Memphis Type History: The Podcast

Mid-Century Architecture in Memphis with Aften Locken

In this episode of Memphis Type History: The Podcast, Caitlin talks to Aften Locken, the face behind one of her favorite Memphis Instagram feeds – @midcenturymemphis.

Aften takes us back to the ’40s, ’50s, and ’60s – very important in understanding mid-century modern architecture. Then, she schools us on how to recognize key aspects of these structures… Here’s a hint: Does it look like it’s from The Jetsons? It’s probably mid-mod!

Some of her favorites in Memphis from each decade include many of our favorite barbecue joints, the Lorraine Motel, the Memphis College of Art, the Memphis airport, the Cossitt Library, Regions Bank on Lamar Ave, and Visible Music College in downtown Memphis.

Aften also regales us with a story of jukebox distributors Sammons-Pennington located at 440 Madison Avenue (now home to Holiday Flowers’ events location).

Finally, we wrap up with tips for becoming architectural explorers in Memphis. The full “Day of Mid-Mod in Memphis” itinerary can be found on Patreon at patreon.com/memphistypehistory (become a patron for access!)

For full show notes go to memphistypehistory.com/midcentury

Buried in Elmwood

In this episode of Memphis Type History: The Podcast, we both tell each other a few select stories about being buried in Elmwood Cemetery. First, we learn that Elmwood is the oldest nonprofit in Tennessee. Then Rebecca shares how the cemetery got its name even though it didn't have any elms. I school you on the history of mourning (Queen Victoria is involved) and why Elmwood feels like a beautiful park where you want to spend time. Finally, hear about some people (and one surprising non-person) buried in Elmwood cemetery.

The Civil War doubled the size of Elmwood Cemetery. The six cases of Yellow Fever that occurred in Memphis required mass burials in Elmwood. The 1878 epidemic was the worst one with 17,000 people contracting the disease... and overall the entire sickness led to the creation of the No Man's Land monument.

Rebecca tells the story of the cemetery superintendent's daughter, Gracie, who became know as the Graveyard Girl. But she waits until the end of the episode to tell us all about Rufus the Dog... I dig right in (get it?) with the story of Annie Cook, aka the Madame with a Heart of Gold, aka the Mary Magdalene of Memphis. The upscale bordello owner figures prominently in the Elmwood story and, of course, has everything to do with the Yellow Fever (as does most of Memphis history, it seems).

Finally, we wrap up with an Elvis connection and that story Rebecca's been dangling in front of our ears for the entire show.

For full show notes go to memphistypehistory.com/elmwood

To support the show (and get merch and more) head over to patreon.com/memphistypehistory

Barboro Alley and Sam Cooper Boulevard

In this episode of Memphis Type History: The Podcast, I tell Rebecca all about one of my favorite alleys of Downtown Memphis. Rebecca then tells me the history behind Sam Cooper Boulevard.

Barboro Alley is a charming alleyway with a long history that includes undertakers, groceries, ice, and (like most things in Memphis) the Yellow Fever epidemic.

Rebecca then shares some fun facts about Cooper Street, which has nothing to do with Sam Cooper Boulevard.

Sam Cooper Boulevard’s namesake was an integral part of Memphis history. We discuss everything Sam Cooper did to progress projects in Memphis like St. Jude and more.

Finally, Rebecca wraps up the show with some useful information about a guy who has nothing to do with Memphis, signs, or typography.

For full show notes please go to memphistypehistory.com/cooper

WHER: Memphis' First All-Girl Radio Station

In this episode of Memphis Type History: The Podcast, I tell Rebecca all about Memphis' first all-girl radio station, WHER. Started by Sam Phillips in 1955, WHER featured women at all levels of making radio happen, from ad sales to management and, of course, the jockettes.

There were a lot of radio stations in Memphis at this time, so Phillips put a twist on his and hired all women! We're sure he was inspired tons by his wife, Becky Phillips, who had the best radio voice he'd ever heard. Kemmons Wilson also went in on the endeavor with money and rooms at the Holiday Inn to house the station.

The décor was ultra pastel and feminine... truly something to behold! And so were many of the on-air talent. We talk about Janie Joplin, Bettye Berger, Donna Bartlett, Marge Thrasher, Dean "The Hat" Duvall, and Dotty Abbot (aka Dolly Holiday).

Head over to memphistypehistory.com/radio for show notes!

Welcome to Memphis Type History: The Podcast

In this first ever episode of Memphis Type History: The Podcast, Rebecca and I welcome YOU, dear listeners. We discuss why we're crazy enough to make a podcast, the untold story of how the dancing lady came into our lives, and what to expect from us each week.

Memphis Type History: The Podcast will feature weekly episodes of bite-sized history and the occasional guest appearance by someone interesting. We hope you'll consider supporting our project with your dollar bills on Patreon (patreon.com/memphistypehistory). We will send you goodies and good vibes in return.

For show notes visit: memphistypehistory.com/welcome