Month: July 2009
Learning English from a German POW
When John Fenzell was struggling with English at his Illinois elementary school, he got a tutor…a tutor that just happened to be a German POW….
Delivering the Paper to a German POW Camp
John Fenzell, like many young boys, delivered papers growing up. However, some of his customers happened to be German POWs picking crops in Illinois. Today’s…
Midwestern POW Camps in World War II
During World War II, young working men left the Midwest to fight for their country. In some cases, it was the enemy soldiers that came…
The Fitzgerald and Kennedy Families
There was no doubt in Fitz’s mind…Joe was not the man for his daughter. The story of what happened when they married anyway is brought…
JFK’s Birthplace
Beal Street looks to be just another street in suburban Boston, but one house here is special…Our features this week on the American Countryside are…
A History of Voting
This country has had close elections and we can certainly find examples of disputed elections around the world. So, today, we take a look at…
Seeking Refuge from Chicago’s Fire
Bells rang the warning. Prison cells were opened to allow inmates to save their own lives ahead of the coming disaster. This week our American…
The Great Chicago Fire
The fire was moving quickly. Some thought the river would offer protection, but soon it was clear that only Lake Michigan itself would provide safety….
A Cow and a Fire
No doubt, she is one of the most famous cows in history…but is she really to blame for the problems she caused? The answer to…
Eisenhower’s Birthplace
This president was born in Texas but always claimed Kansas as his home. The story as well as all of this week American Countryside broadcasts…