On this our last episode before a small break, Anthony regales Skye and Samuel with the complicated story of possibly-blind and heavily tattooed (like 2/3 of the podcasts' hosts) #11401 (Forgery) #12493 (Murder in the First Degree and Escape) Frank "Tony" Grooms, while Skye (recently laid up with a freak-accident ankle-break) tells the story of the only resident of the Women's Ward to hail from the Duck Valley Reservation #6857 Woffie Bitt (Forgery).

Oral History:
Melvin Aldous #11458, August 24, 1985, Idaho State Archives.

You can pick up your tickets to our Halloween Event - Squawky & Spirits - here:
https://history.idaho.gov/event/squawky-spirits-2024/

EP 95 - Grooms And Bitt

On today’s Stool Pigeon Saturday, Anthony interviews Steve North, Old Idaho Penitentiary Volunteer and Commander of the Boise Chapter of the Forty and Eight. Steve dives into the captivating history of the Merci Train Boxcar, a symbol of gratitude from France to the United States after World War II. He shares insights about the enduring friendship between the two nations and the incredible stories of generosity and connection that emerged in the aftermath of war. 

For more information, pick up Boxcar Diplomacy by Jane Sweetland:
https://store.history.idaho.gov/GiftShopItem.aspx?I=1526

Steve North's Captivating Conversation:
https://youtu.be/kXa2hL_w9fw

Jane Sweetland's Captivating Conversation:
https://youtu.be/DhJmBsOO7y8

http://mercitrain.org/
https://www.fortyandeight.org


Oral History:
Truman, Harry S. "President Truman's Radio and Television Address Concluding a Program by the Citizens Food Committee." Delivered from the White House, Washington, D.C., October 5, 1947. National Archives Identifier (NAID) 325599790.

News coverage clip provided by Jane Sweetland.

Stool Pigeon Saturday - Steve North On The 75th Anniversary of the Merci Train Boxcar

“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://history.idaho.gov/donate/donation-payment/

Stool Pigeon Saturday - Steve North On The 75th Anniversary of the Merci Train Boxcar

Behind Gray Walls

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