Shows
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastIllinois: A State Apart – Episode #5 – The Republic of Forgottonia (1973)“We feel we need all the counties to really lend credence to what we’re trying to say (which is to make and approve a petition to withdraw & form a 51st state)... I feel that Phase Three is about ready to begin, and I can step down as governor of Forgottonia. I think the time … Continue reading "Illinois: A State Apart – Episode #5 – The Republic of Forgottonia (1973)"2025-07-2236 min
Oh, Malort!New Illinois: Everything OldAlyssa tells Planko about Illinois Separation.
Show Notes:
New City: Postcard from Forgottonia: The land that time chose not to remember
Chicago Tribune: Meet the people working to kick Chicago out of Illinois
ABC 20: Group is looking to secede the state of Illinois from Chicago
WGLT: McLean County Libertarians Host Illinois Separation Founder
Chicago Magazine: Hands Off, Indiana
The Forgottonia Project
Peoria Star Journal: Gone but not Forgottonia
Forgottonia: A multi-media love letter to rural America
Fly North Musicals: Forgottonia A New Musical
Laude...2025-06-301h 24
The 21st ShowForgottonia Project highlights the people, history, and issues of rural IllinoisThe Forgottonia Project was a podcast created by a social studies teacher and the incoming Dean of Students at Spoon River Valley High School in Fulton County. The goal is to teach students living in the western part of Illinois and other rural areas about the history of where they live and also to hear from rural voices that might otherwise be ignored. The teacher joins the program today as well as two students who participated in the project.2025-06-2700 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastHow the World’s Fittest Man Was Forged in Forgottonia: A Conversation with Joe Decker“Greatness comes from within. It doesn’t matter if you’re from a town of 100 or 100,000—if you believe in yourself and work your butt off, you can do anything.” Joe Decker On This Episode We talk with Joe Decker, Guinness World Record Holder and “World’s Fittest Man” who is a native of rural Forgottonia (Smithfield, IL). … Continue reading "How the World’s Fittest Man Was Forged in Forgottonia: A Conversation with Joe Decker"2025-06-2632 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastClassroom Sandboxing in Rural Forgottonia“Forgottonia’s story reminds us that small towns hold big ideas. When we trust students to lead, create, and connect, we don't just prepare them for the real world — we invite them to change it.” On This Episode What happens when students stop completing assignments for a grade and start creating work for the world? … Continue reading "Classroom Sandboxing in Rural Forgottonia"2025-05-1032 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastImproving Early Childhood Education in Forgottonia with Birth to Five Illinois: Region 26"Our job is to find out what the needs and barriers are around early childhood care and education… and help align goals so we’re all working on the same thing." Shannon McKee, Family & Community Engagement Specialist, Birth to Five Illinois: Region 26 On This Episode We had the privilege of speaking with Paul Larson, … Continue reading "Improving Early Childhood Education in Forgottonia with Birth to Five Illinois: Region 26"2025-01-2133 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastElection Results in Forgottonia: Trump’s Unprecedented Appeal"In Forgottonia, political concerns run deep and personal. They’re about survival, identity, and fairness. Whether it’s fixing roads, supporting farmers, or amplifying rural voices, these issues remind us why local perspectives matter in national debates." Objectives In this episode, we explore the unprecedented political shift in western Illinois, a region known as Forgottonia, where all … Continue reading "Election Results in Forgottonia: Trump’s Unprecedented Appeal"2024-11-3023 min
Radio MonmouthChris Vallillo Presents "Forgottonia:" An Intimate Portrait of Rural IllinoisSinger songwriter Chris Vallillo will present his latest project, "Forgottonia," at The Orpheum Theatre on Saturday, November 23rd at 7:30 pm.2024-11-2009 min
Galesburg's Morning NewsForgottonia comes to Galesburg: A musical journey through rural IllinoisChris Vallillo will be performing his brand new show Forgottonia at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 at the Orpheum Theatre in Galesburg. The show features original music written about rural Illinois over the past 35 years, performed live with projected images of black and white photographs from award winning photographer Tim Schroll. Vallillo is a roots musician, songwriter and producer from Macomb. The name “Forgottonia” first came to Western Illinois in 1972 when 16 counties declared the creation of the independent nation of Forgottonia in protest of the lack of tax dollars returning to the region. Vallilo joins WGIL's Tyler Gumm and Jay Redfern on Ga...2024-11-1217 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastOral History of Forgottonia: Title IX and the First Female Athletes at Cuba High School"Title IX wasn't just about athletics, it was about education. At that time, we had only a few female leaders. We needed a level playing field, everyone needed a fair shake." Robbi Ball Rhonda Garrett and Robbi Ball talk to CHS student athletes Kayleigh Harr (class of '24) and Kacie White (class of '27) On … Continue reading "Oral History of Forgottonia: Title IX and the First Female Athletes at Cuba High School"2024-10-0834 minRadio MonmouthJosh Lockhart & Matthew Rauschert with The Forgottonia Times™Lockhart and Rauschert discuss the launch of The Forgottonia Times™, a new monthly newspaper dedicated to celebrating and connecting the communities of Knox, McDonough, Warren, and Fulton counties.
2024-07-1210 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastForgottonia at Work: Future Trends and Community Impact"Vulnerable populations were already feeling the pressure” in an economy that saw a shrinking of middle-wage jobs... the middle class has begun to disappear, and fewer workers are able to meet their needs & the needs of their families with wages earned from 40 hours of work each week." -Illinois Future of Work Task Force, … Continue reading "Forgottonia at Work: Future Trends and Community Impact"2024-07-0445 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastForgottonia Gazette: Rural Youth Reporting, Issue #1 (Podcast Edition)"Since 2005, the U.S. has lost more than ¼ of its newspapers and is on track to lose ⅓ by 2025." ON THIS EPISODE On this episode we are pleased to share some interview sound bites from students in our current events class at Cuba H.S. Their work is featured on our inaugural monthly newsletter … Continue reading "Forgottonia Gazette: Rural Youth Reporting, Issue #1 (Podcast Edition)"2024-05-2114 min
The Rural Experience in America PodcastsThe Rural Experience in America Podcast: Oral History of Forgottonia (Part 2) This episode features Joe Brewer, a high school teacher from Cuba, Illinois, his community partner Sue Scott from the Western Illinois Museum, and some of his students sharing their public history project entitled Oral History of Forgottonia (Part 2). 2024-04-0225 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastOral History of Forgottonia: The Red Brick School in Smithfield, IL – Part 3, Cooper & Sam Interview Nicole Thum"I thought about leaving and then life happened and I stayed and I'm glad I did. I raised my kids here. I still teach here and I wouldn't want it any other way." Nicole Thum Mrs. Nicole Thum shows Cooper and Sam a picture of her elementary class at the Smithfield Red Brick School ON … Continue reading "Oral History of Forgottonia: The Red Brick School in Smithfield, IL – Part 3, Cooper & Sam Interview Nicole Thum"2024-03-1726 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastOral History of Forgottonia: Western Illinois Then, Now, and Beyond – Cadie and Courtney Churchill’s Interview with Former Congressman Bill Edley (Part 2)"We need to become informed activists. This Forgottonia movement lasted only a short time. That won't work. It will take years to implement change and we must be willing to expend that." Bill Edley ON THIS EPISODE As part of our Oral History in Forgottonia series, Cuba High School students Cadie & Courtney Churchill continue … Continue reading "Oral History of Forgottonia: Western Illinois Then, Now, and Beyond – Cadie and Courtney Churchill’s Interview with Former Congressman Bill Edley (Part 2)"2024-02-1534 minThe Forgottonia Project » PodcastOral History of Forgottonia: Western Illinois Then, Now, and Beyond – Cadie and Courtney Churchill’s Interview with Former Congressman Bill Edley (Part 1)"The concept of Forgottonia was that this region was neglected by urban centers, but that wasn't really the problem. The problem was we don't engage at the community level like we should. Bill Edley ON THIS EPISODE As part of our Oral History in Forgottonia series, Cuba High School students Cadie & Courtney Churchill continue … Continue reading "Oral History of Forgottonia: Western Illinois Then, Now, and Beyond – Cadie and Courtney Churchill’s Interview with Former Congressman Bill Edley (Part 1)"2024-01-2933 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastOral History of Forgottonia: Was Cuba the Strip-Mining Capital of the World? Braxton Humphrey’s Interview with local mining enthusiast and Retired Teacher Dick Mowery"Mining played a really big part in our town. At one time our population was 2,500, but now it's down to 1,200. This population is the biggest legacy of mining. Most people we know who live in our community have ancestors who worked in the mine." Dick Mowery, local mining enthusiast and former CHS educator … Continue reading "Oral History of Forgottonia: Was Cuba the Strip-Mining Capital of the World? Braxton Humphrey’s Interview with local mining enthusiast and Retired Teacher Dick Mowery"2024-01-0632 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastOral History of Forgottonia: The Red Brick School in Smithfield, IL – Part 2, Cooper & Sam Interview Marcus Boyer“When small towns lose, we lose a piece of ourselves.” Marcus Boyer ON THIS EPISODE As part of our Oral History in Forgottonia series, Cuba High School juniors Cooper Leonard and Sam Thum explore the history and impact of the old Red Brick School in Smithfield, Illinois. Like many small towns, the school in Smithfield … Continue reading "Oral History of Forgottonia: The Red Brick School in Smithfield, IL – Part 2, Cooper & Sam Interview Marcus Boyer"2023-12-1836 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastOral History of Forgottonia: The Red Brick School in Smithfield, IL – Part 1, Cooper & Sam Interview Lori Noe"I couldn't wait to leave, but then I couldn't wait to come home." Lori Noe ON THIS EPISODE As part of our Oral History in Forgottonia series, Cuba High School juniors Cooper Leonard and Sam Thum explore the history and impact of the old Red Brick School in Smithfield, Illinois. Like many small towns, the … Continue reading "Oral History of Forgottonia: The Red Brick School in Smithfield, IL – Part 1, Cooper & Sam Interview Lori Noe"2023-12-0224 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastOral History of Forgottonia: What Insights Can We Gain from the Amish Residents in Our Small Community? Ella Bass Interviews an Amish Mother & Daughter"I wanted to learn more about the Amish community to better understand them. I feel like this is important because they are also members of our community." Ella Bass, Cuba H.S. Senior Class '23 Amish owned & operated Heartland Bulk Foods located on the west end of Cuba, Illinois...one of our town's best kept secrets! … Continue reading "Oral History of Forgottonia: What Insights Can We Gain from the Amish Residents in Our Small Community? Ella Bass Interviews an Amish Mother & Daughter"2023-11-1229 min
RFD TodayRFD Today May 26, 2023Paul Wappel with the Illinois Department of Transportation previews summer travel and summer construction season.Illinois Farm Bureau's Lauren Lurkins and Bureau County farmer Michael Ganschow discuss their appearance on the PBS Newshour special broadcast this week from the University of Illinois campus.Jock Hedblade, Executive Director at Unforgettable Forgottonia / The Macomb Area Convention and Visitors Bureau details the world's largest Monopoly game being designed for the Macomb square.2023-05-2653 min
Rural RemixIntroducing Libby Lane, the Rural Assembly's New Deputy DirectorWhitney talks with Libby Lane, the Rural Assembly's new Deputy Director. She comes to us from the rural Midwest, from the 16-County region in Western Illinois, sometimes called Forgottonia. She grew up in a town of 3000, fell in love with musical theater and acting, and ultimately made her way to Chicago, where she now lives with her wife and their rescue dog, Roxie. And she's still a member of her rural community in Rushville and visits often. Whitney and Libby talk about Libby's desire to honor communities like the one she came from; supporting marginalized voices in rural; and...2023-05-2531 min
Looking for Lincoln StoriesThe Charleston Riot: Unrest in Illinois during the Civil WarIn March 1864 a riot between Copperheads and Union troops broke out in Charleston, Illinois sparking concern that this could mark the start of a large-scale uprising in the North. Discover the causes of this turmoil and what happened in its aftermath.
The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble. This episode is narrated by: Jock Hedblade, the executive director of Unforgettable Forgottonia.
Music - Epidemic Sound via iStock.com: ES_Another Sunset - King Peaks, ES_Color the World (Instrumental Version) - Ludlow, ES...2023-05-2312 min
Mostly FolkMostly Folk Podcast Episode 624Send us a textCharlotte Mclean/Tortoise Beetles/Spinning Wheels and SideshowsRodriguez/Crucify Your Mind/Cold FactLennie Gallant/ On the Minnehaha/singleTaj Mahal/Caldonia/SavoyChris Vallillo/When Whiskey Had Wheels/ForgottoniaPhil Coomer/Evidence/Mill RoadThe Scooches/Stop This Climate Change/Lift You UpOpen Road/Wildflowers/SkylarkWilliam Prince /Goldie Hawn/Stand In The JoyJay Brown/Revelry/Best Of Jay BrownNeptune's Car /Emily Dickinson/The 45th Parallel...2023-05-131h 00
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastHow the 1024 Movement is Helping Youth Prioritize their Mental Health"The best ideas are going to come from your generation...it's time to be innovative to address these issues. Action starts with you." Tara Rumler, The 1024 Movement ON THIS EPISODE We are pleased to share this interview with Tara Rumler of the 1024 Movement. Tara is a native of Forgottonia whose work has brought her … Continue reading "How the 1024 Movement is Helping Youth Prioritize their Mental Health"2023-05-1031 min
Craft Beer ProfessionalsSmall Town Breweries: Strategies for SuccessSmall town doesn't have to mean small profits. In this conversation, we will be joined by representatives from small town breweries from across the country. From customer preferences to events to marketing, we will discuss strategies our guests have used to build relationships and grow their bottom line.
This conversation features:
Clay Hysell (Patch Brewing Company)
Kate Bogli (The Brewery at Maple View Farm)
Sean West (Forgottonia Brewing)
Tim Goers (G5 Brewing)
Join us in-person for...2023-04-081h 00
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastNew Philadelphia Earns National Park Status: An Update with Marynel CortonOn this episode, we’re thrilled to share an update about New Philadelphia with Marynel Corton, the executive director of the New Philadelphia Museum. Last year we interviewed Marynel about New Philadelphia, one of the most important historical communities in the U.S. and located right here in rural Forgottonia (Pike County to be exact; Marynel lives … Continue reading "New Philadelphia Earns National Park Status: An Update with Marynel Corton"2023-04-0639 min
The PloughCastThe PloughRead: Daughter of Forgottonia by Liz SchleicherIn Forgottonia, a left-behind corner of Illinois, Edna Eberlin made her farm a home for a sprawling multigenerational family. It was never easy.2023-03-0225 min
The Rural Experience in America PodcastsThe Rural Experience in America Podcast: The Forgottonia ProjectThis project features Joe Brewer, a 9-12 teacher from Cuba, Illinois, sharing his public history project entitled, The Forgottonia Project.2023-01-3117 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastOral History of Forgottonia – The Protests at Dickson Mounds by Ella BassON THIS EPISODE As part of our Oral History in Forgottonia series, Cuba High School junior Ella Bass hosts this episode about the 1992 Native American protests that took place at Dickson Mounds Museum in Lewistown, Illinois. Dickson Mounds Museum in Lewiston, IL harbors the history of indigenous people who lived in this region as … Continue reading "Oral History of Forgottonia – The Protests at Dickson Mounds by Ella Bass"2023-01-2215 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastOral History of Forgottonia – How Fulton County Was Divided During the Civil War: Jayson Stead’s Interview with Tim Roberts, WIU History Professor & author of “This Infernal War”ON THIS EPISODE Continuing our Oral History in Forgottonia series, Cuba High School junior Jayson Stead once again takes the microphone to explore Fulton County during the Civil War. In this episode, Jayson shares his conversation with Dr. Tim Roberts about his Civil War book This Infernal War: The Civil War Letters of William & … Continue reading "Oral History of Forgottonia – How Fulton County Was Divided During the Civil War: Jayson Stead’s Interview with Tim Roberts, WIU History Professor & author of “This Infernal War”"2023-01-1430 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastOral History of Forgottonia – Fulton County, Abe Lincoln, and the Civil War: Jayson Stead’s Interview with Rick KlinedinstON THIS EPISODE As part of our Oral History in Forgottonia series, Cuba High School junior Jayson Stead interviews local Lincoln enthusiast Rick Klinedinst, about Fulton County during the Civil War. In his day job, Mr. Klinedinst serves as the president of the MidAmerica National Bank. He is also passionate about history and has even … Continue reading "Oral History of Forgottonia – Fulton County, Abe Lincoln, and the Civil War: Jayson Stead’s Interview with Rick Klinedinst"2023-01-1432 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastOral History of Forgottonia – Getting to Know Forgottonia’s Governor: Cadie & Courtney Churchill Interview with John Marshall"They needed a spokesperson. Neal was ideal because he was a great speaker, he was highly intelligent...and he was kind of a ham actually. He loved to talk in front of people." -John Marshall (friend of Neal Gam, Forgottonia's Governor) ON THIS EPISODE As part of our Oral History in Forgottonia series, Cuba High School … Continue reading "Oral History of Forgottonia – Getting to Know Forgottonia’s Governor: Cadie & Courtney Churchill Interview with John Marshall"2023-01-1319 min
Arts Interview with Nancy Kranzberg331. Colin Healy and Bradley Rohlf of Fly North TheatricalsColin Healy and Bradley Rohlf of Fly North Theatricals stopped by to talk about the company's works and programs. Colin Healy is a dog-owner based in the city of St. Louis who is also a composer, music director, and the artistic director of Fly North Theatricals. Starting at age 15, as a touring singer/songwriter with South Florida-based rock band The Republik, Colin's work as a recording artist spans five full-length studio albums -- three as a performer (Last Chance Planet, 2006; The Unexpected Answer, 2010; We Are The Wild Things, 2012), and two as a producer (The Gringo: Original St...2023-01-0517 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastOral History of Forgottonia – Railroads in Western Illinois: Gavin Johnson’s Interview with Local Railroad Enthusiast Bill LeitzeON THIS EPISODE "The railroads depended on population and product. The population and product depended on shipping. The railroads became the most valuable method of shipping, particularly for landlocked areas like Illinois." -Bill Leitze As part of our Oral History in Forgottonia series, Cuba High School senior Gavin Johnson sits down with local Railroad enthusiast, … Continue reading "Oral History of Forgottonia – Railroads in Western Illinois: Gavin Johnson’s Interview with Local Railroad Enthusiast Bill Leitze"2022-12-2158 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastOral History of Forgottonia – Mining in Western Illinois: Braxton Humphrey’s Interview with David LidwellON THIS EPISODE "The two most dangerous occupations were agricultural, and mining. I was raised on a farm and worked on the mines." David Lidwell As part of our Oral History in Forgottonia series, Cuba High School junior Braxton Humphrey interviews former miner David Lidwell, about his knowledge and experience working in the mining industry. … Continue reading "Oral History of Forgottonia – Mining in Western Illinois: Braxton Humphrey’s Interview with David Lidwell"2022-12-1739 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastOral History of Forgottonia – Experiencing a Rural School Closure: Cooper Leonard’s Interview with Retired Principal Daryle Coleman"The community did the best they could with that school, rather than let it sit vacant." Daryle Coleman ON THIS EPISODE As part of our Oral History in Forgottonia series, Cuba High School sophomore Cooper Leonard interviews Retired principal, Daryle Coleman, about her experience with the closure of the Red Brick School in Smithfield, Illinois. … Continue reading "Oral History of Forgottonia – Experiencing a Rural School Closure: Cooper Leonard’s Interview with Retired Principal Daryle Coleman"2022-12-1532 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastOral History of Forgottonia – Dr. Francis Regnier: The Forgotten Hero of New Salem, by Amber Cannon"Don't always look into famous people, look into people that helped a person become so well known." Amber Cannon ON THIS EPISODE As part of our Oral History in Forgottonia series, Cuba High School freshman Amber Cannon hosts this episode about Dr. Francis Regnier; the forgotten hero of New Salem. Most folks know a lot … Continue reading "Oral History of Forgottonia – Dr. Francis Regnier: The Forgotten Hero of New Salem, by Amber Cannon"2022-12-1512 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastWitchcraft in Forgottonia – Episode 6: The Strange Tale of James SpivaON THIS EPISODE We conclude our series about the social & cultural history of witchcraft based on the book “Witchcraft in Illinois” by folklorist Michael Kleen (check out Michael’s bio below). Please note, the primary purpose of this series is to apply historical skills to this topic and share some interesting info that we find … Continue reading "Witchcraft in Forgottonia – Episode 6: The Strange Tale of James Spiva"2022-11-1329 minThe Forgottonia Project » PodcastWitchcraft in Forgottonia – Episode 5: The Scotch-Irish in Illinois, 1818-1885ON THIS EPISODE We continue our series about the social & cultural history of witchcraft based on the book “Witchcraft in Illinois” by folklorist Michael Kleen (check out Michael’s bio below). Please note, this series definitely does not intend to endorse a belief in magic or the occult. Our primary purpose is to simply apply … Continue reading "Witchcraft in Forgottonia – Episode 5: The Scotch-Irish in Illinois, 1818-1885"2022-11-0524 minThe Forgottonia Project » PodcastWitchcraft in Forgottonia – Episode 4: Interview with author Michael KleenON THIS EPISODE We are excited to share our interview with author and folklorist Michael Kleen. Shout out to Cuba High School students Jayson Stead, Cadie Churchill, and Lilly Markley who did a fantastic job conducting this interview! Students asked Michael about misconceptions people often have about this topic, the difference between folklore and history, … Continue reading "Witchcraft in Forgottonia – Episode 4: Interview with author Michael Kleen"2022-10-2823 minThe Forgottonia Project » PodcastWitchcraft in Forgottonia – Episode 3: African American Folk Magic in Illinois, 1701-1800ON THIS EPISODE We continue our series about the social & cultural history of witchcraft based on the book “Witchcraft in Illinois” by folklorist Michael Kleen (check out Michael’s bio below). Please note, this series definitely does not intend to endorse a belief in magic or the occult. Our primary purpose is to simply apply … Continue reading "Witchcraft in Forgottonia – Episode 3: African American Folk Magic in Illinois, 1701-1800"2022-10-2228 minThe Forgottonia Project » PodcastWitchcraft in Forgottonia – Episode 2: The Influence of England & Colonial AmericaON THIS EPISODE We continue our series about the social & cultural history of witchcraft based on the book "Witchcraft in Illinois" by folklorist Michael Kleen (check out Michael's bio below). Please note, this series definitely does not intend to endorse a belief in magic or the occult. Our primary purpose is to simply apply … Continue reading "Witchcraft in Forgottonia – Episode 2: The Influence of England & Colonial America"2022-10-1522 minThe Forgottonia Project » PodcastWitchcraft in Forgottonia – Episode 1: How do we know what we know?ON THIS EPISODE On this edition of the Forgottonia Project, we’re sharing our 1st episode in a series on the social & cultural history of witchcraft in Illinois. Please note, this series definitely does not intend to endorse a belief in magic or the occult. Our primary purpose is to simply apply some historical skills … Continue reading "Witchcraft in Forgottonia – Episode 1: How do we know what we know?"2022-10-0925 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastDime Novel Desperados – Introduction – Welcome to the World of the Maxwell Brothers: An Introduction to DND w/author Dr. John HalwasON THIS EPISODE We're pleased to begin a multi-part examination of one of the greatest history books about our Forgottonia region; the western (or anti-western) book called “Dime Novel Desperados: The Notorious Maxwell Brothers” by Dr. John Hallwas. Shout out to CHS students Audrey Cozart & Aaron Zimmerman for helping with this episode. Be sure … Continue reading "Dime Novel Desperados – Introduction – Welcome to the World of the Maxwell Brothers: An Introduction to DND w/author Dr. John Halwas "2022-07-2824 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastS4, E5 – Forgottonia and the 2020 Census: What the Numbers Reveal about Population, Education, Poverty, Race, and moreOn this episode of the Forgottonia Project, we summarize what the 2020 census reveals about Forgottonia. This episode serves as the podcast edition of our previous post analyzing census data: Forgottonia Profile: The 2020 Census. CHS students helped create a mega document that summarizes important demographic, social, and economic patterns that persist throughout Forgottonia (check … Continue reading "S4, E5 – Forgottonia and the 2020 Census: What the Numbers Reveal about Population, Education, Poverty, Race, and more"2022-06-0523 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastS4, E4 – Mini-Pod: Upcoming Plans for the Forgottonia Project in 2022The purpose of this mini pod is to briefly discuss some upcoming plans & projects we’re hoping to do with this classroom podcast & webpage in 2022. #1 - NEW STRUCTURE: This year the Forgottonia Project will include... MINI PODS - Ranging from a number of topics, quick announcements, brief interviews documenting Forgottonia history, music, … Continue reading "S4, E4 – Mini-Pod: Upcoming Plans for the Forgottonia Project in 2022"2022-05-3010 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastS4, E3 – Hypercapitalism: What is it and Why Rural Americans Should be Concerned, With author and psychologist Tim KasserOn this edition of the Forgottonia Podcast, our students at Cuba H.S. completed a book study of the graphic novel “Hypercapitalism” and then had the privilege of interviewing the author of this book Tim Kasser. Our students ask Tim... What hypercapitalism is & why he wanted to write a graphic novel about it How spending … Continue reading "S4, E3 – Hypercapitalism: What is it and Why Rural Americans Should be Concerned, With author and psychologist Tim Kasser"2022-05-1540 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastS4, E2 – The New Philadelphia Story, with Marynel CortonIn this episode, we’re thrilled to share our conversation with Marynel Corton, the executive director of the New Philadelphia Museum. New Philadelphia is one of the most important historical communities in the U.S. and it’s located right here in rural Forgottonia! Although rural, western IL is sometimes known for being…well FORGOTTEN… there are a … Continue reading "S4, E2 – The New Philadelphia Story, with Marynel Corton"2022-03-2335 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastS4, E1 – The Mystery of Cahokia Mounds with Archaeologist Bill IsemingerHave you ever wondered who lived a long time ago in the very place you’re living right now? Did you know there are incredible ancient cities that existed right here in IL? And that people have been trying to find out for years what happened to these cities. On this episode of the Forgottonia Project, … Continue reading "S4, E1 – The Mystery of Cahokia Mounds with Archaeologist Bill Iseminger"2022-02-1742 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastS3, E6 – Saving Lives in Forgottonia: How One Rural Community is Creatively Funding and Staffing its First Responder ProgramIn this episode, Cuba High School's Ashley Howerter shares her conversation with Bob Schnarr, the chief director of the Cass-Putnam rescue squad. While many first responder teams across Forgottonia struggle to fund and staff programs, the majority of the Cass-Putnam rescue squad is made up of high school students. This is the first program of its kind in the state! 2021-11-2022 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastS3, E5 – The Music of Forgottonia: How Local Musician Chris Vallillo Captures the Sounds of the Rural MidwestWe are pleased to share our latest podcast interview with local musician, Chris Vallillo. Chris is a singer/songwriter & folk musician who makes the people & places of “unmetropolitan” America come to life in song. Chris is also a fantastic local historian as many of his songs reflect the unique rural Midwestern culture that we've … Continue reading "S3, E5 – The Music of Forgottonia: How Local Musician Chris Vallillo Captures the Sounds of the Rural Midwest"2021-06-0737 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastS3, E4 – Sociology and Self-Care with WIU Sociology Instructor Alyssa Hall AndersonOne this episode of the Forgottonia Project we are pleased to share a very informative conversation we had recently with Western Illinois University Sociology Instructor, Alyssa Hall Anderson. In this interview, Alyssa discusses her latest blog post for the Forgottonia Project entitled "Sociology and Self-Care." She provides insights regarding sociological thinking as a form of self-care and shares her experience and interests with the subject of sociology. 2021-05-2132 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastS3, E3 – What a Small Town Yoga Studio is Doing to Improve Well-Being in Forgottonia – Interview with Lyndsey Larson, Manager of The Breathing TreeOn this edition of the Forgottonia podcast we’re sharing a conversation about mental health in rural America with our friend Lyndsey Larson, the manager of a local yoga studio in Canton, IL called “The Breathing Tree.” Lyndsey is also a native and recent returnee to Canton, IL where she lives with her husband and their surprise triplets! 2021-03-1128 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastS3, E2 – Understanding the Rural Opioid Epidemic – Interview with Sue Tisdale, Harm Reduction Outreach CoordinatorOn this edition of the Forgottonia Project, we try to deepen our understanding about the rural opioid epidemic that has plagued many of our communities in Forgottonia. To help us do this, we talked to local activist Sue Tisdale. 2021-02-1534 min
Grown-Up Theatre KidsUpdate: ForgottoniaForgottonia, a new musical is premiering on a theatrical schedule on our YouTube channel during the month of January, 2021. www.youtube.com/flynorththeatricals.Support the show2021-01-0801 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastS3, E1 – How the IL Humanities is helping to Bridge the Rural-Urban Divide – with Matt Meacham, Program Manager, Statewide Engagement IL HumanitiesOn this edition of the Forgottonia Project, we had the privilege of speaking with Mr. Matt Meacham, program manager and director of statewide engagement at the IL Humanities. We asked Matt what the humanities are and how they can help bridge our rural-urban divide. We hope you enjoy our conversation2020-12-1240 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastS2, E9 – The Incredible Story of Camp Ellis: Part 2 – What is the Legacy of Camp Ellis?On this episode of the Forgottonia Project, we conclude our conversation with Marion Cornelius about the incredible history of Camp Ellis, a massive WW2 Army camp that was located right here in rural Forgottonia.
2020-05-0235 minThe Forgottonia Project » PodcastS2, E8 – The Incredible Story of Camp Ellis: Part 1 – What are the Misconceptions about Camp Ellis?On this episode of the Forgottonia Project, we are pleased to share our conversation with Marion Cornelius about the incredible history of Camp Ellis; a massive WW2 Army camp located in rural Forgottonia.
2020-04-1541 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastS2, E5 – Roads, Higher Ed, & Racism – Students ask the IIRAOn this episode, Chris Merrett from the Illinois Institute of Rural Affairs responds to questions formed from students at Cuba High School in Cuba, IL. These questions reflect a range of challenges facing small towns, not only in Cuba, but throughout Forgottonia. The essential questions our students asked Chris include the following:
2019-12-2722 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastS2, E3 – Forgottonia Brewing: What Does it Take to Run a Successful Business in Rural America?On this episode were fortunate to speak with some local entrepreneurs who not only started a new business in Macomb, IL, but they are kindred spirits because they named it “Forgottonia!” Sean West and his partners Scott and Susan Park of Forgottonia Brewing in Macomb, share their story on starting a business and how they are incorporating Forgottonia history. The essential question we asked is “What Does it Take to Run a Successful Business in Forgottonia?” We hope you enjoy this conversation and if you have any questions or feedback we’d love to hear from you by visiting our webpage Fo...2019-10-1219 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastS1, E10 – Conversations on Race and Rural America: How Should We Respond to Disparaging Humor About Race? Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Alphonso SimpsonListen in to part 2 of our conversation about race and rural America with Dr. Alphonso Simpson. In case you didn't hear part 1, you can check it out by clicking the link here. You can also listen to our class podcast by searching "Forgottonia Project" on iTunes or wherever you find podcasts. Also don't forget to check out some outstanding resources that Dr. Simpson shared with us which he uses in his classes at WIU. You can check them out by clicking the link here .
2018-04-2226 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastS1, E6 – Education Puts Food on the Table: What Can We Do About Job Loss in Rural America? Part 2 of our Conversation with Dr. Trenton EllisWe previously spoke with Forgottonia native Dr. Trenton Ellis about job loss throughout rural America. In this interview Dr. Ellis mentioned factors like technology, globalization, and the lack of economic diversity as contributing to job loss. Since our talk with Dr. Ellis was so rich in material and we didn't want to depress you by …
Continue reading "S1, E6 – Education Puts Food on the Table: What Can We Do About Job Loss in Rural America? Part 2 of our Conversation with Dr. Trenton Ellis"
2018-01-2147 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastS1, E3 – Job Loss: Why Are So Many Jobs Leaving Rural America? Conversation with Dr. Trenton EllisFrom January 2016 to January 2017, the region known as Forgottonia lost approximately 2,775 jobs. To learn why, we sat down with Dr. Trenton Ellis, a rural sociologist from Black Hills St. University. Although he lives in Spearfish, South Dakota, Ellis is a native of Forgottonia growing up in Canton, IL and graduating from Spoon River College in 2005. After SRC, Ellis completed undergraduate and master’s degrees from Western Illinois University in Macomb. In 2009 he matriculated to South Dakota State University’s Department of Sociology and Rural Studies where he graduated with a PhD in sociology in 2015. In 2016 he was awarded an outstan...2017-11-1943 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastS1, E2 – Is Child Abuse in Rural America Worse Than Ever?On this episode we wanted to share a cool experience we recently had in our psychology class. We were visited by the lovely Mrs. Karen Hahn a social worker from Psychology Specialists in Canton, IL. Karen’s visit is definitely consistent with our objective to examine the social problems we face in our own context of rural America; specifically these 16 counties in western IL referred to by many as Forgottonia. In fact if we want firsthand insights of what exactly the issues are and what it takes to overcome them, I’m not sure there’s anybody better to talk t...2017-11-0530 min
The Forgottonia Project » PodcastS1, E1 – A History of Forgottonia: What was the Forgottonia Movement About?The following is an excerpt from our initial episode about the Neil Gamm and the history of Forgottonia. Our guest for this episode was Mr. Larry Eskridge from the Canton Daily Ledger. Our essential questions ask "What was the Forgottonia movement about and how is it similar and different today?" ENJOY!
2017-06-1925 min