Can You Dig it

Manifest Destiny in the Crypts: St. Louis and the Mexican American War

In the season two finale of the "Can You Dig It?" podcast, hosts Dan Fuller and Joe Shields unearth the hidden history of the Mexican American War through the lens of St. Louis’s iconic Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum. The duo explores the lives of local veterans and influential figures—ranging from the namesake of Alton, Illinois, to the fifth military governor of California—while explaining specialized cemetery features like cenotaphs and era-appropriate military markers. By tracing the legacy of the 500,000 square miles acquired during the conflict, the episode reveals how these St. Louis connections bridged the era of Manifest Destiny to the looming shadows of the American Civil War. Here is a three-line summary of the episode: * Hosts explore the Mexican American War’s local impact via the veterans and historical figures interred at St. Louis’s Bellefontaine Cemetery. * The episode highlights the acquisition of 500,000 square miles while explaining cemetery features like cenotaphs and era-appropriate military markers. * These personal stories bridge the mid-19th-century era of Manifest Destiny to the subsequent tensions that fueled the American Civil War.

Medals, Marathons, and Mayhem: The Games That Changed St. Louis - S2-E9

Can You Dig It - Season 2 EP 009 - Olympics Episode In the "Can You Dig It" podcast episode, hosts Dan Fuller and Joe Shields discuss the historical significance of the 1904 Olympics in St. Louis, which introduced gold, silver, and bronze medals for the first time. They highlight notable figures like Martha Brown, who won three gold medals in swimming, and Albert Bond Lambert, who won silver in golf. The episode also covers the economic impact of the Olympics and World's Fair, with 20 million visitors contributing to St. Louis's economy. Additionally, they mention local Olympians like Joseph Foreman and the ongoing Olympic spirit in the city. * Joe and Dan discuss a hypothetical cocktail made from strychnine, raw eggs, and brandy, agreeing it's too harsh. * Speaker 1 introduces the Can You Dig It? Podcast, focusing on exploring cemeteries and uncovering historical secrets. * Speaker 2 provides a historical context of the Olympics, noting their ancient origins and modern revival. * Dan and Joe introduce themselves and the podcast's focus on rural cemeteries and their unique histories. * Joe highlights St. Louis as a city of firsts, particularly the 1904 Olympics. * Dan clarifies that the Olympic organizing committee initially awarded the games to Chicago, but St. Louis secured them through political connections. * Joe mentions the introduction of gold medals at the 1904 Olympics and the historical significance of this change. * Dan shares a story about a gold medal for the 110-yard hurdle sold for $545,000, emphasizing the value of Olympic memorabilia. * Joe and Dan discuss the various firsts introduced at the 1904 Olympics, including boxing and golf. * Dan mentions Albert von Lambert, who won silver in golf at the 1904 Olympics and is buried at Bellefontaine Cemetery. * Joe and Dan talk about the unique challenges faced by athletes in the 1904 marathon, including extreme conditions and unconventional strategies. * Dan highlights the involvement of athletes from various countries and the chaotic nature of the marathon event. * Dan introduces Martha Brown, who won three gold medals in swimming at the 1924 and 1928 Olympics, and her family's connection to the Brown family of St. Louis. * Joe shares his experiences at the Olympic Training Center and the dedication of young athletes. * Dan discusses the historical context of Olympic training and the support provided to athletes in the early 20th century. * Joe and Dan mention other notable Olympic medal winners from St. Louis, including William Orthwine and Arthur Stockhoff. * Joe inquires about the economic impact of the 1904 Olympics on St. Louis, comparing it to the World's Fair. * Dan explains the significant economic benefits of hosting such events, including increased tourism and local business opportunities. * Joe and Dan discuss the ongoing Olympic spirit in St. Louis, including the display of Olympic rings at Washington University and other local landmarks. * Dan mentions Joseph Foreman, who won a bronze medal in the 1908 Olympics, and his connection to the local community. * Joe and Dan discuss modern-era Olympians from St. Louis, including Milt Campbell, Michael Johnson, Arthur Ashe, and Jackie Joyner-Kersee. * Dan emphasizes the importance of recognizing the achievements of these athletes and their contributions to the community. * Joe highlights the philanthropic efforts of Jackie Joyner-Kersee and her impact on St. Louis. * Dan concludes by reiterating the significance of the 1904 Olympics and the ongoing legacy of St. Louis as a city of champions. * Olympics Episode Introduction and Podcast Overview * The 1904 St. Louis Olympics and Its Significance Historical Context and Achievements of the 1904 Olympics Olympic Medal Winners and Their Legacies * Economic Impact and Legacy of the 1904 Olympics * Modern Era Olympians and Their Contributions

The Greenest Goodbye: John Hughes on Alkaline Hydrolysis

Can You Dig It - Season 2 EP 008 - John Hughes - Hughes Funeral Alternatives Dan Fuller and Joe Shields discuss the history and innovations of Hughes Funeral Alternatives LLC with owner John Hughes. Hughes' company, established in 2017, offers alkaline hydrolysis, a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cremation, with a 18-times lower carbon footprint and 90% less energy usage. The process, which takes 8-10 hours, results in mineral bone ash. Hughes' facility, located at Hillcrest Abbey, is the sixth crematory in the U.S. and the first west of the Mississippi. They also discuss the historical significance of Hillcrest Abbey and the personalization of funeral services. * John Hughes explains the establishment of Hughes Funeral Alternatives in 2017, Missouri's first provider of alkaline hydrolysis. * The company outgrew their initial location and moved to Hillcrest Abbey, renovating the Missouri Crematory. * Dan and John discuss the historical significance of Hillcrest Abbey as the first crematory west of the Mississippi. * John provides an explanation of alkaline hydrolysis, comparing it to natural burial processes and its environmental benefits. * Alkaline hydrolysis uses 90% less energy and produces zero carbon emissions, making it an attractive option for environmentally conscious families. * The process is also more cost-effective than traditional burial, which can exceed $7,500. * John shares his personal journey into the funeral industry and his discovery of alkaline hydrolysis through a funeral trade magazine. * The decision to offer alkaline hydrolysis was driven by John's personal preference and environmental concerns. * John discusses the restoration of Hillcrest Abbey and the Missouri Crematory, emphasizing the historical significance of the site. * The crematory and columbarium are significant historical landmarks, reflecting St. Louis's pioneering spirit. * Dan shares the story of Elizabeth Todd Terry, the first person cremated at Hillcrest Abbey, and her connection to St. Louis history. * The restoration efforts aim to preserve the historical integrity of the site while modernizing the facilities. * Dan and John explore the genealogical connections between their families and the individuals buried at Hillcrest Abbey. * Dan mentions his relatives who are cremated and laid to rest in the columbarium at Bellefontaine Cemetery. * The discussion highlights the importance of genealogy in understanding the history and significance of the cemetery. * Joe asks about 19th-century burial practices, and Dan explains the rise and fall of cremation during different historical periods. * John explains the existence of a cremation log that documents every cremation at Hillcrest Abbey, including notable individuals like Frank James. * The log contains thousands of entries, providing a comprehensive record of the cremations performed at the site. * Dan and Joe discuss the potential for digitizing these records to make them more accessible to researchers and families. * Dan and John discuss the versatility of the facilities, which can accommodate weddings, memorial services, and other events. * The modern facilities aim to provide a respectful and flexible environment for families to honor their loved ones. * John introduces the concept of a biodegradable urn garden, where cremated remains are mixed with a special soil mixture and returned to nature. * John discusses the potential for future innovations in the funeral industry, including the legalization of composting. * The goal is to continue educating the public about alternative burial options and the environmental benefits of aquamation. * Dan and Joe emphasize the importance of personal choice in funeral arrangements and the need for education on sustainable practices. * The conversation highlights the ongoing efforts to modernize and improve funeral services while preserving historical integrity.

The Gateway to Justice: How St. Louis Courts Defined American Rights - S2-E7

In the "Can You Dig It" podcast episode, hosts Joe and Dan discuss the historical significance of St. Louis lawyers and court cases. They highlight the impact of the Virginia Minor case in 1874, which, though unsuccessful, paved the way for the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote. They also mention Hamilton Rowan Gamble's dissenting vote in the Dred Scott case, which influenced the 13th and 14th Amendments. Additionally, they cover Edward Bates' role as Attorney General during the Civil War and George Vest's famous eulogy for a dog. The episode concludes with a discussion on the Missouri Plan for selecting Supreme Court judges and the City of Ladue vs. Galileo Vet case, which upheld the First Amendment.

Suffrage on the Riverfront: From Civil War Aid to the 19th Amendment S2-E6

This episode explores the century-long fight for women's suffrage in St. Louis, highlighting the pivotal legal challenges of Virginia Minor and the tactical brilliance of Edna Gellhorn’s "Golden Lane" protest. The discussion emphasizes how local organizations and grassroots activism evolved from post-Civil War aid societies into a powerful, non-violent political movement. Recorded at 4 Hands Brewing, the conversation honors the persistence of three generations of suffragists who overcame legal defeats and internal divisions to secure the right to vote.