87 - The Past Times with Francesca Fiorentini
Digest
The Past Times podcast delves into a newspaper from October 3rd, 1883, uncovering a treasure trove of bizarre and humorous news stories. The hosts, Garrett Reynolds and Dave Anthony, along with guest Francesca Fiorentini, dissect articles ranging from the decline of the Colorado potato bug to a boxing match between Sullivan and the Wilmingtonians. They discuss the absurdity of Hans von Bülo, a famous pianist, being confined to a lunatic asylum while still allowed to play the accordion, and the implications of a Baltimore judge's ruling on free speech regarding the use of one's tongue. The podcast also explores the historical context of racial segregation in Staten Island, Senator Pendleton's intoxicated speech, and the Duke of Tech's flight to Europe to avoid his creditors. The hosts delve into the ongoing debate over Confederate symbols, analyzing the Confederate Brigade's request to use their old battle flags and the War Department's refusal. Throughout the episode, the hosts use humor and insightful commentary to highlight the unexpected events and social norms of the late 19th century, drawing parallels to modern-day issues and encouraging listeners to think critically about the past.
Outlines
Introduction and Guest Introduction
The podcast begins with a brief introduction to the Past Times podcast, where they discuss reading old newspapers from random dates in history. The host, Garrett Reynolds, introduces the guest, Francesca Fiorentini, a comedian and podcast host.
Guessing the Year of the Newspaper
The hosts and guest engage in a game where they guess the year of the newspaper. Francesca guesses 1841, while Dave Anthony, the host who selects the newspaper, reveals the actual year to be 1883.
The News and Observer, Raleigh, North Carolina, October 3rd, 1883
Dave Anthony reveals the newspaper to be The News and Observer from Raleigh, North Carolina, dated October 3rd, 1883. The hosts discuss the pronunciation of Raleigh and the regional differences in gas station and grocery store chains.
The Decline of the Colorado Potato Bug and Regional Names
The first article in the newspaper discusses the decline of the Colorado potato bug. The hosts discuss the regional names for the bug, including potato bug, Rolly Polly, and Pill Bug. They also delve into the article's anthropomorphic portrayal of the bug, describing its journey from the West to Europe and its eventual demise.
The Journalist's Perspective on the Potato Bug
The hosts speculate on the journalist's motivations for writing such a detailed and personal account of the potato bug's life. They suggest that the journalist might be experiencing a personal crisis or projecting their own emotions onto the bug.
The End of the Potato Bug and Personal Experiences
The article concludes with the potato bug's decline and its inability to even scare children. The hosts discuss their own experiences with potato bugs and the article's overall absurdity.
The Manly Art and Boxing
The newspaper mentions a boxing match between Sullivan, the Boston boy, and the Wilmingtonians. The hosts discuss their interpretations of "The Manly Art" and its potential connection to boxing or wrestling.
Hans von Bülo and the Lunatic Asylum
The newspaper reports that Hans von Bülo, a famous pianist and composer, is in a lunatic asylum but is still allowed to play the accordion. The hosts discuss the absurdity of the situation and the evolution of mental health care.
Free Speech and Women's Rights
The newspaper reports on a Baltimore judge's decision that Marilyn Law cannot prevent a woman from using her tongue. The hosts discuss the implications of this ruling for free speech and the historical context of women's rights.
Keywords
Colorado Potato Bug
A common insect known for its destructive feeding habits on potato plants. It is also known as the "potato beetle" or "potato bug."
Rolly Polly
A common name for the pill bug, a small, terrestrial crustacean that rolls into a ball when threatened.
Pill Bug
A small, terrestrial crustacean that rolls into a ball when threatened. It is also known as the "roly-poly" or "potato bug."
The Manly Art
A term used in the 19th century to refer to boxing or wrestling, considered to be masculine activities.
Lunatic Asylum
A term used in the 19th century to refer to a mental institution. It is now considered outdated and insensitive.
Confederate Brigade
A military unit that fought for the Confederate States of America during the Civil War.
Confederate Battle Flag
A flag that was used by the Confederate States of America during the Civil War. It is now considered a symbol of racism and white supremacy.
Elon Musk
A South African-born American entrepreneur and businessman known for his work in electric vehicles, space exploration, and social media.
Q&A
What is the significance of the Colorado potato bug article in the newspaper?
The article highlights the destructive nature of the Colorado potato bug and its impact on potato crops. It also provides a humorous and anthropomorphic perspective on the bug's life and eventual demise.
What is the historical context of the "Manly Art" mentioned in the newspaper?
The "Manly Art" refers to boxing or wrestling, which were considered masculine activities in the 19th century. This reflects the societal norms and expectations of the time.
What is the significance of the Confederate Brigade reunion and their request to use their old battle flags?
This event highlights the ongoing debate over Confederate symbols and their connection to racism and white supremacy. It also reflects the lingering effects of the Civil War on American society.
How does the newspaper's coverage of Senator Pendleton's intoxicated speech relate to modern-day political scandals?
The newspaper's coverage of Pendleton's speech reflects the media's tendency to scrutinize politicians' personal failings and use them as fodder for political attacks. This practice continues to be relevant in modern-day politics.
What is the significance of the Duke of Tech's flight to Europe to avoid his creditors?
This event highlights the historical context of financial scandals and the parallels to modern-day billionaires like Elon Musk. It also reflects the societal anxieties surrounding wealth and privilege.
What is the significance of the newspaper's criticism of the court hangers-on?
The newspaper's criticism reflects the societal anxieties surrounding aristocracy and the perceived excesses of the wealthy. This theme continues to be relevant in modern-day discussions about wealth inequality.
What is the significance of the Confederate Brigade's request to use their old battle flags?
This event highlights the ongoing debate over Confederate symbols and their connection to racism and white supremacy. It also reflects the lingering effects of the Civil War on American society.
What is the significance of the War Department's refusal to allow the Confederate Brigade to use their old battle flags?
This decision reflects the changing societal norms and the growing awareness of the Confederate flag's connection to racism and white supremacy. It also highlights the government's role in shaping public discourse and symbols.
What is the overall message of the podcast episode?
The podcast episode highlights the absurdity and humor of historical events and the importance of understanding historical context. It also encourages listeners to think critically about the parallels between the past and the present.
What is the main point of the podcast?
The podcast explores the absurdity and humor of historical news articles from the late 19th century. The hosts discuss the stories, their social context, and the unexpected events they describe.
Show Notes
Dave Anthony picks a newspaper from a day in history and reads it to co-host Gareth Reynolds. This week they are joined again by comedian and podcaster Francesca Fiorentini
Table of contents
United States
