Front Porch Radio - History's Hook

In this episode Tom and Jo Ann speak to retired professional boxer Sammy Sparkman.  Born and raised in Columbia, TN, Mr. Sparkman began boxing when he was just seven years old.  Following some time away from the sport, Mr. Sparkman spent six years in amateur boxing before turning pro in 1997.  He fought in the ring all over the United States and the world including Poland, Canada, Denmark, Italy, and elsewhere.  He has been in the ring with seven future world champions and numerous world title contenders.  Known by the nickname “Silk,” he had a reputation of never turning down a challenge.  Like many boxers, however, Sparkman never got the acclaim, or the accompanying reward that he fought for during his career.  In 2009, at the age of 39, Sparkman hung up his gloves.  His story one of inspiration.

Tennessee boasts three presidents.  Host Tom Price begins his three part presidential series by interviewing the long-time director of the President James K. Polk Home and Museum, John Holtzapple.  Polk is one of the least-known presidents in American history, but as you will hear, deserves to be remembered as one of the most successful.  His accomplishments include starting the Naval Academy, the modern postal system, and the Independent Treasury System…none of which were his main goals…which he also accomplished in a promised single term of office.

The honorable Holly Kirby is a Tennessean that inspires. After earning degrees in engineering and law, she went on to practice law in Memphis before being appointed to the bench in the Tennessee Court of Appeals, the first woman to sit on that Court. After spending nearly 19 years there, she was sworn into the Tennessee Supreme Court in 2014. Join Tom and co-host Judge Chris Sockwell as they learn about the life of Justice Holly Kirby. Episode #49: The Peace and Dignity of the State: Justice Holly Kirby The honorable Holly Kirby is a Tennessean that inspires. After earning degrees in engineering and law, she went on to practice law in Memphis before being appointed to the bench in the Tennessee Court of Appeals, the first woman to sit on that Court. After spending nearly 19 years there, she was sworn into the Tennessee Supreme Court in 2014. Join Tom and co-host Judge Chris Sockwell as they learn about the life of Justice Holly Kirby.

What does it feel like to be in control of enough firepower to obliterate a continent?  Join host Tom Price as he interviews former ballistic missile sub commander Ronald Ladd.  After growing up on a farm in rural Maury County, TN, Ron Ladd attended Rice University for math and engineering on a Navy ROTC scholarship.  Following his graduation, he was commissioned as an officer in the navy, where after working for the “Father of the Nuclear Navy,” Admiral Hyman Rickover, he joined the submarine service.  He deployed aboard the attack submarines USS PUFFER (SSN-652) and USS SEAHORSE (SSN-669).  After six years on attack subs, he became the executive officer aboard the ballistic missile sub, USS FRANCIS SCOTT KEY (SSBN-657) before taking command of USS JOHN C. CALHOUN (SSBN-630).  After retiring from the navy, Cmdr. Ladd joined Raytheon Corporation, working on multi-branch detection systems.  After 21 years with Ratheon, he retired back to his family farm in Maury County, Tennessee.  Join host Tom Price, as he speaks with Mr. Ladd about his navy days.

History’s Hook explores the life of Mrs. Imogene Nelson.  Raised in Maury County, Mrs. Nelson grew up in Columbia in the 1930’s and 1940’s.  During WWII, three of her brothers served in the military, one of them, Shannon, a pilot, died when his plane crashed in Upstate NY.  Mrs. Nelson graduated from Columbia Central before entering the Women’s Army Corps.  She was stationed in Germany during the time of the Korean War.  Today she is going to tell us about growing up in Columbia, her experiences in the military, and her thoughts on life today.