Oral History of Forgottonia – Mining in Western Illinois: Braxton Humphrey’s Interview with David Lidwell

ON THIS EPISODE "The two most dangerous occupations were agricultural, and mining. I was raised on a farm and worked on the mines." David Lidwell As part of our Oral History in Forgottonia series, Cuba High School junior Braxton Humphrey interviews former miner David Lidwell, about his knowledge and experience working in the mining industry. …

Oral History of Forgottonia – Experiencing a Rural School Closure: Cooper Leonard’s Interview with Retired Principal Daryle Coleman

"The community did the best they could with that school, rather than let it sit vacant." Daryle Coleman ON THIS EPISODE As part of our Oral History in Forgottonia series, Cuba High School sophomore Cooper Leonard interviews Retired principal, Daryle Coleman, about her experience with the closure of the Red Brick School in Smithfield, Illinois. …

Oral History of Forgottonia – Dr. Francis Regnier: The Forgotten Hero of New Salem, by Amber Cannon

"Don't always look into famous people, look into people that helped a person become so well known." Amber Cannon ON THIS EPISODE As part of our Oral History in Forgottonia series, Cuba High School freshman Amber Cannon hosts this episode about Dr. Francis Regnier; the forgotten hero of New Salem. Most folks know a lot …

Dime Novel Desperados – Chapter 4: Law & Order and Prison Life

ON THIS EPISODE We continue our examination of the book “Dime Novel Desperados: The Notorious Maxwell Brothers” by Dr. John Hallwas. This episode provides an overview of Chapter 4 – “Law & Order and Prison Life.” If you recall our last chapter, Ed Maxwell has been arrested after committing his 1st crime robbing a clothing …

Witchcraft in Forgottonia – Episode 6: The Strange Tale of James Spiva

ON THIS EPISODE We conclude our series about the social & cultural history of witchcraft based on the book “Witchcraft in Illinois” by folklorist Michael Kleen (check out Michael’s bio below). Please note, the primary purpose of this series is to apply historical skills to this topic and share some interesting info that we find …

Witchcraft in Forgottonia – Episode 5: The Scotch-Irish in Illinois, 1818-1885

ON THIS EPISODE We continue our series about the social & cultural history of witchcraft based on the book “Witchcraft in Illinois” by folklorist Michael Kleen (check out Michael’s bio below). Please note, this series definitely does not intend to endorse a belief in magic or the occult. Our primary purpose is to simply apply …

Witchcraft in Forgottonia – Episode 4: Interview with author Michael Kleen

ON THIS EPISODE We are excited to share our interview with author and folklorist Michael Kleen. Shout out to Cuba High School students Jayson Stead, Cadie Churchill, and Lilly Markley who did a fantastic job conducting this interview! Students asked Michael about misconceptions people often have about this topic, the difference between folklore and history, …

Witchcraft in Forgottonia – Episode 3: African American Folk Magic in Illinois, 1701-1800

ON THIS EPISODE We continue our series about the social & cultural history of witchcraft based on the book “Witchcraft in Illinois” by folklorist Michael Kleen (check out Michael’s bio below). Please note, this series definitely does not intend to endorse a belief in magic or the occult. Our primary purpose is to simply apply …

Witchcraft in Forgottonia – Episode 2: The Influence of England & Colonial America

ON THIS EPISODE We continue our series about the social & cultural history of witchcraft based on the book "Witchcraft in Illinois" by folklorist Michael Kleen (check out Michael's bio below). Please note, this series definitely does not intend to endorse a belief in magic or the occult. Our primary purpose is to simply apply …

Witchcraft in Forgottonia – Episode 1: How do we know what we know?

ON THIS EPISODE On this edition of the Forgottonia Project, we’re sharing our 1st episode in a series on the social & cultural history of witchcraft in Illinois. Please note, this series definitely does not intend to endorse a belief in magic or the occult. Our primary purpose is to simply apply some historical skills …