Stuff You Missed in History Class

Listeners are taken on a journey exploring the fascinating relationship between footwear and culture. The hosts share listener requests while celebrating the impactful legacy of a Black shoe innovator from Lynn, Massachusetts. They dive into the artistry of shoe manufacturing innovation and the personal connections we have with our favorite pairs. With a sprinkle of cocktail-making talk, this episode highlights the joy and creativity tied to both shoes and celebrations, reminding us why these simple objects matter so much.

The shoes you’re wearing today likely were made possible by an invention from the late 19th century. But the inventor of that machine, who had little to no formal education, didn’t really get to enjoy the fruits of his labor. Research: ·     “29c Jan E. Matzeliger single.” Smithsonian National Postal Museum. https://postalmuseum.si.edu/object/npm_1993.2015.160 ·     Biography.com Editors. “Jan Matzeliger Biography.” Biography.com. June 24, 2020. https://www.biography.com/inventors/jan-matzeliger ·     Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Jan Ernst Matzeliger". Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Sep. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jan-Ernst-Matzeliger. ·     “Brockton lasters Strike.” The Daily Item. August 8, 1887. https://www.newspapers.com/image/945617821/?match=1&terms=lasters%20strike ·     Curry, Sheree R. “Jan Ernst Matzeliger Made Modern Footwear Accessible.” USA Today. Feb. 17, 2023. https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2023/02/17/jan-ernst-matzeliger-black-shoe-inventor/11154017002/ ·     “Death of Earnest Matzeliger.” The Daily Item. Aug. 26, 1889. https://www.newspapers.com/image/945605665/?match=1&terms=Matzeliger ·     “Jan Ernst Matzeliger.” National Inventors Hall of Fame. https://www.invent.org/inductees/jan-ernst-matzeliger ·     “Jan Matzlieger ‘Lasting Machine.’” Massachusetts Institute of Technology. https://lemelson.mit.edu/resources/jan-matzlieger ·     Kaplan, Sydney. “JAN EARNST MATZELIGER AND THE MAKING OF THE SHOE.” Journal of Negro History. Volume 40, Number 1. January 1955. https://doi.org/10.2307/2715446 ·     Matzeliger, J.E. “Lasting Machine.” U.S. Patent Office. March 20, 1883. https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/0274207 ·     “Matzeliger’s Invention Changed the World.” The Daily Item. Aug. 10, 1999. https://www.newspapers.com/image/948726215/?match=1&terms=Matzeliger ·     Morgan, Stuart. “The birth of the lasting machine.” Satra. https://www.satra.com/bulletin/article.php?id=2501 ·     Smeulders, V.  (2017, May 31). Matzeliger, Jan Ernst. Oxford African American Studies Center. Retrieved 25 Nov. 2024, from https://oxfordaasc.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780195301731.001.0001/acref-9780195301731-e-74508 ·     Thompson, Ross. “The Path to Mechanized Shoe Production in the United States.” University of North Carolina Press. 2001.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Delve into six lesser-known stories requested by listeners, celebrating remarkable figures like Nellie Cashman, a mining pioneer and philanthropist, and Ela of Salisbury, a 13th-century abbess with powerful influence. Learn about Teenie Harris, whose photography captured Black life in Pittsburgh, and Jane Gauguin, an innovator in knitting literature. Discover Edward A. Carter Jr.'s military journey, navigating racial injustice, and gain insights into the strong women who shaped their communities against societal norms.

Discover the poignant story of the Ko'olau Rebellion, sparked by the enforced quarantine of those with Hansen's disease in Hawaii. Explore the societal impacts of leprosy, the fierce resistance led by a local community, and the emotional struggles faced by families against government orders. Learn about Father Damien's compassionate legacy and the cultural memory surrounding these events as they shaped Hawaiian identity. Uncover the traumatic history of isolation and the ongoing quest for understanding and healing.

Explore the controversial life of Sarah Winnemucca and the complexity of her autobiography. Delve into the struggles of indigenous assimilation, highlighting her legacy in cultural survival. Reflect on the challenges of education amidst colonization and the moral dilemmas faced. Uncover personal narratives from the Mexican-American War, focusing on the significance of language. The discussion also embraces holiday traditions, celebrating the joy and bonding these moments create.

Dive into the remarkable life of Sarah Winnemucca, a resilient Paiute advocate fighting for Native American rights. Discover her struggles aiding the Northern Paiutes amidst government conflicts and financial hurdles. Witness her bravery during the Bannock War as she battles to rescue her family. Explore the painful realities of forced relocation and her enduring advocacy efforts, including her collaboration with her sisters and her legacy of raising awareness for her community's plight.

Dive into the life of Sarah Winnemucca, a Northern Paiute activist whose journey from translator to advocate showcases her resilience. Discover her early experiences amid European colonization, the challenges faced by her community, and her efforts to protect Native American rights. Explore the misconceptions of leadership among the Paiute nation and the complexities of her identity as an indigenous woman. This rich narrative highlights personal tragedies, systemic struggles, and Sarah’s enduring impact on her people's fight for representation.

Explore the Treaty of Waitangi, a pivotal agreement between the British and the Maori that shaped New Zealand’s destiny. Discover the intriguing differences in its English and Māori texts, which led to confusion and conflict. Learn about the historic declaration that acknowledged Maori nationhood and the critical role of women in its signing. The podcast delves into the complex legacy of the treaty, its ongoing significance in contemporary Maori advocacy, and the vital discussions around sovereignty and land rights that continue to this day.

The podcast dives into the troubling biography of Charles Brown, highlighting its racist undertones. It critically examines how comedy has evolved, often crossing the line into offensiveness. Thanksgiving traditions are scrutinized, revealing inaccuracies around its history and the impact of corporate practices. The discussion also touches on unique celebrations like Franksgiving, blending historical connections with contemporary holiday spirit. Listeners gain insight into the intertwining of education, politics, and culture during this festive season.

Explore the fascinating history of Thanksgiving and the controversy sparked by FDR's 1939 decision to change the holiday's date during the Great Depression. Delve into George Washington's original Thanksgiving proclamations and the evolution of this beloved American tradition. The podcast juxtaposes traditional Thanksgiving with the lesser-known Franksgiving, highlighting their cultural significance and the complexities that arise from differing observance dates. Listeners also share their personal holiday memories, enriching the narrative.