Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities: "What a Blowout" – Detailed Summary

In the episode titled "What a Blowout" from Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities, listeners are taken on a captivating journey through two distinct yet intriguing tales that exemplify the podcast's theme of exploring the unbelievable, unsettling, and bizarre aspects of history. Hosted by Aaron Mahnke and produced by iHeartPodcasts and Grim & Mild, this episode delves into the enigmatic ghost town of Blowout, Texas, and the compelling political ascent of Harry S. Truman intertwined with the infamous Pendergast political machine.

1. The Rise and Fall of Blowout, Texas

Founding and Early Prosperity (00:04 - 12:30)

The first narrative transports us to the Texas Hill Country in the mid-19th century. In 1854, a group of settlers from Kentucky established the settlement of Blowout, strategically located near Comanche Creek. However, the town's foundation was not primarily for agricultural pursuits but rather for exploiting a unique natural resource: bat guano.

Aaron Mahnke explains, “This area of the Texas hill country is dotted with caves, the perfect home for millions of Mexican free-tailed bats. Even today, the creatures practically black out the sunset when they emerge from their caves at dusk.” (02:15)

The settlers recognized the value of bat feces, or guano, as a potent natural fertilizer rich in nitrogen, essential for crop growth. This "smelly gold mine" became the economic backbone of Blowout, leading to the establishment of businesses and a post office by 1875.

Catastrophic Explosion and Town Naming (12:31 - 19:45)

The town's prosperity was abruptly disrupted in the 1860s when a severe storm triggered a massive explosion in a bat-infested cave. Mahnke narrates, “Bat feces, also called guano, is a hugely valuable natural fertilizer... decades of guano building up and decomposing in the same cave produces a heck of a lot of methane gas. So when a lightning bolt struck the cave, the whole thing went sky high.” (13:20)

The catastrophic blast was so intense it obliterated the guano mounds and was visible for miles, leading the settlers to christen their settlement "Blowout, Texas" with a touch of humor (17:45).

The Gold Rush and Decline (19:46 - 29:00)

Blowout's fortunes saw a brief resurgence in 1896 when Frank Lacey, a local rancher, discovered a flake of gold in the creek. This discovery sparked a gold rush, attracting miners and additional settlers, momentarily boosting the town's economy. However, as Mahnke points out, "the ground was not giving up its treasures... there wasn't any rich deposit in Blowout, just a few scattered pockets of gold flakes." (23:10)

The unsustainable nature of the gold rush led to the town's rapid decline. By 1918, Blowout's post office closed, and the remaining residents either departed by car or left in coffins, cementing its status as a ghost town. Today, only remnants like foundations, the still-standing post office, and, of course, the enduring presence of bats remain—a poignant reminder of Blowout's brief existence.

Reflection on Historical Legacy (29:01 - 32:00)

Mahnke wraps up the tale by reflecting on the legacy of Blowout, emphasizing the settlers' unique motivations and the lasting impact of natural resources on settlement patterns. He muses, “It's certainly an interesting legacy that all this came from one group of settlers in 1854 who thought the sweet, sweet smell of success stank like a lot of bat poop.” (31:30)

2. Harry S. Truman and the Pendergast Political Machine

Truman’s Humble Beginnings and Connection to Pendergast (32:01 - 42:50)

The second story transitions to January 1945 in Kansas City, Missouri, where President Harry S. Truman arrives for the funeral of Tom Pendergast, a pivotal figure in Truman's political ascent. Unlike typical funerals, this event was significant due to Pendergast's influence and the murky legacy he left behind. Mahnke outlines, “Harry would have recognized his drooping jowls and big nose anywhere. It was Tom Pendergast, the man who had made him vice president back in 1922.” (33:40)

Truman's journey from a struggling haberdasher and World War I artillery commander to vice presidency is intricately linked to the Pendergast family. Mike Pendergast, Tom's brother, recruited Truman based on his military discipline and integrity, qualities that Tom believed would bolster his political machine.

Navigating Corruption and Upholding Integrity (42:51 - 55:30)

Upon becoming county judge with Tom Pendergast's backing, Truman quickly established a reputation for honesty and efficiency. He often clashed with the Pendergasts over contract allocations, choosing to award them to the lowest bidders to save taxpayer money rather than funneling opportunities to Pendergast's enterprises. Mahnke notes, “Harry believed in running everything above board. As the county judge, he awarded the road contracts to the lowest bidder, saving the taxpayers money.” (45:10)

This integrity earned Truman the trust of the local populace, enabling significant public projects and financial stability even during the Great Depression. By leveraging the Works Progress Administration (WPA) funding, Truman fortified Kansas City's infrastructure without succumbing to corruption, thereby diminishing the Pendergast's traditional hold over politics.

Ascending to the Vice Presidency and Beyond (55:31 - 1:10:00)

Truman's steadfast governance did not go unnoticed. Tom Pendergast, recognizing the value of having a capable and reputable candidate, supported Truman's campaign for the United States Senate in 1934. This endorsement was instrumental in Truman's subsequent election to the Senate and eventually to the Vice Presidency under Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944.

Despite the Pendergast family's manipulations and legal issues—Tom was convicted for tax evasion in 1939—Truman maintained a lifelong loyalty to his old mentor. Mahnke poignantly recounts Truman's attendance at Tom Pendergast's funeral, stating, “Even though Tom had been a criminal, he had also put Harry in a position to do a lot of good. As Harry later said at the funeral, he was always my friend and I have always been his.” (1:05:00)

Truman's rise culminated in his eventual presidency, a position Tom Pendergast never lived to see, as he passed away shortly after the funeral in 1945.

Concluding Insights

In "What a Blowout," Aaron Mahnke masterfully intertwines two seemingly disparate narratives—one of a ghostly Texas town built on bat guano, and the other of a political journey influenced by corruption and integrity. Both stories highlight the unpredictable forces that shape human endeavors, be they environmental oddities or personal ethics within political machinations.

Mahnke concludes with a reflective tone, encouraging listeners to stay curious and continue exploring such fascinating historical curiosities. “I hope you've enjoyed today's guided tour of the Cabinet of Curiosities... until next time, stay curious.” (1:10:30)

Notable Quotes:

• Aaron Mahnke on Blowout’s Bat Population:

  “This area of the Texas hill country is dotted with caves, the perfect home for millions of Mexican free-tailed bats. Even today, the creatures practically black out the sunset when they emerge from their caves at dusk.” (02:15)

• Naming of Blowout, Texas:

  “So Blowout, Texas, was born. The community, built on bat guano, continued to grow...” (17:45)

• Harry S. Truman on Pendergast Friendship:

  “As Harry later said at the funeral, he was always my friend and I have always been his.” (1:05:00)

Final Thoughts:

"What a Blowout" exemplifies Cabinet of Curiosities' commitment to unearthing the lesser-known, yet profoundly impactful stories of history. From the peculiarities of Blowout, Texas, to the intricate dance of politics and integrity surrounding Harry S. Truman, this episode offers listeners a rich tapestry of narratives that are both educational and endlessly fascinating.

For more intriguing stories, subscribe to Cabinet of Curiosities on Apple Podcasts or visit the Curiosities Podcast website.