Signs of Our Time
Have you ever stopped to read a historical marker as you traveled across the US? Perhaps you’ve wondered if there was more to the story.
This podcast seeks to reveal the story behind the story from America's roadside historical markers. We explore the facts and sometimes quirky and unusual background information making our heritage even more fascinating.
Let me know if you have an unusual historical marker we can explore. americanhistoricalmarkers@gmail.com
Episodes
40 episodes
Episode 41 - Bonnie and Clyde Visit Winnsborro, Texas
In this episode of Signs of Our Time, we visit Winnsboro and uncover the quiet story behind a historical marker that remembers the brief passage of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow through East Texas. Though they left no crime scene behi...
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Season 2
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Episode 41
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4:04
Episode 40 - Blue Star Memorial Markers
Across highways, parks, and town squares throughout America, Blue Star Memorial markers quietly stand as powerful symbols of gratitude. In this episode, we explore the history and meaning behind these markers originally created to honor World W...
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Season 2
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Episode 40
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4:49
Episode 39 - From Blacksmith to Tractors
In this episode I look at the story behind the story of the John Deere company. We look at the humble beginnings on a blacksmith shop to transforming farming world wide. This is a true American success story.References:
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Season 2
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Episode 39
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5:05
Episode 38 - The Legend of Bonnie and Clyde
During the Great Depression of the 1930's times were hard for most of our nation. Jobs were scarce, families were devestated, and there seemed little hope for recovery. During that time an infamous couple, Bonnie and Clyde emerged t...
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Season 2
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Episode 38
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4:56
Episdoe 37 - The First Cheeseburger - A Slice of American History
We take the lowly cheeseburger for granted. In fact, I rarely have just a hamburger. Without cheese it just feels naked. An no one want to eat a naked sandwich...just doesn't seem right.In today's episode I look at the ...
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Season 2
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Episode 37
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5:17
Episode 36 - The Erie Canal - Connecting America
In modern times we are used to major events that amaze us with their size and scope. We marvel at how we are able to bring incredible resources to bear. And, we live in a time where we expect instant results from our efforts....
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Season 2
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Episode 36
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6:39
Episode 35 - The Gettysburg Address
In our American history, probably no speech is well known and powerful as the Gettysburg Address. The time of its delivery, the presence of President Lincoln, and the field upon which it was delivered all point to an incredible historical...
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Season 2
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Episode 35
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7:57
Episode - 34 - A Conversation With Todd Kent about Historical Markers
I'm fascinated by the many individuals involved with historical markers. When I began my interest in historical markers I soon learned there was a culture surrounding them.In today's episode I have a conversation with Todd Kent.&nb...
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Season 2
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Episode 34
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22:42
Episode 33 - Radical Abolistionist John Brown
Among the many individuals associated with America's Civil War, perhaps among the best known is the radical abolitionist, John Brown. Whether you agree or disagree with his views and actions, he had a lasting impact on the rich heritage o...
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Season 2
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Episode 33
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6:37
Episode 32 - Groundhog Day
We all have favorite holidays. It seems that each month has its own signature holiday. One of the favorite for many is Groundhog Day. In this episode we'll look at the origin of this day and the story behind the story.<...
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Season 2
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Episode 32
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7:34
Episode 31 - The Baby Head Cemetery
Throughout the United States you will find communities with strange names. Perhaps the strangest is found in the hill country of Texas. Texas is a wonderful place to travel to enjoy beautiful scenery, the famous blue bo...
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Season 2
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Episode 31
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5:44
Episode 30 - A Conversation With Harry Lee Chester ~ Southwell Company
There are many things we take for granted or don’t think about what goes in to bringing something in front of us. Historical markers fits in that category. We drive past, perhaps stopping to read a marker and enjoy the experience.&n...
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Season 2
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Episode 30
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32:52
Episode 29 - Steve Bodnar ~ Funding Historical Markers Nation Wide Through the William G. Pomeroy Foundation
We know the illustration of an onion. There are many different elements we discover as we begin to peel back the layers. That is true as well with historical markers. My guest in this episode is Steve Bodnar, Asso...
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Season 1
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Episode 29
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33:11
Episode 28 - The Blind Knight
In this episode we will look at the story behind the story of The Blind Knight. It is a story of a man, physically blind but with a vision and the will to accomplish it. He serves as an inspiration to us all.References:
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Season 1
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Episode 28
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5:51
Episode 27 - The Betty and Barney Hill Incident
We all like good science fiction stories and mysteries. Well, this episode speaks to both. In this episode I look at the alien abduction event involving Betty and Barney Hill. Although not the first documented alien abduction ...
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Season 1
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Episode 27
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6:50
Episode 26 - A Conversation With Griffin Hansen ~ Animation Education Association President
From time to time on this podcast I like to interview individuals that are part of the overall historical marker universe. In this episode I have a wonderful conversation with Griffin Hansen. Griffin works in the animation industry ...
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Season 1
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Episode 26
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33:14
Episode 25 - The San Salvadore Church History
All of us have a story to tell. Historical markers are a great way to learn about our stories. This is what happened with my guest in this episode. It turns out that his grandfather is part of the story behind a story found on...
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Season 1
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Episode 25
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22:19
Episode 23 - A Conversation With Historic Marker Restorationist ~ Chris Woosley
It’s always enjoyable to talk with someone who has found a niche in life. This is especially true when they are providing a service for everyone. My guest in this podcast has a unique passion in life that helps folks interested in h...
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Season 1
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Episode 23
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25:07
Episode 22 - The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race
There are countless great events across the great United States of America. These capture the history and culture of the areas. Some are known only to local inhabitants. But one event is known world wide. It is the Alask...
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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12:03
Episode 21 - Where The Southern Cross the Dog
Mississippi is known for many things. Perhaps you have something original from Mississippi that is special to you. Many people enjoy blues music which has its roots in Mississippi. In this episode I look at an unusual t...
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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6:45
Episode 20 - Father Thomas Frederick Price and the Nazareth Orphanage
We pass by many historical markers without realizing the piece of history commemorated on it. We might even read the marker but miss even more information. Such is the marker in Willmington, North Carolina dedicated to Father Thomas...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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16:48
Episode 19 - The Story of Old Walking Joe
One of the loneliest sounds in the night is a lonesome train whistle. It can bring all kinds of images to mind. In this episode I share a fun and spooky story I wrote for my granddaughters. It’s the story of Old W...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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7:18
Episode 18 - The Tale of Paul Bunyan
Most of us love a good story. And stories of adventure and larger than life characters are most favored. In this episode I share the folk tale of Paul Bunyan and his trusted Babe the blue ox. Paul and Babe are memoriliz...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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7:44
Episode 17 - The First Concrete Mile
When I was a child, we had city streets that were paved but once you left the city you probably found more dirt roads than paved roads. I also remember as a young boy that a lot of dirt roads would be coated with an oil substance to hold ...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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8:19
Episode 16 - The Little Fire Hydrant That Could
Sometimes we overlook the simple things in our lives that protect us. In this episode I want to look at the story behind the story of one such common place fixture throughout the US and other countries throughout the world. It is a ...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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5:50
