Folklore and Facts: Grandmas Getting to the Bottom of It
History isn’t just in textbooks—it’s in the streets we walk, the buildings we pass, and the stories we’ve nearly forgotten. Welcome to our show where we bring our local history to life, one fascinating tale at a time. We're Jen and AJ, and we’ve always been fascinated by the hidden stories woven into Curwensville's past. From long-lost landmarks to larger-than-life characters, we’re digging into the legends, the mysteries, and the moments that shaped our community. So, whether you’re a history buff, a curious local, or just love a good story, join us as we find the facts in the folklore.
Episodes
In this week’s episode of Folklore & Facts: Grandmas Getting to the Bottom of It, we shine a light on Curwensville's Jane Patton Irvin. Wife of William Irvin Jr. and mother to fifteen—including E.A. Irvin, captain of the famed Bucktail Regiment Company K—Jane didn't sit around worrying when her sons went off to war, she took action.
When E.A. and fellow soldiers were taken prisoner, she traveled all the way to Washingt...
What happens when the government decides your home is in the way of progress? In this episode, we talk with Glenna Bloom, whose grandparents' farm now sits beneath the waters of Curwensville Lake. Their story is one of forced change, resilience, and remembering what was lost when Lumber City and surrounding communities were displaced in the name of flood control. From burned barns to courtroom battles over mineral rights, Glenn...
We always kind of thought Alexander Hamilton Irvin didn't exactly find a way to follow in his big brothers' (E.A. and John Irvin's) footsteps. Boy oh boy, were we wrong! Listen as we discuss his international business deals and more. He was definitely not hiding in anyone's shadow!
In this episode, the Grandmas dig into the history of how our community has always chipped in to build and maintain Irvin Park and it's swimming hole, Pee Wee's Nest. Since 1922, we've been gathering for fun and frivolity there... and with some plans for revitalization in the near future, we know future generations will carry on its rich, nostalgic traditions.
Curwensville, West Branch of the Susquehanna
Guest Kyle Bloom sets the scene and walks the Grandmas through the timeline of the first murder of a white man in Clearfield County. With a drunken assailant who struck out in a big hunt and at the poker table, a bear story, and questions about a "stag dance," this episode is definitely one you'll remember! Join us as we tell about "A Murder Most Foul."
Anderson Creek, Curwensville, James Monks, Reuben Giles, Wrigley Tavern, Susqueh...
Talk about high stakes poker! In this episode, the Grandmas tell about the legend of how Curwensville might have been lost in a poker game. There were a few times that the land warrant changed hands before most of the lots were sold to new settlers... which time was that the result of a loss at the poker table?
We chat about John Buchanan, John Curwen and his sons, and the the John Irvin family - all early landowners. One of them ne...
In this episode, the Grandmas chat with Cynthia who has an old connection as well as a new one to the sandstone quarries around Curwensville. We learn about some of the really cool projects that were built with Curwensville stone and some history of the quarries, including the small villages that once provided support services as well homes for the many, many tough and talented craftsmen who cut stone from those quarries in days go...
The Grandmas share a little bit about why creating this podcast is a project that's close to our hearts. We hope this resonates with some of our listeners and that we might inspire you to take time to do something just for yourself.
Get to know us, Jennifer and AJ, and why we've created this podcast.
history, local history, Curwensville, folklore, legends, stories, grandmas,
Popular Podcasts
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Join me on this podcast as I navigate the murky waters of human behavior, current events, and personal anecdotes through in-depth interviews with incredible people—all served with a generous helping of sarcasm and satire. After years as a forensic and clinical psychologist, I offer a unique interview style and a low tolerance for bullshit, quickly steering conversations toward depth and darkness. I honor the seriousness while also appreciating wit. I’m your guide through the twisted labyrinth of the human psyche, armed with dark humor and biting wit.
Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.