Most people have never heard of Mabel Waln Smith—but her story deserves to be told. An adventurer, writer, and small-town girl, Mabel’s life took a dramatic turn when she was interned in a Japanese prison camp in Shanghai during World War II. In this episode, we explore her remarkable resilience, her deeply thoughtful writing, and the strength she showed in the face of unthinkable hardship.

From small-town roots to a global stage, Mabel's story is one of courage, character, and the kind of heroism that rarely makes headlines—but should.

From the quiet hometown of Grampian, PA to the front lines of international journalism, Nora Waln’s life reads like an adventure novel. Writing for The Atlantic Monthly and The Saturday Evening Post, and living for years in China, she earned global respect as a published author—and then Adolf Hitler came knocking.

After seeing how well she wrote of China, he wanted a fawning portrait of Germany and his growing role in that country; yet she delivered only the truth, not the propaganda that Hitler expected. That act of courage forced her into a harrowing escape as the Nazis hunted down her friends and sources.

In this episode, we bring you the suspenseful, real‑life story of how Nora Waln stood up to and outwitted the most brutal regime in history—and why her voice still matters today.

In this episode, we tip our hats (and maybe blush a little) to Thomas Lincoln Wall—the local schoolteacher and historian whose book on Clearfield County history was mostly lecture with a sprinkling of legend. Turns out, while we were questioning some of his "facts," he was doing exactly what we’re doing with this podcast: weaving folklore into fact to keep his students hooked.

Join us as we dig into Thomas Lincoln Wall’s life and family. Think of it as our “apology tour,” with a few laughs, a little self-reflection, and then a preview of coming episodes about several of his children - their lives and accomplishments are the stuff of TRUE legend!

*Correction: Nora graduated from Clearfield High in 1914, not 1924.

In this week’s episode of Folklore & Facts: Grandmas Getting to the Bottom of It, we shine a light on Curwensville's Jane Patton Irvin. Wife of William Irvin Jr. and mother to fifteen—including E.A. Irvin, captain of the famed Bucktail Regiment Company K—Jane didn't sit around worrying when her sons went off to war, she took action.

When E.A. and fellow soldiers were taken prisoner, she traveled all the way to Washington, D.C., petitioned President Abraham Lincoln himself, and helped secure a crucial prisoner exchange. Back home, she rallied her community—raising funds, gathering supplies, and delivering care packages to soldiers.

Join us as we trace Jane’s steps from the family home on State Street to the White House, explore her faith-driven philanthropy in Curwensville, and uncover the legacy she left behind—one of tenacity, compassion, and the unshakeable belief that a mother’s love could move a commander-in-chief.

Tune in and discover how one remarkable “grandma” made history, and why her story still resonates in our town today.

What happens when the government decides your home is in the way of progress? In this episode, we talk with Glenna Bloom, whose grandparents' farm now sits beneath the waters of Curwensville Lake. Their story is one of forced change, resilience, and remembering what was lost when Lumber City and surrounding communities were displaced in the name of flood control. From burned barns to courtroom battles over mineral rights, Glenna shares a glimpse into the real cost of Eminent Domain... far beyond dollars and deeds.

We always kind of thought Alexander Hamilton Irvin didn't exactly find a way to follow in his big brothers' (E.A. and John Irvin's) footsteps. Boy oh boy, were we wrong! Listen as we discuss his international business deals and more. He was definitely not hiding in anyone's shadow!

In this episode, the Grandmas dig into the history of how our community has always chipped in to build and maintain Irvin Park and it's swimming hole, Pee Wee's Nest. Since 1922, we've been gathering for fun and frivolity there... and with some plans for revitalization in the near future, we know future generations will carry on its rich, nostalgic traditions.

Curwensville, West Branch of the Susquehanna

Guest Kyle Bloom sets the scene and walks the Grandmas through the timeline of the first murder of a white man in Clearfield County. With a drunken assailant who struck out in a big hunt and at the poker table, a bear story, and questions about a "stag dance," this episode is definitely one you'll remember! Join us as we tell about "A Murder Most Foul."

Anderson Creek, Curwensville, James Monks, Reuben Giles, Wrigley Tavern, Susquehanna House