In the year of our Lord 1953, the city of Springfield, Missouri, had a terrible problem. Deadly cobras kept popping up in people’s yards! What were cobras doing in Missouri? They weren’t native to the area. Who the hell had rolled out the welcome mat??  

For the local police, the sudden presence of cobras wasn’t nearly as mysterious as it sounded. A local store, the Mowrer Animal Company, sold all kinds of exotic animals. Organutans! Crocodiles! And...you guessed it...cobras! But when police talked to the store's owner, he claimed innocence. What was going on?

Remember, kids, history hoes always cite their sources! For this episode, Kristin pulled from:
“Hissy Fit: Springfield’s 1953 Cobra Scare,” OzarksWatch Video Magazine
“Ozarks Life: The Great Cobra Scare of 1953,” by Chad Plein ky3.com
“Springfield’s cobra scare of 1953,” ozarksalive.com
“Fessin’ up,” by Mike O’Brien for The Springfield News-Leader
“And where is Reo Mowrer today?” The Springfield News-Leader
“Snakes in Springfield,” by Greta Cross for The Springfield News-Leader
“Tying up some loose ends about Springfield’s loose cobras,” by Mike O’Brien for The Springfield News-Leader
“Does Drury have the sole remaining cobra of ‘53 scare?” by Mike O’Brien for The Springfield News-Leader
“Cobra hindsight beats foresight,” The Springfield News-Leader

Are you enjoying An Old Timey Podcast? Then please leave us a 5-star rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts!

Are you *really* enjoying An Old Timey Podcast? Well, calm down, history ho! You can get more of us on Patreon at patreon.com/oldtimeypodcast. At the $5 level, you’ll get a monthly bonus episode (with video!), access to our 90’s style chat room, plus the entire back catalog of bonus episodes from Kristin’s previous podcast, Let’s Go To Court.

In this *very special* episode of an Old Timey Podcast, we got DP’d.

Ahem. By that, we mean that Kristin’s dad (aka DP) took over. He renamed the podcast. He accused Norm of having a dirty mind. Worst of all, he tricked us. (On our own podcast! In our own home! Is nothing sacred??)

Remember, kids, history hoes always cite their sources! For this episode, DP pulled from:
“Small Town, Big Con” episode of 20/20
“A look back at the Natalie Cochran trial,” by Autumn Shelton for REAL WV
“Prosecutors say text messages show Natalie Cochran tried to put some distance between Michael Cochran and his family,” by Jessica Jarrish for WVNS TV
“Natalie Cochran convicted of murder after Ponzi scheme," by Isabel Modano for lawyer-monthly.com

Are you enjoying An Old Timey Podcast? Then please leave us a 5-star rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts!

Are you *really* enjoying An Old Timey Podcast? Well, calm down, history ho! You can get more of us on Patreon at patreon.com/oldtimeypodcast. At the $5 level, you’ll get a monthly bonus episode (with video!), access to our 90’s style chat room, plus the entire back catalog of bonus episodes from Kristin’s previous podcast, Let’s Go To Court.

The final chapter of Robert Smalls’ life was eventful, and, at times, frustrating. He gained and lost government appointments. He won and lost political races. He weathered attacks on his character and attacks on his constituents. Through it all, he used his intelligence and agility to battle a system that tried – and failed – to take him down.

Remember, kids, history hoes always cite their sources! For this episode, Norm pulled from:

Billingsley, Andrew. Yearning to Breathe Free: Robert Smalls of South Carolina and His Families. Columbia: University of South Carolina Press, 2010.

Lineberry, Cate. Be Free or Die: The Amazing Story of Robert Smalls’ Escape from Slavery to Union Hero. St. Martin’s Press, 2017.

Miller, Edward. Gullah Statesman: Robert Smalls from Slavery to Congress, 1839-1915. University of South Carolina Press, 2008.

Are you enjoying An Old Timey Podcast? Then please leave us a 5-star rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts!

Are you *really* enjoying An Old Timey Podcast? Well, calm down, history ho! You can get more of us on Patreon at patreon.com/oldtimeypodcast. At the $5 level, you’ll get a monthly bonus episode (with video!), access to our 90’s style chat room, plus the entire back catalog of bonus episodes from Kristin’s previous podcast, Let’s Go To Court.

Brace yourselves. This episode is chock-full of post-reconstruction politics. Boy, is it grim! And also a little… relevant? (Ew!)

As South Carolina politics turned on its head, Robert Smalls emerged as one of the few Republican politicians still able to hold his seat. Unfortunately, Smalls’ influence and popularity put a target on his back. Soon, his political opponents ensured that he was charged with bribery. The trial was an absolute mess.

Remember, kids, history hoes always cite their sources! For this episode, Norm pulled from:
Billingsley, Andrew. Yearning to Breathe Free: Robert Smalls of South Carolina and His Families. Columbia: University of South Carolina Press, 2010.
Lineberry, Cate. Be Free or Die: The Amazing Story of Robert Smalls’ Escape from Slavery to Union Hero. St. Martin’s Press, 2017.
Miller, Edward. Gullah Statesman: Robert Smalls from Slavery to Congress, 1839-1915. University of South Carolina Press, 2008.

Are you enjoying An Old Timey Podcast? Then please leave us a 5-star rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts!

Are you *really* enjoying An Old Timey Podcast? Well, calm down, history ho! You can get more of us on Patreon at patreon.com/oldtimeypodcast. At the $5 level, you’ll get a monthly bonus episode (with video!), access to our 90’s style chat room, plus the entire back catalog of bonus episodes from Kristin’s previous podcast, Let’s Go To Court.

After the American Civil War, Robert Smalls navigated the complicated waters of Reconstruction. Black people struggled for basic rights against the White planter class, who refused to accept the end of slavery.

In this difficult time, Robert Smalls rose to the occasion and became a leader in his community. He fought for public education, equality, suffrage, and protection against violent terrorist groups. But accusations of corruption and bribery threatened to dismantle progress.

Remember, kids, history hoes always cite their sources! For this episode, Norm pulled from:
Lineberry, Cate. Be Free or Die: The Amazing Story of Robert Smalls’ Escape from Slavery to Union Hero. St. Martin’s Press, 2017.
Miller Jr., Edward. Gullah Statesman: Robert Smalls from Slavery to Congress, 1839-1915. University of South Carolina Press, 2008.

Are you enjoying An Old Timey Podcast? Then please leave us a 5-star rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts!

Are you *really* enjoying An Old Timey Podcast? Well, calm down, history ho! You can get more of us on Patreon at patreon.com/oldtimeypodcast. At the $5 level, you’ll get a monthly bonus episode (with video!), access to our 90’s style chat room, plus the entire back catalog of bonus episodes from Kristin’s previous podcast, Let’s Go To Court.

In part two of our series on Robert Smalls, Robert proves that his ballsy escape from slavery was just part of his story. In this episode, Robert builds wealth, becomes the Captain of a Union ship, and helps persuade the government to allow Black soldiers to enlist in the Union Army.

Remember, kids, history hoes always cite their sources! For this episode, Norm pulled from:
Lineberry, Cate. Be Free or Die: The Amazing Story of Robert Smalls’ Escape from Slavery to Union Hero. St. Martin’s Press, 2017.
Miller Jr., Edward. Gullah Statesman: Robert Smalls from Slavery to Congress, 1839-1915. University of South Carolina Press, 2008.

Are you enjoying An Old Timey Podcast? Then please leave us a 5-star rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts!

Are you *really* enjoying An Old Timey Podcast? Well, calm down, history ho! You can get more of us on Patreon at patreon.com/oldtimeypodcast. At the $5 level, you’ll get a monthly bonus episode (with video!), access to our 90’s style chat room, plus the entire back catalog of bonus episodes from Kristin’s previous podcast, Let’s Go To Court.

As an enslaved man, Robert Smalls had one goal – to attain freedom for himself and his family. The odds were against him. He’d hoped to buy his wife and children from their enslaver, but saving that amount of money might take a lifetime. Then, when Robert’s home state of South Carolina seceded from the Union, freedom seemed even more out of reach. But then Robert got an idea. It would be bold. It would be dangerous. It would also require the cooperation, discretion, and skill of several other enslaved people. 

The craziest part? It worked.

Remember, kids, history hoes always cite their sources! For this episode, Norm pulled from:
Lineberry, Cate. Be Free or Die: The Amazing Story of Robert Smalls’ Escape from Slavery to Union Hero. St. Martin’s Press, 2017.
Miller Jr., Edward. Gullah Statesman: Robert Smalls from Slavery to Congress, 1839-1915. University of South Carolina Press, 2008.

Are you enjoying An Old Timey Podcast? Then please leave us a 5-star rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts!

Are you *really* enjoying An Old Timey Podcast? Well, calm down, history ho! You can get more of us on Patreon at patreon.com/oldtimeypodcast. At the $5 level, you’ll get a monthly bonus episode (with video!), access to our 90’s style chat room, plus the entire back catalog of bonus episodes from Kristin’s previous podcast, Let’s Go To Court.

T’was an OUTRAGE! An Illinois-based company was working on a film about Jesus Christ. The problem? The film would portray Jesus as a drunk bank robber, a “swinging homosexual,” and a big fan of Hitler. Oh, and he’d also be depicted as having an affair with Mary Magdalene.

… wouldn’t the affair with Mary Magdalene make him bisexual, you ask? DON’T ASK QUESTIONS. In fact, don’t bother fact checking any of this! This is all about rage, baby!

Remember, kids, history hoes always cite their sources! For this episode, Kristin pulled from:
“Will Jesus Be Portrayed as Homosexual in an Upcoming Film?” By Barbara Mikkelson for Snopes.com
“That Jesus sex movie never existed,” by William Simbro for The Des Moines Register
“‘Jesus Sex Film’ rumor draws letters from 200,000 people,” by Carol Armstrong for the Dayton Daily News
“Crusade revives war on non-existent sex film,” by William Simbro for The Des Moines Register
“Jesus sex movie rumor hits state,” by Bernie Schoenburg for The Pantagraph
“‘Sex life of Jesus’ hoax snares Lodi mayor’s paper,” by Rod Leith for The Record
“Censor receives complaints about non-existent film depicting Christ as gay,” by Glenn McConnell for Stuff.com
“The Jesus sex film scandal,” by Wayne Dean for The Sydney Morning Herald
“No U.S. producer found for blasphemous movie,” by Stan Hastey for the Associated Press

Are you enjoying An Old Timey Podcast? Then please leave us a 5-star rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts!

Are you *really* enjoying An Old Timey Podcast? Well, calm down, history ho! You can get more of us on Patreon at patreon.com/oldtimeypodcast. At the $5 level, you’ll get a monthly bonus episode (with video!), access to our 90’s style chat room, plus the entire back catalog of bonus episodes from Kristin’s previous podcast, Let’s Go To Court.

In the final episode of this series, we hear how it all shakes out. The trials end. The messy love square between the Donnellys and Reeds implodes. Kansas City Mafia boss Johnny Lazia meets his maker. The Donnelly Garment Company thrives, then dies. Through it all, Nell Donnelly Reed rises to untold prominence, but still manages to keep her secrets.

Remember, kids, history hoes always cite their sources! For this episode, Kristin pulled from:
“Nelly Gone: KCQ traces the kidnapping of Nell Donnelly,” by Kate Hill for the Kansas City Public Library
The book, “More than Petticoats: Remarkable Missouri Women,” by Elaine Warner
The book, “James A. Reed: Legendary Lawyer; Marplot in the United States Senate,” by J. Michael Cronan
The book, “Called to Courage, Four Women in Missouri History,” by Margot Ford McMillen and Heather Roberson
“First A Lady,” by Jennifer Wilding for the Kansas City Star magazine
“Nelly Don’s unexpected legacy,” for the Fashion Conservatory
“Nell Donelly Reed,” Historic Missourians
“Nelly Don’s zero-waste apron design,” run-sew-read
“Nelly Don: Self made in America,” seamwork.com
The book, “The Snatch Racket,” by Carolyn Cox
The book, “The Devil’s Tickets,” by Gary M. Pomerantz
Obituary for George Blair, Kansas City Star, June 10, 1977
“Causes for hate,” The Kansas City American, Dec. 24, 1931
“Mrs. Donnelly is found, safe,” The Kansas City Times, Dec. 18, 1931
“Mrs. Donnelly’s chauffeur tells of the kidnappers’ treatment of them,” The Kansas City Star, Dec. 18, 1931
“Link Mrs. Depew,” The Kansas City Star, Dec. 23, 1931
“Mrs. Donnelly was released last Friday,” Southwest Mail and Weekly Post, Dec. 25, 1931
“Depew speaks for Mele,” The Kansas City Times, July 16, 1932
“Paul Donnelly is dead,” The Kansas City Star, Sept 8, 1934
“Estate of Donnelly v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue,” case-law.com
“Rich young widow weds,” The Windsor Star, Jan. 13, 1937
“Reed Ranch,” reed-ranch.com
“The murder of John Lazia,” ganglandwire.com

Are you enjoying An Old Timey Podcast? Then please leave us a 5-star rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts!

Are you *really* enjoying An Old Timey Podcast? Well, calm down, history ho! You can get more of us on Patreon at patreon.com/oldtimeypodcast. At the $5 level, you’ll get a monthly bonus episode (with video!), access to our 90’s style chat room, plus the entire back catalog of bonus episodes from Kristin’s previous podcast, Let’s Go To Court.

James A. Reed was in federal court, about to argue his case, when a call came in from Kansas City. Nell Donnelly had been kidnapped. James panicked. To James, Nell was so much more than a celebrated fashion designer. She was his neighbor. She was his secret lover. She was the mother of his child. He’d do anything to save her – including threatening the head of the Kansas City mafia.

Remember, kids, history hoes always cite their sources! For this episode, Kristin pulled from:
“Nelly Gone: KCQ traces the kidnapping of Nell Donnelly,” by Kate Hill for the Kansas City Public Library
The book, “More than Petticoats: Remarkable Missouri Women,” by Elaine Warner
The book, “James A. Reed: Legendary Lawyer; Marplot in the United States Senate,” by J. Michael Cronan
“First A Lady,” by Jennifer Wilding for the Kansas City Star magazine
“Nelly Don’s unexpected legacy,” for the Fashion Conservatory
“Nell Donelly Reed,” Historic Missourians
“Nelly Don’s zero-waste apron design,” run-sew-read
“Nelly Don: Self made in America,” seamwork.com
The book, “The Snatch Racket,” by Carolyn Cox
The book, “The Devil’s Tickets,” by Gary M. Pomerantz
Obituary for George Blair, Kansas City Star, June 10, 1977
“Causes for hate,” The Kansas City American, Dec. 24, 1931
“Mrs. Donnelly is found, safe,” The Kansas City Times, Dec. 18, 1931
“Mrs. Donnelly’s chauffeur tells of the kidnappers’ treatment of them,” The Kansas City Star, Dec. 18, 1931
“Link Mrs. Depew,” The Kansas City Star, Dec. 23, 1931
“Mrs. Donnelly was released last Friday,” Southwest Mail and Weekly Post, Dec. 25, 1931

Are you enjoying An Old Timey Podcast? Then please leave us a 5-star rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts!

Are you *really* enjoying An Old Timey Podcast? Well, calm down, history ho! You can get more of us on Patreon at patreon.com/oldtimeypodcast. At the $5 level, you’ll get a monthly bonus episode (with video!), access to our 90’s style chat room, plus the entire back catalog of bonus episodes from Kristin’s previous podcast, Let’s Go To Court.

It was 6 p.m. on the evening of Wednesday, Dec. 16, 1931. Legendary fashion designer Nell Donnelly was headed home from work. Her chauffeur, George Blair, drove Nell’s lime green Lincoln through the streets of downtown Kansas City. When they arrived at her palatial home, George noticed a vehicle blocking the driveway. Two unfamiliar men stood on either side of it. George slammed on the brakes.

In seconds, one of the men charged at him with a gun. Two more men came running. One jumped into the backseat with Nell. The gunman took charge of the vehicle. The other man jumped in on the passenger’s side, effectively trapping George.

Nell screamed. She kicked. She fought. She thought for certain that someone would hear her. They didn’t. America’s best, most successful businesswoman, along with her chauffeur, had just been kidnapped.

Remember, kids, history hoes always cite their sources! For this episode, Kristin pulled from:
“Nelly Gone: KCQ traces the kidnapping of Nell Donnelly,” by Kate Hill for the Kansas City Public Library
The book, “More than Petticoats: Remarkable Missouri Women,” by Elaine Warner
The book, “James A. Reed: Legendary Lawyer; Marplot in the United States Senate,” by J. Michael Cronan
“First A Lady,” by Jennifer Wilding for the Kansas City Star magazine
“Nelly Don’s unexpected legacy,” for the Fashion Conservatory
“Nell Donelly Reed,” Historic Missourians
“Nelly Don’s zero-waste apron design,” run-sew-read
“Nelly Don: Self made in America,” seamwork.com
The book, “The Snatch Racket,” by Carolyn Cox
The book, “The Devil’s Tickets,” by Gary M. Pomerantz
Obituary for George Blair, Kansas City Star, June 10, 1977
“Causes for hate,” The Kansas City American, Dec. 24, 1931
“Mrs. Donnelly is found, safe,” The Kansas City Times, Dec. 18, 1931
“Mrs. Donnelly’s chauffeur tells of the kidnappers’ treatment of them,” The Kansas City Star, Dec. 18, 1931

Are you enjoying An Old Timey Podcast? Then please leave us a 5-star rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts!

Are you *really* enjoying An Old Timey Podcast? Well, calm down, history ho! You can get more of us on Patreon at patreon.com/oldtimeypodcast. At the $5 level, you’ll get a monthly bonus episode (with video!), access to our 90’s style chat room, plus the entire back catalog of bonus episodes from Kristin’s previous podcast, Let’s Go To Court.