Charles Schoenfeld wasn't born rich. At least not financially. But what he did have were strong roots, a mother willing to let him stretch his wings, and a famous aunt who just happened to be an accomplished journalist and author... and who provided Charles with opportunities to travel, receive a great education, and grow to become a successful man.

Charles was born into the Wall/Waln family of Grampian, PA. Like so many others of that family, he used those strong rural roots as a launchpad into a life full of adventure.

Listen to our story about Nora Waln's nephew!

Captain Franklin Van Valkenburg died a hero aboard the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor, but his family's legacy began in Curwensville, Pennsylvania—a town known for its deep military roots.

In this episode, we explore how Captain Van Valkenburg’s Curwensville heritage may have influenced the leader—and the man—he became.

* Note: the book by Sterling Cale that AJ mentions in this podcast is titled "A True American: The Story of a Pearl Harbor Survivor, World War II, Korean and Vietnam War Veteran"

#USSArizona #WWII #MedalofHonor #PearlHarbor

Before smartphones and selfies, there were men like Millard Fillmore Wall—armed with only a pen and a sharp eye for detail.

In this episode, we explore his 1879 handwritten memoir: vivid stories, elegant reflections, and a window into a time of change, travel, and untamed beauty in New Mexico. Another true storyteller from the remarkable Wall family.

Curwensville Days isn’t just a festival—it’s a feeling. It’s the smell of funnel cakes, the sound of fiddles on the main stage, and the kind of community spirit you don’t find just anywhere.

In this episode, we revisit the heart of summer memories—past and present—and the people working to keep those traditions alive. If you’ve ever wished you could bottle up the best parts of small-town life, this one’s for you.

He was a farmer, a philosopher, a Quaker, and a healer. Miles Wall never sought attention or fame - he just lived with quiet intention. In this episode, we dig into the life of a man whose life story invites reflection and curiosity.

What starts out as the story of a farmer unfolds into something much deeper. Tune in to meet a man whose quiet strength and open mind might just shift your perspective.

#Grampian #SocietyOfFriends #Waln #FaithHealer #Curwensville

In 1931, Grampian-born Richard Clifton Wall was found murdered in Paris. A man confessed—but was he truly guilty? Decades later, inconsistencies in his story and overlooked witness testimonies raise more questions than answers. Join us as we delve into this historical enigma, examining the evidence and exploring whether the truth can still be uncovered.

Guy Davin, Jean Barbat, Connie King, Will Henly, Emily Tauber

Most people have never heard of Mabel Waln Smith—but her story deserves to be told. An adventurer, writer, and small-town girl, Mabel’s life took a dramatic turn when she was interned in a Japanese prison camp in Shanghai during World War II. In this episode, we explore her remarkable resilience, her deeply thoughtful writing, and the strength she showed in the face of unthinkable hardship.

From small-town roots to a global stage, Mabel's story is one of courage, character, and the kind of heroism that rarely makes headlines—but should.

From the quiet hometown of Grampian, PA to the front lines of international journalism, Nora Waln’s life reads like an adventure novel. Writing for The Atlantic Monthly and The Saturday Evening Post, and living for years in China, she earned global respect as a published author—and then Adolf Hitler came knocking.

After seeing how well she wrote of China, he wanted a fawning portrait of Germany and his growing role in that country; yet she delivered only the truth, not the propaganda that Hitler expected. That act of courage forced her into a harrowing escape as the Nazis hunted down her friends and sources.

In this episode, we bring you the suspenseful, real‑life story of how Nora Waln stood up to and outwitted the most brutal regime in history—and why her voice still matters today.