Roads of Home

Joe Fagan

The Roads of Home with Joe Fagan is a weekly podcast focusing on the rich and colorful history of West Orange and surrounding communities of Essex County, NJ. Join us on the journey as Joe and his producer PK explore the depths of history often hiding in plain view.   Each episode will be an adventure with a specific local history topic but who knows… maybe we come off of the road at times to see where it takes us. This podcast will be an informative, entertaining, and exciting approach to history and non-history lovers alike because everything old is new again and all history is local along the Roads of Home.

Episodes

  1. 010: Season 1 Finale - Story Time

    06/29/2023

    010: Season 1 Finale - Story Time

    Season one concludes with Joe bringing to light several local stories focusing on the odd and bizarre occurrences along the Roads of Home. From West Orange airplane crashes, to the lion on the loose, to the hometown soldier who saluted General Eisenhower with a hamburger in his mouth. Enjoy the collection of stories told only as Joe knows how as we say goodbye to season one in style.  Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for future updates.  Thanks to all of our listeners! Support the show Tune in and keep with us on The Roads of Home!  www.roadsofhome.com

    49 min
  2. 009: Pal's Cabin

    06/08/2023

    009: Pal's Cabin

    Tune in to hear Joe tell tales about a West Orange / New Jersey landmark: Pal's Cabin.  We  get to hear a 2012 interview with former owner, Don Horn, where he explains in his own words how the restaurant came to be.  You will be surprised learn how it almost never happened but Pal's Cabin went on to be a local landmark for 80 years and is still fondly remembered by many. Pal's Cabin was a historic restaurant and bar known for its rustic log cabin-style building and its role as a popular dining and entertainment venue for much of the 20th century. The restaurant was situated on Eagle Rock Avenue and had been in operation since the 1930s. Pal's Cabin featured a distinctive log cabin exterior and interior decor, which added to its charm and ambiance. It was a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, attracting customers with its warm atmosphere, live music, and delicious food. The restaurant served a variety of American cuisine, including steaks, seafood, and traditional comfort dishes. Tune in to hear about Pal's Cabin and much more - including a world-famous performer who got an early start entertaining patrons in the restaurant. Support the show Tune in and keep with us on The Roads of Home!  www.roadsofhome.com

    35 min
  3. 008: Some Golf Course History

    05/18/2023

    008: Some Golf Course History

    Did you know one of the oldest country clubs in the nation is in West Orange?   Step into the captivating world of golf course history as we embark on an enthralling journey through time, delving deep into the origins and evolution of a few of the local golf courses. In this episode, Joe shares some stories, legends, and even the origination of one of the most commonly used golf terms - which may have originated right around here... Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a curious history enthusiast, this captivating episode will take you on a expedition, sharing a few tales behind the fairways you drive by all the time.  So, relax, tee up, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of local golf course history, where each swing tells a story and each hole whispers secrets of the past. Support the show Tune in and keep with us on The Roads of Home!  www.roadsofhome.com

    34 min
  4. 007: The Killing Fields of Cambodia to Eagle Rock

    05/11/2023

    007: The Killing Fields of Cambodia to Eagle Rock

    On this episode of Roads of Home, we take our first shot at movie club.  If you've had the chance to see the 1984 classic "The Killing Fields" this episode will resonate.  Don't worry though, there are no spoiler alerts and you can watch it after as well! Joe discusses about how he learned first-hand about the Killing Fields of Cambodia on the peaceful fields of Eagle Rock. A chance encounter with history’s chosen messenger teaches that to forget the atrocities of the past is even a worse tragedy. Joe also shares some history about the September 11th Memorial within the Eagle Rock Reservation and how it came to be - with some fun personal anecdotes as always! Support the show Tune in and keep with us on The Roads of Home!  www.roadsofhome.com

    34 min
  5. 006: A Coach's Decision That Changed College Football History

    05/04/2023

    006: A Coach's Decision That Changed College Football History

    Joe takes a deep dive into his analysis of how a certain decision may have changed the entire history of college football - specifically that of  former West Orange High School football coach Ed Johnson.  This episode is a can't miss as we also get to hear about how Joe getting questioned in foreign lands over some mysterious DVDs.  What happened next?  You'll have to tune in to hear that and more! Support the show Tune in and keep with us on The Roads of Home!  www.roadsofhome.com

    33 min
  6. 005: Brian's Story & the Piccolos in New Jersey

    04/27/2023

    005: Brian's Story & the Piccolos in New Jersey

    In honor of the NFL Draft... on this week's episode, Joe talks about the little-known local connection to the story of Brian Piccolo. Many have seen the 1971 movie Brian’s Song which tells the true and inspiring story of Brian Piccolo of the Chicago Bears and his relationship with Hall of Famer running back Gale Sayers.  What many do not know, is how the Piccolo's actually lived briefly in West Orange when George Halas signed Piccolo as a free agent. Joe's association with Piccolo’s story left an enduring impact but reached new heights when Brian’s brother reached out to him. Listen as the story connected with Brian’s Song unfolds - with some added stories about Joe's youth trips to Chicago as a Bears fans and run-ins with the legend Mike Ditka.  Don't tune out before we get some fun from our friends at the Farmer's Almanac... Support the show Tune in and keep with us on The Roads of Home!  www.roadsofhome.com

    36 min
  7. 004: The Discovered Thomas Edison Letters

    04/20/2023

    004: The Discovered Thomas Edison Letters

    The official first Roads of Home mystery discovered!  While doing show prep the week before, Joe and PK realize that they have unearthed a massive Thomas Edison secret related specifically to the Forest Hill Studios where the podcast is recorded. Before jumping into it, PK provides Joe with some insight into the upcoming holidays - we get to hear Joe's reactions to these facts. The stage is now set to see how PK's discussions with his neighbors combined with Joe's relationship with a fellow historian of First Presbyterian Church of Orange combine to reveal the answer to original letters written by the man himself, Thomas Edison. Finally, as always, we conclude with the now world famous "Joe's Jokes."  (The Podcast has now been downloaded in four continents!) We believe this will be the first of many new mysteries to be solved on the Roads of Home, please visit www.roadsofhome.com and subscribe ASAP to never miss an episode! Support the show Tune in and keep with us on The Roads of Home!  www.roadsofhome.com

    38 min
  8. 003: The Writings on the Wall: A Mystery Solved?

    04/13/2023

    003: The Writings on the Wall: A Mystery Solved?

    THE MYSTERIOUS BASEMENT WRITINGS ON THE WALL REVEAL 100 YEAR OLD SECRET. The journey continues on the latest episode of the Roads of Home podcast as Joe tells the story of the West Orange location where century old basement writings on the wall were rediscovered. Before jumping into it, PK provides Joe with some listener feedback as they try to adjust to life as podcasters.  Also, very important, a new contact page has launched on www.roadsofhome.com for listeners to write in with comments, questions and any feedback. Moving to our featured segment - we have all heard the expression if walls could talk, they would tell a story. Well, the walls inside the former location of the West Orange police station are doing just that. More than a century has passed and the unsolved mystery was forgotten.  Joe reveals how he  was able to solve the 100+ year old mystery in the old police station. The evidence will leave no doubt but you will have to tune in to hear why... One we solve the mystery, we return for a mid-April tax themed version of "Joe's Jokes" - taken hot off the (well really not at all) presses of the Farmer's Almanac.   Support the show Tune in and keep with us on The Roads of Home!  www.roadsofhome.com

    38 min
  9. 002: The History of Joe (Part 2: It's Getting Eyrie)

    04/06/2023

    002: The History of Joe (Part 2: It's Getting Eyrie)

    Joe picks up where we left off in the last episode, revealing the whereabouts of Llewelyn Haskell's home, "the Eyrie."  We also find out about some of the markers around town, including two that have Joe's name on them (for future scavenger hunts). We hear about the West Orange "Casino" in the vicinity of Eagle Rock Reservation.  But you may find that this "Casino" might not be what you are picturing.  This evolves into Joe giving us the details of how his first book was made and published - and even the feedback Joe received from his family! Joe ends with a few spoiler alerts for our upcoming Crystal Lake episode, but tune if you'd like to hear a few facts before we tell the whole story.   And make sure that you don't cut the episode off early before we get to the segment that's getting a lot of buzz - Joe's Jokes! Support the show Tune in and keep with us on The Roads of Home!  www.roadsofhome.com

    31 min
  10. 001: The History of Joe (Part 1)

    03/30/2023

    001: The History of Joe (Part 1)

    Joe dials back the clock and discusses how he came to be an author.  Good books versus bad books and how to write one.  Even an unintentional Thomas Edison  teaser but we made sure not to go down that rabbit hole (yet).   Joe also dives into the history of the Eagle Rock Reservation (Essex County) as this location was both his childhood playground and inspiration to write his first book. There is much more, but let's get the first episode out and see what you think.  Let us know at roadsofhome.com Support the show Tune in and keep with us on The Roads of Home!  www.roadsofhome.com

    34 min
  11. 000: Trailer? Teaser? An Introduction to the Show

    TRAILER

    000: Trailer? Teaser? An Introduction to the Show

    Joe and his producer PK discuss the new podcast and what they are trying to accomplish with the show.  Not sure the difference between a teaser and a trailer, but it sure is an introduction.   Weekly podcasts will begin on Thursday - please visit our website and subscribe to our podcasts available wherever you get yours.   www.roadsofhome.com Support the show Tune in and keep with us on The Roads of Home!  www.roadsofhome.com

    19 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

The Roads of Home with Joe Fagan is a weekly podcast focusing on the rich and colorful history of West Orange and surrounding communities of Essex County, NJ. Join us on the journey as Joe and his producer PK explore the depths of history often hiding in plain view.   Each episode will be an adventure with a specific local history topic but who knows… maybe we come off of the road at times to see where it takes us. This podcast will be an informative, entertaining, and exciting approach to history and non-history lovers alike because everything old is new again and all history is local along the Roads of Home.

Information

  • Creator
    Joe Fagan
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Roads of Home
  • Show Website
    Roads of Home