The Moth Radio Hour: "The Rest Is History" – Detailed Summary

Released on April 23, 2019, "The Rest Is History" episode of The Moth Radio Hour, hosted by Meg Bowles, presents three compelling true stories told live on stage in Northampton, Massachusetts; New York City; and Flint, Michigan. This summary captures the essence of each narrative, highlighting key moments, insights, and notable quotes with proper attribution and timestamps.

1. Frank Almond: The Lipinski Stradivarius Violin

Story Overview: Frank Almond, the Concertmaster of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and a seasoned violinist, shares an extraordinary encounter with a rare Stradivarius violin. Unlike his usual performances, Almond took the stage without his own violin, setting the stage for a gripping tale of discovery, loss, and historical significance.

Key Points:

• Discovery of the Violin: In 2008, Almond received an intriguing email about a purported Stradivarius violin from 1715. Skeptical yet intrigued, he arranged a meeting in a bank vault in Milwaukee. (Frank Almond, 04:58)

  “I opened it up really slowly, and it's the Lipinski Stradivarius. I was absolutely dumbfounded. Like I stumbled on some lost Rembrandt or something.” (04:50)

• Historical Significance: The Lipinski Stradivarius, crafted by Antonio Stradivari during his golden period, boasts a rich history, having been owned by notable musicians like Giuseppe Tartini and Niccolo Paganini. Its craftsmanship and sonic nuances make it a coveted instrument among violinists.

• Theft and Aftermath: In January 2014, after a powerful performance, Almond discovered his cherished violin stolen. The incident escalated to involve local law enforcement, media attention, and a frantic search. Eventually, the violin was recovered, revealing insights into the theft method involving a Taser and identifying markers that led to the culprits. (Frank Almond, 17:39)

  “I realized really quickly that this object was capable of maximizing my artistic abilities to a degree I would have never possibly imagined. And at the same time could brutally illuminate all of my weaknesses as a violinist.” (05:30)

• Reflection on Legacy: Post-recovery, Almond contemplates his fleeting interaction with the centuries-old instrument, recognizing his temporary role in its enduring legacy.

Additional Insights:

• Violin’s History: The violin’s journey spans from Italy to Germany, Cuba, and finally Milwaukee, intertwining with historical events and personal stories of ownership.

  “The reality is I'm just passing through its life and not the other way around.” (17:30)

2. Savad Johnson: An Impossible Rescue

Story Overview: Savad Johnson, a dedicated firefighter with the Detroit Fire Department for 24 years, recounts a harrowing rescue mission that tested his courage, resilience, and commitment to saving lives amidst intense adversity.

Key Points:

• Background and Motivation: As a second-generation firefighter, Johnson's sense of duty is deeply rooted in family legacy. He describes the challenges faced by the Detroit Fire Department, particularly during the arson-ridden "Devil's Night" in the mid-80s and 90s. (Savad Johnson, 22:29)

  “I believe Detroit firefighters are some of the best in the world at what we do, but truthfully, we've had a lot of practice.” (22:45)

• The Rescue Mission: Johnson narrates a night responding to a severe house fire with the potential of a trapped occupant. Inside the inferno, he becomes physically ensnared, battling not only the flames but also the fear of fatal consequences. His thoughts of family and the will to survive propel him to persevere against overwhelming odds. (Savad Johnson, 23:10)

  “I thought about my daughter, Kendall. She was 5 at the time... I decided to get up.” (26:00)

• Climactic Escape: As the situation deteriorates with escalating heat and collapsing structures, Johnson's determination leads him to discover a woman trapped inside. Despite the tragic outcome for the occupant, his successful extraction underscores the perilous nature of firefighting and the emotional toll it takes. (Savad Johnson, 35:00)

  “I love you too, buddy.” (35:40)

• Aftermath and Reflection: Reflecting on the incident, Johnson emphasizes the unpredictability of firefighting and the thin line between life and death, highlighting the importance of teamwork and camaraderie in such high-stakes environments.

Additional Insights:

• Detroit Fire Department's Evolution: Modern firefighting in Detroit has shifted focus, with 70% of calls now being medical emergencies rather than fires, showcasing the department's adaptability and comprehensive training.

  “Detroit Fire Department responds to approximately 103 emergency calls annually.” (36:00)

• Personal Growth: Celebrating his 25th anniversary, Johnson contemplates retirement, passing on wisdom and safety tips to the next generation of firefighters.

  “You should look around your house and find those things that wouldn't or are not likely to happen and turn them into can't happens.” (36:30)

3. Henny Lewin: Surviving the Holocaust and Rebuilding Family

Story Overview: Henny Lewin provides a poignant account of her early childhood during the Holocaust in Lithuania. Her narrative intertwines survival, loss, and the enduring bonds of family amidst the atrocities of war.

Key Points:

• Early Life and Invasion: Born in Kaunas, Lithuania, Henny was just a year and a half old when the Nazis invaded in June 1941. Her family was thrust into the confines of a ghetto, facing unimaginable hardships and losses. (Henny Lewin, 38:31)

  “I loved playing with Shoshana and I called her Lalque, which means doll, because she was so cute.” (39:10)

• Family Tragedies: The systematic roundup and execution of the ghetto inhabitants led to the death of Henny's cousin’s father and the separation of family members. Fearing for their children's safety, her parents ingeniously created a hidden space, the "malina," to protect Henny and her cousin Shoshana. (Henny Lewin, 39:40)

• Rescue and Identity Change: Through the assistance of a Catholic priest and a trusted family friend, Henny's parents orchestrated a perilous plan to swap her into a protected Christian household. This sacrifice ensured her immediate safety but entangled her in a convoluted identity shift. (Henny Lewin, 40:50)

  “I had to pretend that I was Stankiewicz's daughter. I would have two sisters.” (40:20)

• Life in Displacement: Post-war, the family navigated through displaced persons camps, striving to maintain their artificial familial bonds while yearning for reunion. The emotional toll of separation becomes evident as Shoshana and Henny grapple with their altered identities and enduring sisterly connection. (Henny Lewin, 44:00)

  “Shoshana and I will remain sisters forever.” (47:30)

• Legacy and Advocacy: Now residing in Amherst, Henny reflects on the profound impact of her experiences. She emphasizes the moral responsibility to confront injustice, advocating for active participation in preventing future atrocities. (Henny Lewin, 50:20)

  “Preventing the evil from happening again has everything to do with them.” (49:45)

Additional Insights:

• Family Remembrance: Henny recounts poignant memories of her parents returning to the devastated ghetto, unearthing remnants of their destroyed lives, including treasured family heirlooms. (Henny Lewin, 48:10)

  “I remember watching my father dig up a large tin can he had buried under the building.” (48:30)

• Emotional Resilience: The shared experiences with Shoshana underscore the resilience of human connections forged under extreme duress, highlighting the enduring strength of familial bonds.

Conclusion

"The Rest Is History" episode of The Moth Radio Hour weaves together narratives of passion, bravery, survival, and the enduring human spirit. Through the stories of Frank Almond, Savad Johnson, and Henny Lewin, listeners are invited to reflect on the complexities of legacy, duty, and the profound impact of historical events on individual lives. Each storyteller not only recounts their personal experiences but also imparts timeless lessons on resilience, the importance of community, and the moral imperatives that guide our actions.

“If you save one life, you save the world.” (Henny Lewin, 51:49)

This episode serves as a testament to the power of storytelling in preserving history, honoring sacrifices, and inspiring future generations to uphold the values of courage, empathy, and active engagement in shaping a just world.

For more stories and information about The Moth Radio Hour, visit themoth.org.