Podcast Summary: "Corn Mazes with Chelsey Weber-Smith"
Podcast Information
- Title: You're Wrong About
- Host/Author: Sarah Marshall
- Episode: Corn Mazes with Chelsey Weber-Smith
- Release Date: July 31, 2025
- Description: Sarah Marshall, a journalist fascinated by historical narratives, explores the often-misunderstood topic of corn mazes with Chelsey Weber-Smith, delving into their origins, cultural significance, and enduring allure.
Introduction to Corn Mazes
The episode kicks off with Sarah Marshall and her guest, Chelsey Weber-Smith, discussing their personal connections to corn and mazes. Sarah distinguishes herself as a "corn enthusiast," while Chelsey proudly identifies as a "maize enthusiast," setting the stage for a deep dive into the history and appeal of corn mazes.
Notable Quote:
Sarah Marshall [00:00]: "...I'm Sarah Marshall, and with me this week is our dear friend Chelsey Weber-Smith, the host of American Hysteria and a maize enthusiast."
Defining Mazes vs. Labyrinths
A significant portion of the conversation focuses on differentiating between mazes and labyrinths. Sarah reads from a handout by Jeff Saward, clarifying that mazes are multicursal with multiple pathways and choices, often leading to dead ends, whereas labyrinths are unicursal with a single, winding path leading from entrance to center without any deceptive forks.
Notable Quotes:
Sarah Marshall [26:12]: "In the English speaking world, it is often considered that to qualify as a maze, a design must have choices in the pathway."
Chelsey Weber-Smith [26:27]: "A labyrinth isn't actually meant to make you lost."
Origins and History of Corn Mazes
Sarah and Chelsey explore the surprising modern origins of corn mazes. Contrary to Chelsey’s initial belief that corn mazes are ancient, Sarah uncovers that corn mazes are a relatively recent invention, with the first documented instances appearing in American newspapers as early as 1988. While commonly attributed to Don France and Adrian Fisher of the American Maze Company in 1993, Sarah discovers earlier examples, notably David Anderson's "Corn Fusion" maze in Ontario, Canada, predating the official "invention."
Notable Quotes:
Sarah Marshall [17:36]: "Corn mazes were an invention of the 90s. Wow. That's shocking to me."
Chelsey Weber-Smith [17:47]: "I am still older than the corn maze, thank God."
The Role of Don France and Adrian Fisher
The duo delves into the contributions of Don France and Adrian Fisher in popularizing corn mazes. Sarah cites a New Yorker article highlighting Fisher's role in transforming mazes into a heritage business in Britain and their subsequent spread to America. Don France's artistic and entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with his background in show business and connections with Disney, played a pivotal role in the commercial success and widespread adoption of corn mazes.
Notable Quotes:
Sarah Marshall [48:54]: "Don France, who is working at Disney, and, like, I love him. Okay. Like, as far as I know, we are cut from the same cloth."
Chelsey Weber-Smith [50:38]: "I was shocked to see that Disney is involved in this potentially..."
Cultural and Economic Impacts
Sarah and Chelsey theorize about the broader cultural and economic implications of corn mazes. They suggest that the rise of corn mazes coincided with America's farm crisis in the 1980s, where farmers faced economic hardships. Transforming cornfields into mazes provided an alternative revenue stream, blending agriculture with entertainment. Additionally, the shift from traditional farming to farm-based attractions reflects changing societal values and the commercialization of rural landscapes.
Notable Quotes:
Sarah Marshall [59:58]: "The 1980s are the decade of America's farm crisis... people, families losing farms and people losing livelihoods and their homes."
Chelsey Weber-Smith [60:15]: "So it's like, I wonder if the kind of farm as entertainment also is coming about at the same time."
Mythological and Literary References
The conversation touches upon mythological labyrinths, particularly the Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. Sarah draws parallels between ancient labyrinths and modern corn mazes, questioning why corn mazes are perceived as a new phenomenon despite the long-standing human fascination with mazes and labyrinths in mythology and literature.
Notable Quotes:
Sarah Marshall [21:44]: "And you have to take a ball of thread into this labyrinth, which was designed by Daedalus... as you get to the center of the labyrinth where the Minotaur is."
Chelsey Weber-Smith [25:30]: "Yeah. I love not knowing."
Personal Experiences and Anecdotes
Both hosts share their personal experiences with corn mazes, highlighting the blend of fun and mild anxiety they evoke. Sarah recounts growing her own corn and the intricacies of pollination, while Chelsey describes her fondness for corn mazes despite her generally poor sense of direction.
Notable Quotes:
Sarah Marshall [04:14]: "I grew my own corn last year in my front yard... takes up a lot of room."
Chelsey Weber-Smith [09:03]: "I like being lost. I like not knowing where I am."
Unexpected Discoveries and Historical Revelations
The hosts reveal their research journey, uncovering newspaper archives that predate the commonly accepted origins of corn mazes. Sarah's discovery of 1988 instances challenges the narrative that Don France and Adrian Fisher were the sole pioneers, suggesting a more complex and collaborative evolution of corn mazes.
Notable Quotes:
Sarah Marshall [44:04]: "I have two from 1988. One from Muscatine, Iowa... and another from October 7, 1988, from the Times Advocate."
Chelsey Weber-Smith [44:35]: "Wow, you've blown up this narrative."
Theoretical Insights and Sociological Perspectives
Toward the end, Sarah and Chelsey delve into theoretical discussions about why mazes hold such an innate fascination for humans. They speculate on biological and sociological mechanisms, such as the hunter instinct and the desire for structured challenges. Additionally, they propose that hedge mazes in England may serve as status symbols amidst shifting class dynamics during the Thatcher era, paralleling the rise of corn mazes in America as both a survival and entertainment strategy during economic downturns.
Notable Quotes:
Sarah Marshall [56:12]: "Why are people building all these hedged mazes... my theory is that throughout the 1980s, Margaret Thatcher and her pack help destroy labor rights and the working class."
Chelsey Weber-Smith [58:14]: "That's your sociology coming through there."
Conclusion and Reflections
The episode wraps up with reflections on the enduring charm of corn mazes. Sarah emphasizes the importance of rituals and how corn mazes serve as both entertainment and a connection to agricultural roots. Both hosts express newfound appreciation and a resolved intention to revisit corn mazes with a deeper understanding.
Notable Quotes:
Sarah Marshall [62:35]: "Corn. It's just the best."
Chelsey Weber-Smith [63:06]: "Every corn is a glamorous woman."
Final Thoughts In "Corn Mazes with Chelsey Weber-Smith," Sarah Marshall and Chelsey Weber-Smith provide an enlightening exploration of corn mazes, blending personal anecdotes with historical research and cultural analysis. The episode challenges preconceived notions, uncovering the layered history and societal roles of corn mazes, ultimately celebrating their whimsical yet complex presence in modern culture.