

Amazing Tales About History
Mike Allen
Marilyn Monroe, PT Barnum, American history, and Revolutionary War insights ... Dive deep into the hidden corners of history with mysteries, fascinating inventions, secret military operations, magical islands, ancient trails, forgotten roadways, Native Americans, supernatural activity, UFOs. 20-minute episodes. Memorable stories. Great guests. We present history as it should be – accurate, engaging, and told with a touch of magic. New episodes every Thursday.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 6, 2023 • 26min
What Do We Really Know About UFOs?
It's no longer considered taboo or crazy to speak about UFOs. With government admissions of unidentified crafts in our skies, the topic is out of the closet. Famous UFO sightings occurred in eastern NY / western CT in the 1980s. What do we really know?

Mar 30, 2023 • 18min
Train Travel Fatalities Over 200 Years
Trains have been around for 200 years. They can be enjoyable and show you views available only by rail. On occasion, they can also kill you. Since 1853, there have been 7 crashes in CT that killed a total of 85 people and injured scores more, many quite seriously.

Mar 23, 2023 • 23min
Hungarian Soldiers Spend a Winter in New England
Rochambeau’s French army, which helped America win its revolution, included some soldiers from Hungary. They spoke only German and wore very distinctive, colorful uniforms. But, during their final winter encampment in New England, they pillaged livestock and crops from local farms, leaving mixed reviews.

Mar 15, 2023 • 25min
One of America's Largest Power Plants - Candlewood Lake
This water body is 11 miles long, covers 5,000 acres, and holds 46 billion gallons of water. Yes, Candlewood Lake provides remarkable recreation to the five CT towns on its shores. But, it's really just a gigantic, 100-year-old hydroelectric power plant.

Mar 9, 2023 • 20min
When Cleaning Up U.S. Rivers Became a Priority
In Colonial times, unwanted items were often thrown into rivers, which took them out of sight and mind. Raw sewage would be discharged too. This led to horrible pollution. Rivers even smelled bad. Several pivotal court cases finally turned the tide and led to the Clean Water Act.

Mar 2, 2023 • 21min
100 Years of Radio
Some of radio's biggest stars started in Connecticut, with major advances in both AM and FM occurring over the past 100 years. H.G. Wells' famous “War of the Worlds” broadcast also had a strong impact on the state's population.

Feb 23, 2023 • 20min
Bell Town USA - Where Most Bells are Made
They're on all Good Humor trucks, marked the rounds between Mohammed Ali’s boxing matches, and gave Clarence his wings at the end of It’s a Wonderful Life. Bells made in Bell Town USA also open and close trading on the NY Stock Exchange. Bevin Bells is the last manufacturer remaining.

Feb 16, 2023 • 21min
200 Years of Whaling as an Industry
Whaling was an economic mainstay in New England for 200 years. 2,700 wooden ships were built but only one remains afloat. Voyages lasted years, with 60 whales caught per trip for blubber, oil and bone. Whale oil facilitated the Industrial Age as a machine lubricant.

Feb 9, 2023 • 20min
Cleveland Was Founded by Cleaveland
Cleveland, OH was once the wild west - home to Native Americans and vast farmland. Through British law, CT was granted the so-called Western Reserve. Cleveland was part of it. CT lawyer Moses Cleaveland led the team that founded Cleveland - but they dropped the "a" in his name on final maps.

Feb 2, 2023 • 20min
Piloting America's Oldest Ferry Boat
The Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry dates back to 1655. It’s the longest-running continuous ferry service in the U.S. The ride across the CT River lasts just 4 minutes and covers a quarter mile, but nautically, the ever-changing currents, tides, rain, wind, and fog make the ride quite challenging.