Publicly and Spectacularly Crazy

Honora Power, known as "Crazy Nora," was something of a celebrity in 19th century Philadelphia. An Irish immigrant, debt collector, and roving "street character," Nora was immortalized in articles, poems, and a painting in the Atwater Kent collection. They paint an ambigious picture of a woman both loved and feared. Nora's story reminded Daralyse Lyons of her own struggles with mental health, and the eating disorder treatment that brought her to Philadelphia.

Publicly and Spectacularly Crazy
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Across 10 episodes, you’re going to learn Philadelphia history through 10 objects. You’ll get a tour of the Atwater Kent Collection at Drexel University, sometimes called Philadelphia’s Attic. It’s a collection that’s grown over decades, acquiring Philly’s material culture from individuals, families, institutions, sometimes literally from the trash. In every episode of this podcast you’ll learn about an object in the Atwater Kent collection and hear a story inspired by it from a First Person Arts storyteller. We think every Philadelphian will be able to see themselves in this collection and that learning about Philadelphia’s many histories can help us understand its present and future.

All Episodes

Nothing to Wear

Baby Evie has always been Michaela Prell’s favorite doll. Soft, minimalist, gender neutral, Baby Evie slept in Michaela’s bed ...

Air Date: September 4, 2024

Listen 24:34

Special Delivery

As a kid, Martha Cooney was jealous that her brother delivered newspapers. Martha loved the newspaper, especially the sports section. She ...

Air Date: August 28, 2024

Listen 26:15

Kinkeeping

A photo album found in a trash heap inspired memories of Cecily Alexandria’s grandfather, a WWII veteran, and the home her grandpar ...

Air Date: August 21, 2024

Listen 25:25

It Was Our Dump

A turnstile from Philly’s storied Veterans Stadium in the Atwater Kent collection reminded Nick Kupsey of how his father’s first job ...

Air Date: August 14, 2024

Listen 24:18

There is No Away

Stories about the stuff we collect and what happens to it after we’re gone. Neil Benson was a photographer and salvage artist who belie ...

Air Date: August 7, 2024

Listen 30:54

Modern Style

Ever since she was young, Tanisha Palmer has loved to style hair – for herself, for her dolls, for her friends. And her friends let ...

Air Date: July 31, 2024

Listen 21:20

No Time to Grieve

The handcuffs in the Atwater Kent collection stood out to Yahya Moore right away. He was recently released from prison, after serving 25 ...

Air Date: July 24, 2024

Listen 30:41

The Philosophy of Water

Anjoli Santiago has always had a conflicted relationship with religion. Church made her feel like she belonged… until it didn’ ...

Air Date: July 17, 2024

Listen 28:03
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Keeper of the Culture

Growing up, Jamie J’s house had a radio in every room. Music brought the family together. Now she’s the culture keeper for he ...

Air Date: July 10, 2024

Listen 22:37