America’s Lost Funeral Trains | The Forgotten Tradition

Los Angeles is a city built upon layers of history, with each era leaving its mark on the landscape. Amidst the bustling streets and towering buildings, there's a hidden piece of the city's past that often goes unnoticed: its forgotten pedestrian tunnels. These subterranean passages, once bustling with life, now lie abandoned and largely forgotten by the masses. Constructed in the early to mid-20th century, these tunnels were designed to provide safe passage for pedestrians, allowing them to traverse busy intersections without the risk of traffic accidents. However, as the city evolved and transportation patterns shifted, many of these tunnels fell into disuse. Today, these forgotten pedestrian tunnels stand as relics of a bygone era, offering a glimpse into a time when foot traffic reigned supreme in the City of Angels. Some have been repurposed for storage or utility purposes, while others remain eerily deserted, their entrances hidden beneath layers of urban sprawl. Despite their neglect, these tunnels hold a certain allure for urban explorers and history enthusiasts alike, who seek to uncover the stories and secrets buried beneath the streets of LA. As the city continues to evolve, it's important to remember and preserve these forgotten relics, as they serve as a reminder of the rich and diverse history that lies beneath the surface of Los Angeles.

8 Feb 202416min

The history of California's lost redwood forests is a poignant tale of environmental transformation and exploitation. Before the mid-19th century, vast expanses of ancient redwood groves blanketed the coastal regions of northern California, creating awe-inspiring landscapes with towering trees that stood for thousands of years. However, the Gold Rush of 1849 triggered an influx of settlers, leading to widespread logging and clearing of these majestic forests to meet the demands for timber and land. The once-spectacular redwood ecosystems, with trees reaching heights of over 300 feet, were decimated by the logging industry. Despite conservation efforts in the 20th century, a significant portion of California's original redwood forests is forever lost, serving as a reminder of the delicate balance between human progress and the preservation of natural wonders. Today, the remaining redwood groves, such as those in Redwood National and State Parks, stand as living monuments to the resilience of these ancient giants and the ongoing commitment to their conservation.

3 Feb 202420min

The lost Skybus of Pittsburgh represents a fascinating chapter in the city's transportation history. In the 1950s, urban planner and engineer Charles C. Sprague envisioned an innovative solution to alleviate traffic congestion by introducing an automated, high-speed transit system called the Skybus. The system consisted of driverless electric vehicles suspended from elevated tracks. Despite initial enthusiasm and a successful prototype, the project faced numerous challenges, including financial setbacks and skepticism from the public. Ultimately, the ambitious Skybus project was abandoned in the 1960s, leaving behind a few remnants of its infrastructure and a legacy of unrealized potential in revolutionizing urban transportation in Pittsburgh. The lost Skybus stands as a testament to the city's willingness to explore cutting-edge solutions and the complexities that sometimes accompany ambitious endeavors.

1 Feb 202424min

Oregon City's Forgotten Municipal Elevator, a hidden gem in the heart of the city, stands as a testament to the bygone era of industrial innovation. Tucked away from the bustling streets, this historic elevator once played a crucial role in connecting the upper and lower sections of Oregon City. Constructed in the early 20th century, the elevator was an engineering marvel, offering a convenient means for residents to traverse the steep cliffs that define the city's topography. Over time, as transportation methods evolved and the need for such a distinctive elevator diminished, it fell into obscurity. Despite its forgotten status, the Municipal Elevator stands as a silent witness to Oregon City's rich history and serves as a reminder of the ingenuity that shaped the cityscape in days gone by.

27 Jan 20248min

The story of Colossus unveils a pivotal chapter in the history of computing and code-breaking during World War II. Developed by British engineers at Bletchley Park, Colossus was the world's first programmable electronic computer, designed with the specific purpose of deciphering encrypted German messages. Completed in 1944, Colossus played a crucial role in breaking the Lorenz cipher, a high-level code used by the German military. Its innovative design and groundbreaking capabilities marked a significant leap forward in computational technology, demonstrating the power of electronic machines in handling complex cryptographic tasks. The success of Colossus significantly contributed to the Allied victory, showcasing the transformative potential of early computing technology and setting the stage for future advancements in the field.

25 Jan 202416min

The Civic Arena, fondly known as the "Igloo" for its unique domed roof, stood as a Pittsburgh icon from its opening in 1961 until its closure in 2010. Originally designed for the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, the arena became the home of the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1967, witnessing the team's triumphs, including back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in the early 1990s. Despite its innovative retractable roof and historic moments, the arena faced challenges with aging infrastructure and was eventually replaced by the modern PPG Paints Arena in 2010. The closure marked the end of the Igloo era, and in 2012, the iconic dome was imploded, concluding a significant chapter in Pittsburgh's sports and entertainment history. The Civic Arena's legacy lives on in the memories of those who experienced its unique charm and celebrated the city's sporting achievements within its distinctive walls.

20 Jan 202416min

The Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) was one of the most influential and successful railroad companies in the United States, playing a crucial role in the development of the nation's transportation infrastructure. Chartered in 1846, the PRR began operations in 1847 and quickly grew into a vast network that connected the Midwest and Northeast, particularly linking Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. One of the key figures in the early history of the Pennsylvania Railroad was J. Edgar Thomson, who served as its first chief engineer and later as its president. Under Thomson's leadership, the PRR adopted innovative engineering practices and technologies, including the use of standard gauge track, which facilitated smoother and more efficient operations. The railroad expanded rapidly during the 19th century, acquiring or constructing numerous branch lines and connecting with other railroads to create an extensive network. The completion of the Horseshoe Curve in 1854, an engineering marvel at the time, further enhanced the efficiency of the PRR's mainline through the Allegheny Mountains. The Pennsylvania Railroad continued to grow and modernize, becoming the largest publicly traded corporation in the world by market capitalization during the early 20th century. It played a crucial role in transporting goods and passengers, contributing significantly to the industrial and economic development of the regions it served. The decline of the railroad industry in the mid-20th century had a profound impact on the Pennsylvania Railroad. In 1968, the PRR merged with the New York Central Railroad to form the Penn Central Transportation Company, which eventually became part of the federally created Conrail in 1976. Although the Pennsylvania Railroad itself no longer exists, its legacy endures through its contributions to the development of American railroads and its impact on the nation's transportation history. Many of its former routes and structures remain in use today as part of the modern rail network.

18 Jan 202424min

The New York City Subway's "money train" was a specialized train used to collect and transport cash fares from stations throughout the city to a central processing facility. Introduced in 1951, the armored train was a crucial part of the subway's operations, ensuring that the vast sums of money generated from passenger fares were safely secured and transported. The train operated throughout the night, making multiple stops at stations to collect money bags from ticket machines and booths. Armed guards accompanied the money, and the train itself was equipped with reinforced compartments and security measures. In 2006, the introduction of MetroCards and the phasing out of token-based fare collection rendered the money train obsolete. The last money train service ran in January 2006, marking the end of an era for this iconic part of the subway's history.

13 Jan 202412min