Signs of Our Time

Dave Laton

Have you ever stopped to read a historical marker as you traveled across the US?  Perhaps you’ve wondered if there was more to the story.   This podcast seeks to reveal the story behind the story from America's roadside historical markers.  We explore the facts and sometimes quirky and unusual background information making our heritage even more fascinating. Let me know if you have an unusual historical marker we can explore.  americanhistoricalmarkers@gmail.com

  1. Episode 40 - Blue Star Memorial Markers

    4D AGO

    Episode 40 - Blue Star Memorial Markers

    Send a text Across highways, parks, and town squares throughout America, Blue Star Memorial markers quietly stand as powerful symbols of gratitude. In this episode, we explore the history and meaning behind these markers originally created to honor World War II service members and now dedicated to all who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. We’ll take a closer look at how these memorials came to be, and why they still matter today. More than metal and stone, Blue Star Memorials remind us of sacrifice, service, and the enduring call to remember. Join us as we uncover the stories behind these markers and reflect on how a simple sign can carry a profound message of honor and hope. Support the show If today’s episode has resonated with you or helped you in any way, and you’d like to support the show so we can continue to bring you new and free content, I’ve set up an account on Buy Me a Coffee. Through this easy-to-use donation-based tool, you can support the podcast with monetary donations in increments of $5. I truly apprecite your support. All donations receive a shoutout as a way of saying thank you. I also invite you to leave me feedback by clicking on the "Send Us a Text" tab at the top of this discription. Safe Travels!

    5 min
  2. Episode 39 - From Blacksmith to Tractors

    MAR 10

    Episode 39 - From Blacksmith to Tractors

    Send a text In this episode I look at the story behind the story of the John Deere company.  We look at the humble beginnings on a blacksmith shop to transforming farming world wide.  This is a true American success story. References: Historical Marker Database (https://hmdb.org) Wikipedia John Deere Company (https://about.deere.com) Support the show If today’s episode has resonated with you or helped you in any way, and you’d like to support the show so we can continue to bring you new and free content, I’ve set up an account on Buy Me a Coffee. Through this easy-to-use donation-based tool, you can support the podcast with monetary donations in increments of $5. I truly apprecite your support. All donations receive a shoutout as a way of saying thank you. I also invite you to leave me feedback by clicking on the "Send Us a Text" tab at the top of this discription. Safe Travels!

    5 min
  3. Episode 38 - The Legend of Bonnie and Clyde

    MAR 3

    Episode 38 - The Legend of Bonnie and Clyde

    Send a text During the Great Depression of the 1930's times were hard for most of our nation.  Jobs were scarce, families were devestated, and there seemed little hope for recovery.  During that time an infamous couple, Bonnie and Clyde emerged to engage in a crime spree across several states.   In today's episode I look at that legend and how it left a lasting, although not so good impact on the rich heritage of our great nation. Support the show If today’s episode has resonated with you or helped you in any way, and you’d like to support the show so we can continue to bring you new and free content, I’ve set up an account on Buy Me a Coffee. Through this easy-to-use donation-based tool, you can support the podcast with monetary donations in increments of $5. I truly apprecite your support. All donations receive a shoutout as a way of saying thank you. I also invite you to leave me feedback by clicking on the "Send Us a Text" tab at the top of this discription. Safe Travels!

    5 min
  4. Episdoe 37 - The First Cheeseburger - A Slice of American History

    FEB 24

    Episdoe 37 - The First Cheeseburger - A Slice of American History

    Send a text We take the lowly cheeseburger for granted.  In fact, I rarely have just a hamburger.  Without cheese it just feels naked.  An no one want to eat a naked sandwich...just doesn't seem right. In today's episode I look at the story behind the story of the invention or intervention of one of America's favorite foods. References:   Visit Pasadena (https://visitpasadena.com) The Historical Marker Database (https://hmdb.org) Support the show If today’s episode has resonated with you or helped you in any way, and you’d like to support the show so we can continue to bring you new and free content, I’ve set up an account on Buy Me a Coffee. Through this easy-to-use donation-based tool, you can support the podcast with monetary donations in increments of $5. I truly apprecite your support. All donations receive a shoutout as a way of saying thank you. I also invite you to leave me feedback by clicking on the "Send Us a Text" tab at the top of this discription. Safe Travels!

    5 min
  5. Episode 36 - The Erie Canal - Connecting America

    FEB 17

    Episode 36 - The Erie Canal - Connecting America

    Send a text In modern times we are used to major events that amaze us with their size and scope.  We marvel at how we are able to bring incredible resources to bear.  And, we live in a time where we expect instant results from our efforts. This obviously hasn't always been that way.  In today's episode I look at the Erie Canal, an amazing accomplishment for its time and still unrivaled today. Support the show If today’s episode has resonated with you or helped you in any way, and you’d like to support the show so we can continue to bring you new and free content, I’ve set up an account on Buy Me a Coffee. Through this easy-to-use donation-based tool, you can support the podcast with monetary donations in increments of $5. I truly apprecite your support. All donations receive a shoutout as a way of saying thank you. I also invite you to leave me feedback by clicking on the "Send Us a Text" tab at the top of this discription. Safe Travels!

    7 min
  6. Episode 35 - The Gettysburg Address

    FEB 10

    Episode 35 - The Gettysburg Address

    Send a text In our American history, probably no speech is well known and powerful as the Gettysburg Address.  The time of its delivery, the presence of President Lincoln, and the field upon which it was delivered all point to an incredible historical event. I invite you to listen to this podcast as we look at the story behind the story of this amazing event. References:   Historical Marker Database Library of Congress Abraham Lincoln Online  Support the show If today’s episode has resonated with you or helped you in any way, and you’d like to support the show so we can continue to bring you new and free content, I’ve set up an account on Buy Me a Coffee. Through this easy-to-use donation-based tool, you can support the podcast with monetary donations in increments of $5. I truly apprecite your support. All donations receive a shoutout as a way of saying thank you. I also invite you to leave me feedback by clicking on the "Send Us a Text" tab at the top of this discription. Safe Travels!

    8 min
  7. Episode - 34 - A Conversation With Todd Kent about Historical Markers

    FEB 3

    Episode - 34 - A Conversation With Todd Kent about Historical Markers

    Send a text I'm fascinated by the many individuals involved with historical markers.  When I began my interest in historical markers I soon learned there was a culture surrounding them. In today's episode I have a conversation with Todd Kent.  Todd travels around documenting the story found on historical markers.  He has seen many fascinating markers in places we least expect to find one.   I invite you to visit Todd's productions on Instagram and TicToc.  You can search for him on both sites by typing in @txhistorymarkers.  You can also find him on YouTube at:  https://www.youtube.com/@EsteemEducation Support the show If today’s episode has resonated with you or helped you in any way, and you’d like to support the show so we can continue to bring you new and free content, I’ve set up an account on Buy Me a Coffee. Through this easy-to-use donation-based tool, you can support the podcast with monetary donations in increments of $5. I truly apprecite your support. All donations receive a shoutout as a way of saying thank you. I also invite you to leave me feedback by clicking on the "Send Us a Text" tab at the top of this discription. Safe Travels!

    23 min
  8. Episode 33 - Radical Abolistionist John Brown

    JAN 27

    Episode 33 - Radical Abolistionist John Brown

    Send a text Among the many individuals associated with America's Civil War, perhaps among the best known is the radical abolitionist, John Brown.  Whether you agree or disagree with his views and actions, he had a lasting impact on the rich heritage of our great nation. In this episode I tell the story behind the story of the Civil War icon. References: The American Battlefield Trust (https://www.battlefields/org/learn/biographies/john-brown The Historical Marker Database (https://hmdb.org) Support the show If today’s episode has resonated with you or helped you in any way, and you’d like to support the show so we can continue to bring you new and free content, I’ve set up an account on Buy Me a Coffee. Through this easy-to-use donation-based tool, you can support the podcast with monetary donations in increments of $5. I truly apprecite your support. All donations receive a shoutout as a way of saying thank you. I also invite you to leave me feedback by clicking on the "Send Us a Text" tab at the top of this discription. Safe Travels!

    7 min
See All (39)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Have you ever stopped to read a historical marker as you traveled across the US?  Perhaps you’ve wondered if there was more to the story.   This podcast seeks to reveal the story behind the story from America's roadside historical markers.  We explore the facts and sometimes quirky and unusual background information making our heritage even more fascinating. Let me know if you have an unusual historical marker we can explore.  americanhistoricalmarkers@gmail.com

Information

  • Creator
    Dave Laton
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Signs of Our Time
  • Show Website
    Signs of Our Time