Tag: history
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ICE COLD IN THE SUNSHINE STATE: THE CASE OF TAMMY LYNN LEPPERT
One of my all time favorite films Scarface was released on this day back in 1983. But did you know there’s a missing persons case connected to the film that’s still unsolved? 18-year-old Tammy Lynn Leppert seemed destined for stardom; a model since childhood, the aspiring actress and uncredited extra in movies like Spring Break,…
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“OH MURDER, I AM SHOT!”: THE TRAGIC DEATH OF CLEMENT VALLANDIGHAM
Sometimes when you frequent an establishment you can take its historical significance for granted. It is especially easy to do in a picturesque, small town with great architecture and an idyllic main street to enjoy. I am reminded of this when visiting The Golden Lamb. While I’ve not been recently, this place has been our…
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THE MAN IN THE CAN
While scrolling through my Facebook feed I saw a meme proclaiming the Pringles potato chip mascot was inspired by none other than the notorious H.H. Holmes. What?? Needless to say that inspired a trip down the rabbit hole and what I found there was a really interesting story about those Pringles cans I’d like to…
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CLYDE BARROW’S CAPTURE MEMORIALIZED IN MIDDLETOWN
Walking into the lobby of the Middletown Police Department one probably wouldn’t think they’d come face to face with one of the most notorious outlaws in American history. But you will – his mugshot anyway. 91 years ago today Clyde Barrow was arrested by Middletown, Ohio police. To honor this moment in local history they…
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DISMEMBERED ARMS AND LEGS, OH MY!
Cincinnati is known for a lot of things but in the late 1880’s it seems beer, caskets and cadavers were top of the list, and I think this tale links them together quite splendidly. Back then, our city’s beer consumption ranked 2 1/2 times the national average. That comes in at about 40 gallons for…
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SAD CLOWN: THE TRAGIC LEGACY OF WEARY WILLY
So did you know December 9th is a day sat aside to celebrate Weary Willie – wait – what? Ok, so if you didn’t know, circus clown ‘Weary Willie’ was created by Emmett Kelly Sr., who was born on this day back in 1898. While I’m happy to celebrate the art of clowning and it’s…
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JAKE LEG BLUES: THE RISE AND FALL OF ADULTERATED GINGER
Back in 1930, at the height of Prohibition, Cincinnati was ground zero for the Jamaican ginger epidemic. Jamaican ginger elixir also known as ‘Jake’ was a commonly used tincture available in pharmacies across the United States. It contained potent amounts of alcohol and when used in small doses, was a safe pain reliever. However with…