Diary Discoveries
52 episodes - English - Latest episode: 26 days ago - ★★★★★ - 11 ratingsIf you were to read an old diary, what could you discover? Secrets? Mystery? Romance? Travel and adventure? Inspiration? Since 1987, Historian Sally Ivey has collected and researched original diaries, journals, and letters from around the world. In this podcast Sally will share unique and captivating stories selected from her extensive collection. Stories forgotten over time but now shared here. Welcome to Diary Discoveries.
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Episodes
#49 The Scottish Mason's Daughter
March 31, 2024 16:00 - 40 minutes - 28 MBIn 1903, Mary Louise Edgar traveled from her home in Wisconsin to visit Scotland. She wrote very detailed and descriptive entries in over 200 pages of her diary. In this episode we share some of Sally's research methods to take you through the process of discovery for this diary given to her while in Oregon. The diary was written by an unknown author (no name in the diary), and has a tragic connection to a young man who went on to become one of America's most well known architects. Bagpipe...
#48 Castle Thunder Prison Survivor- A Civil War Story
March 05, 2024 17:00 - 1 hour - 45.9 MBUnion soldier Gillis J. McBane is captured and taken prisoner during the brutally fought battle at Stones River in Tennessee. We will take you to the battlefield and follow his ordeal as he is moved to the notorious Castle Thunder confederate prison in Richmond, Virginia. Forced marches, sleepless nights, starvation, rail car trips in livestock cars, cold weather with little clothing, and all of which occurs before reaching the hell hole of Castle Thunder. Gillis maintained a diary and wr...
#47 "We Write To Be Known."
January 28, 2024 02:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBIn this episode we present some of our listeners and their responses to our invitation to share how and why they journal. We learned some fascinating things and were sincerely moved by what these individuals shared with us. Artworks and music, conversations with God, giving women who had no voice a place in history, connections to and honoring those who lived before us, and sharing stories of resiliance to offer hope to others; you will hear it in this episode. Thank You from the bottom of...
#46 "The Father Of Yule Lighting."
December 22, 2023 00:00 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MBThis is a wonderful Christmas story of a father's love. Go back to 1914 with us to Christmas Eve. A six year old boy is bedridden with illness, so his father, D.D. Sturgeon, a pioneer in the electrical trade, does something never seen before to cheer up his son. Now in modern time, millions of people do what this man did that evening. Christmas music: Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Kenny G; internet archive. Sleigh bells - www.soundeffectsplus.com Please go to: https://diarydi...
#45 "Dear Mom and Dad...Don't Worry About Me."
December 03, 2023 21:00 - 25 minutes - 17.2 MBIn this episode, as a way to remember those who have served our country, we tell a story taken from a letter written by a pilot to his family back home. He had survived a tour of combat in the Pacific and was writing from Texas. Service can take on many different shapes and sacrifices are made by all who serve no matter where they may be serving. Family members also "serve" in a way and sometimes pay a heavy price. We should always remember them. Please go to: https://diarydiscoveries.com t...
#44 Why Am I Writing and Who's Going To Read It?
November 10, 2023 23:00 - 38 minutes - 26.6 MBIn this episode we discuss diary and journal keeping and some common concerns an author may have. We read entries from two diaries; the first, from 1937, written by a woman losing her vision, and the second; by a very homesick college girl, where both women expressed their thoughts on what they had written and who may read it. Sally has read entries like these hundreds of times as diary keepers wrestle with these issues. We also read a letter sent by one of our listeners where she describe...
#43 "In The Deep Waters Of Afflictions"
October 13, 2023 01:00 - 41 minutes - 28.3 MBA letter from 1848 describing a heartbreaking tragedy, presented Sally with questions she just had to get answers to. The deaths of three children in a week's time, even then, would indeed be "deep waters of affliction." Who were the three children and what was the relationship between them and the letter's author? Who was "Jane"? Sally found some missing pieces of the puzzle on a website called "Spared and Shared", a site created by William Griffing (Griff). In this episode we discuss the l...
#42 Gouge Eye, A Knife Fight, Rodeo And The Best Summer Ever!
August 17, 2023 20:00 - 1 hour - 41.6 MBIn 1953, a fifteen year old boy wrote of his great outdoor summer adventure that took place in the West and it has to be one of the best summers a kid could ever have! Mt Rushmore, Cheyenne Frontier Days, the Vagabond Ranch, girls, whitewater rafting down the "River of No Return", fishing, flying, and eating the best food around the campfire. What a fantastic experience! And oh yes, he did all of this and had a knife fight in a corn field just to start things off. Music: Internet Archives. ...
#41 Pursuit Of The Simple Life
July 07, 2023 23:00 - 49 minutes - 34.2 MBMilford W. Howard, an attorney by trade and former United States Congressman, wrote a very interesting feature article for The Birmingham News in 1929. And yes, the article is the one we mentioned in the last episode about our favorite "beehive like structure" dwelling man--Henry Stuart. Milford sought Henry out to get his thoughts regarding the simple life and wrote an amazing article, including poems, personal letters, and of course his own commentary about the man Henry and the idea of t...
#40 Completing A Circle In Fairhope, Alabama.
June 24, 2023 23:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MBThis episode is additional to our episodes #8 and #9. Henry Stuart built a circular, beehive like, hut in Fairhope Alabama. We completed a kind of circle by taking his diary first to De Lamar, Idaho (episode 8) where he began writing, and then recently stepping foot into his home in Fairhope with the diary. Henry was a very interesting man who had an impact on many people including author Sonny Brewer who wrote "The Poet Of Tolstoy Park", a novel inspired by Henry and his home. We met up w...
#39 "I Don't Want Them To Be Forgotten." - Marvin Barrash, author of U.S.S. Cyclops.
May 15, 2023 23:00 - 39 minutes - 27.2 MBBonus Audio - Our interview with author Marvin Barrash who has spent over Thirteen years researching the disappearance of the Naval Collier Ship Cyclops. He has written three books regarding the Cyclops and is probably the world's foremost expert of this ship's history. His work has helped many families of the lost men gain some closure and understanding. If you haven't heard our episode #37 U.S.S. Cyclops, Bermuda Triangle, and A Gold Star Mother's Diary, you may want to try that first. ...
#38 Ten Year Old Civil War Soldier
April 13, 2023 23:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MBDavid Wood was a successful pioneer freight hauler who was instrumental in the development of Western Colorado. Prior to that, when he was ten years old, he enlisted in the Union Army to fight alongside his father, Colonel Samuel Wood. In this episode we tell part of his life story and share some of his Civil War adventures! Please go to: https://diarydiscoveries.com to see episode photos and read our blog. Thank You.
#37 U.S.S. Cyclops, Bermuda Triangle, and A Gold Star Mother's Diary
March 12, 2023 21:00 - 1 hour - 45.2 MBIn 1918 the U.S.S. Cyclops and 309 men vanished without a trace at sea in the area known as the Bermuda Triangle. Sally's Great Great Uncle was aboard that ship. Her G.G. Grandmother kept a diary when, 13 years later, she was on a Gold Star pilgrimage with other mothers and wives who had lost sons or husbands in the war. This is the diary that ignited Sally's passion for reading and collecting diaries. Her passion now includes sharing these stories with you on the podcast. In this episode yo...
#36 Diary Sampler- Six Short Stories From Six Diaries
February 05, 2023 00:00 - 44 minutes - 30.6 MBIn this episode, you will attend the theatre with Mrs. Bram Stoker of Dracula fame, visit the Bridge of No Return in Korea, hear about a suspect in the Jack The Ripper case, and then tour the underground sewers of Paris. You will also hear about the tragic circus fire in 1944 that killed 170 people, and to finish it off, we will tell you about a diary that contained some coded entries which we were able to decipher and brought to our attention the popularity of roller skating in the 1880's. ...
#35 Gunfights, Murder, Bank Robbery, and Frontier Justice.
December 28, 2022 01:00 - 1 hour - 44.2 MBThe 1891-92 Diary of former sheriff, Frederick D. Schnebly, led us to discover a couple of significant stories we share in this episode--the murder of an innocent newly wed couple and an armed bank robbery in a coal town. You will also hear of "seduction trials", a vigilante mob, a jail break, and regular towns people armed and ready to administer "frontier justice". All of this took place in the Wild West of Washington State-- not usually the first place a person thinks of in this regard. ...
#34 Chim Chiminey Chim Chim Cher Who??
October 23, 2022 23:00 - 34 minutes - 24 MBA 1923 Scrapbook diary led to a mysterious connection between the diarist and the author of Mary Poppins--Pamela L Travers. In this episode, we talk about the woman who wrote the diary and to whom P.L. Travers dedicated a book. Also a very insightful, and interesting entry regarding their first use of a radio in their home, is discussed. Throw in a little time travel with a spoonful of sugar and you have this episode. Music: Wagner: Lohengrin: Prelude To Act lll --Nikolai Sokolof: Interne...
#33 WW2 Sailor- Eyewitness To Catastrophe Part Two
September 18, 2022 17:00 - 31 minutes - 22 MBMort Jenkins ended his "running log" with an amazing first hand account of the USS Mount Hood exploding in Seeadler Harbor. In this episode, you will hear what Mort wrote after witnessing this "horrible beauty" of an explosion. He wrote so descriptively and honestly about what he saw and how he felt about it--truly wonderful writing and very real. Thank you to our good friend Keith Adams for his narration of Mort's entries! The following music was used for this media project: Music: For O...
#32 WW 2 Sailor- Eyewitness To Catastrophe Part One
September 09, 2022 22:00 - 39 minutes - 26.8 MBOn November 10th, 1944 Mort Jenkins was hard at work on a boat in Seeadler Harbor when a disaster occurred. His eyewitness report of the event is recorded in his diary. In this episode, we are in the "calm before the storm" as Mort writes about sailing from Norfolk Virginia, through the Panama Canal, with stops in San Diego and Hawaii, before arriving at Papua New Guinea. His entries are descriptive and often humorous. He lets us in on life aboard the ship, the pursuit of entertainment on...
#31 Rocky Mountain Legacy Revisited
August 02, 2022 01:00 - 38 minutes - 26.2 MBWe first told the story of Hazel Ramsey Koenig in #6- Rocky Mountain Legacy. In this episode we talk about actually setting foot in the Colorado home Hazel lived in when she wrote the diary. We revisit her story with additional insight acquired from our wonderful visit there. Jess and Lance from Colorado State U's Mountain Campus generously gave us a tour of the historical site now part of the Mountain Campus. Stay to the end to hear about a man named Charlie Jones who we met in Salida, Col...
#30 Murder and The "Crazy Book".
June 17, 2022 21:00 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MBBeautifully written entries in this 1884 Diary led to the story of a cold blooded murder in a home invasion type robbery. Our author writes of the case with his mind resolved, yet his heart in anguish over the killing. The depravity of the bloody work hit close to home as he and the killer share the same last name. Please go to: https://diarydiscoveries.com to see episode photos and read our blog. Thank You.
#29 Thoughts and Theories - Violet's Diary Discussion
May 08, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 42 MBSpoiler Alert: This episode wraps up the Violet and Vic series. We discuss our thoughts regarding Violet's 1934 diary. Who was Violet? Why was it written? When could it have been written? Finally, Sally reveals her theory of who may have written the diary--a story in itself and one you do not want to miss. Please go to: https://diarydiscoveries.com to see episode photos and read our blog. Thank You.
#28 Violet and Vic - December
April 30, 2022 19:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MBViolet's 1934 diary concludes with her December entries. She reflects back on the months she experienced with Vic and looks forward as well. A vacation trip, a budding romance...the diary ends with new possibilities. If only there was a sequel! Please go to: https://diarydiscoveries.com to see episode photos and read our blog. Thank You.
#27 Violet and Vic - November
April 24, 2022 00:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MBViolet settles in to a less stressful routine. The money she has hidden, opens up some new thoughts and possibilities and speaking of something new, Violet may have a new love interest! Content Warning: For younger listeners--A few entries in this month's episode are sexual in nature but are not explicit. Please go to: https://diarydiscoveries.com to see episode photos and read our blog. Thank You.
#26 Violet and Vic - October
April 16, 2022 19:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MBThis episode starts out with a bang--thirty of them to be precise! Violet is told more disturbing news and finds herself feeling very mixed emotions! Please go to: https://diarydiscoveries.com to see episode photos and read our blog. Thank You.
#25 Violet and Vic - September
April 08, 2022 18:00 - 22 minutes - 15.8 MBIn this episode, Violet attempts to put her life in order after deciding to talk to the police. Guns and Cops and second thoughts, all the while Vic is staying away. Where is he and will he make contact with Violet? Please go to: https://diarydiscoveries.com to see episode photos and read our blog. Thank You.
#24 Violet and Vic - August
April 01, 2022 01:00 - 27 minutes - 18.9 MBThe last member of our cast of characters enters the story in this episode. Violet reacts to some disturbing news by taking action and altering the course of her life once again! Please go to: https://diarydiscoveries.com to see episode photos and read our blog. Thank You.
#23 Violet and Vic - July
March 24, 2022 01:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MBIn this episode Violet, Vic, and her friends celebrate the 4th of July but the fireworks don't end that night. Someone again is watching the house. Vic leaves for Chicago and while he is gone Violet feels more at ease-- until a stranger knocks on the door. Author and Historian Elliott J. Gorn joins us with some inciteful comments we hope you will enjoy. Please go to: https://diarydiscoveries.com to see episode photos and read our blog. Thank You.
#22 Violet and Vic - June
March 16, 2022 19:00 - 22 minutes - 15.8 MBViolet's life changes dramatically the first ten days of June! Excitement is followed by worry she is a "kept" woman. Her worry and concerns only increase when Vic gets a mysterious phone call. Thank you to Soundeffectsplus.com for the Doggy sounds. Please go to: https://diarydiscoveries.com to see episode photos and read our blog. Thank You.
#21 Violet and Vic - May
March 10, 2022 02:00 - 24 minutes - 16.9 MBViolet writes of four deaths in May including one member of our cast of characters! Vic moves ahead with a plan that has Violet excited with possibilities but also causes her some worry. Vic also reacts angrily to some news which surprises Violet. Please go to: https://diarydiscoveries.com to see episode photos and read our blog. Thank You.
#20 Violet and Vic - April
February 28, 2022 19:00 - 22 minutes - 15.8 MBViolet erased an entry about the Lindbergh Baby kidnapping case which brought up some questions. In this episode we discuss that case and of course read Violet's April entries. A stranger shows up at her apartment. Who is he and what does he want with Vic? Could this be a sign of a storm brewing? Please go to: https://diarydiscoveries.com to see episode photos and read our blog. Thank You.
#19 Violet and Vic - March
February 22, 2022 22:00 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MBViolet has been receiving expensive gifts from Vic and he even paid some of her bills. She is enjoying him and the attention but is asking herself some questions... This episode contains an entry that sheds some light on Vic's mysterious life and occupation. Please go to: https://diarydiscoveries.com to see episode photos and read our blog. Thank You.
#18 Violet and Vic- February
February 13, 2022 02:00 - 20 minutes - 14 MBThis episode is the second of twelve and covers Violet's entries for the month of February 1934. She has written about her intriguing friends, her work and some of the patients she has taken care of, Sherman the pesky dog who belongs to her land lady, and of course Vic-- the man she met at the New Years Eve party. Romance and love seem to be heading her way! Please go to: https://diarydiscoveries.com to see episode photos and read our blog. Thank You.
#17 Violet and Vic-January
February 10, 2022 02:00 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MBThis is one of Sally's favorite diaries! A young woman begins writing this diary January 1st, 1934 following a New Years Eve party, where she met a man named Vic. Over the course of a year, Violet's life with Vic is like a rollercoaster ride and something that could be written as a novel or made into a movie! This is the first of twelve episodes--each covering one month of Violet's diary. Some entries may not be suitable for younger listeners. Thank you Stacey Cochrun for being the voice o...
#16 Lost Love Diary--Once and Again
January 16, 2022 20:00 - 22 minutes - 15.2 MBThis experience was a first in 35 years of diary collecting for Sally. In this episode we discuss what happened and talk about the interesting story within this diary. The quote Jeff couldn't remember exactly was by Heraclitus: "No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man". Please go to: https://diarydiscoveries.com to see episode photos and read our blog. Thank You.
#15 A Mother, A Daughter, and Alzheimer's
December 19, 2021 01:00 - 23 minutes - 16.3 MBIn this heartfelt story, a daughter learns her mother's lost 1944 diary had been researched and subsequently sold by Sally. Bridget contacted Sally to ask her help in recovering the diary. She explained her mom was suffering from Alzheimer's disease and perhaps the diary could help with her mother's memory. You will hear how this went-- including Bridget's voice as she recounts the day she placed the diary in her mother's hands 70 years after it was written. Sally has a quote, "There is p...
#14 TEDx Vienna and Vaudeville
November 18, 2021 23:00 - 30 minutes - 21.3 MBSally discusses her trip to Vienna, Austria to speak at the TED talk about diaries and the untold stories within them. We then transition to the early 1900's and Vaudeville, as Sally had an autograph album from 1908 owned by a Vaudeville performer, who asked other artists to sign the pages. Several of the autographs are by famous performers who were celebrities in their time! Enjoy a little trip back into the glory days of Vaudeville. Please go to: https://diarydiscoveries.com to see ep...
#13 Some News and Wellington Train Disaster
October 20, 2021 04:00 - 23 minutes - 16.3 MBIn this episode we give an update on ep. #12, share an exciting announcement, and then give a little background on a ghost town trip we took to the site of the 1910 Wellington Train Disaster--which is the location of the deadliest avalanche in US history.
#13 News and Wellington Train Disaster -Deadliest Avalanche in U.S. History
October 20, 2021 04:00 - 23 minutes - 16.3 MBIn this episode we give an update on ep. #12, share an exciting announcement, and then give a little background on a ghost town trip we took to the site of the 1910 Wellington Train Disaster--which is the location of the deadliest avalanche in US history. Please go to: https://diarydiscoveries.com to see episode photos and read our blog. Thank You.
#12 Hawaii, Hollywood, and a Horse.
September 18, 2021 23:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MBA 1950 travel diary takes us on a journey by train, plane, automobile, and ship. Our author writes terrific entries describing the journey, the parties, the food and drink, and notes many famous people from Hollywood including her best friend, an Oscar nominated actress. An interesting connection to a famous and beloved race horse was discovered from this diary as well! Please go to: https://diarydiscoveries.com to see episode photos and read our blog. Thank You.
#11 Meet The Mizners!
August 17, 2021 15:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MBA photo album from 1898 was the starting point for Sally to discover the amazing stories of a pioneer family who were instrumental in settling areas near San Francisco--The Mizners. In this episode you will hear about the seven Mizner children, some of the exploits of two who became quite famous, and the interesting story of the middle kid Henry-- the main subject of the photo album. He wasn't as well known as his younger brothers but his work impacted many people in a positive way and attr...
#11 Henry Mizner and True Love
August 17, 2021 15:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MBA photo album from 1898 was the starting point for Sally to discover the amazing stories of a pioneer family who were instrumental in settling areas near San Francisco--The Mizners. In this episode you will hear about the seven Mizner children, some of the exploits of two who became quite famous, and the interesting story of the middle kid Henry-- the main subject of the photo album. He wasn't as well known as his younger brothers but his work impacted many people in a positive way and attr...
#10 The TB Blues- Sanitorium, Texas
July 21, 2021 20:00 - 25 minutes - 17.9 MBA young woman named Georgia wrote about her stay in a Tuberculosis Sanitarium in 1927. In this episode we discuss her story, give you some TB facts, recite a poem found tucked into the diary we believe written by our author, and discuss the impressive facility built specifically for TB patients. Music in this episode: Porch Blues by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/4232-porch-blues License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-licens Please go to: https://diarydiscoveries.com to s...
#9 Henry Stuart Part 2- The Old Weaver Of Tolstoy Park
July 01, 2021 01:00 - 54 minutes - 37.8 MBFrom Idaho to Fairhope Alabama, Henry's life changes as he settles in to live on the Ten acres of land he would call "Tolstoy Park". In this episode we tell you more about Henry, the home he built by himself, and discuss the impact he made on others. You will hear Author Sonny Brewer who wrote a novel inspired by Henry and his unusual home. Henry lived simply and in accordance with his beliefs. He was sometimes referred to as the "Hermit of Montrose" but he had many visitors who made their ...
#8 Henry Stuart Part 1- Idaho Ghost Town
June 20, 2021 17:00 - 37 minutes - 25.9 MBOur discoveries from the 1911 journal of Henry Stuart took us to DeLamar Idaho, once a bustling mining town and now an almost entirely non existing ghost town. His story starts there and then takes us to Alabama where Henry built an unusual beehive shaped hut, was known as "The Hermit of Montrose", and the barefooted old man. He made an impression on many people including well known public figures. Part 1 begins with our road trip to find DeLamar, Idaho where Henry's journal was taken back...
#7 Hotel Detective
May 29, 2021 00:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MBSally occasionally collects handwritten items that are not diaries and this episode is about a collection of Gibson Hotel Detective Call Slips from 1933. We had a little fun with these and hope you find these stories light and fun like we did. Please go to: https://diarydiscoveries.com to see episode photos and read our blog. Thank You.
#6 Rocky Mountain Legacy
May 08, 2021 00:00 - 32 minutes - 22.3 MBImagine living at 9000 feet in the Rocky Mountains. The challenges, the weather, struggling to make a living-- a very difficult life but one our diary's author would never have traded away. The story in this episode is about a family that pioneered an area called Pingree Park in Colorado. We also share the unique experience we had during our time researching this diary and the special discovery Sally found. Please go to: https://diarydiscoveries.com to see episode photos and read our blog. ...
#5 Crocodile Man - A Diary Discovery Short
May 01, 2021 19:00 - 11 minutes - 7.97 MBOften in Sally's researching a diary, it takes her down rabbit holes of interest. She never knows what she will discover! The story we tell here is a bizarre murder case that happened in Africa in the early 1960's. Please go to: https://diarydiscoveries.com to see episode photos and read our blog. Thank You.
#4 Shipwreck and the Legendary Passenger- Conclusion
April 04, 2021 00:00 - 28 minutes - 19.3 MBSPOILER ALERT: if this is your first Diary Discovery listening experience you may want to go to episode #1 before listening to this one. Our Legendary Passenger's name is revealed in this episode. Thanks to all who played along. You will see why we called him "Legendary" as you learn about this man's life. It had been written this man never kept a diary. He kept at least one! Please go to: https://diarydiscoveries.com to see episode photos and read our blog. Thank You.
# 3 Shipwreck and the Legendary Passenger - Part Three
March 28, 2021 20:00 - 25 minutes - 17.4 MBIn this episode, our passenger reaches his intended destination. In his diary he writes of his activities as he awaits the arrival of some special guests. Their arrival begins a series of adventures that include fierce thunderstorms, travels by train, horse, and foot, and even an account of people being struck by lightning! The diary concludes with his final entry, and leaves us with some questions. Stay with us for the upcoming Part Four where you will discover who he is and learn about hi...
# 2 Shipwreck and the Legendary Passenger- Part Two
March 21, 2021 21:00 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MBThis episode begins with our author preparing for a peaceful night's sleep in his cabin aboard the SS Orotava. Suddenly everything changes as the ship is wrecked! We read his first hand account of this calamity and bring listeners along using his own words. Please go to: https://diarydiscoveries.com to see episode photos and read our blog. Thank You.