Our Real Story

January 15, 2021·25 min·2 clips

Colonel William Crawford was burned at the stake near Upper Sandusky, the only American officer to suffer this fate.

This introductory episode of the Real Stories Podcast features hosts Graham and Brian, two history enthusiasts from Upper Sandusky in Wyandotte County, Ohio. They outline their goal to explore local history and personal narratives from their region. The hosts explain their background in Northern Ohio, specifically an area historically inhabited by the Wyandotte people. They detail the local geography, noting their town is near the headwaters of the Sandusky River, which flows north into Lake Erie. The area's history includes the Wyandotte Indian reservation and the establishment of the first Methodist mission west of the Appalachians by John Stewart in 1819. A key translator for this mission was Jonathan Pointer, a formerly enslaved man who spoke both English and Wyandotte. The hosts mention local landmarks like the "Indian Mill" and a spring reportedly visited by Charles Dickens. A significant historical event discussed is the 1782 burning at the stake of American Colonel William Crawford near their town. They reference historian Allan Eckert's narrative style as an inspiration for how they might present historical tales. The hosts share a personal memory of marching in a 2019 parade with members of the Wyandotte Nation. They describe unique local businesses, like the Southside Drive-Thru, a drive-through convenience store they call a regional staple. Another promised future topic is the Oorang Indians, a 1920s NFL team based in the tiny nearby town of LaRue. An interesting insight is their observation that spoken word and vocal inflection, largely lost to history, can fundamentally change how we perceive historical figures. They speculate on how a recording of George Washington's voice might alter modern perceptions. The hosts express a desire to learn the Wyandotte language and to have Chief Billy Friend of the Wyandotte Nation as a guest. They note the emotional impact of a local ceremony where a historic church and cemetery were returned to the Wyandotte people. The tone is casual, conversational, and deeply rooted in local pride, with a focus on anecdotal storytelling. The style is informal, featuring friendly banter between the two hosts as they reminisce and plan future episodes. Listeners interested in Midwestern Americana, hyper-local history, and personal stories from small-town Ohio will enjoy this episode. Those seeking highly produced, globally-focused historical narratives or fast-paced content might find it less engaging.

As heard by us

A modest opening that uses local memory to frame history without much polish.

Graham and Brian begin with a plainspoken introduction to themselves and their region, then settle into a simple idea: stories collected over a lifetime can still carry useful lessons.

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Why you'd press play

Press play if you want episode one of Graham and Brian introducing themselves, Northern Ohio, and why ordinary stories matter.

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