“Behind Gray Walls” is a podcast featuring stories from the men and women who lived and worked at the Old Idaho State Penitentiary. Each week, Anthony, Samuel, and Skye explore prisoners whose crimes led them to serve time at the "Old Pen." Their history is explored in depth and compared to corrections topics faced in communities today. To support this podcast, visit: https://history.idaho.gov/donate/donation-payment/
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In this Stool Pigeon Saturday, Anthony and Samuel interview Daniel H Neal, author of No Forgiveness - Family, Polygamy, Murder, and Justice Among Idaho's Pioneering Mormons. Daniel recounts his career as a journalist and his techniques to research the fascinating account of his family's history and a murder rooted in a water-rights dispute in Idaho's Teton Valley.You can purchase Daniel's book in…
In this episode, Skye covers the complicated life of Elizabeth Grant #11234 (Forgery), whose troubled childhood and struggle with alcohol addiction eventually landed her behind the walls of the Idaho State Penitentiary. Meanwhile, Anthony tells the brutal and tragic story of Earl Boan #9599 (Murder in the 1st Degree), an escaped mental patient who turned on the person who tried to help him.…
It's not often you get to sit down in person with a real stagecoach driver. In this episode of Behind Gray Walls, Samuel sits down with rancher, historian, and local legend Mike Hanley, who has been driving stagecoaches for more than 60 years. Mike, who is currently donating the historic vehicles he has personally restored to create the Mike Hanley Wagon Barn at the Owyhee County Historical…
In this episode, Anthony interviews the Site Coordinator for the Franklin Historic Site, Susan Bodrero Hawkes, in the Franklin City Center. Susan shares the history of Idaho's oldest settlement, from the arrival of early pioneers to Franklin's role in the establishment of the Idaho Territory and the annual celebration of Idaho Day. Along the way, Susan explores the stories behind some of…
In this episode, Samuel takes listeners into the gang wars of the Prohibition era, exploring connections to Al Capone and a police shooting tied to Carl Ross #4237 (Robbery) while Skye transports listeners to Rupert, Idaho, where a domestic dispute ended in tragedy and led to the imprisonment of Lucille Haram #10184 (Involuntary Manslaughter).
In this episode, Skye tells the story of a domestic dispute gone awry, Ella Muguerza #3955 (Assault with a Deadly Weapon), and guest host and Education Specialist, Mariah Villafañe, joins to tell the tale of wannabe mobster, Tony Rasulo #4863 (Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Burglary in the First Degree). For Behind Gray Walls merch and more, visit: https://store.history.idaho.gov/GiftShop.aspx
In this Stool Pigeon Saturday, Anthony and Samuel sit down with HannaLore Hein and Michael Hart to explore the history of surveying in Idaho. From Surveyor General Lafayette Cartee and the establishment of the Initial Point to the challenges faced by early surveyors, they unpack how these foundational lines still shape land ownership today. Join us at the Old Idaho Penitentiary on May 2, 12–5 PM…
In this episode, Skye covers the story of a once-popular and well-liked member of her community who slipped away with a remarkable sum of money that was never recovered, Edna Eckersley #5315 (Embezzlement) and Anthony dives into the story of a young man whose dream of becoming an aviator took a tragic turn and set his life on a new path behind bars, Arley Latham #3402 (Murder in the 2nd Degree).…
In this Valentine’s Stool Pigeon special, Samuel tells the story of a great Western romance. We follow Diamond Tooth Lil, who found work as a dance hall girl, a singer, and eventually a madam. Through her travels, Lil earned fame for her beauty and charm—but she also stole the heart of gunslinger Diamondfield Jack (Jack Davis #820). Through their relationship, we gain a perspective on one of the…
In this episode, Samuel takes us into the courtroom where Andrew Gilbert #811 (Murder in the 2nd Degree), is tried and found guilty of stabbing another man to death. Then, Skye leads us to Montpelier, where we explore the story of the daughter of prominent pioneers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints whose reputation is challenged when a man makes promises he refuses to keep #1146…
In this episode, Anthony shares the story of lover’s lane prowler and escape artist Ed Miles #5128 (Robbery), whose repeated run-ins with the law are matched only by his talent for slipping away, and Skye tells the story of Leola Norris #4486 (Adultery), a young mother whose husband’s imprisonment leads her to take in a boarder, a decision that changes both of their lives forever. Oral Histories:…
