Summary of "Washed Away" Episode from Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities
Released on November 5, 2024, "Washed Away" is an episode of Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities, a captivating podcast produced by iHeartPodcasts and Grim & Mild. Hosted by Erin Menke, the episode presents two intriguing tales that intertwine history with the mysterious and supernatural. This summary delves into both stories, capturing their key elements, notable discussions, and the eerie conclusions that leave listeners pondering the boundaries between reality and the unexplained.
1. The Enigmatic Storm and the Vanishing Camp (00:41 – 06:52)
Setting the Scene
The first narrative transports listeners to the summer of 1875 in Alberta, Canada. Sir Cecil Edward Denny, a former member of the Northwest Mounted Police, seeks solace at a serene hunting and fishing spot along the Oldman River. Despite noticing dark, foreboding clouds—a common yet potentially destructive sight in the region—Denny persists in his journey of relaxation.
The Brewing Storm
As the day progresses, the storm intensifies. Erin Menke describes the ambiance:
“The rain can be cleansing, washing away everything from the dirt on our cars to the memories of a bad day. But a storm can erase a lot more.” (00:41)
Denny experiences relentless wind, hail, perpetual lightning, and deafening thunder, which threaten to upend his peaceful outing. Battling the elements, his small boat begins to take on water, compelling him to seek refuge along the shoreline.
Encounter with the Unexplainable
In the midst of the storm's temporary lull, Denny hears the rhythmic beating of drums emanating from a nearby Native American encampment. Curiosity piqued, he secures his boat and ventures into the forest, finding the camp eerily calm despite the raging tempest—a stark contrast to his experience.
Upon closer inspection, Denny observes approximately 20 lodges, horses, and a bustling community of men, women, and children maintaining normalcy amid the chaos. His astonishment grows when a lightning strike splits a nearby tree, disorienting him further. As the storm resumes its fury, Denny witnesses the sudden disappearance of the encampment—the lodges, fires, and the haunting drumbeats vanish without a trace.
The Aftermath and Mysteries Unveiled
Determined to uncover the truth, Denny traverses 15 miles to a local fort by midnight, only to learn the following morning from his peers that his tale was met with skepticism. Refusing to dismiss his experience as mere imagination, he collaborates with a Blackfoot interpreter to revisit the site. Their findings reveal remnants of an ancient camp and two old skulls, suggesting a massacre of the Cree tribe by the Blackfeet years prior.
Denny is left contemplating whether the storm physically erased the encampment or if he encountered the spectral remnants of the deceased, their presence amplified by the storm's chaos. The episode concludes this story with Denny grappling with unanswered questions, leaving listeners to ponder the thin veil between the natural and the supernatural.
2. Psychic Excavations at Glastonbury Abbey (07:33 – 16:XX)
Historical Backdrop
The second tale shifts to early 20th-century England, focusing on Frederick Bligh Bonn, an esteemed architect and medieval restoration expert. In 1907, the Church of England entrusts Frederick with the challenging task of excavating the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey—a site steeped in Catholic history, housing relics like a piece of the Cross of Jesus and tombs of three kings.
Innovative Challenges
Frederick faces a significant hurdle: legal constraints prevent immediate excavation. Unlike traditional methods, Frederick conceives an unconventional approach to begin the excavation without physical digging. His strategy involves automatic writing—a form of spiritualism where a medium channels messages from the deceased to uncover hidden truths.
Collaboration with the Supernatural
On November 7, 1907, Frederick invites Captain John Allen Bartlett, a trusted psychic medium, to assist in the excavation. During their seances, Bartlett channels Johannes Bryant, a deceased monk from Glastonbury Abbey (1497–1530). Johannes provides intricate details about the abbey's layout, enabling Frederick to pinpoint structures accurately without disturbing the ground.
Erin Menke highlights Frederick's innovation:
“He believed that he knew a way to start the excavation without ever lifting a single shovel.” (07:33)
Success and Skepticism
Frederick's excavation progresses seamlessly, revealing chapels and cloisters precisely where Johannes indicated. His meticulous work earns him acclaim within archaeological circles, yet the source of his detailed knowledge remains unorthodox. Secretly, Frederick immerses himself in spiritualist societies, including the Society for Psychical Research and England's first ghost hunting club, seeking validation for his methods.
Public Revelation and Downfall
In 1919, Frederick publishes The Gate of Remembrance, a book detailing his psychic-assisted excavation. He posits that he accessed a collective unconsciousness, tapping into the knowledge of the departed monk to guide his work. However, his contemporaries dismiss his claims as fanciful, exposing the seance transcripts as weak proof marred by simplistic language.
Consequently, the Church of England terminates Frederick's employ in 1921, and by 1926, his reputation tarnished, he relocates to America. There, Frederick dedicates his life to proving the existence of ghosts, abandoning his architectural pursuits and embracing a new identity as a psychic investigator until his death in 1945.
Conclusion
"Washed Away" masterfully weaves together stories that challenge our understanding of history and the supernatural. From Sir Cecil Denny's inexplicable encounter with a vanished Native American camp amidst a ferocious storm to Frederick Bligh Bonn's groundbreaking yet controversial psychic excavation of Glastonbury Abbey, the episode invites listeners to explore the enigmatic intersections of reality, belief, and the unknown. Erin Menke's engaging narration and the meticulous recounting of historical accounts render each tale both educational and intriguingly mysterious, embodying the essence of Cabinet of Curiosities.
For those fascinated by the unexplained and the historical enigmas of our world, "Washed Away" offers a compelling journey through time and the mysteries that linger within it.