Great Lakes Lore

E2 The Mad Gasser of Mattoon

3 years ago

Episode Notes

“He moves through the night as nimbly and secretly as a cat, squirting a sweetish gas through bedroom windows.” -(citation needed)

In this episode Samantha and Aaron are exploring the case of the Mad Gasser of Mattoon! In late-August and September of 1944 the citizens of Mattoon, Illinois began reporting cases of sweet smells in the home at night, followed by physical symptoms, such as a burning throat and temporary paralysis. Was there really an “anesthetic prowler” attacking the residents of Mattoon or is there another explanation? 

Time Stamps: Intro- 0:00 Setting the Scene- 3:10 What the Papers Said- 6:52 Legend or Lie?- 44:58 Paranormal Explanations- 49:17 Psychological Explanations- 57:53 An Actual Criminal?- 1:08:51

Note! There are a couple of spots that had some brief, un-fixable audio distortion–only a second or so, here and there. Thank you for understanding. For More Information: On the Gassings in Botetourt County On Spring-Heeled Jack On The Dancing Plague of 1518

Visit our website and follow us on... Instagram Facebook Twitter

Great Lakes Lore is produced by Cheeso Media.

Support Great Lakes Lore by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/great-lakes-lore

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

What happens when two historians interested in the paranormal meet up? They start a podcast, of course! Join Samantha and Aaron as they discuss legends and lore of the Great Lakes Region. Expect lots of conversation, thorough research, and plenty of sarcasm (when justified). From ghosts to ghost towns and from mythical creatures to UFOs, Great Lakes Lore looks at it all with a scholarly, yet affectionate eye.