Sean Graham is joined by Eric Porter, author of A People's History of SFO: The Making of the Bay Area and an Airport. They talk about the importance of airports, telling local stories through the airport, and how battles over airports speak to questions of power. They also get into the specifics of San Francisco's airport, how its development shaped the city and region, and some of the major milestones in SFO's history. Historical Headline of the Week Tim Fang, "City files motion to stop OAK airport from using 'San Francisco Bay' name," CBS News, Bay Area, September 17, 2024.
Sean Graham talks with Blair Mirau, author of The City of Rainbows: A Colourful History of Prince Rupert. They talk about the benefits of the city's geography, the impact of colonialism on local Indigenous communities, and the different eras in the city's history. They also discuss Prince Rupert during the world wars and Great Depression, its challenges through the second half of the 20th century, and how the city's history speaks to local histories across the country. Historical Headline of the Week "Prince Rupert port to get busier with $1.35B gas export plant," The Canadian Press, May 30, 2024.
Sean Graham talks with Marth Hanna, author of Anxious Days and Tearful Nights: Canadian War Wives During the First World War. They discuss Martha's entry into the world of First World War letters, the challenge of tracking down letters from over 100 years ago, and how women on the front lines managed their relationships with significant others fighting the war. They also chat about censorship of letters, the challenge of what to share and what to hide from your spouse during the war, and what happened to relationships following the war. Historical Headline of the Week Arthur White-Crummey, "Captured First World War pilot's note reunited with family in Ottawa," CBC.ca, August 17, 2024.
This week Sean revisits a 2017 discussion with Jean-Marie Leduc, noted expert on skates, and the principal author of Lace Up: A History of Skates in Canada. They talk about Mr. Leduc's skate collection, why he wanted to write a book, and the cultural significance of sports on ice in Canada. Historical Headline of the Week Darren Bernhardt, "Brandon-made Tackaberry skate - Tacks - recognized for national historic significance," CBC, October 19, 2022.
Sean Graham is joined by Daniel Robinson, author of Cigarette Nation: Business, Health, and Canadian Smokers, 1930-1975. They discuss Daniel's initial interest in studying smoking culture, the increase in smoking rates in the 1930s and 1940s, and the initial studies linking cigarettes to cancer in the 1950s. They also chat about the industry's and government's response, the social side of smoking, and the cultural significance cigarettes in Canada. Historical Headline of the Week Aurelia Foster, "What is the UK smoking ban, how will it work and when will it start?" BBC, April 23, 2024.