Month: December 2013
One of The Largest Sheep Export Cities in the World
When the silver ran out, the sheep moved in–thousands of them, in fact. This place became one of the largest sheep exporting cities in the…
A POW-built Nativity
It was Christmas 1945. German POWs at Camp Algona in Algona, Iowa would be returning to Europe the next year. This was the final Christmas…
The Heisman Runner-Up
In 1968, O.J Simpson won the Heisman Trophy, but it was this man who was runner-up in the Heisman balloting that year. His story is…
That Will Be a Half-Cent, Mr. President
Toll roads have been around as long as the nation. Today those tolls are often paid on multi-lane turnpikes, often with just the flash of…
The Cannon That Fired Too Soon
When you’re in Pittsfield, Illinois, enjoy the chance to drive around the city and listen to stories on your car radio. They aren’t any ordinary…
A Frequent Visitor
Today we say hello to out listeners on WBBA in Pittsfield, Illinois. Listeners there know that just over a century and a half ago, there…
Keith’s Cafe
In Memphis, Missouri, there’s a café where great food has been served for about 65 years now. This is the story of the family who…
The County Seat War
A county seat is an important place. It is after all the place were legal papers are stored, trials are held and officials operate the…
Boom or Bust
Oil, gas and minerals often bring towns periods of boom and bust. Each new discovery brings a swell of workers and each bust sees them…
The Kansas Oil Boom
You may not think of this state as a top producing oil area. However, turn back the clock about a century and an oil boom…