In this year end / new year episode we read some of the best notes from our listeners, ponder some of the stories we told this year and chat about our projects and intentions for 2022. Regular programming to resume in the next episode.

We spend this episode chatting with Robbins’ family descendent and genealogist Kevin Mittge about the Robbins’ migration west, what it means to be the keeper of a family history, and the concept of genealogy in general. He keeps the excellent blog Robbins Roots.

We look into the rumor that someone burned down a house and barn on the Robbins-Melcher-Schatz farmstead to collect insurance money and we find, at the heart of it, the sensational story of Jennie Melcher. 

An account of the life of Jacob Robbins, as given by his son Harvey in 1921; a brief interlude from our regular programming while we figure out what our regular programming should be. 

An investigation into markings on an old door, a good long ramble about magic, and a short lesson on townships. 

A catalogue of our findings from under the barn, a quick investigation into large boulders holding up posts, and some quality prohibition musing. 

In this short episode we lay out the show and discuss the idea of stewardship. What does stewardship mean to you? Email us with your response at oldbrightpod@gmail.com.