Ricky's Historical Tidbits Podcast artwork

Ricky's Historical Tidbits Podcast

67 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago -

NorCal History show that does not bog you down with dates and names and focus' on stories. Hosted by Ricky Mortensen

rickymortensen.substack.com

History
Homepage Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

EP 26 - THE BLONDE KING, AN AXE MURDERER AND MOUNTAIN DEW

February 20, 2024 22:24 - 56 minutes - 52.1 MB

In this episode, I will be telling you all about 5 different men, John Sutter, Sam Brannan, Sam Barlow, James Savage, and Doc Maynard. Each of these men made some kind of impact on the western United States. You can listen now but This episode will be premiering in all its glory on YouTube at 7.15pm tonight. on 2/21/24 each of the 5 will be posted as separate videos for you to share. The Blog Versions will be on my website in about a week. This is a public episode. If you would like to...

ep. 25 - Druids, Demons & Teddy Ruxpin

October 31, 2023 08:22 - 37 minutes - 34.9 MB

Listen, Watch or Read. The Choice is yours. Ancient Celtic Druids base their holidays on the wheel of the year. The Celtic year was divided into 2 halves the light and the dark. Within The halves, there would be 4 fire festivals. Samhain was the name of the fire festival that marked the beginning of the dark half of the year. During Samhain, it is said that the world of the gods and goddesses is made visible, and spirits from the otherworld return to earth. To keep these spirits happy the...

ep. 24 How Stockton Got Its Name

September 12, 2023 15:11 - 5 minutes - 6.23 MB

Opportunity is one of the many words that you can use to describe The United States, sure not everyone will succeed and not everyone will get the same opportunities but you get a heck of a lot more than you would in most if not all other countries. This is why so many people immigrated here and still do today. Well, even within this country there were and are places that may give you better odds of success than others. You don't need to stay where you were born and raised or where you arrive...

ep. 23 The Fascinating Life of James Lick - A Self-Made Millionaire Who Revolutionized California!

June 06, 2023 22:51 - 13 minutes - 12.1 MB

An old man is laying in a bed, he's not really all that old in his late seventies. He would like nothing more than to not be stuck in his bed, weak and slowly dying. trapped in his thoughts knowing his time is near and drawing closer every minute. This man is extremely wealthy, has very few real friends, and many posers. His whole life has been that of being the weird outcast. From the beginning until now he has lived his life to prove himself worthy. To silence the naysayers and to gloat ab...

ep. 22 Tidbits Blitz - Hank Monk, George Lathrop and Phillip Armour

May 16, 2023 21:37 - 9 minutes - 11.1 MB

Listen, Watch, or Read. I got you covered. Hey everybody in this episode of Ricky's Historical Tidbits I am going to do something a little different. A Tidbits Blitz, What that is, is a handful of tidbits in one episode. These tidbits are short but worth telling so instead of posting a super short episode for each one I'm going to do a bunch in one episode. Ready? Okay, let's get started. Hank Monk Hank Monk was a famous stagecoach driver in the Placerville area. He arrived in Sacramen...

ep. 21 - The War of the Worlds - Full Broadcast with Brief History Introduction by Ricky Mortensen

March 29, 2023 00:15 - 59 minutes - 40.6 MB

Have you ever heard of the Orson Welles Controversy concerning the War of the Worlds Broadcast he did one day? Well if you haven't or even if you have but haven't heard the full broadcast for yourself, you are in luck. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickymortensen.substack.com

ep. 20 Robert F. Stockton "Fighting Bob"

March 23, 2023 05:26 - 18 minutes - 17 MB

"Regal? Overrated? Captain of men? Friend and benefactor? Bellicose firebrand? Robert Stockton was many things to many people, but in two things he was constant: he was unwavering in his dedication to his state and to his country, and he never failed to strive for glory. Regardless of what history makes of his achievements, and there were inarguably many, and of his mistakes and blunders, which were also numerous, he ought always to be remembered as a man of position and principle, ever read...

ep. 19 Ghirardelli - The Candy Man

March 14, 2023 17:54 - 10 minutes - 9.94 MB

You have likely had one of the Ghirardelli squares before, have you ever wondered about the history not of the company exactly but the man that started it? Well I have and I did the research and MANNNNN did this guy have a tough time in business yet he persevered along with his family.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ricky-mortensen/support This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episode...

ep. 18 The Largest Gold Nugget Ever Found in CA

February 16, 2023 06:46 - 3 minutes - 4.54 MB

I tell you a brief explanation of 4 kinds of gold and then the stories of 3 gold nuggets This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickymortensen.substack.com

ep. 17 The Jenny Lind Steamboat Disaster

February 02, 2023 06:16 - 6 minutes - 7.67 MB

The Jenny Lind Steamboat Disaster claimed 32 lives in the bay area back in 1853. In this episode, I'll tell you all about it.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickymortensen.substack.com

ep. 16 E. Clampus Vitus Exposed

January 24, 2023 10:04 - 14 minutes - 13.6 MB

According to E. Clampus Vitus legend, St. Vitus devoted 37 years of study and unbiblical contemplation to seek out the fundamental truths bound up in the mystic title of the order. He began writing a cabalistic treatise on the subject in 83 volumes. Still, so far as anyone has been able to discover, he got no further than the first 3 words: Credo Quia Absurdum. Which means I believe it because it is absurd. In this episode of Ricky's Historical Tidbits, I will attempt to share with you an ex...

ep. 15 Keep Bigler Blue - The Lake Tahoe Name Controversey

January 17, 2023 10:31 - 15 minutes - 14.5 MB

Many moons ago there was a big lake in the western territory of the United States. Native American tribes called it dá’aw which translates basically to “lake”. Some say there is a 60-foot monster like the loch ness monster that lives in the deep known today as Tahoe Tessie, some say there are hundreds of bodies at the bottom perfectly preserved from the freezing cold deep dark waters and if your fishing line is long enough you might catch an ear or piece of skin. This lake is famous today kn...

ep. 14 Black Bart - The Po8

November 30, 2022 00:25 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MB

In this episode of Ricky's Historical Tidbits, I share with you the story of my favorite criminal, Charley Boles also known as Black Bart. He robbed 28 stagecoaches in his bandit career and was eventually caught and sent to San Quentin. I'm really excited about this episode. Books Recommended Black Bart - George Hoeper Black Bart: Search is over - Robert Jernigan Case of Summerfield Museum Address - 30 North Main Street, San Andreas CA Miners on Main This is a public episode. If you w...

ep. 13 Frederick Bee - Mandarin of the Blue Button

November 26, 2022 07:02 - 7 minutes - 8.86 MB

In this episode of Ricky's Historical Tidbits, I share with you the story of a man who made his mark everywhere he went. Whether it was mining for gold, building a telegraph line across the country, constructing railroads, potentially inventing the pony express, and most notably Consul for the Chinese people in the United States. His name? Frederick A. Bee. Link to the diary of Albert Bee  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to b...

ep. 12 Lucy Batterman

November 01, 2022 13:48 - 6 minutes - 7.23 MB

In this episode of Ricky's Historical Tidbits, I share with you the story of a lady named Lucy Ann Stoddard Wakefield Batterman, who was known to most for her pies but there’s something else she’s known for. She is part of the Miners on Main series which is a scavenger hunt coming soon to Main Street in Placerville highlighting local people of history that had some kind of impact on the city of Placerville. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers ...

ep 11. Eliza McKinstry

October 25, 2022 23:57 - 2 minutes - 3.18 MB

This short episode of Ricky's Historical Tidbits is about a lady named Eliza Mckinstry. She is part of the Miners on Main series which is a scavenger hunt coming soon to Main Street in Placerville highlighting local people of history that had some kind of impact on the city of Placerville. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickymortensen.substack.com

ep. 10 - George G. Blanchard - Judge of El Dorado County

October 18, 2022 20:50 - 4 minutes - 4.65 MB

In this short episode of Ricky's historical tidbits, I share with you a little bit about a man who will be featured in the city of Placerville's “Miners on Main” scavenger hunt on Main Street. Known to history for a few things but is mostly known as Judge Blanchard. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickymortensen.substack.com

ep. 9 - Dorothea Zeisz - The Pioneer Grandma

October 03, 2022 03:38 - 3 minutes - 3.55 MB

This is a short episode about Dorothea Zeisz, a woman who had 10 kids then her husband left the country for "business" This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickymortensen.substack.com

Dorothea Zeisz - The Pioneer Grandma

October 03, 2022 03:38 - 2 minutes - 2.73 MB

This is a short episode about Dorothea Zeisz, a woman who had 10 kids then her husband left the country for "business"  Dorothea Zeisz is a "miner" featured in the "Miners on Main" Scavenger Hunt coming soon to Placerville. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ricky-mortensen/support

ep. 8 - Sheriff James Hume - The Sherlock Holmes of the Wild West

September 27, 2022 06:36 - 9 minutes - 11.4 MB

“One of the best detectives on the Pacific Coast; prompt, vigilant, and firm; always sober, reticent in his business affairs; knew no fear of danger; confided into the fullest extent of his employers, and generally esteemed by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance.” that is a description of a man known today as the Sherlock Holmes of the wild west that man was James Hume. In this episode of Ricky's HIstorical Tidbits, I will tell you all about him. This is a public episode. If you w...

Sheriff James Hume - The Sherlock Holmes of the Wild West

September 27, 2022 06:36 - 15 minutes - 14 MB

“One of the best detectives on the Pacific Coast; prompt, vigilant, and firm; always sober, reticent in his business affairs; knew no fear of danger; confided into the fullest extent of his employers, and generally esteemed by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance.” that is a description of a man known today as the Sherlock Holmes of the wild west that man was James Hume. In this episode of Ricky's HIstorical Tidbits, I will tell you all about him. Sponsored by The California Tea Ho...

ep. 7 - Wheelbarrow Johnny - The Story of John Studebaker

September 20, 2022 13:57 - 20 minutes - 18.6 MB

You may have heard of Studebakers in terms of cars or old wagons but do you know the full story of the man behind it all, it is quite the story and you will enjoy every second of this episode all about it.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickymortensen.substack.com

Wheelbarrow Johnny - The Story of John Studebaker

September 20, 2022 13:57 - 24 minutes - 22.9 MB

You may have heard of Studebakers in terms of cars or old wagons but do you know the full story of the man behind it all, it is quite the story and you will enjoy every second of this episode all about it.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ricky-mortensen/support

ep. 6 - Robbers Roost - The Gassaway Gang

September 13, 2022 17:14 - 3 minutes - 3.97 MB

Robbers Roost is a place where the notorious Gassaway Gang hung out and robbed an unknown amount of people until they finally got caught and were sent to jail. Though short, this is their story.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickymortensen.substack.com

Robbers Roost - The Gassaway Gang

September 13, 2022 17:14 - 4 minutes - 5.72 MB

Robbers roost is a place where the notorious Gassaway Gang hung out and robbed an unknown amount of people until they finally got caught and were sent to jail. Though short, this is their story.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ricky-mortensen/support

ep. 5 - May Woolsey - The Trunk Under the Stairs.

September 06, 2022 09:26 - 8 minutes - 7.56 MB

It was 1979, a man named Ed Duffy, a carpenter, had bought an old home in Sacramento and was working on fixing it up. under the staircase, he happened upon an old trunk and when he opened it he was astonished at what he found. In this episode I will be sharing with you the story of May Woolsey and the trunk under those stairs. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ricky-mortensen/support

May Woolsey - The Trunk Under the Stairs.

September 06, 2022 09:26 - 9 minutes - 8.98 MB

May Woolsey was a 12 year old girl who died in Sacramento, her life is told through an old trunk found 100 years after her death... link mentioned Tuttle Twins Books www.tuttletwinstidbits.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ricky-mortensen/support

ep. 5 - May Woolsey - The Trunk Under the Stairs.

September 06, 2022 09:26 - 8 minutes - 9.35 MB

It was 1979, a man named Ed Duffy, a carpenter, had bought an old home in Sacramento and was working on fixing it up. under the staircase, he happened upon an old trunk and when he opened it he was astonished at what he found. In this episode I will be sharing with you the story of May Woolsey and the trunk under those stairs. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickymortensen.substack.com

ep. 4 - The Mountain Brewery - A Victim of Prohibition

August 30, 2022 22:00 - 4 minutes - 5.37 MB

The very interesting history and demise of a family-run brewery in Placerville, CA. "The proper beer to drink and the purest and best is the beer from the Giebenhain brewery in Placerville California. Our staff of physicians have found that this beer yields the greatest tonic strength so much desired to assist digestion and that it it keeps down the temperature thus preventing sunstroke, and establishes proper perspiration which promotes mental and physical activity, thus counterbalancing t...

The Mountain Brewery - A Victim of Prohibition

August 30, 2022 22:00 - 12 minutes - 17.3 MB

The very interesting history and demise of a family run brewery in Placerville, CA. "The proper beer to drink and the purest and best is the beer from the Giebenhain brewery in Placerville California. Our staff of physicians have found that this beer yields the greatest tonic strength so much desired to assist digestion and that it it keeps down the temperature thus preventing sunstroke, and establishes proper perspiration which promotes mental and physical activity, thus counterbalancing t...

ep. 3 - Preston Castle - Ancient home to Queen Calafia?

August 23, 2022 20:12 - 7 minutes - 9.14 MB

Preston Castle is 45 minutes East of Sacramento now known for its haunts and for simply being spooky looking In this episode you will learn all you need to know about Preston Castle, the old juvenile detention center meant for reforming and teaching the trades.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickymortensen.substack.com

Preston Castle - Ancient home to Queen Calafia?

August 23, 2022 20:12 - 9 minutes - 13.5 MB

Preston Castle is 45 minutes East of Sacramento now known for its haunts and for simply being spooky looking In this episode you will learn all you need to know about Preston Castle, the old juvenile detention center meant for reforming and teaching the trades.  links mentioned Tuttle Twins Books www.tuttletwinstidbits.com US Legal Wills www.uslegalwills.com/ricky --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ricky-mortensen/support

ep. 2 - Snowshoe Thompson - The Viking Mailman of the Sierra

August 09, 2022 07:28 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MB

Snowshoe Thompson was a mailman who delivered mail on skis from Placerville around South lake Tahoe and up to Carson city and back. His story is one that cannot be ignored, it is simply too fascinating.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickymortensen.substack.com

Snowshoe Thompson - The Viking Mailman of the Sierra

August 09, 2022 07:28 - 26 minutes - 37 MB

Snowshoe Thompson was a mailman who delivered mail on skis from Placerville around South lake Tahoe and up to Carson city and back. His story is one that cannot be ignored, it is simply too fascinating.  links mentioned Tuttle Twins Books www.tuttletwinstidbits.com US Legal Wills www.uslegalwills.com/ricky --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ricky-mortensen/support

William Leidesdorff - The First Millionaire of California before the Gold Rush

August 02, 2022 12:43 - 21 minutes - 29.4 MB

Most people have never heard his name before, most don't know his story. A man who came to America in the 1830s and made his way to becoming the first millionaire of California before the gold rush. Had he not died so young who knows what riches he would have accumulated.  links mentioned  Tuttle Twins Books www.tuttletwinstidbits.com US Legal Wills www.uslegalwills.com/ricky --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ricky-mortensen/support

ep. 1 - William Leidesdorff - The First Millionaire of California before the Gold Rush

August 02, 2022 12:43 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MB

Most people have never heard his name before, most don't know his story. A man who came to America in the 1830s and made his way to becoming the first millionaire of California before the gold rush. Had he not died so young who knows what riches he would have accumulated.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickymortensen.substack.com

Why is Jackson, Mississippi, Mississippi's Capital?

July 18, 2022 10:16 - 5 minutes - 4.66 MB

Mississippi made a new city out of nothing for their capital, no one liked the location but it stuck anyways. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ricky-mortensen/support

Juneteenth History - What is Juneteenth?

July 18, 2022 10:11 - 6 minutes - 5.56 MB

For most people Juneteenth showed up in the last few years out of nowhere, that is because its always been a local holiday in Texas. So here is a brief history of Juneteenth. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ricky-mortensen/support

Why North Dakota Has a Statue of Rollo the Viking

July 18, 2022 10:05 - 7 minutes - 6.5 MB

Norwegian pride, that's Why. Rollo the Viking was banished from Norway way back in the day and when Norway became an independent nation, Norwegians in America had a ten year period of pride for their heritage.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ricky-mortensen/support

America's Pirates: From Plundering For Treasure To Dredging For Oysters

July 18, 2022 09:58 - 6 minutes - 6.03 MB

Captain Kidd, Blackbeard and Oyster dredgers. Oh My! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ricky-mortensen/support

War of 1812 - Perry's Victory of Lake Erie

July 18, 2022 09:50 - 8 minutes - 7.55 MB

It was a really cool battle win for the Americans known as Perry's Victory but I call it The Great Rope a Dope on Lake Erie. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ricky-mortensen/support

How did Native Americans get to America?

July 18, 2022 09:46 - 8 minutes - 8.11 MB

Native Americans have not been in America forever as they claim.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ricky-mortensen/support

A Brief History of Locke, California a rural chinatown

July 18, 2022 09:40 - 6 minutes - 9.46 MB

The story of one of the last rural Chinatowns of California. A town known as Locke. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ricky-mortensen/support

History of Coit Tower

July 18, 2022 09:35 - 5 minutes - 6.94 MB

Have you been to San Francisco? If so you may have seen Coit Tower. This is the History of Mrs. Coit and her Tower.   --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ricky-mortensen/support

The Beheading of Issac Ebbey

July 18, 2022 09:28 - 19 minutes - 18 MB

All was going well for Issac Ebbey and his life, then one day he was attacked at his home and had his head chopped off. This is that story. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ricky-mortensen/support

A Brief History of Ugly Laws to Eugenics to Planned Parenthood

July 18, 2022 09:22 - 7 minutes - 7 MB

In an effort to curb homelessness "Ugly Laws" were put in place that essentially relocated people from the cities to the country, as eugenics swept the world these laws evolved into sterilization or mentally retarded or disabled people. Eugenics is the idea or purifying the human race which was very popular in Nazi Germany. A prominent advocate of eugenics, Margaret Sanger, founded Planned parenthood with huge support from the KKK. Make your own connections. --- This episode is sponsored ...

Why do we say cup of joe for coffee?

July 18, 2022 09:17 - 5 minutes - 4.84 MB

There are many names for coffee. Most make sense but Joe?  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ricky-mortensen/support

The Seminole Wars - A Historical Look

July 18, 2022 09:03 - 6 minutes - 6.22 MB

The Seminole wars are an interesting piece of American History. Part of the reason Florida became part of the United States was the War with the Seminole Tribe. They were fierce fighters and held their ground for a long time. The wars are generally divided into 2 wars and some say 3 but not really. By the 3rd one the vast majority had left Florida. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm...

Tennessee Whiskey "It's gotta be from Tennessee, Jack"

July 18, 2022 08:57 - 3 minutes - 3.54 MB

Bourbon or Tennessee Whiskey? Same thing? This episode is both historical and also you learn some basic alcohol truths.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ricky-mortensen/support

New Hampshire's Tip Top House

July 18, 2022 08:46 - 3 minutes - 2.92 MB

Up on the top of a mountain in New Hampshire is what is called the Tip Top House. It has withstood many natural disasters. To this day you can go check it out.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ricky-mortensen/support

Twitter Mentions

@busy_ricky 5 Episodes