legacy much earlier than that. Join us with Professor Ava Chamberlain as we dive into her book The Notorious Elizabeth Tuttle: Marriage, Murder, and Madness in the Family of Jonathan Edwards.

]]> The oldest remaining house in Warren, the John Stark Edwards House, dates to 1807, but the Edwards Family left an infamous legacy much earlier than that. Join us with Professor Ava Chamberlain as we dive into her book The Notorious Elizabeth Tuttle: Marriage, Murder, and Madness in the Family of Jonathan Edwards.

]]> Meghan Buzzsprout-13165415 Wed, 05 Jul 2023 10:00:00 -0400 3707 1 3 full false The Packard Brothers The Packard Brothers James Ward and William Doud Packard left a legacy in Warren through Packard Electric Company and Packard Motor Car Company. They were a product of their time while driving innovation and engineering to new levels and leaving a lasting legacy on the city today.

Join us with special guest Charles Ohlin of the National Packard Museum to explore what it was like for the Packard brothers to grow up in Warren, develop successful companies, and make a name for themselves on the national scene.

]]> James Ward and William Doud Packard left a legacy in Warren through Packard Electric Company and Packard Motor Car Company. They were a product of their time while driving innovation and engineering to new levels and leaving a lasting legacy on the city today.

Join us with special guest Charles Ohlin of the National Packard Museum to explore what it was like for the Packard brothers to grow up in Warren, develop successful companies, and make a name for themselves on the national scene.

]]> Meghan Buzzsprout-13009699 Fri, 09 Jun 2023 13:00:00 -0400 2867 1 2 full false Clarence Darrow, with guests Gary & Donna Moss Clarence Darrow, with guests Gary & Donna Moss Hey all! Welcome to TCHS's first ever podcast episode. We're still working our way through this process-- so please be kind but give us feedback on what kinds of episodes you would like to see next!

It would mean a lot to us if you could follow the Key to the Pastcast on your podcast provider and share this episode as you can. We're excited to get this up and running. Look for two episodes a month moving forward.

A huge thank you to Ohio Humanities and to the Kennedy Family Fund and Willanna and William DiCiero Memorial Fund, component funds of the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, for partially funding the podcast this year! We couldn't do this without your support! 

Clarence Darrow remains one of Trumbull County's most controversial figures. Known as the "Attorney of the Damned," Darrow left a national legacy that started with his childhood in Kinsman, Ohio. This podcast dives into Darrow's upbringing and career with guests Donna & Gary Moss. Renovating Darrow's childhood home, the Octagon House, Donna & Gary talk about  Darrow's legacy and the ups and downs of restoring a historic home together.

]]> Hey all! Welcome to TCHS's first ever podcast episode. We're still working our way through this process-- so please be kind but give us feedback on what kinds of episodes you would like to see next!

It would mean a lot to us if you could follow the Key to the Pastcast on your podcast provider and share this episode as you can. We're excited to get this up and running. Look for two episodes a month moving forward.

A huge thank you to Ohio Humanities and to the Kennedy Family Fund and Willanna and William DiCiero Memorial Fund, component funds of the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, for partially funding the podcast this year! We couldn't do this without your support! 

Clarence Darrow remains one of Trumbull County's most controversial figures. Known as the "Attorney of the Damned," Darrow left a national legacy that started with his childhood in Kinsman, Ohio. This podcast dives into Darrow's upbringing and career with guests Donna & Gary Moss. Renovating Darrow's childhood home, the Octagon House, Donna & Gary talk about  Darrow's legacy and the ups and downs of restoring a historic home together.

]]> Meghan Buzzsprout-12741702 Fri, 28 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0400 2776 1 1 full false