Ghost of a Chance: Episode 1 - "Falling Down the Rabbit Hole"

Release Date: January 13, 2025
Host/Author: The Minnesota Star Tribune
Hosts: Eric Roper & Melissa Townsend

Introduction: Unearthing the Past

In the inaugural episode of Ghost of a Chance, reporter Eric Roper shares the genesis of his deep dive into the history of his 113-year-old Minneapolis home. Purchased in March 2020, right at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Eric's curiosity about the house's previous occupants sets him on an unexpected journey. As Melissa Townsend notes, "I love going down history rabbit holes" (00:12).

The Robinson Mystery Begins

While researching, Eric discovers that the house was owned by Harry and Clementine Robinson, a Black couple who settled there in 1917, amidst America’s entry into World War I. This revelation piques Eric's interest, especially since his predominantly white neighborhood hadn't acknowledged the presence of Black families historically. Melissa expresses her awe upon finding photographs of the Robinsons: “Both of them are looking just beyond the camera... very regal, in a kind of Victorian kind of way” (02:24).

A City in Turmoil: George Floyd’s Impact

In May 2020, the tragic murder of George Floyd by Officer Derek Chauvin thrust Minneapolis into the global spotlight as a center of racial unrest. Eric recounts the intense emotions and community reactions during this period:

“I remember sitting up late at night... I just felt very awkward, partly because I'm a journalist. I don't really make big statements.”
— Melissa Townsend (04:26)

This tumultuous backdrop reignites Eric's obsession with uncovering the Robinsons' story, leading him to believe that their history could shed light on the longstanding racial dynamics in Minneapolis.

Tracing Clementine Robinson’s Roots

Eric embarks on a meticulous search to piece together Clementine Robinson’s lineage. Utilizing resources like Ancestry.com, he constructs a family tree, revealing that Clementine was born free in Mecca, a small town in Missouri, prior to the Civil War. His journey takes him to the remnants of Mecca Cemetery, now the only vestige of the once-thriving Black community:

“She was the first generation in her family born free... before emancipation.”
— Melissa Townsend (12:08)

With the assistance of Gwen Greene, a descendant linked to Clementine’s family, Eric uncovers that Clementine's father, Washington Estes, was emancipated in 1854 through a will by the slave owner, Thomas Estes.

Harry Robinson’s Journey: Triumph and Tragedy

Parallel to Clementine’s story, Eric delves into Harry Robinson’s past in Mitchell, Indiana. Harry emerges as a beacon of promise—valedictorian of his class and a scholarship recipient to the Nashville College of Law. However, racial barriers abruptly halt his aspirations:

“Harry Robinson... was turned down on account of his color.”
— Melissa Townsend (24:30)

Despite his academic excellence, Harry faces systemic racism that stifles his legal ambitions. His subsequent move to Kansas City, Missouri, marks a pivotal shift as he meets Clementine, leading them to concoct a plan to relocate to Minnesota—a place perceived as a land of opportunity.

Navigating Racial Tensions and Pursuing Dreams

The union of Harry and Clementine in Kansas City unfolds against a backdrop of escalating racial hostility. Historian Chris Phillips provides context, explaining that Missouri had become increasingly hostile for Black residents post-Civil War:

“They are trying to have a life where you can have some joy, but also having these social barriers and levels of racism that keep you from fully experiencing this American dream.”
— Sharita Mosley Mitchell (17:19)

Melissa Townsend captures the essence of their struggle:

“Harry may have gotten the message that life is short. Use your gifts, shoot your shot.”
— Eric Roper (22:01)

Their plans to move to Minnesota symbolize a quest for a better life amidst pervasive racial challenges.

Legacy and Reflection

As Eric delves deeper, he reflects on the interplay between historical racism and the personal triumphs of the Robinsons. Conversations with therapists like Brandon Jones highlight the intergenerational trauma experienced by Black families:

“There was this tension between knowing your place and standing your ground.”
— Eric Roper (17:11)

The episode poignantly concludes with Eric meeting Bob Harris, a local elder, whose reflections on legacy resonate deeply:

“You don't understand a lot of things now, but later on you will.”
— Bob Harris (28:10)

Conclusion: A Continuing Journey

Ghost of a Chance sets the stage for an intricate exploration of Harry and Clementine Robinson’s lives, intertwining personal narratives with broader historical contexts. As Eric and Melissa prepare to uncover how the Robinsons navigated their new lives in Minnesota, listeners are left anticipating the revelations to come.

Notable Quotes:

• Melissa Townsend (00:18): "We're all going to be locked in our homes now for quite a while."
• Sharita Mosley Mitchell (05:49): “This is in Minnesota. I remember my father sleeping in the living room with a shotgun.”
• Melissa Townsend (10:03): "It's very beautiful out here."
• Sharita Mosley Mitchell (16:04): “You're not property anymore. That's a different. That's a very different disposition on life.”

Production Credits:

Ghost of a Chance is reported by Eric Roper and written and produced by Melissa Townsend, with Executive Production by Jenny Pinkley and editing by Mary Jo Webster. Special thanks to contributors and the local community for their invaluable insights.

Learn More:

For additional content, pictures, documents from the podcast, and to subscribe, visit startribune.com/ghostofachance.

Timestamps Overview:

• 00:02 - 00:30: Introduction to Eric's purchase of the house and initial curiosity.
• 02:24 - 03:07: Discovery of the Robinsons and the backdrop of George Floyd’s murder.
• 05:05 - 06:46: Eric’s deepening research and the shift to an official Star Tribune project.
• 07:47 - 13:37: Exploration of Clementine Robinson’s family history and emancipation.
• 13:59 - 24:45: Harry Robinson’s educational achievements and racial barriers.
• 25:22 - 28:10: The meeting of Harry and Clementine, their plans, and reflections from community members.

Note: Advertisements and non-content segments have been omitted to focus on the core narrative and discussions.