Behind Gray Walls
About
Available on
Community
145 episodes
In this very heavy episode, Skye and Anthony close the season with two stories of people whose states of mental health lead to some emotional moments and incredibly tragic stories, #7035 Ethelyn Irene Peterson (Murder in the 2nd Degree) and #788 Ed Rice (Murder in the 1st Degree). WARNING: This episode includes discussions of crime against a child, suicide, and execution. Please take care while listening. Listener discretion is advised. Please help us improve! Take our survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Q2PHF3J
In this Stool Pigeon Saturday, the team interviews Matthew Connelly, lead park ranger at Alcatraz Island. Matthew provides an overview of the renowned prison's history, delves into the daily experiences of both the residents and staff on the island, and concludes the story surrounding William Dainard's (#3821) associate, Harmon Waley (#4188). To learn more about Alcatraz or to book your next trip, visit: https://www.nps.gov/alca/index.htm
In a completely coincidental yet oddly-Rathdrum-history-heavy penultimate episode, the original duo are back in with Sam in the commenter's chair. Anthony starts, covering a man of many names whose felony in Idaho was one of the least interesting things about his story #3821 William Dainard (Robbery), while Skye follows with a story of a Rathdrum pioneer whose gambling habits may have gotten a little bit out of control #6691 Minnie Jane Farr (Embezzlement).
On today’s episode, Skye tells the story of a young woman whose husband, in the 1950s, was a real door-to-door vacuum salesman(!) #10351 Donna Mae Peterson (Burglary). Meanwhile, first-time host, Charlee, tells the story of one of the most influential doctors in the city of Boise (who also served as prison physician), Dr. George Collister.
In this week's special episode, Skye comes to the episode empty-handed (school is hard) and Anthony-less (work is hard) and instead comments on Samuel's masterful telling of #111 William "Teton" Jackson (Grand Larceny) whose story intersects with a crucial event in Wyoming history and the controversial Sheriff Frank Canton.
Join all three hosts around the campfire for a whole host of spooky Idaho stories from the 1880s through the 1940s - some of these stories may not be related to the Penitentiary directly, but they’ll still send some chills up your spine - and even make you laugh. And, if while you’re listening, you hear a stick crack behind you…it may not be your imagination. Happy Halloween!!
On today’s episode, Skye relates the story of a young woman whose training in beauty school got her a few extra perks #11513 LaLonda Lee King (Robbery) and Anthony tells the story of a young man who had a real knack for escaping until the very end #2062 Ulysses Bearup (Murder in the First Degree). Oral Histories: Emile Ehle (McLaws), 1/19/1994 (Idaho State Archives)
In this Stool Pigeon Saturday, Anthony and Skye hang up their spurs again to hear Samuel share the fascinating story of six-shooter-Jack and the Gunfight at Grave Creek. Listener discretion is advised.
Today, all three hosts are together, with Anthony working as our star commentator. Samuel shares the story of a young man who was, at worst, a murderer, and at his most intriguing, an assassin #286 Oscar “Tex” Selene Herbert (Murder in the Second Degree), while Skye recounts the story of an alleged cattle thief who really had more problem with Prohibition Laws than her actual crime #2529 Cora Atkinson (Grand Larceny).
In this Stool Pigeon Saturday, Anthony interviews Jennifer Hills, President of the Friends of Stricker, and discusses the fascinating history of Rock Creek Station and the Stricker Homesite which served as a stopping point along the Oregon Trail. It is a must see for anyone interested in Idaho and Oregon Trail History. To learn more: facebook.com/friendsofstricker/ friendsofstricker.org/ https://history.idaho.gov/stricker/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OD6ndFjbCY8 To volunteer: friendsofstricker@gmail.com
In this week’s episode, Anthony is back and ready to regale us with the tale of an old Mormon pioneer whose desire for revenge ended up being his downfall William Dowdle (Grand Larceny) and a young woman who was accused of being a “Moll” (slang for a gangster’s girlfriend) #5183 Delia Smith (Robbery). Visit the Rock Creek Station/Stricker Homesite on Friday, October 13th, to hear stories of death and tragedy from days gone by. $5! https://www.facebook.com/strickerafterdark/
This week, Samuel steps into Anthony’s spot and covers one of our earliest residents, a stagecoach driver from Deadwood, South Dakota, whose gun duel carried some big consequences #16 Samuel Ridgeway (Murder) and Skye examines a woman who was previously unknown in our records who got involved with the wrong guy #8323 Eddie Mae Gooch (Robbery).
In this Stool Pigeon Saturday recorded in 2022, Anthony interviews then Old Pen tour guide Camille Daw, who tells the exciting and tragic story of Ralph Poindexter #12596 (Grand Larceny). Camille now works as the Program and Outreach Manager at the Minidoka National Historic Site.
In this episode recorded live on March 23rd, 2023 on the Storyfort stage during Treefort Music Festival, Anthony covers Tom Rock #3786 and M J Star #3787 (Grand Larceny), the daring duo fresh out of the Ada County jail who stole a car while the owner was enjoying Boise Music Week, while Samuel uncovers the tragic tale of musician Len Douglas #903 (Manslaughter), who killed a man in a jealous rage over a woman.
In our first episode back of the new season, Anthony introduces us to Warden Raymond May, whose progressive ideas focused on humanity, not crime, while Skye opens the season with a woman who liked to stretch the truth, including when she signed checks, #9533 Dorothy Jean Tate (Forgery). Tickets are available for October events at the Old Idaho Penitentiary! Purchase them here: https://history.idaho.gov/events/ Have questions or comments? Email us at: behindgraywalls@gmail.com
We're back to work bringing you Idaho history and the stories of the men and women who worked and resided at the Old Idaho State Penitentiary. Stay tuned!
In this Stool Pigeon Saturday, Anthony sits down with Franziska Borders, Adjunct of German at Boise State University. Franziska translated a censored letter sent to German farmer turned hypnotist turned murderer Henry Wilmbusse #852 covered in Ep 30 of the podcast. Visit our Facebook group to see the letter and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/behindgraywalls. Special thanks to the artist Spooky Dinosaur (Nathan Viebell) for donating money to make this translation happen! https://www.thespookydinosaur.com/ Donations allow us to pursue special projects and improve the quality of the podcast. Listen to Wilmbusse's story here: https://soundcloud.com/behindgraywalls/ep-30-wilmbusse-and-proud
On the last episode of the season (and the first of the new year), Skye and Anthony talk about two pretty intense stories – first of a woman whose husband died by hamburger (sort of) #7610 Elizabeth Lottie Lacey (Murder in the First Degree) and one of the ten men executed on the grounds of the Idaho State Penitentiary on a cold winter night #3301 Noah Arnold (Murder in the First Degree). Be warned that both stories deal with murder and violence, as well as mentions of abuse – please listen with caution. Oral Histories: Matron Lulu Rowan; 3/6/1987; Idaho State Archives John Jr. and Fred Snook (Son and Grandson of Warden John Snook); 2/12/1991; Idaho State Archives.
In this Stool Pigeon Saturday, Anthony sits down with return guest Suzanne Squires to discuss the many crimes and escapes of Mike Donnelly #3302 (Murder in the 1st Degree).
On today’s episode, the last of the year, Anthony and Skye examine the stories of a father and son whose main meeting was inside the prison walls #4536 Roy Little (Forgery) and #4619 James Little (Grand Larceny) and a woman who definitely had a thing for men in the Navy #9050 Elda Lee Lennon (Forgery). Oral History: Charles Sharp; 12/20/2022; Idaho State Archives.
On today’s episode, Skye and Anthony converse about a young woman whose fingers are light and her crime details unknown #1148 Eveline Clark (Burglary in the 2nd Degree) and a man whose life had two paths he could have taken – and he chose the one of crime not once but twice #5514/#6137 John Raff (Burglary in the 2nd Degree/Grand Larceny). Looking for last minute gifts? Look no further! Check out the Old Pen Store Souvenir Confinement: https://store.history.idaho.gov/giftshop.aspx (Most items are only available for in-store purchase at this time) Oral History: Guard Jim Howland; 7/28/1992. Idaho State Archives.
As we continue into the second half of the season, Anthony and Skye profile a man whose trade in creamery stock ended up in a not so sweet jail sentence #2363 A.L. Sparling (Obtaining Money Under False Pretenses) and a woman whose cross-country road trip got her in an awful lot of trouble #8337 Kay Goddard (Burglary in the First Degree). Sign up for the monthly Idaho State Historical Society Histor-E Newsletter here: https://idaho.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=8a59045b76ba76cd6b2ad4f97&id=fadd891d5b
Our second episode with guest co-host Samuel features the stories of a young woman whose live was plagued with tragedy, including her husband’s death at the hands of her brother #11828 Philnoma Moncisco (Robbery) and a young man whose search for wealth and success in a large polygamous family ended in a prison sentence #587 David Norwood (Murder in the 2nd Degree). This episode includes graphic descriptions of a violent attack. Listener discretion is advised.
Halfway through season 8, we’re mixing things up, including a guest co-host, Samuel Anderson! In this episode, Samuel and Skye chat about a K.O. King and his storied boxing career in prison #5474 Chester Arthur King (Burglary) and a woman whose alleged fiancée was spending her money on someone else #5304 Mary Turner Hansom (Voluntary Manslaughter). This episode includes descriptions of gun violence. Listener Discretion is Advised. Oral Histories: Guard Frank Rigby; 7/13/1992. Idaho State Archives. Franklin D. Roosevelt; 9/6/1936 Fireside Chat. Millercenter.org
In this Stool Pigeon Saturday, Anthony and Skye hang up their spurs and sit down with Old Pen Staff Member Samuel Anderson who shares three stories of wild west gunfights in territorial Idaho. Listener discretion is advised. Want to support the podcast? Consider becoming a member of the Idaho State Historical Society today! history.idaho.gov/membership/
In today’s episode, Anthony and Skye have a good chat about an LGBTQ+ inmate whose piano playing talent provided some prison levity #7047 Wesley Hudson (Burglary) and a woman whose crime is surprisingly relevant even a century later #3231 Cora Sampley (Involuntary Manslaughter). This episode includes discussions of sexual crimes against minors and deals with the subject of abortion. Listener discretion is advised.
In this LIVE episode from the Storyfort stage on March 24, 2022, Anthony and Skye regale the audience with the stories of a woman whose charge was only one time she had a run-in with authorities during Prohibition #3534 Eva Bowman (Inducing a Girl to Enter a House of Prostitution) and a man who portrayed ol' Knothead Gilbert Talley in a monthly comic #8974 Albert McGee (Burglary in the 2nd Degree). To see photos and join the discussion, visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/behindgraywalls
In this Halloween Special of Stool Pigeon Saturday, Anthony and Skye sit down with Old Pen Staff members Samuel Anderson, Jacey Brain, and Darin Young to dig into the spooky history of Idaho cryptids. They discuss the Payette Lake monster Sharlie, Camas's Wild Man, Ghost Miners, and the Guyascutus. Special thanks to our Historical Society maintenance craftsman Charlie Burry for playing fiddle for the episode. Like what you hear? You can support the podcast by donating at: https://history.idaho.gov/donate/donation-payment/
In the second episode of the new season, Skye and Anthony discuss a member of the Nez Perce tribe who got caught having some trouble with checks, and dive DEEP into the history of the Idaho State Tuberculosis Hospital #11233 Estella Wilson (Issuing a Check Without Funds) and a man whose head injury may have had a major role to play in his crime #3241 David Hoagland (Murder in the 1st Degree). To learn more about the Old Idaho Penitentiary and upcoming events, visit: https://history.idaho.gov/oldpen/
In this Stool Pigeon Saturday, Anthony sits down with Old Pen Staff Member Tristin Hafer, who shares the fascinating and lesser-known story of #79 "Colonel" William H. Dewey (Manslaughter), one of Idaho's leading pioneers and entrepreneurs. Want to support the podcast? Consider becoming a member of the Idaho State Historical Society today! https://history.idaho.gov/membership/
