Bob Ford's History, Mystery & Lore

15/08/2025

13/08/2025

By: Bob Ford

12/08/2025

New Article on Substack: All Aboard Missouri’s Crazy Train

From path to trail to railroad and now the "Genius" Highway 36, this famed coast-to-coast route through Northern Missouri has the All-American story, not just about the towns and the nation it connected, but the historic people from the Show-Me state who left their mark.

Through the magic of the pen, let’s alter time and reality by putting a few of these Missouri characters together on a wild train ride into our state’s history.

The year is 1860, time for an invitational run of the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad … all aboard!

Read more on Substack!

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To comment or join in supporting this 501(c)(3) organization, contact Bob at [email protected].

We are keeping history alive so you can pass it on! Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bobfordshistory

You can also check out our free video episodes at: https://www.youtube.com/

Articles and Podcasts are complementary to people wanting to preserve our history: Nodaway Valley Bank, Rupp Funeral Home, Eagle Communications, Mastio, and Anonymous Buffs.

By: Bob Ford

09/08/2025

04/08/2025

04/08/2025

By: Bob Ford

04/08/2025

New Article on Substack: Keep your nose up, with art

No, we are not talking about your 14-year-old granddaughter wanting a new nose ring. We are describing what motivates a combat air crew through difficult times in war!

“Nose Art” is the term widely used to describe the illustrations drawn mostly on the front or nose of an aircraft that was “goin' to war.” These designs would create a sense of identity and camaraderie for the pilot and his crew. World War II is considered the “golden age” of nose art by those in the know.

For centuries, combatants have adorned their weapons, shields, clothes and selves with symbols, shapes or messages that personalized the fight, motivating and reminding them of their dedication.

Read more on Substack!
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To comment or join in supporting this 501(c)(3) organization, contact Bob at [email protected].

We are keeping history alive so you can pass it on! Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bobfordshistory

You can also check out our free video episodes at: https://www.youtube.com/

Articles and Podcasts are complementary to people wanting to preserve our history: Nodaway Valley Bank, Rupp Funeral Home, Eagle Communications, Mastio, and Anonymous Buffs.

By: Bob Ford

04/08/2025

01/08/2025

History, Mystery & LoreJuly Trivia 2025 Q1: Where is Missouri State Mental Hospital # 1 located? A: Fulton Missouri Q2: What are the painted designs on the front of a military aircraft called? A: Nose art Q3: During the Civil War, what City was known as the “Gibraltar of the South?” A: Vicksburg...

01/08/2025

July Trivia Trivia on WWI and WWII

Join us as Bob Ford's History, Mystery, and Lore ends each month with Trivia.

1) Where is Missouri State Mental Hospital # 1 located?
2) What are the painted designs on the front of a military aircraft called?
3) During the Civil War, what City was known as the “Gibraltar of the South?”
4) What was the name of the mostly American piloted squadron who fought along side the French in WW I?

Answers will be in the comments section.

We are keeping history alive so you can pass it on! Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user/membership?u=82256162

You can also check out our free video episodes at: https://www.youtube.com/

Articles and Podcasts are complementary to people wanting to preserve our history: Nodaway Valley Bank, Rupp Funeral Home, Eagle Communications, Mastio, and Anonymous Buffs.

History, Mystery & LoreJuly Trivia 2025 Q1: Where is Missouri State Mental Hospital # 1 located? A: Fulton Missouri Q2: What are the painted designs on the front of a military aircraft called? A: Nose art Q3: During the Civil War, what City was known as the “Gibraltar of the South?” A: Vicksburg...

29/07/2025

By: Bob Ford

29/07/2025

New Article on Substack: Mark Twain could insult you without you realizing it!

Who better to be the eastern bookend of Missouri’s ingenious Highway 36 then America's Bard, Mark Twain.

Born Samuel Clemens, he used several pen names, but his most famous was Mark Twain, choosing that name as a tribute to his love of piloting.

“Mark twain” is what a steamboat crew member yelled out to tell the Captain the depth of the river.

“Mark twain” is two fathoms, or 12 feet. I assumed you wanted to know.

Read more on Substack!

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To comment or join in supporting this 501(c)(3) organization, contact Bob at [email protected].

We are keeping history alive so you can pass it on! Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bobfordshistory

You can also check out our free video episodes at: https://www.youtube.com/

Articles and Podcasts are complementary to people wanting to preserve our history: Nodaway Valley Bank, Rupp Funeral Home, Eagle Communications, Mastio, and Anonymous Buffs.

By: Bob Ford