Stories From History's Dust Bin

Saint Urho's Day is the 1956 brainchild of either Richard Mattson or Kenneth Brist, depending on whose brain you believed conceived the “child” that has become Saint Urho.    Either Mattson, a Minnesota department store employee, or Brist, a teacher in Ontanogan, Michigan, decided that Finland's lack of a patron saint required corrective action.   So, who was – or is – St. Urho?   Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories. These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual. Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of the over 450 stories featured in Winterton's Award-Winning* series, narrated by either the author, his son, William Winterton, or his daughter, Jana.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes! And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4     * Winner of the Arizona Book of the Year Award for 2016

Homer and Langley Collyer grew up under the most favorable of conditions.  Their father was a successful gynecologist – their mother a former opera singer – and they lived together in a beautiful home.  Born in 1881 and 1885 respectively, Homer and Langley grew up typical of children from an affluent family.  Homer became a lawyer and Langley became a professional concert pianist.     Then, when both parents died in the 1920s, the brothers took control of the home, and their behavior became increasingly eccentric.  At the time of their death, they had hoarded 136 tons of everything from pottery to pianos, fourteen of the latter, and that's just for openers.   Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories. These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual. Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of the over 450 stories featured in Winterton's Award-Winning* series, narrated by either the author, his son, William Winterton, or his daughter, Jana.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes! And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4     * Winner of the Arizona Book of the Year Award for 2016

In the movies, a grifter might be portrayed as someone with beady little eyes and a toothy smile that could charm even the cleverest out of their fortunes. Someone who was able to wheel and deal their schemes across the land until they're eventually forced to pay for their crimes.   That's how it was with Jefferson "Soapy" Smith - who ended up living (and dying) as one of America's slipperiest con artists.     Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories.  These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual.  Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of over 450 short stories from either Winterton's Award-Winning Stories from Dust Bin series* or the companion volume, From Ace to Zamboni: 101 More Dust Bin Stories, as narrated by either the author or his son, William, or daughter, Jana.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes!  And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4

Rabbits?  Yes, rabbits!  Plural!  As in “Mary Toft gave birth to more than one rabbit.”  Believable?  Not these days.  But in 1726, it was plausible to many, and Mary Toft, 24, of the village of Godalming, England, was convincing to many in her claim that she had just given birth to rabbits.      Oh, and just as astonishing, those births took place after she had already given birth to Mary, Anne, and James, all human children fathered by Joshua Toft, a clothier by trade and a non-rabbit by birth.      Here, from Volume 3 of Stories from History's Dust Bin, comes the “rabbit tale,” if we may use that phrase, of a woman who insisted she had given birth to a “fluffle” of bunnies – a claim that made its way – all the way to the court of King George II of England before the matter could be put to rest.      Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories. These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual. Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of the over 450 stories featured in Winterton's Award-Winning* series, narrated by either the author, his son, William Winterton, or his daughter, Jana.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes! And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4

The story is told that at the age of eleven, Jules Verne secretly hired on as a cabin boy for a trip to the West Indies.  Before sailing from France, the ship had to make one last stop to take on supplies and passengers at a place called Paimboeuf.   As the vessel slowed to a stop, there on the dock stood Pierre Verne, Jules' father, who not only put an end to his son's youthful escapade but made the boy promise hereafter “to travel only in his imagination.”  Whether true or not, young Jules did one better.  He became the author that illuminated the traveling imaginations of millions with his uncanny knack for futuristic thinking.   Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories. These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual. Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of the over 450 stories featured in Winterton's Award-Winning* series, narrated by either the author, his son, William Winterton, or his daughter, Jana.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes! And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4     * Winner of the Arizona Book of the Year Award for 2016

Have you ever wondered about the origin of the “dumb blonde” jokes?  Well, hold on to your bottle of peroxide as you are about to learn just that!  And I think we'll kick off this week's story with one of those tasteless jokes.   A brunette goes to the doctor complaining that her body hurts wherever she touches it.  “Hmmm,” says the doctor, “show me what you mean.”  The brunette presses her finger against her hip and screams.  Then she pushes her finger against her knee, and tears of pain run down her cheeks.  Finally, she pokes her finger deep into her tummy and crumples like a rag doll to the floor.  The doctor, having seen enough, tells her to sit, relax, and take a deep breath.  Then, in his best doctor-patient manner, he asks, “Are you a true brunette?”  “No,” the teary-eyed woman confesses.   “I'm a blonde, but I dyed my hair last week.”  The doctor nods and says, “Just as I thought, you have a broken finger.”   Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories. These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual. Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of the over 450 stories featured in Winterton's Award-Winning* series, narrated by the author and his son, William Winterton.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes! And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4     * Winner of the Arizona Book of the Year Award for 2016

Frank knew he would win.  He believed that today would be his day to make history.  After all, not every aging stable boy gets the chance to become a jockey!  And with a ride named “Sweet Kiss,” how could his debut race be anything less than a win?  He was certain of it!   Frank did win the race that day, and he did it in a way that no jockey had ever won a race before --- or since.  And in fact, he won it in a way that will likely never be repeated.   Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories. These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual. Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of the over 450 stories featured in Winterton's Award-Winning* series, narrated by either the author, his son, William Winterton, or his daughter, Jana.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes! And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4

Stevie Wonder's 1976 album, Songs in the Key of Life, contains a tribute to the black pioneers of humanity in a song titled, Black Man.  Within the lyrics of that song are the following words:   Open heart surgery – was first done successfully - by a black man.   Stevie Wonder's lyrics don't mention the name of the black physician who performed the world's first successful open-heart surgery, but there's no question as to who he was.  He was Dr. Daniel Hale Williams who was born January 18, 1856 – well over 150 years ago.  And although he wasn't the first to attempt open-heart surgery, he was the first, as Stevie Wonder points out, to have the patient able to talk about the surgery afterward.   Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories. These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual. Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of the over 450 stories featured in Winterton's Award-Winning* series, narrated by the author and his son, William Winterton.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes! And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4

Mary van Butchell wasn't a strange person at all, except for her taste in men.  That's because Mary was married to Martin van Butchell, who was a very strange person, indeed.  And together, they provided the perfect couple for a very bizarre story.   So, you might ask, “if Martin van Butchell is the real oddball in the story, why doesn't the story title honor his name, instead that of his rather non-descript wife, Mary.  Well, it's because of what Martin – the oddball husband – did to his wife.   Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories. These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual. Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of the over 450 stories featured in Winterton's Award-Winning* series, narrated by the author and his son, William Winterton.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes! And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4     * Winner of the Arizona Book of the Year Award for 2016

Odds are good that you've never heard of Bette Nesmith Graham.  That's because her names falls short of being what we would refer to as a "household word."  But, if you're over forty, chances are better than 50-50 that you've used Bette Braham's inventions.   And, as you're about to learn, Bette made more than a few mistakes in her youth, and she would acknowledge that.  But she more than made up for her errors by inventing something that helped millions of other people correct theirs.    Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories. These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual. Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of the over 450 stories featured in Winterton's Award-Winning* series, narrated by either the author, his son, William Winterton, or his daughter, Jana.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes! And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4     * Winner of the Arizona Book of the Year Award for 2016

For over six years the Colonists had been petitioning King George to act favorably on their demands for representation in the British Parliament, and neither King George, nor the Parliament, seemed interested in the Colonists' concerns.   Then, on December 16, 1773, roughly 250 years ago, three British merchant ships loaded with over 300 fully packed shipping containers of heavily taxed tea, were double-parked outside Boston Harbor.   The ships had already been denied entry at other Colonial ports, but when Boston's governor, Thomas Hutchinson, allowed the ships into the harbor to unload their cargo – well!  The Colonists decided it was time to act.   Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories. These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual. Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of the over 450 stories featured in Winterton's Award-Winning* series, narrated by the author and his son, William Winterton.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes! And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4     * Winner of the Arizona Book of the Year Award for 2016

Mark Twain was born in 1835, the same year that Halley's Comet was making it's “once every seventy-five years” swing past the Earth.   What are the odds – as predicted by Mark Twain himself – that he and Halley's Comet would “go out” together?  But that's exactly what happened.  Exactly seventy-five years after his birth, April 21, 1910, and just as Halley's Comet was passing Earth again, Mark Twain went to sleep for the last time.   Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories. These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual. Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of the over 450 stories featured in Winterton's Award-Winning* series, narrated by the author and his son, William Winterton.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes! And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4

The English writer Edmund Clerihew Bentley, born in 1875, began his career as a newspaper journalist before publishing several books of poetry and writing a number of novels – and he was good at it.    His best-known novel, Trent's Last Case, contains such mystifying plotting and thoughtfully written story twists that it is considered the first modern mystery novel.    But, as you are about to learn, Edmund Clerihew Bentley is not remembered these days for his detective stories, but for an unusual poetic art form that has come to be known as a “Clerihew,” in honor of his middle name.       Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories. These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual.  Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of over 450 short stories from either Winterton's Award-Winning Stories from Dust Bin series* or the companion volume, From Ace to Zamboni: 101 More Dust Bin Stories, as narrated by either the author or his son, William, or daughter, Jana.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes! And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4       * Winner of the Arizona Book of the Year Award for 2016

William Tell's story might be described as equal parts legend and legendary.  That's because his story took place over 700 years ago, and that's a long time for any set of facts to remain unsullied.   Since many stories that become legends are built around a kernel of truth, the story begins by accepting that a Swiss-German man named William Tell was born around 1270.  We also realize that over time, some non-factual detail may have crept into the story of his life – which is sometimes assumed to be fact.  Regardless of the fog of time.  Take a chance.  Listen to the story.  It's guaranteed you'll learn more about William Tell than your neighbor's know.   Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories.  These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual.  Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of over 450 short stories from either Winterton's Award-Winning Stories from Dust Bin series* or the companion volume, From Ace to Zamboni: 101 More Dust Bin Stories, as narrated by either the author or his son, William, or daughter, Jana.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes!  And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4

This week, we celebrate the life of one of Hollywood's loveliest leading ladies.  Born Hedwig Eva Maria Kiesler in Vienna, Austria, she had become a European movie star while still in her “teen” years.   In 1937, with war clouds threatening Europe, she left Austria in the dead of night for Hollywood.  And in 1938, her international star status, her head-turning beauty, and a name change to Hedy Lamarr, turned her into one of the darlings of American cinema – and there's more, and a surprising twist to the story.   Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories. These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual. Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of the over 450 stories featured in Winterton's Award-Winning* series, narrated by either the author, his son, William Winterton, or his daughter, Jana.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes! And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4

In the 1800s, wealthy Irish landowners hired “tenant farm managers” to care for their enormous estates and farms. One of those tenant farm managers was retired military officer from England by the name of Charles Boycott, who dreamed of becoming a “gentleman farmer.”  Instead, through his own actions, and in a strange twist of fate, his surname, Boycott, became a verb in the English language, a verb meaning to ostracize, to exclude someone – from a society or group. Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories.  These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual.  Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of over 450 short stories from either Winterton's Award-Winning Stories from Dust Bin series* or the companion volume, From Ace to Zamboni: 101 More Dust Bin Stories, as narrated by either the author or his son, William, or daughter, Jana.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes!  And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4

For some folks, there's nothing more incentivizing than being told you "can't" do something.   As a young boy, Glenn Cunningham was involved in a serious accident that almost cost him his legs. He was fortunate enough to keep them, but was told he would never walk again.   Cunningham found that to be unacceptable, and he set out to prove everyone wrong.   And he did!     Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories.  These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual.  Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of over 450 short stories from either Winterton's Award-Winning Stories from Dust Bin series* or the companion volume, From Ace to Zamboni: 101 More Dust Bin Stories, as narrated by either the author or his son, William, or daughter, Jana.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes!  And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4

There are two things about the Leatherman that set him apart from everyone else on the planet.  First, there was what he wore.  His wardrobe was a single piece of clothing made entirely of scraps of leather (hence, the name he was known by) fastened together with bent nails.   And second, there was his strict attention to time and place.  Thus, for thirty-five years, his annual circuitous trek never varied.  So dependable was the date of his arrival in the various villages that he visited, that it was said a person could set their clocks and calendars by his arrivals and departures.   Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories.  These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual.  Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of over 450 short stories from either Winterton's Award-Winning Stories from Dust Bin series* or the companion volume, From Ace to Zamboni: 101 More Dust Bin Stories, as narrated by either the author or his son, William, or daughter, Jana.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes!  And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4

Ambrose Bierce, born June 24, 1842, left home at the age of fifteen to work as a printer's apprentice for an Ohio newspaper.  Over time, because of his cynical writing style, "Bitter Bierce," as he was known to his readers, would rise to prominence as one of America's best-known literary figures.   Perhaps his most famous account of the Civil War was his What I Saw of Shiloh, published in 1881.  But if descriptive accounts of the Civil War aren't your cup of tea, I can guarantee that his most enduring book, The Devil's Dictionary, will rate a place of honor on your coffee table or bookcase.   Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories.  These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual.  Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of over 450 short stories from either Winterton's Award-Winning Stories from Dust Bin series* or the companion volume, From Ace to Zamboni: 101 More Dust Bin Stories, as narrated by either the author or his son, William, or daughter, Jana.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes!  And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4

There's a wonderful, animated film about an elderly man who takes flight without ever leaving the comfort of his own home, thanks to thousands of helium balloons that magically spring up out of his house. While this story does not involve the flight of an entire single-family home, it does involve a man who soared to 16,000 feet in a lawn chair, carried by forty-five helium-filled weather balloons.    And also, unlike the Pixar classic, this story is absolutely true.    Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories. These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual. Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of the over 450 stories featured in Winterton's Award-Winning* series, narrated by the author and his son, William Winterton.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes! And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4     * Winner of the Arizona Book of the Year Award for 2016

From Volume 1 of Stories from History's Dust Bin, comes the story of Louis, the son of Simon-Rene and Monique Braille, a fifteen-year-old blind French boy who invented a method that allowed him - and countless others like him - to read books  and write letters.    Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories.  These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual.  Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of over 450 short stories from either Winterton's Award-Winning Stories from Dust Bin series* or the companion volume, From Ace to Zamboni: 101 More Dust Bin Stories, as narrated by either the author or his son, William, or daughter, Jana.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes!  And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4

As often happens when something sensational shocks the conscience of the nation – half-baked reports become news!  Such was the case in 1954 when rising rock star Johnny Ace died of a gunshot to the head. An early tabloid story reported that an executive from Duke Records, with whom Ace was negotiating a new contract, had killed the young musician.  That was followed by a news report that suggested Johnny Ace had committed suicide. So, what really happened at Houston's City Auditorium on that Christmas Day in 1954? If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes!  And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4  

Words such as serendipity, destiny, kismet, fate, and just plain luck, describe situations in which a chance occurrence of events – lead to an unexpected outcome.  Take the case of Percy Spencer, Raytheon's expert in the production of Magnetron tubes used in commercial and military radar systems.  Serendipity – or any of those other words we just defined – happened – when a chocolate bar in Percy Spencer's shirt pocket ingloriously melted as he paused and stood in front of an active Magnetron tube – and that might be considered the moment of conception of the microwave oven.  Today's story is not about Percy Spencer, but about another man – Roy Plunkett – who, like Percy was blessed with an unexpected outcome that led to an invention that is today loved by every housewife and chef in the world.       Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories.  These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual.  Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of over 450 short stories from either Winterton's Award-Winning Stories from Dust Bin series* or the companion volume, From Ace to Zamboni: 101 More Dust Bin Stories, as narrated by either the author or his son, William, or daughter, Jana.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes!  And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4        

Meet the man behind the creation of one of the World's most famous iconic symbols, the long-nosed man peering over a straight line - a wall perhaps - with the never-changing message:  Kilroy Was Here. Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories.  These are the golden nuggets that have fallen from the History's wayside.  If you enjoy today's story, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes!  And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon - either downloadable or printed the old-fashioned way, with paper and ink. The History's Dust Bin set of books was the recipient of the 2016 Arizona Book of the Year Award.

This story is about Dr. Ralph Mott, from North Carolina State University, who became an internationally known botanist, not only for improving the quality and disease resistance of the Loblolly Pine, but for becoming the first to clone that species of tree.   And for me, this story is personal.  That's because Ralph and I go back a long way, having known each other since fifth grade – and graduating from high school together in 1956.  After college we followed divergent career paths, staying in touch at class reunions.  I visited Ralph and his wife, Beverly, another classmate, once a year for the last three years of Ralph's life, my final visit was in 2014, just a few months before he passed away from a disease that few have heard of.   So . . . join me, please, as I pay tribute to Ralph Mott, an outstanding scientist and long-time friend, with his story from Volume 3 of Stories from History's Dust Bin . . .

That Billy the Kid lived is a fact.  That he killed five men is a fact.  That he killed twenty-one men is doubtful but sells paperbacks and makes for exciting Hollywood movies.  There are dozens of stories about Billy the Kid, but here's one you've likely not heard.   So, here, from the Dust Bins of History, comes what the future may herald as what really happened to Billy the Kid, who he became, where he lived, and where he was laid to rest.

Perhaps the philosopher Kahlil Gibran said it best.    Ever has it been that love knows not its own depth -- until the hour of separation.      Such was the case for the couple in this story --- the story of Edna and Charlie, whose Hollywood love affair seemed to have been a “match made in Heaven,” --------- and then --- suddenly --- it was over.    They parted ways, but Charlie never fell “out of love,” for Edna -- and for the next 35 years he never let her forget she was special.      Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories.  These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual.  Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of over 450 short stories from either Winterton's Award-Winning Stories from Dust Bin series* or the companion volume, From Ace to Zamboni: 101 More Dust Bin Stories, as narrated by either the author or his son, William, or daughter, Jana.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes!  And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4         

When Paul Harvey spoke, it only took 2 or 3 words in his firm, staccato-like voice to let America's radio listeners know that he was on the air.     He was identifiable as much for his Paul Harvey "Rest of the Story" segments as he was for the distinctive way he delivered his message.     His presentations were often punctuated with silence to let his human-interest anecdotes and common-sense editorials sink in.       Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories. These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual. Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of over 450 short stories from either Winterton's Award-Winning Stories from Dust Bin series* or the companion volume, From Ace to Zamboni: 101 More Dust Bin Stories, as narrated by either the author or his son, William, or daughter, Jana.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes! And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4       * Winner of the Arizona Book of the Year Award for 2016

Calvin Coolidge, America's 30th president has earned a place in history for three things.  FIRST, he is thus far – the only president who can celebrate his birthday on the Fourth of July.  SECOND, he is the only president to have been sworn into office by his father.  And THIRD, he was best known then – and now – for his miserly use of words – the result of which has led to the nickname that followed him throughout his presidency – “Silent Cal.”       Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories.  These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual.  Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of over 450 short stories from either Winterton's Award-Winning Stories from Dust Bin series* or the companion volume, From Ace to Zamboni: 101 More Dust Bin Stories, as narrated by either the author or his son, William, or daughter, Jana.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes!  And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4

Today's story is about a man who should be recognized as America's 12th president – at least that's what the folks from the great state of Missouri would suggest. And if the citizens of the “Show Me State” – folks known for their skepticism about almost everything – can believe in Mr. Atchison's presidency, then everyone should be able to accept his presidency. Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories. These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual. Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of the over 450 stories featured in Winterton's Award-Winning* series, narrated by the author and his son, William Winterton.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes! And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4     * Winner of the Arizona Book of the Year Award for 2016

John Paul Jones is perhaps America's best-known naval commander.   Blessed with a strategic mind and the bravado to attack British ships off the American coastline, he contributed greatly to America's independence.    He was known for his dogged determination to beat the odds – a trait for which he has been rewarded with a seven-word quote often attributed to him, but more likely distilled – by historians – from his actual words.  But it doesn't matter, and it's all explained in the following story.   Then, after the Revolutionary War, America's Navy was disbanded due to a lack of funds, and Jones ended up in France where he died – in a hotel room – alone – at the age of forty-five.      Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories.  These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual.  Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of over 450 short stories from either Winterton's Award-Winning Stories from Dust Bin series* or the companion volume, From Ace to Zamboni: 101 More Dust Bin Stories, as narrated by either the author or his son, William, or daughter, Jana.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes!  And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4

As a youngster, Pete Gray's favorite thing to do was to play catch with his dad – and if his dad weren't around, he would toss the ball into the air and catch it to the imagined cheers of a stadium full of fans.    Then, shortly after his sixth birthday, Pete lost his right arm in a childhood accident that should have dashed his hopes of ever playing baseball at all, and yet!  His grit and determination saw him rise through the Minor Leagues to a bona-fide Major League contract – and a story that no baseball – OR SPORTS FAN should ever tire of hearing.         Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories. These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual. Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of over 450 short stories from either Winterton's Award-Winning Stories from Dust Bin series* or the companion volume, From Ace to Zamboni: 101 More Dust Bin Stories, as narrated by either the author or his son, William, or daughter, Jana.     If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes! And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4       * Winner of the Arizona Book of the Year Award for 2016

When Major George Armistead needed a special flag to fly above Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, he called upon one of America's most respected flag-makers, Mary Pickersgill, to see if she would accept the task of sewing the flag.    Mary considered the flag's immense size, told Major Armistead she could do it, and then she quickly enlisted the help of a least a dozen seamstresses to assist with the project.  You see, this was not – a “run-of-the-mill” flag – but a truly enormous flag that the Major intended to raise above the fort, but only when the time was right.       Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories.  These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual.  Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of over 450 short stories from either Winterton's Award-Winning Stories from Dust Bin series* or the companion volume, From Ace to Zamboni: 101 More Dust Bin Stories, as narrated by either the author or his son, William, or daughter, Jana.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes!  And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4    

What follows is an amazing story about a 19-year-old boy named Gilbert who – disguised as a girl – slipped out of France in 1776 – for the express purpose of helping America defeat the British during the Revolutionary War.  And in so doing, he became General Washington's youngest, and one of his most trusted commanders and advisors in the process.    In 1824, a park across from the White House was officially named “Lafayette Park,” in honor of Gilbert de Lafayette – a young man who didn't need to fight in anyone's war but did so for a very personal reason – a reason that will be revealed to you as you listen to the story.       Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories.  These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual.  Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of over 450 short stories from either Winterton's Award-Winning Stories from Dust Bin series* or the companion volume, From Ace to Zamboni: 101 More Dust Bin Stories, as narrated by either the author or his son, William, or daughter, Jana.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes!  And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4

Today's story about a man born into dire poverty. A man who became a country-western singer, and who was nearly killed before he could receive a gold record for a song made famous by another man. Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories. These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual. Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of the over 450 stories featured in Winterton's Award-Winning* series, narrated by the author and his son, William Winterton.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes! And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4     * Winner of the Arizona Book of the Year Award for 2016

Four years after Henry Darger's birth in 1892, his mother died giving birth to his sister – and four years after that – his father died.  Henry went first to a Catholic orphanage where he remained until he turned twelve and was taken to a children's asylum.   In the late 1920s, he rented a boardinghouse room and found work as a janitor in a Catholic hospital.  He lived at that same boardinghouse and worked the same job until his death in 1973.  And during those forty plus years – without anyone knowing what he was doing – Henry Darger turned his creative childlike imagination loose – and you are about to find out what he accomplished.          Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories.  These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual.  Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of over 450 short stories from either Winterton's Award-Winning Stories from Dust Bin series* or the companion volume, From Ace to Zamboni: 101 More Dust Bin Stories, as narrated by either the author or his son, William, or daughter, Jana.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes!  And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4

Harrison Ford was one of the most successful movie actors of his day...   No...   Not THAT Harrison Ford.       Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories. These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual. Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of the over 450 stories featured in Winterton's Award-Winning* series, narrated by the author and his son, William Winterton.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes! And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4     * Winner of the Arizona Book of the Year Award for 2016

History is replete with wars with strange names.  Take, for instance, the War of the Oaken Bucket, fought in 1325 between Bologna [Beau – loan – ya] and Modena [Mold – din – uh] that involved 40,000 men in which 2,000 died in battle.   And the War of Jenkins Ear between England and Spain that ran from 1739 to 1742 and is chronicled in the 2nd volume of Stories from History's Dust Bin.    And how about the War of the Stray Dog in 1925 between Greece and Bulgaria, that began when a Greek soldier inadvertently chased a stray dog into Bulgarian territory and was shot dead – the soldier, not the stray dog – and the fight was on.           Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories.  These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual.  Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of over 450 short stories from either Winterton's Award-Winning Stories from Dust Bin series* or the companion volume, From Ace to Zamboni: 101 More Dust Bin Stories, as narrated by either the author or his son, William, or daughter, Jana.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes!  And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4

We all know someone like Clement Vallandigham.       He's the guy who will go to great lengths to disagree with just about anything you say... just because.   Hard-headed, brilliant and somewhat restless, Clement came into this world determined to prove himself right.   He ending up leaving the same way.     Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories.  These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual.  Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of over 450 short stories from either Winterton's Award-Winning Stories from Dust Bin series* or the companion volume, From Ace to Zamboni: 101 More Dust Bin Stories, as narrated by either the author or his son, William, or daughter, Jana.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes!  And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4

America's oldest private library is the Boston Athenaeum.  Inside is a book so rare that it requires an advance appointment to view.       And here's what makes the book so unique   It is the only book written by James Allen, a man who was orphaned early – who grew up in an unfriendly world – who made his way through life as a burglar, a street thief, and a highwayman.  He was a man who died in prison in 1837 at the age of 28, and yet, while incarcerated – produced a book worthy of inclusion in the rarified air of the Boston Athenaeum.       Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories.  These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual.  Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of over 450 short stories from either Winterton's Award-Winning Stories from Dust Bin series* or the companion volume, From Ace to Zamboni: 101 More Dust Bin Stories, as narrated by either the author or his son, William, or daughter, Jana.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes!  And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4

British actress Laura Keene came to America around 1850, and established herself, first as a capable entrepreneur, and second as an admired actress.  When she leased Baltimore's Charles Street Theater in 1853, she became the first woman in America to manage a theatrical business, and in 1856, she opened her own venue, the Laura Keene Theater in New York. In 1858, a play titled Our American Cousin, opened to rave reviews at Laura Keene's Theater, and enjoyed a long run in New York, Philadelphia, and other cities – and in April, 1865 it opened at Ford's Theater in Washington, D.C. Well, you know what happened next.  President and Mrs. Lincoln attended the play where he was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth – but there is something else that happened that you aren't likely aware of – for which Laura Keene was once again a leading lady.     Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories.  These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual.  Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of over 450 short stories from either Winterton's Award-Winning Stories from Dust Bin series* or the companion volume, From Ace to Zamboni: 101 More Dust Bin Stories, as narrated by either the author or his son, William, or daughter, Jana.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes!  And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4

The noted English philosopher, Jeremy Bentham, was born a child prodigy.    At three he was learning Latin;  at seven, he was performing difficult violin pieces at social events; and he celebrated his twelfth birthday as a student at Queen's College.    Today, nearly 200 years after his death, he is dressed in early 1800s attire – and is awaiting his next opportunity to appear before the University's College Council.       Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories.  These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual.  Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of over 450 short stories from either Winterton's Award-Winning Stories from Dust Bin series* or the companion volume, From Ace to Zamboni: 101 More Dust Bin Stories, as narrated by either the author or his son, William, or daughter, Jana.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes!  And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4

Certain days evoke certain human emotions, such as the warmth of Mother's Day, the joy of Christmas, the spookiness' of Halloween, and of course, the spirit of the trickster on April Fools' Day, a day celebrated around the world, but why?     What follows is one of the more plausible theories regarding the “WHY” of April Fools' Day – a day whose verifiable origins have been covered by the sands of time – and we'll visit a few of the pranks foisted upon the gullible by those willing to take advantage of April's Fools.     Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories.  These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual.  Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of over 450 short stories from either Winterton's Award-Winning Stories from Dust Bin series* or the companion volume, From Ace to Zamboni: 101 More Dust Bin Stories, as narrated by either the author or his son, William, or daughter, Jana.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes!  And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4

Annette Funicello was not yet a teenager when Walt Disney tapped her to become one of his iconic Mouseketeers, and America watched as she developed into the quintessential girl-next-door in the slightly spicy Beach Party flicks.    She later showed herself to be a credible vocalist with hits such as Tall Paul and Pineapple Princess, and she became a popular guest on variety and talk shows.   No one knows why a person becomes afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis, not even the doctors, but that's what happened to Annette Funicello in 1987, when Annette was diagnosed with the debilitating disease.    But instead of saying “Poor Me,” she assisted in raising awareness of the disease through fund-raising events and establishing the Annette Funicello Research Fund for Neurological Diseases in 1993.      Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories.  These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual.  Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of over 450 short stories from either Winterton's Award-Winning Stories from Dust Bin series* or the companion volume, From Ace to Zamboni: 101 More Dust Bin Stories, as narrated by either the author or his son, William, or daughter, Jana.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes!  And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4

There are many legends concerning Saint Patrick.  For instance, it's often assumed he was of Irish heritage.    Not so.  Patrick's parents lived in a part of England occupied by the Romans and although he was most likely of British ancestry, he may have been of Roman-Italian descent.   Another legend has Patrick fasting for 40 days atop a mountain.  As he descended, he came face-to-face with a multitude of snakes.  Perhaps in a bad mood from a lack of nourishment, he chased them into the sea and banished them forever.    While Ireland is snake free, scientists suggest their absence has less to do with Patrick's anger, and more to do with the Ice Age – and the fact that Ireland is an island.           Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories.  These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual.  Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of over 450 short stories from either Winterton's Award-Winning Stories from Dust Bin series* or the companion volume, From Ace to Zamboni: 101 More Dust Bin Stories, as narrated by either the author or his son, William, or daughter, Jana.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes!  And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4

The English writer Edmund Clerihew Bentley, born in 1875, began his career as a newspaper journalist before publishing several books of poetry and writing a number of novels – and he was good at it.    His best-known novel, Trent's Last Case, contains such mystifying plotting and thoughtfully written story twists that it is considered the first modern mystery novel.    But, as you are about to learn, Edmund Clerihew Bentley is not remembered these days for his detective stories, but for an unusual poetic art form that has come to be known as a “Clerihew,” in honor of his middle name.       Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories. These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual.  Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of over 450 short stories from either Winterton's Award-Winning Stories from Dust Bin series* or the companion volume, From Ace to Zamboni: 101 More Dust Bin Stories, as narrated by either the author or his son, William, or daughter, Jana.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes! And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4       * Winner of the Arizona Book of the Year Award for 2016

Did you know that Edgar Allan Poe was a superb athlete?  That's right.  When Princeton University finished the 1889 season with a perfect 10-0 record, the team's star player, Edgar Allan Poe was named the quarterback of America's very first All-American Team.   The story is true.  That's because Princeton's star quarterback in 1889 was named after his famous second cousin, twice removed, the celebrated author Edgar Allan Poe.  The latter having passed away forty years before Princeton's talented quarterback engineered that perfect 10-0 season.     Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories.  These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual.  Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of over 450 short stories from either Winterton's Award-Winning Stories from Dust Bin series* or the companion volume, From Ace to Zamboni: 101 More Dust Bin Stories, as narrated by either the author or his son, William, or daughter, Jana.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes!  And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4

When William Claude Dukenfield was eleven – his abusive father hit him in the head with a shovel, so moved in with his grandmother – and there perfected the art of juggling.  In his late teens, with the ability to juggle or balance almost anything, he became a vaudeville performer.    On stage, he met Hattie, also a juggler and the two married and became a juggling act – until she became pregnant, went home, gave birth, and the marriage eventually lost its luster.  It didn't help – that Fields detested his mother-in-law and would come to dinner with a lit cigar in a candle holder balanced atop his head, never conceding its presence to the fear of his mother-in-law.    Perhaps Dukenfield's annoying and irascible persona was not just an act after all.       Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories. These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual. Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of over 450 short stories from either Winterton's Award-Winning Stories from Dust Bin series* or the companion volume, From Ace to Zamboni: 101 More Dust Bin Stories, as narrated by either the author or his son, William, or daughter, Jana.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes! And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4       * Winner of the Arizona Book of the Year Award for 2016

Franz Haydn's influence in the world of classical music is unquestioned, and it all began when eight-year-old Franz was asked to sing with the highly respected Saint Stephen's Cathedral Choir in Vienna.  It was here, at St. Stephen's, where young Franz learned to play the violin, the piano, and was taught the basics of musical composition.   Following his experience at St. Stephens, he trained for three years with Italian composer Nicola Porpora before coming to the attention of Austria's influential Esterhazy family.  Prince Nikolaus Esterhazy brought Hayden into his court and put him in charge of the palace orchestra.    Now, with his own orchestra and almost unlimited time to compose various forms of music, the appointment was perfect for one of the world's greatest musical composers - a composer who literally lost his head because of his musical genius.     Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories.  These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual.  Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of over 450 short stories from either Winterton's Award-Winning Stories from Dust Bin series* or the companion volume, From Ace to Zamboni: 101 More Dust Bin Stories, as narrated by either the author or his son, William, or daughter, Jana.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes!  And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4

With this podcast, we celebrate Saint Valentine's Day – the origin of which – as you will learn – is genuinely heart-rending.    There remains some confusion among theologians as to which of two Catholic clerics named Valentinus* lent their name to Valentine's Day.  But these days, many believe that those two clerics – a priest and a bishop – were likely the same person because of location and time.    You see – the locations are the neighboring cities of Rome and Terni, and it's possible that one cleric worked in both locations but at different times.  And what about the time?  All activities took place during the third century.    Thus, for storytelling purposes, we assume there was one Valentinus, who achieved sainthood, whom we will now refer to as Saint Valentine.      Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories.  These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual.  Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of over 450 short stories from either Winterton's Award-Winning Stories from Dust Bin series* or the companion volume, From Ace to Zamboni: 101 More Dust Bin Stories, as narrated by either the author or his son, William, or daughter, Jana.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes!  And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4    

I first heard the name, Sidney Reilly, in 1983 when his life-story became a television mini-series titled, Reilly, the Ace of Spies.    Then, twenty years later, while dining with friends before leaving for the theater to see – Ian Fleming's latest spy thriller, Casino Royale – someone mentioned they had read somewhere that the famous British spy, Sidney Reilly, had served as the inspiration for Fleming's fictional master spy.   Then, a decade later, while working on a list of potential Dust Bin stories, I came across a quote from author Ian Fleming that – with a touch of literary license – reads, “Oh, you mean my fictional intelligence agent.  He's just a piece of nonsense I dreamed up.  He's not a Sidney Reilly, you know.”  And I knew I had another Dust Bin story.     Stories from History's Dust Bin is a 3-volume set of historical short stories.  These are the nuggets of gold that had fallen by the wayside… the little known and unusual.  Many of these gems were destined to be forever lost until they were collected, dusted off and brought back to life by author Wayne Winterton.   Each podcast episode features one of over 450 short stories from either Winterton's Award-Winning Stories from Dust Bin series* or the companion volume, From Ace to Zamboni: 101 More Dust Bin Stories, as narrated by either the author or his son, William, or daughter, Jana.   If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us 5 stars and a glowing review on iTunes!  And if you don't want to wait a whole week to hear another story from the Dust Bin, consider picking up the books on Amazon (either downloadable or good ol' fashioned ink and paper).   The Entire History's Dust Bin Collection Is Available On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bDrip4