Behind Gray Walls

Dec 12 2023 73
Behind Gray Walls Podcast artwork

“Behind Gray Walls” is a podcast featuring stories from the men and women who lived and worked at the Old Idaho State Penitentiary. Each week, Anthony, Samuel, and Skye explore prisoners whose crimes led them to serve time at the "Old Pen." Their history is explored in depth and compared to corrections topics faced in communities today. To support this podcast, visit: https://store.history.idaho.gov/Donation.aspx?C=BGWOP

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EP 90 - Peterson And Rice

Dec 12 2023 103 mins  
In this very heavy episode, Skye and Anthony close the season with two stories of people whose states of mental health lead to some emotional moments and incredibly tragic stories, #7035 Ethelyn Irene Peterson (Murder in the 2nd Degree) and #788 Ed Rice (Murder in the 1st Degree). WARNING: This episode includes discussions of crime against a child, suicide, and execution. Please ta

Stool Pigeon Saturday - Matthew Connelly On Alcatraz

Dec 09 2023 69 mins  
In this Stool Pigeon Saturday, the team interviews Matthew Connelly, lead park ranger at Alcatraz Island. Matthew provides an overview of the renowned prison's history, delves into the daily experiences of both the residents and staff on the island, and concludes the story surrounding William Dainard's (#3821) associate, Harmon Waley (#4188). To learn more about Alcatraz or to book

EP 89 - Dainard And Farr

Dec 05 2023 108 mins  
In a completely coincidental yet oddly-Rathdrum-history-heavy penultimate episode, the original duo are back in with Sam in the commenter's chair. Anthony starts, covering a man of many names whose felony in Idaho was one of the least interesting things about his story #3821 William Dainard (Robbery), while Skye follows with a story of a Rathdrum pioneer whose gambling habits may h

EP 88 - Peterson And Dr. Collister

Nov 28 2023 68 mins  
On today’s episode, Skye tells the story of a young woman whose husband, in the 1950s, was a real door-to-door vacuum salesman(!) #10351 Donna Mae Peterson (Burglary). Meanwhile, first-time host, Charlee, tells the story of one of the most influential doctors in the city of Boise (who also served as prison physician), Dr. George Collister.

Ep 87 - "Teton" Jackson And Canton

Nov 21 2023 50 mins  
In this week's special episode, Skye comes to the episode empty-handed (school is hard) and Anthony-less (work is hard) and instead comments on Samuel's masterful telling of #111 William "Teton" Jackson (Grand Larceny) whose story intersects with a crucial event in Wyoming history and the controversial Sheriff Frank Canton. Photo: Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum Collecti

EP 86 - Ghosts Of The Territory

Oct 31 2023 66 mins  
Join all three hosts around the campfire for a whole host of spooky Idaho stories from the 1880s through the 1940s - some of these stories may not be related to the Penitentiary directly, but they’ll still send some chills up your spine - and even make you laugh. And, if while you’re listening, you hear a stick crack behind you…it may not be your imagination. Happy Halloween!

EP 85 - King And Bearup

Oct 24 2023 89 mins  
On today’s episode, Skye relates the story of a young woman whose training in beauty school got her a few extra perks #11513 LaLonda Lee King (Robbery) and Anthony tells the story of a young man who had a real knack for escaping until the very end #2062 Ulysses Bearup (Murder in the First Degree). Oral Histories: Emile Ehle (McLaws), 1/19/1994 (Idaho State Archives)

Stool Pigeon Saturday - Gunfight At Grave Creek

Oct 21 2023 49 mins  
In this Stool Pigeon Saturday, Anthony and Skye hang up their spurs again to hear Samuel share the fascinating story of six-shooter-Jack and the Gunfight at Grave Creek. Listener discretion is advised.

EP 84 - Herbert And Atkinson

Oct 17 2023 91 mins  
Today, all three hosts are together, with Anthony working as our star commentator. Samuel shares the story of a young man who was, at worst, a murderer, and at his most intriguing, an assassin #286 Oscar “Tex” Selene Herbert (Murder in the Second Degree), while Skye recounts the story of an alleged cattle thief who really had more problem with Prohibition Laws than her actual c

Stool Pigeon Saturday - Jennifer Hills On The Stricker Homesite and Rock Creek Station

Oct 14 2023 52 mins  
In this Stool Pigeon Saturday, Anthony interviews Jennifer Hills, President of the Friends of Stricker, and discusses the fascinating history of Rock Creek Station and the Stricker Homesite which served as a stopping point along the Oregon Trail. It is a must see for anyone interested in Idaho and Oregon Trail History. To learn more: facebook.com/friendsofstricker/ friendsofstricke