Yore Town

The Mystery of Mercy Brown: Rhode Island’s Vampire Panic | Yore Town Podcast Ep. 88

The conversation delves into the chilling true story of Mercy Brown, a young woman from Exeter, Rhode Island, who was believed to be a vampire in the late 19th century. The hosts explore the historical context of the time, the rise of vampire superstitions due to the ravaging effects of tuberculosis, and the gruesome rituals that ensued following her death. The episode highlights how fear and desperation can lead to irrational beliefs and actions, ultimately shaping the legacy of Mercy Brown's story in American folklore.

Episode Key Points

The story of Mercy Brown is rooted in historical events from 1892.

Tuberculosis was often misinterpreted as a supernatural affliction.

Superstitions about vampires were prevalent in rural New England.

The Brown family faced multiple tragedies due to tuberculosis.

Mercy's body was exhumed due to fears of vampirism.

The preservation of Mercy's body was due to cold conditions, not supernatural causes.

The townsfolk's actions were driven by desperation and fear.

Mercy Brown's story has inspired various works of literature and media.

The incident reflects the intersection of science and folklore in the 19th century.

Mercy Brown's grave remains a site of fascination today.

Check out all the podcast on the Beard Laws Studio: https://beardlawsstudio.com

Check out the interactive map at https://yoretown.com

Yore Town Podcast is a podcast that features your towns dark, wild, unbelievable past that has you thinking no way that really happened here. Matt and Megh dust off the books, hit the streets and an occasional nursing home to unveil Yore Town's past. From small towns to where we live to big cities before they were what they are today. This is Yore Town, Yore Stories

The Honolulu Strangler | Yore Town Podcast Ep. 87

This episode of the Your Town podcast delves into the chilling story of the Honolulu Strangler, the first known serial killer in Hawaii, who terrorized the island in the mid-1980s. The hosts explore the brutal murders of five women, the investigation that followed, and the lingering questions surrounding the case that remains unsolved to this day. Through a detailed recounting of the victims and the police efforts, the episode highlights the fear that gripped Honolulu and the impact of the unsolved case on the community.

Episode Key Points

The Honolulu Strangler was active between 1985 and 1986.

Five women were murdered, all with similar patterns of assault.

The investigation faced numerous challenges due to lack of evidence.

Howard Gay emerged as a prime suspect but was never charged.

The case remains unsolved, leaving families without closure.

The fear of the killer impacted the community significantly.

Cultural and systemic issues may have hindered the investigation.

The 1980s in Honolulu was a time of rising crime rates.

The case mirrors other famous serial killer investigations.

The legacy of the Honolulu Strangler continues to haunt Hawaii.

Check out all the podcast on the Beard Laws Studio: https://beardlawsstudio.com

Check out the interactive map at https://yoretown.com

Yore Town Podcast is a podcast that features your towns dark, wild, unbelievable past that has you thinking no way that really happened here. Matt and Megh dust off the books, hit the streets and an occasional nursing home to unveil Yore Town's past. From small towns to where we live to big cities before they were what they are today. This is Yore Town, Yore Stories

The Poison Candy Murders | Yore Town Podcast Ep. 86

This Yore Town Podcast episode delves into the infamous Poison Candy Murders of 1898 in Dover, Delaware, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and obsession. The tale centers around Mary Elizabeth Pennington, who, after receiving a box of poisoned chocolates, tragically succumbs to arsenic poisoning. The narrative unfolds with the backstory of her husband, John Dunning, and his affair with Cordelia Botkin, leading to a sensational trial that captivated the nation. The discussion reflects on the impact of this case on legal proceedings and societal views on love and revenge.

Episode Key Points

The Poison Candy Murders highlight the dark side of love and obsession.

Cordelia Botkin's actions were driven by jealousy and betrayal.

The case introduced new legal challenges regarding interstate crime.

The trial of Cordelia Botkin was sensational and widely publicized.

The use of the postal service as a weapon was unprecedented.

The tragedy left lasting scars on the Pennington family.

John Dunning's downfall was a result of his own choices.

The case serves as a cautionary tale about trust and betrayal.

Arsenic, a tasteless poison, can be deadly without detection.

The story reflects societal attitudes towards women and crime in the 1890s.

Check out all the podcast on the Beard Laws Studio: https://beardlawsstudio.com

Check out the interactive map at https://yoretown.com

Yore Town Podcast is a podcast that features your towns dark, wild, unbelievable past that has you thinking no way that really happened here. Matt and Megh dust off the books, hit the streets and an occasional nursing home to unveil Yore Town's past. From small towns to where we live to big cities before they were what they are today. This is Yore Town, Yore Stories

Lake Lanier: Haunted Waters or Urban Legend?

This Yore Town Podcast episode delves into the haunting history of Lake Lanier, exploring its dark past, the tragic events surrounding the creation of the lake, and the eerie tales of ghostly encounters and mysterious disappearances that have occurred over the years. The hosts discuss the impact of the submerged town of Oscarville and the unsettling statistics surrounding drownings in the lake, as well as the legends that have emerged from its depths.

Episode Key Points

Lake Lanier is known for its beauty but has a dark history.

The town of Oscarville was forcibly displaced to create the lake.

Many residents of Oscarville drowned while trying to escape.

The lake is statistically one of the deadliest in the U.S.

Ghostly encounters and strange occurrences are reported by visitors.

The submerged structures in the lake create dangerous conditions.

Some believe the spirits of displaced residents haunt the lake.

Mysterious disappearances have occurred in Lake Lanier.

The lake's creation involved significant loss of life and land.

Lake Lanier's history may contribute to its eerie reputation.

Check out all the podcast on the Beard Laws Studio: https://beardlawsstudio.com

Check out the interactive map at https://yoretown.com

Chapters

00:00 The Haunting of Lake Lanier

03:07 The Dark History of Oscarville

10:05 The Creation of Lake Lanier

12:25 The Dangers Beneath the Surface

16:45 Ghostly Encounters and Disappearances

Yore Town Podcast is a podcast that features your towns dark, wild, unbelievable past that has you thinking no way that really happened here. Matt and Megh dust off the books, hit the streets and an occasional nursing home to unveil Yore Town's past. From small towns to where we live to big cities before they were what they are today. This is Yore Town, Yore Stories

The Katy Hawelka Campus Murder

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This episode of the Your Town Podcast delves into the tragic story of Katie Holka, a 19-year-old student at Clarkson University who was brutally murdered in 1986. The hosts explore the details of her life, the circumstances surrounding her death, and the ongoing fight for justice led by her family and community. The conversation highlights the impact of this crime on the small town of Potsdam, New York, and the relentless efforts to keep her killer behind bars.

Episode Key Points

Katie Holka was a vibrant 19-year-old student with dreams.

Her murder in 1986 shocked the Potsdam community.

Katie's family continues to fight for justice.

The perpetrator, Brian McCarthy, was a known criminal.

McCarthy's lack of remorse raises concerns about parole.

Katie's story is a reminder of the fragility of life.

The community has rallied to keep McCarthy imprisoned.

Katie's mother advocates tirelessly for her daughter's memory.

The podcast emphasizes the importance of safety on college campuses.

This case highlights the ongoing issue of violence against women.

Check out all the podcast on the Beard Laws Studio: https://beardlawsstudio.com

Check out the interactive map at https://yoretown.com

Yore Town Podcast is a podcast that features your towns dark, wild, unbelievable past that has you thinking no way that really happened here. Matt and Megh dust off the books, hit the streets and an occasional nursing home to unveil Yore Town's past. From small towns to where we live to big cities before they were what they are today. This is Yore Town, Yore Stories