Shows
Witness of the TimesFreedom SummerIn this week’s episode, we delve into pivotal moments that have shaped our nation's journey toward justice and equality as we explore a powerful chapter in American history: Freedom Summer. Dr. Bruce Baker takes us back to the turbulent summers of 1964 and 1965 in Cherokee County, Georgia—a time when segregation still gripped communities and equality was far from guaranteed. Dr. Baker recounts the experiences of courageous African Americans who risked their safety and stood firm against racial injustice. We’ll hear the gripping stories of Freedom Summer, including the bold actions of young men who attempted to sit in seat...
2024-11-1813 minWitness of the TimesBeyond The Rails/Georgia's Devastating Train TalesEpisode Title: Beyond the rails/Georgia’s devastating train tales
Episode Summary: In this week’s episode, we explore two devastating train tragedies that left an indelible mark on Georgia’s history. Dr. Bruce Baker joins us to recount the harrowing stories of the Mill Pond Trestle collapse and the derailment of the Little Hook Train—accidents that occurred within twenty miles and twenty years of each other.
Our journey begins with the collapse of the Mill Pond Trestle, as reported by the Lee County Journal on November 11, 1904. James P. Harrison, a prominent Atlanta citizen and part...
2024-11-1116 minWitness of the TimesThe Steele's Bridge IncidentOn this week’s episode we’re unraveling a piece of Cherokee County history that speaks to resilience, conflict, and a forgotten act of sabotage. Nestled in the heart of the Bridge Mill Community lies Steel’s Bridge Road, once a route that led to an old wooden covered bridge spanning the Etowah River. Today, the remnants of that bridge rest beneath the waters of Lake Allatoona, a lake constructed by the Corps of Engineers in the wake of World War II. But this isn’t just a story of a submerged structure; it’s a poignant chapter in our histor...
2024-11-0415 minWitness of the TimesThe Steele's Bridge IncidentHi folks, Marc here. In this week's episode, we delve deep into pivotal moments that have shaped history. We're taking a journey back to the year 1918, during the final days of World War I, to explore a tragic event that has largely been forgotten over time—the Steele's Bridge Incident. On September 29, 1918, near Woodstock, Georgia, a disaster unfolded that would claim the lives of many soldiers. A train carrying troops returning to Camp Gordon, fresh from their training for deployment to the front lines, crossed over Steele's Bridge—an old structure spanning the Little River in Cherokee County. What shou...
2024-11-0415 minWitness of the TimesBeer, Wine and Taxes (A History of Distilled Spirits)High folk’s Marc Here. Welcome to this week’s episode of Witness of the Times, where we take a fascinating journey into the history of distilled spirits with Dr. Bruce Baker. Dr. Baker walks us through the origins of the distillation process, which was first discovered in Mesopotamia around 4000 BC. He also introduces us to the earlier discoveries of wine and mead, dating back to approximately 5400 BC, explaining how the fundamentals of the process have remained largely unchanged over thousands of years. In this episode, Dr. Baker also sheds light on the earliest chemists and their pioneering work link...
2024-10-2822 minWitness of the TimesBootleggers, Moonshiners and RevenuersOn this week’s episode, we dive deep into the delicate dance between bootleggers, moonshiners, and the brave revenuers who tried to shut them down. Dr. Bruce Baker educates us on the crucial role that ATF agents played in the fight against the moonshine industry and the immense bravery these agents displayed. We learn about Justice Department Prohibition Agent Duff Floyd, whose long career was marked by thrilling car chases, gunfights, and even airplane crashes in his pursuit of illegal liquor. Dr. Baker also introduces us to Police Officer Lee Cape, who dedicated much of his career to battling mo...
2024-10-2116 minWitness of the TimesJohn Henry Hardin (The Moonshine King of Georgia)In this week’s episode, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Bruce Baker, who introduces us to the fascinating story of John Henry Hardin from Cherokee County, Georgia. Dr. Baker transports us back to the early 1900s, delving into the world of moonshining in Northwest Georgia. He shares the industrious spirit of Hardin in the moonshining industry, along with the numerous encounters Hardin had with the law.
This episode kicks off a compelling three-part series on the history of moonshining. As we explore these stories, we’ll also reflect on the timeless wisdom of Cicero: “What is morall...
2024-10-1412 minWitness of the TimesThe Conclusion of Gold Mining in North GeorgiaEpisode 6 Show Notes
Episode 6: The Conclusion of Gold Mining in North Georgia
On this week’s episode of The Witness of the Times, Dr. Bruce Baker concludes his compelling series on gold mining in North Georgia. In this final installment, Dr. Baker sheds light on the profound impact of the removal of Native Americans and the subsequent land lottery—a pivotal moment in history that led to the sale of previously owned Native American land.
The narrative takes an intriguing turn as some of the new landowners make a surprising discovery—gold in their...
2024-10-0711 minWitness of the TimesThe Cherokee Treasure Tunnel and the Quest for Lost GoldEpisode 5 Show Notes
Episode 5: The Cherokee Treasure Tunnel and the Quest for Lost Gold
Hi folks, Marc here. Welcome to a riveting new episode of The Witness of the Times as we dive into the captivating tale of the Cherokee Treasure Tunnel and the Red Bank Indian Tribe. In this episode, Dr. Bruce Baker takes us on a journey through history, unraveling the stories of resilience and loss as the Cherokee tribe concealed their gold before the heartbreaking forced removal to Oklahoma during the Trail of Tears.
Join us as Dr. Baker delves...
2024-09-3013 minWitness of the TimesJacob Scudder and The First Gold Rush in North GeorgiaEpisode 4: The First Gold Rush in North Georgia
Join us in this week’s episode of The Witness of the Times as we embark on a captivating journey into the history of the first gold rush in the United States. Dr. Bruce Baker kicks off a three-episode series on gold mining in North Georgia, beginning with the enthralling tales of Jacob Scudder and two slaves, Dan and Lucinda Riley. Their compelling experiences, intertwined with the allure and deception of gold, offer a deep and poignant perspective on this pivotal era.
As we navigate through this hi...
2024-09-2314 minWitness of the TimesThe story of Georgia Governor Joseph E. BrownEpisode 3 Show Notes
Episode 3: The Legacy of Governor Joseph Emerson Brown
In this week’s episode of The Witness of the Times, we delve into a fascinating chapter of history as Dr. Bruce Baker introduces us to the formidable former Georgia Governor, Joseph Emerson Brown. Known for his resilience and profound influence throughout the American Civil War, Governor Brown played a pivotal role in Georgia's reconstruction, leaving an indelible mark on the state and the nation. This episode offers invaluable insights into the life and legacy of this remarkable figure, helping us understand the...
2024-09-1617 minWitness of the TimesThe story of Mackie Anderson KeithEpisode 2 Show Notes
Episode 2: The story of Mackie Anderson Keith
In this week’s episode of The Witness of the Times, we have the privilege of delving into a profound historical narrative with Dr. Bruce Baker as he introduces us to Mackie Anderson Keith and the intricate history of slavery in Georgia during the American Civil War. This episode offers a captivating exploration of a pivotal era in our nation’s past, shedding light on the enduring legacy of this tumultuous time.
Show Notes:
Introduction to Mackie Anderson Keith: Dr. Bruce Baker prese...
2024-09-0913 minWitness of the TimesWhen the law falls silent (The Captivating Story of Confederate Soldier Benjamin McCollum)Episode 1: When the law falls silent (The Captivating Story of Confederate Soldier Benjamin McCollum)
In our very first episode of The Witness of the Times, Dr. Bruce Baker introduces us to the compelling story of Confederate soldier Benjamin McCollum. His journey offers a profound exploration of the Cicero quote, "in times of war, the law falls silent," and examines its enduring relevance throughout history. Join us as we delve deep into the complexities of war, law, and the human experience.
Show Notes:
Introduction to Benjamin McCollum: Dr. Bruce Baker sheds light on the life...
2024-09-0216 minWitness of the TimesWitness of the Times Episode 0Episode 0 Show Notes
Episode 0: Welcome to Witness of The Times
Welcome to Witness of The Times, a captivating history podcast hosted by the renowned Dr. Bruce Baker. Get ready to embark on a unique journey through history like never before. In each episode, Dr. Baker shares fascinating stories about the intriguing people, places, and events he encounters on his time-traveling adventures.
From the vibrant culture of Native Americans to the daring escapades of moonshiners, and the turbulent times of the American Civil War, Witness of The Times is packed with enthralling tales that w...
2024-09-0100 min