Stephanie Hoover Has That Story
Stephanie Hoover
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Whether it's history, crime or legend, non-fiction author Stephanie Hoover has that story. Join Stephanie for concise, yet intriguing, discussions of cultural history, historical true crime, and folklore. It's "history-tainment" at its finest.
Available episodes
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Sep 29, 2021
The Killing of Fright Night
How the popular vampire franchise Fright Night was killed by one of the most notorious murders in American history.
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Nov 17, 2020
Monte Proser's Copacabana: The Inside Story of New York’s Iconic, Gangster-Run, Star-Studded Nightclub
** Includes an Exclusive Interview with the Legendary Singer Johnny Mathis * *
It was “the” place to see and be seen. But it was too successful for Monte Proser’s own good.
Monte Proser was described as a “little guy who was practically brought up on Broadway.” He instinctively understood that patrons came to a nightclub for the show. And his finest creation was the Copacabana at 10 E. 60th Street in Manhattan.
A-List 1940s celebrities from Susan Hayward, to Bert Lahr, to Betty Grable wanted tables - and didn’t mind paying for them.
The Copa was a goldmine, and gangster Frank Costello took notice. Before he even knew what happened, Monte Proser was a bit player in his own greatest production.
This episode offers a fascinating look at the history of this iconic New York nightclub and includes an exclusive interview with legendary singer Johnny Mathis who performed there in the 1950s.
For more information on this podcast, visit *Stephanie Hoover Has That Story*.
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Nov 10, 2020
Politicians and Psychics: An Unpredictable History
Spiritualism, the belief in the ability to speak with the dead, started as a practical joke in 1848 when two teenage girls in upstate New York realized they could produce seemingly paranormal noises by cracking their toe knuckles, of all things. The Fox sisters delighted in their gullible mother's response, and soon convinced her these "rapping" sounds were actually produced by a murdered vagabond buried on their property. It was, the girls said, his form of communication - conversations that only they had the power to initiate.
Within two decades, the organized Spiritualism movement was a worldwide phenomenon - and it wasn't just exploitable housewives who took the bait. Men and women from all walks of life, levels of education, and strata of society fell under its spell - political leaders among them.
There were, of course, presidents who didn't believe in this supernatural mumbo jumbo. But, to paraphrase the old cliché, psychics aren't known for letting the facts get in the way of a good story.
In this episode I tell you the surprising - sometimes rocky - history of the unpredictable relationships between politicians and psychics.
For more information about Stephanie Hoover Has That Story, or to listen to more episodes, visit *this page*.
And, to read Stephanie's book about Nelson and Jennie Holmes and their fraudulent medium Katie, click *here*.
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Nov 3, 2020
Special Election Day Episode: The Five Worst Predictions... Ever!
It's Election Day in America and the only thing we can be sure of is that a lot of people will have a lot of predictions.
Humans have tried to predict the future since the first caveman wondered if it would rain. But the truth is, no one knows what the future holds. Still, that doesn't stop people from guessing.
Today I'm going to tell you about the five worst prognostications of all time (including the one about women not actually wanting to vote.) I predict that, if nothing else, you'll find them an entertaining reminder that - where human beings are concerned - there's no such thing as a sure bet.
To listen to other episodes of *Stephanie Hoover Has That Story*, visit this page.
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Oct 26, 2020
When A Stranger Calls, Scream - Because It's Halloween: True Events That Inspired Scary Movies
There are two kinds of people in the world: people who cover their face with pillows while they watch scary movies - and those of us who inch closer to the screen the scarier the movie gets.
We've all heard the dime store psychology. Horror movies, claim the professionals, satiate our primitive need for safe thrills. We all KNOW there's no Freddie Krueger... no malevolent clown in the street drains... no evil spirit in your TV about to do a freaky-deaky jerky crawl into your living room.
These frights, as effective as they are, are just products of the imaginations of skilled - if not deliciously morbid - writers' imaginations.
And so, we pop our popcorn and turn off the lights and we laugh at the fools who investigate noises in the basement or attic when it's quite obvious that THAT is EXACTLY where death waits.
We laugh at friends complaining of nightmares, smugly reminding them it's all just Hollywood hooey.
But what if it wasn't…?
What if the horror on the screen is simply a retelling of horrors perpetrated in real life? Worse, what if they could actually happen… again? To… you?
In this final installment of my six-part Halloween celebration, I'll tell you about the REAL events that inspired some of Hollywood's most terrifying feature films. And then we'll see just how brave you really are.
For more information, visit *Stephanie Hoover Has That Story*.
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Oct 19, 2020
Werewolves: The Legends of Lycanthropy
As the old rhyme goes...
Even he who is pure of heart
And says his prayers at night
May become a wolf when the wolfbane blooms
And the moon is full and bright.
We all know the legends - but where did this myth of "man-becomes-wolf" originate? Are these simply exaggerated stories of one of the world's most efficient natural predators? Perhaps the werewolf's carnage is symbolic of the savagery man has inflicted on man over the centuries. Or, could there actually be some underlying truth to the folklore? Stephanie has that story - but she'll leave the conclusions to you.
To share your comments on this episode, send Stephanie a message. Or, join the conversation in one of her new Facebook groups:
• Old Fashioned Crime
• Ghosts, Monsters & Myths
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The following music (or edited pieces thereof) were used in this episode:
White Hats by Wayne Jones (You Tube Creator Studio)
Apocalypse by SYBS (You Tube Creator Studio)
Werewolf image created by Ria Sopala from Pixabay
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Oct 12, 2020
Vampires: The Origin of the Myth
In June 2015, a 21-year-old Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania man was arrested on charges of “bloodletting” and sexual assault. He allegedly not only convinced several underage victims to slice their wrists so he could drink their blood, he also engaged in intimate acts with a minor while they bled on each other from self-inflicted lacerations. It's a shocking case for a Pennsylvania town that's about as inclined to believe in vampires as it is the tooth fairy. But, it's a case that also, remarkably, demonstrates the eternal life of the vampire myth.
In this episode, Stephanie tells the story of the surprising origins of vampiric legends and how they've changed through the centuries.
*** NOTE! The first 41 seconds of this episode may not be suitable for very young listeners. ***
To read Stephanie's feature article, on which this episode is based, visit this page:
https://www.hauntinglypa.com/history-of-vampires.html
For more information on this podcast on Stephanie's books, visit StephanieHoover.com. Or join the conversation in one of her new Facebook groups:
~ Old Fashioned Crime
~ Ghosts, Monsters & Myths
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The following music and sound effects (or edited pieces thereof) were used in this episode:
Churches of Ohrid 2 by cms4f (FreeSound.org)
Hamer.wav by escortmarious (FreeSound.org)
Creeking Door by visualasylum (FreeSound.org)
Horse Whinny Close A by InspectorJ (FreeSound.org)
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Oct 5, 2020
Grave Robbing, Human Dissection and Science: The Surprising History of Body Snatching
Dissection of the human body dates back to the time of the ancient Egyptians. But this form of medical study was not common practice in the U.S. until the 1740s when the University of Pennsylvania taught America's first formal anatomy course. While this ushered in the era of modern medical education, it also created a grim reality: the suddenly expanding need for cadavers outpaced the supply source. How would this rapidly dwindling supply of dead bodies be replenished…?
In this episode, Stephanie discusses the surprising history of body snatching and how modern medicine relied on it.
To read Stephanie's feature article, on which this episode is based, visit this page:
http://www.cloudedinmystery.com/history-of-body-snatching.html
For more information on this podcast on Stephanie's books, visit StephanieHoover.com. Or join the conversation in one of her new Facebook groups:
~ Old Fashioned Crime
~ Ghosts, Monsters & Myths
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The following music (or edited pieces thereof) were used in this episode:
Waltz to Death (YouTube Creator Library)
Doll Dancing (YouTube Creator Library)
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Sep 28, 2020
The 1858 "Eliza Battle" Sinking: America's Most Famous Ghost Ship
In October 1857, British citizen Charles McKay left London for North America and an extensive tour of the U.S. and Canada. He was writing about his adventures for a British newspaper.
Five months into the trip, during a stop in Alabama, he saw the elegant steamship Eliza Battle moored on a landing along the Tombigbee River. Its size and grandeur made a strong impression on McKay. That's why, just days later, he was shocked to learn that the side-wheeled paddle steamer had burned, killing many passengers and crew in the inferno, or forcing them to freeze to death in the icy river water.
This sinking was, at the time, one of the largest losses of life on a United States river. Some residents of Nanfalia, Alabama say that, on a quiet night, they still hear the screams of the victims today.
To read Stephanie's feature article, on which this episode is based, visit this page:
http://www.cloudedinmystery.com/ghost-ship-eliza-battle.html
For more information on this podcast on Stephanie's books, visit StephanieHoover.com.
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The following sound effects (or edited pieces thereof) were used in this episode:
~ Jazz Me Blues by E's Jammy Jams (YouTube Creator Library)
~ Water Lapping on Lake Pukaki by laughatlantic (FreeSound.org)
~ Water Lapping River by Ceich93 (FreeSound.org)
~ Human Male Scream Small Crowd Panic by Johnson Branding Editing (FreeSound.org)
~ Vintage Riverboats by Craigsmith (FreeSound.org)
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Sep 21, 2020
Dr. Zimmerly's House of Horrors: Hell on Earth in Rural Pennsylvania
In 1935, Gloria Lawson learned that she was pregnant for the third time. She left her home in Calvert County, Maryland for what she thought would be a brief visit to Dr. Harry C. Zimmerly's makeshift, back alley abortion clinic in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. When she didn't return home after a few days, her family began looking for her.
No one was prepared for what was discovered at Zimmerly's rundown farm. In the driveway were bits of human bone interspersed with ash. In the "clinic" were bloody mattresses and rusty surgical instruments. And caught in a wire bedframe were strands of blond hair - just like Gloria's.
This is the story of Dr. Zimmerly's house of horrors, an illegal hospital where more than one desperate woman lost her life. It's the first episode in a special six-part series running throughout the Halloween season.
For more information on this podcast, visit *Stephanie Hoover Has That Story*.
To read Stephanie's feature article, on which this episode is based, visit *Hauntingly PENNSYLVANIA*.
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Sep 14, 2020
The 1969 Vietnam Draft Lottery: 90 Minutes Changed the Lives of Half a Million Men
In 1969, you did not want your birthdate to be September 14th.
Why? Because if you were born on that date between the years 1944 and 1950, you were "number one" in the December 1, 1969 Vietnam draft lottery. Without a deferment of some kind, you were almost guaranteed to be sent to Vietnam.
In this episode, Stephanie explains the December 1, 1969 Vietnam draft lottery - the 90 minutes of American history that changed half a million lives.
For more information about this podcast, visit Stephanie Hoover Has That Story.
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The following music (or pieces thereof) were used in this episode:
• Prize Wheel from tony-bear
• Last Post 3 from benboncan
• Civil War Music from adeluc4
All can be found at FreeSound.org.
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Sep 8, 2020
The Killing of John Sharpless: A Rich White Man, an Innocent Black Man, and a Complete Absence of Justice
This is the story of the killing of John Sharpless. It's the story of a rich white man and the black man (Samuel Johnson) unjustly accused of causing his death. It's a story of money and murder... corruption, and a criminal justice system sorely lacking in justice. It's a case that could have happened yesterday. But, it didn't. It happened 135 years ago.
This episode is excerpted from Stephanie's book, The Killing of John Sharpless: The Pursuit of Justice in Delaware County (History Press, 2013.) For more information on the book or this podcast, visit StephanieHoover.com.
You can subscribe to Stephanie Hoover Has That Story on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or your favorite platform.
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Aug 31, 2020
Labor Day 1921: Miss America, Women's Rights and the Double Standard That Divided Them
On Labor Day in 1921, women across the nation were - for the first time - registering to vote in state primary elections. They had, just a year earlier, won this right and were now arming themselves for the next battle: equal pay for equal work.
Meanwhile, in the east coast beach resort of Atlantic City, nine "beauty maids" were competing in what would become the first ever Miss America Pageant. These contestants, as young as 16 years of age, hoped to win - among other prizes - a golden trophy worth more than many professional, skilled women earned in a year.
And, while this chasm between women's priorities loomed large in Atlantic City, it was hardly the only social dichotomy. In 1921, nearly 12% of the nation's workforce was unemployed - a fact lost on the wealthy industrialists, socialites and political power brokers who'd arrived at the resort in luxury excursion trains, fancy new motorcars and yachts.
Truth is, among the monied class in Atlantic City on Labor Day 1921, thoughts…
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Aug 24, 2020
The 1934 Kelayres Massacre: A Bloody Chapter in American Political History
Politics has always had a dark side. But what happened in the small Pennsylvania mining town of Kelayres is downright evil. Five men were killed. Twenty-six men, women and children were injured. Perhaps the most shocking thing about the massacre is that so few people know about it today - even though there are startling similarities between today's fractured political climate and that violent day in Kelayres in 1934.
In this episode, Stephanie discusses the November 5, 1934 election eve murders that came to be known as the Kelayres Massacre. Much of the material comes from her book on the killings, The Kelayres Massacre: Politics and Murder in Pennsylvania's Anthracite Coal Country.
To learn more about this podcast or Stephanie's books, visit StephanieHoover.com.
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Aug 17, 2020
Rose Mackenberg: Harry Houdini's Right Hand Woman Was a Force in Her Own Right
Rose Mackenberg is often described as "Harry Houdini's investigator" or his "right hand woman." The truth is, though, that Rose had a longer career of debunking fraudulent Spiritualist mediums than her famous mentor ever had.
In this episode, Stephanie tells the story of the remarkable Mackenberg, a natural-born detective and "ghost buster" extraordinaire.
For more information on this podcast, visit StephanieHoover.com.
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Aug 10, 2020
Pennsylvania's Hex Murders
Tourists arrive by the thousands to enjoy the classic sights and attractions of Pennsylvania Dutch Country: Amish families in horse-drawn buggies, vast farms, old-fashioned smorgasbord restaurants, and - of course - the colorful floral and geometric designs of the hex symbols attached to brightly painted barns.
Few of these tourists realize, however, that as recently as 90 years ago, hexing and witch doctoring were still very serious subjects in this region of the Keystone State. In fact, in several cases, these primitive superstitions led to bloody murder.
In this episode Stephanie tells the story of two of Pennsylvania's most famous "hex murders" - the killings of Nelson Reymeyer in York County, and Susan Mummey in Schuylkill County.
Learn about pow-wowing, witch doctoring, and other primitive Pennsylvania Dutch beliefs that just might still be practiced today.
For more information on the Stephanie Hoover Has That Story podcast, visit StephanieHoover.com.
NOTE: to read Stephanie…
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Aug 3, 2020
Insured to Death: Life Insurance and the Crimes It Inspired
Before it was regulated, life insurance was the motive for more crimes than a room full of screenwriters could ever conceive. Murder, faux suicide, mysterious disappearances - even self-mutilation - were all employed in fraudulent life insurance schemes.
Some of these plots were successful. More often than not, these perpetrators were caught and, in some cases, hanged.
In this episode, Stephanie discusses the astonishing - and deadly - history of life insurance.
To learn more about the Blue-Eyed Six (mentioned in this episode), read Stephanie's article here:
http://www.hauntinglypa.com/blue-eyed-six.html
To read the feature article on which this episode is based, click this link:
http://www.cloudedinmystery.com/insured-to-death.html
For a full list of episodes, or to learn more about Stephanie or her books, visit StephanieHoover.com.
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Jul 26, 2020
Six Things You Don't Know about the Kennedy Assassination
The Warren Commission wrote what was supposed to be the final word on the assassination of the 35th president of the United States, John F. Kennedy. Unfortunately, its report spawned a seemingly endless stream of conspiracy theories about Lee Harvey Oswald, Jack Ruby - and even Kennedy himself.
The truth is, though, you don't have to turn to theoretical hypotheses to read crazy stories about Kennedy's killing - all you have to do is study the files from the FBI's original investigation. And, Stephanie Hoover has.
In this episode, she reveals six - sometimes entertaining, sometimes sad - things you probably never knew about the investigation into the death of John F. Kennedy. You're guaranteed to learn something new about this perennially fascinating tragedy.
To read Stephanie's feature article (on which this episode was based) click this link:
http://www.cloudedinmystery.com/kennedy-assassination.html
For more information on Stephanie, her books, or this podcast, visit StephanieHoo…
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Jul 20, 2020
Joseph Faurot and the First Fingerprint Conviction
The use of fingerprints as a means of establishing identity dates back to 300 BC. But, it was American agricultural scientist Thomas Taylor who first proposed, in 1877, the use of palm and finger marks to identify criminals.
The elevation of fingerprints from "junk science" to reliable courtroom evidence was first achieved by New York Police Inspector Joseph Faurot. Faurot's passion for this field, and his absolute faith in its accuracy, made him the nation's most respected fingerprint expert.
In this episode, Stephanie discusses this fascinating history of fingerprints, from early scientific discoveries to Mark Twain's use of them as a plot device in one of his most famous stories.
To read Stephanie's feature article (on which this episode is based) visit:
http://www.cloudedinmystery.com/history-of-fingerprints.html.
To view photos and other documents associated with this episode, visit StephanieHoover.com and click on the "podcast" tab - then click on the Episode 9 artwork to be…
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Jul 13, 2020
Did Spiritualists Kill Harry Houdini?
Harry Houdini, in the last years of his life, stepped up his efforts to debunk fraudulent Spiritualists. In 1924, he exposed Margary, one of the Spiritualism movement's most touted mediums. When Houdini died unexpectedly two years later, some wondered if perhaps vengeful Spiritualists had precipitated his death. In this episode, Stephanie discusses this conspiracy theory, as well as Houdini's campaign to publicly discredit Margary, one of Spiritualism's boldest frauds.
To read Stephanie's feature article (on which this episode is based) visit:
http://www.cloudedinmystery.com/did-spiritualists-kill-houdini.html.
To view photos and other documents associated with this episode, visit StephanieHoover.com and click on the "podcast" tab, then click on the Episode 8 artwork.
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Jul 6, 2020
The FBI and the Black Dahlia
January 15, 1947. All true crime aficionados know this as the day that Elizabeth Short - better known as the Black Dahlia - was found in a vacant lot in a southern L.A. housing development. Most also know she was cut in half and drained of blood, and that her face was horribly mutilated. What few amateur detectives realize, however, is that the FBI was deeply involved in this investigation and in this episode, you'll learn how critical that involvement truly was.
To access items mentioned in this story, such as Elizabeth Short's mugshot and other interesting artifacts, visit StephanieHoover.com and click on the "podcast" tab. Then, click on the artwork for this episode to access the show notes.
Or, to read Stephanie's feature article associated with this episode, visit this link:
http://www.cloudedinmystery.com/fbi-black-dahlia.html
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Jun 29, 2020
Psychic Detectives: Usually Right - in Hindsight
In the 1970s, the CIA spent a surprising amount of time and effort in evaluating the possible benefits of using *psychics in law enforcement investigations*. But, two of the earliest, supposedly most reliable, of these supernatural sleuths gave the field a bad name.
Back in the 1950s and 1960s, *Peter Hurkos* was the first to describe himself as a "psychic detective." Unfortunately, he was caught red-handed using deception to attain case details he claimed he'd gathered through his paranormal "gifts."
*Greta Alexander* was a Midwest gal who claimed, in the 1980s, to be "best known psychic in America." She wasn't often right - but she certainly knew how to get publicity from her near misses.
This episode delves into the tricks used by Hurkos and Alexander, their self-invited presence at several notorious murders, and discussion of whether or not law enforcement actually relies on psychics to solve crimes.
To read the article associated with this podcast, visit: http://www.cloudedinm…
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Jun 21, 2020
A Special Father's Day Episode: Romer Troxell and His Murdered Son
While looking down at the face of his murdered son, Romer Troxell heard a familiar voice. It was his boy, Charlie, guiding him to the killer. On this special episode of Stephanie Hoover Has That Story, Stephanie tells you the mystifying yet beautiful story of a father/son bond that continued after death.
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Jun 15, 2020
The Disappearance of Agatha Christie
For eleven days in December 1926, the world had only one question: Where is Agatha Christie?
In this episode, historical true crime author Stephanie Hoover walks you through Agatha Christie's mysterious disappearance and the worldwide manhunt that ensued.
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Jun 8, 2020
Luminol and the Sam Sheppard Murder Trial
Today, Luminol is used in nearly every crime show and police procedural. But, during the infamous Sam Sheppard murder trial, it was still a new and somewhat suspect investigation tool. In this episode, historical true crime author Stephanie Hoover explains the history of Luminol and how it became an indispensable crime scene technique.
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Jun 5, 2020
The History of Rogues Galleries
In this episode, historical true crime author Stephanie Hoover discusses the origin of the "Rogues Gallery" - a natural evolution of the use of photography in criminal justice. She also touches on the inhumane means of marking or stigmatizing criminals that courts once ordered and enforced, as well as the ways rogues galleries of yesterday still influence today's methods of detection.
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Jun 4, 2020
The Locked Room Murder of Joseph Elwell
In 1920, carouser and card player Joseph Bowne Elwell was found on the brink of death in his Manhattan townhouse, a fresh bullet wound in his forehead. The home's doors were locked and the windows were barred. So how did the killer get in...? In this episode, historical true crime author Stephanie Hoover discusses the real case that made the "locked room mystery" one of America's most enduring fictional genres.
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