Digest

This podcast delves into the unsolved disappearance of Howard Clay, a 53-year-old man who vanished during a business trip to Coos Bay, Oregon in January 1966. The episode explores the circumstances surrounding his disappearance, highlighting the challenges of investigating a cold case from the 1960s. The podcast provides insights into Howard's life, his family, and his last known trip to Coos Bay. It examines the investigation, including the involvement of Shell Oil Company and the Pinkerton Detective Agency, and discusses the limited information available from the police. The episode explores various theories surrounding Howard's disappearance, including the possibility of an accident, foul play, or him starting a new life. It also addresses unconfirmed sightings and rumors, emphasizing the importance of verifying information. The podcast highlights the race against time in finding answers, as many potential witnesses and individuals who might have information are likely no longer alive. The episode concludes with the family's final thoughts on Howard's disappearance, speculating on the potential scenarios and the lack of definitive answers.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Disappearance of Howard Clay

This episode introduces the case of Howard Clay, a 53-year-old man who vanished without a trace during a business trip to Coos Bay, Oregon in January 1966. The episode explores the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and the efforts of his family and friends to find answers.

00:02:35

Investigating a Cold Case

The podcast discusses the challenges of investigating a cold case from the 1960s, highlighting the lack of technology and communication tools available at the time compared to today. The episode emphasizes the need to view the case through a different lens, considering the societal norms and cultural context of the era.

00:04:19

Howard Clay's Life and Family

The episode delves into Howard Clay's background, including his family, education, and career. His daughter, Sue, shares personal anecdotes about her father, describing him as a loving and dedicated family man with a successful career at Shell Oil Company.

00:08:12

Howard's Last Known Trip and Disappearance

The podcast focuses on Howard's final trip to Coos Bay, Oregon, and the events leading up to his disappearance. Sue recounts her last conversation with her father before he left, and the family's initial reaction to his disappearance.

00:13:41

The Investigation and Shell's Involvement

The episode explores the investigation into Howard's disappearance, highlighting the involvement of Shell Oil Company, which hired the Pinkerton Detective Agency and offered a reward. The podcast also discusses the limited information available from the police and the challenges faced by the family in obtaining records and answers.

00:24:33

Theories and Possibilities

The podcast explores various theories surrounding Howard's disappearance, including the possibility of an accident, foul play, or him starting a new life. The episode examines the evidence and inconsistencies, leaving the listeners to ponder the potential scenarios.

00:37:57

Unconfirmed Sightings and Rumors

The podcast addresses unconfirmed sightings of Howard in Alaska and Hawaii, highlighting the lack of evidence and the inconsistencies surrounding these reports. The episode emphasizes the importance of verifying information and the challenges of relying on hearsay.

00:41:43

The Search for Closure

The podcast discusses the race against time in finding answers to Howard's disappearance, as many potential witnesses and individuals who might have information are likely no longer alive. The episode highlights the efforts of Kyle and Sue to spread the word and seek closure for the family.

Keywords

Q&A

• What were the circumstances surrounding Howard Clay's disappearance?

  Howard Clay vanished without a trace during a business trip to Coos Bay, Oregon in January 1966. He was last seen at the Chandler Skyroom, a bar in town, and was supposed to meet his colleagues the following morning but never showed up. His room at the Doons Motel appeared undisturbed, and his belongings were left behind.

• What challenges did the family face in investigating Howard's disappearance?

  The investigation was hampered by the lack of technology and communication tools available in the 1960s. The family was also geographically distant from the location of Howard's disappearance, and societal norms at the time discouraged women from actively participating in the investigation.

• What are some of the theories surrounding Howard's disappearance?

  Theories include the possibility of an accident, foul play, or Howard starting a new life. The lack of evidence and inconsistencies in the case make it difficult to determine what truly happened.

• What efforts are being made to find answers to Howard's disappearance?

  Howard's daughter, Sue, and a family friend, Kyle, are actively seeking answers. They have reached out to local residents, contacted authorities, and spread the word about the case in hopes of finding new information.

• What is the significance of the fact that Howard's overcoat was found in his motel room?

  The fact that Howard's overcoat was left in his room suggests that he may not have returned to the room after leaving the Chandler Skyroom. This raises questions about his whereabouts and whether he was dropped off at the motel by someone else.

• What is the impact of the passage of time on the investigation?

  The passage of time has made it increasingly difficult to find answers, as many potential witnesses and individuals who might have information are likely no longer alive. The race against time is a significant factor in the ongoing efforts to solve the case.

Show Notes