Amazing Tales from Off the Beaten Path

The Mad Hatters and Their Major US Supreme Court Case

It was one of the most explosive labor issues of the early 1900s – and it involved the United Hatters Union. That union represented the workers who created the hats that put Danbury, Connecticut on the international map at the time. Were unions monopolizing workers – and, could they therefore be sued under the new Sherman Anti-Trust Act? The case went all the way to the US Supreme Court. Listen along with Danbury historian Bill Devlin to learn the background and outcome of this fascinating case.

What Would Polio Vaccine Inventor Jonas Salk Think About COVID?

The name Jonas Salk is synonymous with vaccines. He invented the polio vaccine, wiping out the dreaded disease in the U.S. amongst all people who got vaccinated. His nephew, Eric Salk, is an emergency room physician in Connecticut. He knew his uncle for many years, getting to know him well. In this episode, we speak with Eric about his recollections of Jonas and his work, the Salk’s famous family (including Eric’s dad), what Jonas would have thought of the anti-vaccine movement and his own challenges fighting on the front-lines against COVID at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington.

The Incredible Trail of the Whispering Giants

It’s an incredible story – much like a fairy tale. An artist built and donated (for free) 74 gigantic wood carvings of Native Americans – one for each of the 50 states, as well as countries overseas. Guest Peter Toth calls his nearly 20-year art project The Trail of the Whispering Giants. He says he's paying homage to Native Americans for the injustices they faced from European settlers. So, where is Connecticut’s statue? A Whispering Giants website lists it as "missing," but I found it and you won’t want to miss the story.

The Canal that Split Connecticut in Half - Physically and Politically

When the Erie Canal was built in New York State, industrialists in Connecticut said, “We can do that too.” And so, work began on a large canal that would ultimately cut the state in half – both physically and politically. It pitted New Haven against Hartford. People have since largely forgotten about the 4-foot-deep canal, which connected Long Island Sound with Massachusetts in the 1800s. Follow along with Connecticut transportation expert Richard DeLuca for the amazing story of the Farmington Canal, once a full-fledged canal in Connecticut.

The Weekend the British Burned Danbury - Part 2

By April 26, 1777, The British had sailed from New York City, docked off Westport and marched inland through Weston, Redding and Bethel. Now, their 2,000 soldiers were ready to enter Danbury, on Saturday, for a weekend stay – where they would eliminate the town as a military supply depot for the Patriots fighting in the Revolutionary War. The only problem: things didn’t go entirely as planned. Hear the conclusion of this special two-part series with Danbury historian Bill Devlin.

The Weekend the British Burned Danbury - Part 1

The story of the British campaign to eliminate Danbury, Connecticut as a key military supply depot during the Revolutionary War is filled with surprises and sorrow. In part one of this two part special series, hear about the ruthlessness of British General William Tryon who led the raid, the dominant force assembled by the British, the scrappy resistance formulated by the Patriots and the unexpected arrival of not one, but two single horsemen to meet 2,000 red coats. Learn how the biggest mistake the British made was in underestimating the resolve of the budding new country.

The Magical Life of Flying in Connecticut

It’s a totally different life style; another whole world. Flying a 2-seat or 4-seat airplane, with just one or two propellers, in the skies over Connecticut. Beautiful views, but dangerous. Paved airstrips and grass airstrips. Sharing the sky with 747s. Two of the oldest airplane clubs in the country are based in Danbury and Meriden. Hear the incredible stories of Gary Baluha, from Danbury’s club, and Paul Merola, from Meriden’s, along with the man who runs the FAA Tower at Danbury Airport, Dan May, as they share what the world is like in the skies above you.

Soap Box Derby Racing in Connecticut

Connecticut has sent many a world champion to the annual Soap Box Derby championship race in Akron, Ohio over the years. What are their tricks? How does it feel to race down a 16% grade? What's the story behind the Derby, that has offered excitement to children aged 7-21, while instilling skills and leadership qualities in them for more than 75 years? Hear a number of Derby drivers, parents and race organizers discuss the thrill of the competition and the outlook for the future.

How Danbury Helped Separate Church and State

Sometimes, we take the words for granted – the separation of church and state. Many people think, incorrectly, that they’re contained in the U.S. Constitution. Actually, they’re in a letter – written by President Thomas Jefferson to a group based in Danbury. It’s a fascinating story, which historian Bill Devlin will help us understand in greater detail.

How to Build a New England Town Center

What if they created a town in New England – without a town center, a town green or a big white church? That's what happened to the town of Brookfield, CT. There was no agreed, central downtown location when the town was formed in the 18th century. How did this happen? You'll find out. And, you'll learn about the town's rather elaborate steps to create a downtown -- after more than 250 years without one.