Can You Dig it

In this episode of the Can You Dig It podcast, Dan Fuller and Joe Shields discuss the Cascade Mausoleum at Bellefontaine Cemetery with architect Tom Wall. Wall shares his journey, inspired by his father, Mitchell Wall, and the family business. The mausoleum, designed with a forced perspective and solar alignment, features a 30,000-pound granite slab cut at a precise angle to illuminate a cross on a specific day. The design incorpor...

Dan and Joe discuss the legacy of Jerry Garrett, a dedicated volunteer and historian at Bellefontaine Cemetery. Jerry's passion for Lewis and Clark led him to travel across the U.S. and develop a deep knowledge of their expedition. He was known for his engaging storytelling, wit, and dedication, often giving commemorative nickels to tour attendees. Jerry also played a significant role in the creation of the Lewis and Clark statue o...

In this episode, the boys, along with guest Christopher Allen Gordon, delve into the complexities of the American Civil War, focusing on St. Louis and Bellefontaine Cemetery. They discuss notable figures like Sterling Price, who presided over a convention that decided against secession, and Francis Brunell, the first Medal of Honor recipient. They also explore the Sultana disaster, the worst maritime disaster in U.S. history, and t...

In the first episode of season three of the "Can You Dig It" podcast, Dan Fuller and Joe Shields, along with guest Christopher Gordon, delve into the complex history of St. Louis during the American Civil War. They discuss the German immigrants' fervent desire for freedom and their role in saving the St. Louis Arsenal from Confederate forces. The conversation highlights the Dred Scott case, which overturned the Missouri Compromise ...

Can You Dig It - Season 2 EP 008 - John Hughes - Hughes Funeral Alternatives

Dan Fuller and Joe Shields discuss the history and innovations of Hughes Funeral Alternatives LLC with owner John Hughes. Hughes' company, established in 2017, offers alkaline hydrolysis, a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cremation, with a 18-times lower carbon footprint and 90% less energy usage. The process, which takes 8-10 hour...

In the "Can You Dig It" podcast episode, hosts Joe and Dan discuss the historical significance of St. Louis lawyers and court cases. They highlight the impact of the Virginia Minor case in 1874, which, though unsuccessful, paved the way for the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote. They also mention Hamilton Rowan Gamble's dissenting vote in the Dred Scott case, which influenced the 13th and 14th Amendments. Additionally...

This episode explores the century-long fight for women's suffrage in St. Louis, highlighting the pivotal legal challenges of Virginia Minor and the tactical brilliance of Edna Gellhorn’s "Golden Lane" protest.

The discussion emphasizes how local organizations and grassroots activism evolved from post-Civil War aid societies into a powerful, non-violent political movement.

Recorded at 4 Hands Brewing, the conversation honors the...

Episode Summary: The Social Evil of St. Louis in the 1870s

Episode 4 of the "Can You Dig It" podcast, hosted by Dan Fuller and Joe Shields (Director of Development for Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum), delves into the often-overlooked history of prostitution in St. Louis during the 1870s. The episode features special guest Christopher Gordon, Director at the Missouri Historical Society, who provides expert context and resource...

Join hosts Dan Fuller and Joe Shields as they welcome Christopher Gordon, board member at Bellefontaine Cemetery and the Missouri Historical Society's Library Research Center. Unearth the story of Joseph McCullough, the influential first White House correspondent whose unmarked grave was recently discovered. Plus, get a unique glimpse into the 1904 World's Fair through the eyes of Adele Quinette Phelps' detailed and captivating dia...

Think grand architecture is just pretty? Think again. Episode 10 of "Can You Dig It?" throws you into the echoing halls of St. Louis Union Station, a living monument to America's westward dream. This wasn't just a depot; it was the gateway to the West. Imagine pioneers, prospectors, and immigrants pouring through its arches, their hopes and futures tied to the rails stretching westward. We'll unearth the personal stories and monume...

Tired of dusty history lessons? Craving adventure that shaped a nation? Then episode 9 of "Can You Dig It?" isn't just a listen, it's your uncharted territory waiting to be explored. We're not just reciting dates about Lewis & Clark; we're trekking alongside them through breathtaking landscapes, facing down the unknown, and uncovering the raw human drama behind this pivotal American journey. Discover the real story beyond the t...

For St. Louisans (and those who appreciate its history):

• Uncover a Cornerstone of Your City's Identity: The Wainwright Building isn't just a pretty facade; it's a symbol of St. Louis's ambition and its pivotal role in architectural innovation during a transformative era. This episode will illuminate the why behind its significance, giving you a deeper connection to a landmark you might see every day.
• Learn How St. Louis Fostered ...

Alright, history buffs and architecture aficionados, get ready to dive deep! Welcome to "Can You Dig It," the podcast where we unearth the fascinating stories buried beneath the bricks and mortar of our world.

This week, we're embarking on a two-part journey into the heart of St. Louis, a city that served as a crucible for architectural innovation in the late 19th century. We're setting our sights on two titans: the ambitious busine...

From humble beginnings, Eads rose to become one of the most celebrated engineers of his time. He built ironclad warships for the Union during the Civil War, saving the Mississippi River for the North. But his ambitions didn't stop there. He conquered the treacherous currents of the Mississippi with his revolutionary bridge in St. Louis, a marvel of engineering that still stands today. And if that wasn't enough, he tackled the daunt...

Ever heard of a man who moved mountains... or, more accurately,rivers? A man who wrestled with the mighty Mississippi, tamed its currents, and literally changed the course of American commerce? We're talking about a self-taught genius, a visionary who defied convention and laughed in the face of impossibility. His name was James Buchanan Eads, and he was a force of nature.

Subscribe to "Can You Dig It?" wherever you get your podcast...

Dare to delve into the shadowed history of Bellefontaine? On this episode, James Faupel, Director of Horticulture and the Arboretum, unveils the secrets hidden within the three hundred and fourteen acres of this St. Louis landmark. Join Dan Fuller, the Cemetery Chronicler, and Joe Shields, the Development Exec with a peculiar passion for plots, as they unearth the chilling tales and forgotten facts buried beneath the ancient oaks. ...