Podcast Summary: "E426 A Big Bi Cup and Christine’s Box of Doom"

And That's Why We Drink Episode E426, titled "A Big Bi Cup and Christine’s Box of Doom," delves deep into the chilling history of the Burlington County Prison in Mount Holly, New Jersey. Hosted by Christine Schiefer and Em Schulz, this episode masterfully intertwines true crime and paranormal tales, offering listeners a captivating exploration of one of the most haunted prisons in the United States.

1. Introduction

Christine and Em kick off the episode with light-hearted banter about their foster dog, Hank, setting a relatable and engaging tone for the listeners. They briefly touch upon various advertisements but swiftly transition to the main content, signaling the profound shift from everyday conversations to the dark corridors of Burlington County Prison.

2. The Burlington County Prison: A Modern Marvel of the Early 1800s

Historical Foundation: Built in 1811 by renowned architect Robert Mills, the Burlington County Prison was one of Mills' first significant designs before he went on to craft iconic structures like the U.S. Treasury Building and the U.S. Patent Office.

Christine (00:00-00:25): "So have you ever been speed dating? Have you? I haven't. ... and broke it down."

Innovative Design Features: At its inception, the prison was lauded as the first modern facility in the country, introducing several progressive features for its time:

• Fireproof Construction: Designed to prevent catastrophic fires, a rarity in prison architecture during that era.
• Cell Blocks Based on Crimes: Unlike previous prisons where all inmates were housed together irrespective of their offenses, Burlington County Prison separated inmates based on the nature of their crimes. This segregation aimed at reducing violence and improving management.
• Rehabilitation Focus: The prison incorporated workshops where inmates could develop skills like broom and basket making, emphasizing rehabilitation over mere punishment.

Em (26:43-26:51): "He also built the national monument, and he built the wings of Independence Hall."

Living Conditions: The facility boasted heated cells, a departure from the often cold and harsh conditions of other prisons. Additionally, it was among the first to separate women and children from male inmates, ensuring a safer environment for vulnerable populations.

Em (30:35-30:47): "It was also the first prison to put inmates into cell blocks based on their crimes ... putting them in one big ass room."

3. Dark Tales from Within: Executions and Escape Attempts

Executions: Burlington County Prison was the site of at least seven public executions between its establishment and 1906, making it a focal point of fear and folklore in the region. Notably, double executions occurred in 1906, where two accomplices were hanged simultaneously for the same crime.

Em (48:52-49:12): "Seven were hanged on the grounds... two more people who stayed at this prison."

Violent Escapes: The prison witnessed numerous escape attempts, totaling over 70 documented cases. These attempts were often marked by extreme violence, including the repeated murders of guards using metal bars—a grim pattern that unnerved both inmates and staff.

Christine (52:39-52:43): "Is that like the one in the top. The penthouse suite? Like, were they up there standing on the ring or something?"

Notable Incidents: One particularly eerie pattern involved inmates using metal bars to kill guards during escape attempts, with a recurrence of the same method years apart, underscoring the malevolent history embedded within the prison walls.

Em (51:06-51:20): "During an escape attempt, an inmate beat a guard to death with a metal bar. Then on his way out, he had to pass the kitchen, and another guard was there and saw him escaping. So he beat that guard to death with the same metal bar."

4. Transformation into a Haunted Museum

As the years progressed, the prison transitioned from a state facility to a museum, preserving its rich and dark history. Today, it offers various tours—self-guided, audio, and personal—allowing visitors to immerse themselves in its storied past.

Exhibits:

• Artifacts: Items like ropes from executions and a replica of the SS St. Paul boat, crafted by an inmate using spare parts, adorn the museum displays.
• Interactive Experiences: Emphasizing its haunted reputation, the museum features an escape room inspired by historical escape attempts, providing an interactive journey through its ominous legacy.
• Haunted Wedding Venue: Unique to this museum, it also serves as a spooky wedding venue, attracting thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts alike.

Em (62:48-63:35): "They also have an escape room based on Eddie's escape from the prison... it is on the National Register of Historic Places and runs as a museum."

5. Haunting Phenomena: Ghosts of Burlington County Prison

Burlington County Prison's reputation as a haunted site stems from numerous reported paranormal activities:

• Apparitions: Spectral figures, especially a man in a prison uniform, roaming the basement and moving through empty cells.
• Auditory Hauntings: Unexplained voices, moaning, and the rattling of chains echo through the facility, particularly near the tree where an executed inmate, Joel, is buried.
• Physical Movements: Objects levitate or move autonomously, and a stretcher has been observed rolling across floors without any physical intervention.
• Environmental Anomalies: Hair being pulled unexpectedly and orbs appearing alongside motion sensor activations add to the eerie ambiance.

Em (58:51-59:48): "They also see apparitions on the stairs; they've seen items in the dungeon levitating... People have gotten pictures of humanoid figures and moving shadows."

6. Case Study: Hannah Anderson and Jim DiMaggio

The episode takes a poignant turn as Christine narrates the harrowing true story of Hannah Anderson, a 16-year-old girl abducted in 2013 by her family's close friend, Jim DiMaggio.

Background: Hannah, involved in her high school's summer cheer camp, shared a close bond with Jim, who was more of a stepfather figure following her parents' separation. Their relationship, seen as purely platonic, took a dark turn leading to Hannah's abduction.

The Abduction: On August 3rd, 2013, after finishing cheer camp, Hannah was picked up by Jim for one last weekend at his cabin due to his impending relocation caused by foreclosure. Shortly after arriving, a raging fire consumed the cabin, resulting in the death of Hannah's mother, Tina, and her brother, Ethan, who succumbed to the flames. Hannah was missing, sparking a national manhunt aided by California's first Amber Alert issued via cell phone networks.

Christine (70:51-75:11): "In 2013, specifically Saturday, August 3rd... the remains were too badly burned to be identified at first, but DNA confirmation allowed them to determine that, yes, it was Ethan."

The Rescue: After intense searches, including aerial reconnaissance and ground teams traversing treacherous wilderness areas, Hannah was found near Morehead Lake, alive but traumatized. Jim DiMaggio was apprehended during a rescue operation after he attempted to fire at the rescue team, leading to his immediate death.

Christine (106:37-107:21): "So they finally were able to swoop in. And when the team did swoop in... he was shot multiple times, was immediately killed. Hannah and Oliver both survived."

Aftermath: Hannah, traumatized yet resilient, became an advocate for the Amber Alert system, crediting it for her survival. Despite public scrutiny and unfounded rumors suggesting her complicity, evidence confirmed her victimhood. A wrongful death lawsuit filed by Jim's family was dismissed, reflecting the complexity and emotional turmoil surrounding the case.

Em (119:12-119:18): "So at some point, you just gotta... shrug it off and be able... that work has no legs, certainly, in my opinion, in my humble Opinion, anyway, so this lawsuit was dismissed."

7. Reflections and Closing Thoughts

Christine and Em conclude the episode by emphasizing the importance of vigilance and the "see something, say something" mantra, underscoring how seemingly benign behaviors can mask sinister intentions. They poignantly reflect on Hannah's recovery and the enduring scars left by such traumatic events.

Christine (86:35-87:34): "Hannah's friends knew something that the adults did... like, it's so insidious. And, like, talk about grooming."

The episode serves as a sobering reminder of the thin line between trust and danger, especially within familial and close-knit relationships. Through meticulous storytelling, And That's Why We Drink not only recounts historical and paranormal tales but also underscores the real-life implications of unrecognized red flags and the resilience of survivors.

Notable Quotes:

• Christine (58:52): "Don't like that. People with hearing problems just blame Geo if that's the case, you know."

• Em (30:35): "It was designed with rehabilitation in mind, unlike maybe today's system."

• Em (51:06): "During an escape attempt, an inmate beat a guard to death with a metal bar."

• Christine (86:35): "Hannah's friends knew something that the adults did... like, it's so insidious. And, like, talk about grooming."

• Em (74:22): "Hannah and Ethan did not appear to be on the property."

Conclusion

Episode E426 of And That's Why We Drink masterfully blends historical intrigue with gripping true crime narratives, all while infusing touches of the paranormal. Christine and Em's detailed exploration of the Burlington County Prison and the tragic tale of Hannah Anderson serves as a testament to their storytelling prowess, leaving listeners both informed and enthralled.

For more captivating stories and chilling tales, tune in every Sunday with And That's Why We Drink.