Amazing Tales from Off the Beaten Path

When Cleaning Up U.S. Rivers Became a Priority

In Colonial times, unwanted items were often thrown into rivers, which took them out of sight and mind. Raw sewage would be discharged too. This led to horrible pollution. Rivers even smelled bad. Several pivotal court cases finally turned the tide and led to the Clean Water Act.

100 Years of Radio

Some of radio's biggest stars started in Connecticut, with major advances in both AM and FM occurring over the past 100 years. H.G. Wells' famous “War of the Worlds” broadcast also had a strong impact on the state's population.

Bell Town USA - Where Most Bells are Made

They're on all Good Humor trucks, marked the rounds between Mohammed Ali’s boxing matches, and gave Clarence his wings at the end of It’s a Wonderful Life. Bells made in Bell Town USA also open and close trading on the NY Stock Exchange. Bevin Bells is the last manufacturer remaining.

200 Years of Whaling as an Industry

Whaling was an economic mainstay in New England for 200 years. 2,700 wooden ships were built but only one remains afloat. Voyages lasted years, with 60 whales caught per trip for blubber, oil and bone. Whale oil facilitated the Industrial Age as a machine lubricant.

Cleveland Was Founded by Cleaveland

Cleveland, OH was once the wild west - home to Native Americans and vast farmland. Through British law, CT was granted the so-called Western Reserve. Cleveland was part of it. CT lawyer Moses Cleaveland led the team that founded Cleveland - but they dropped the "a" in his name on final maps.

Piloting America's Oldest Ferry Boat

The Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry dates back to 1655. It’s the longest-running continuous ferry service in the U.S. The ride across the CT River lasts just 4 minutes and covers a quarter mile, but nautically, the ever-changing currents, tides, rain, wind, and fog make the ride quite challenging.

Nathan Hale - What Really Were his Final Words Before Hanging?

There's little doubt that Nathan Hale is one of the Colonial era's major heroes. Yet, some aspects of his capture and execution by the British as America’s first spy are disputed. Were his final words really: “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country?”

Thumbing the Nose at Prohibition

The outlawing of alcohol in the U.S. 100 years ago saw different state responses. RI and CT didn't approve the Constitutional Amendment, but were still bound by the law. That didn't stop the rum runners from using Long Island Sound as a base of operations.

When the Devil was in Court - Charged with Murder

It's the only time in U.S. history that a murder defendant pleaded not guilty by reason of demonic possession. The Devil-Made-Me-Do-It murder case in 1981 continues to draw attention internationally. Amazing Tales host MIke Allen covered the case as a journalist.

Trivia Tidbits

Some trivia: where was Nathan Hale hanged, what landmark did the last glacier leave behind, and who was Sarah Jane Campbell Pishon? These are just some of the Trivia Tidbits featured in this episode.