When Clara Ford - a poor, Black, cross-dressing, pipe smoking, single mother - was arrested for the murder of dashing, young, white Frank Westwood, nobody expected her to avoid the noose. So how did this unexpected heroine talk her way out of the death sentence - even after she confessed?
Olivia takes us to 19th century Toronto for a wild True Crime adventure with Carolyn Whitzman, author of the fascinating new book Clara at the Door With a Revolver. Join us as we uncover the truth (or do we?) of this unexpected and unbelievable trial.
Music featured in this episode by Zachariah Hickman, Aaron Kenny, E's Jammy Jams, Biz Baz, Vess Ossman, Libby Dees and Adam Roberts.
Want to help us “make history”? Become a Patron or Donate here!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
THE PAINTER Victorine Meurent
THE GUIDE Bibi Sahiba
THE SUFFRAGIST SENATOR Martha Hughes Cannon
THE CAGED BIRD Florence Price
THE ILLUSTRATOR Tasha Tudor – 2020 Christmas Special
THE FULTON FLASH Helen Stephens
THE LITTLE WOMAN May Alcott Nieriker
THE CITIZEN SCIENTIST Jane Marcet
THE SPIRIT Xtabay
THE LAST QUEEN OF JUDEA Shelamzion
THE MUCKRAKER Ida Tarbell
THE FLOWER IN THE WATER Zazil-ha
THE RESISTANCE Truus and Freddie Oversteegen
THE REBORN Jemima Wilkinson & Publick Universal Friend
THE PEACEMAKER Queen Matilda
THE ABSENCE Maria Branwell Brontë
THE STORYTELLER Mae Timbimboo Parry
THE ANCESTORS Mother’s Day Special
THE SURGEON James Barry
THE WOMAN IN RED Anita Garibaldi
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Irish Songs with Ken Murray
History Obscura
Historycal: Words that Shaped the World
The Rest Is History
Lore