1001 Stories From The Gilded Age
1001 Stories From The Gilded Age (Formerly 1001 Greatest Love & Life Stories) brings you a wide mix of classic short stories and long-form family-friendly novels, a perfect mix of timeless classics from another age - when life was slower, men and women dressed well in public, , and courtesy, manners, and morals were practiced. From this age comes great stories from woman authors as well as popular stories such as The Secret Garden, Anne of Green Gables and Black Beauty. Our "Gilded Age' collection spans mostly from 1875-1929. Please share with a friend! Now narrating Anne of The Island (3rd in Anne series) every Sun and Wed at noon Eastern, and new short stories every Fri at noon ET.
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ANNE OF THE ISLAND (CHAP 15) A DREAM TURNED UPSIDE DOWN
11/16/2025
ANNE OF THE ISLAND (CHAP 15) A DREAM TURNED UPSIDE DOWN
We return today to a story beloved by our listeners, Anne of the Island, written by the accomplished Canadian author, Lucy Maude Montgomery. Anne Shirley has spent a restorative summer vacation, enjoying the suns and skies, deepening old friendships, and realizing that many life lessons are learned outside of college. However, just as she prepares to return to Redmond College, Anne’s cherished ideals are put to the test in Chapter 15, “A Dream Turned Upside Down,” when she receives a shocking letter regarding her creative work. The conflict arises when her devoted friend, Diana Barry, is found to be at blame for Anne’s humiliation. This struggle between artistic purity and the practical need to earn "an honest penny" for board and tuition is a tension felt acutely by many writers of the era, and it is a poignant parallel to the author’s own life: Lucy Maude Montgomery, who later became the first Canadian woman to join the Royal Society of Arts and Letters, had to work in secret early in her career because her family considered writing a waste of time for a woman. Leave your review at Connect with us on social media: Instagram: Facebook: Reddit: LinkedIn: CREDITS Narrator and Producer: Gizelle Erickson Executive Producer: Jon Hagadorn Music: "Romance" Music by from "Beautiful Acoustical Piano Inspirational" Music by from
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THE BEST SAUCE BY P.G. WODEHOUSE
11/12/2025
THE BEST SAUCE BY P.G. WODEHOUSE
FALL FAMILY HUMOR AT 1001: Honoring Paid Companions P. G. Wodehouse's short story, "THE BEST SAUCE," focuses on the difficult circumstances of Eve Hendrie, a paid companion who is both disturbed and perpetually hungry due to her employer, Mrs. Rastall-Retford, enforcing a Spartan diet on the household. The narrative details the unexpected arrival of Peter Rayner, a persistent suitor whom Eve claims to dislike, who followed her to the oppressive household after her previous employment ended. The climax occurs during a nervous game of bridge, when Eve, fearing a scolding, secretly hides the ace of clubs in a vegetarian cheese sandwich that a famished Peter immediately consumes, thus ending the game and allowing him to continue his insistent courtship. Credits: Narration & Production: Gizelle Erickson Executive Producer: Jon Hagadorn Music: Thanks to Sonican, Faith in Love, Music by Dvir Silverstone from Pixabay
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BLUE REEFERS by ELIZABETH ASHE
11/09/2025
BLUE REEFERS by ELIZABETH ASHE
I found this gem in a collection called Atlantic Narratives. It was written circa 1915 and tells the story from a little girls point of view as she gets a part in a Christmas Pageant and does her best to make her mom and dad proud. Of coursem the critical Aunt Emma, always overly proud of her 7 year old daughter who is also taking part, can't resist making a snide remark when our narrator forgets to remove her overcoat for her speaking part. Some famil humory mixed with a hoped-for comeuppance. Anne returns next Sunday as we move into the ho0lidays with lots of family-themed shows for your enjoyment.
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THE BEST OF THE GILDED AGE COUNTDOWN #29 - THE ROMANCE OF JEDEDIAH
10/26/2025
THE BEST OF THE GILDED AGE COUNTDOWN #29 - THE ROMANCE OF JEDEDIAH
To celebrate Jon Hagadorn's 10 years of storytelling, we are doing a countdown of the most beloved stories. This week, #29, The Romance of Jedediah, by Lucy Maude Montgomery, one of our favorite authors here at 1001 Stories from the Gilded Age. Next up in our "Best of the Gilded Age" countdown is Lucy Maude Montgomery’s charming tale, “The Romance of Jedediah,” which first aired on December 8th, 2024. We find that romance often "cares not for appearances and apparently delights in contradictions". Our hero, Jedediah Crane, is certainly a contradiction: despite a name that doesn't "savour of romance", a plump figure clothed in loud checks and a bright pink necktie, and his current profession driving a clinking, bright red pedlar’s wagon, he is internally "bubbling over with romance". After fifteen years of absence, having left Amberley to seek his fortune, he returns a poor, tin-peddling failure, determined to look upon the Adams homestead again. He finds his former love, Mattie Adams, plumper and rosier, but still possessed of a remarkable placidity. While Jedediah revels in the "deliciously romantic" situation of reuniting with the woman he has loved all his life, the pair must contend with the watchful, angular figure of Mattie's sister, Selena Ford, who monitors their every move from her strategically positioned house on the hill. Join us to find out if the romantic "sitootion" of this old love rekindled can survive the judgment of Amberley society and the persistent interference of a spiteful sister. Follow us on Social Media for extra content! Instagram: Facebook: Reddit: LinkedIn: Credits: Narration by Jon Hagadorn Remastered by Gizelle Erickson Executive Producer Jon Hagadorn Used in The Romance of Jedediah Thanks to freesound_community, horse with old cart Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay Thanks to Background Music For Videos, Romantic Love Wedding Music by Maksym Malko from Pixabay Countdown Theme: Thank you: Background Music For Videos Music by Maksym Malko from Pixabay Thank you: Freesound Community Liftoff sound effect Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay Thank you: Sonix FX Sounds Rocket Launch effect, Sound Effect by SonixFXSounds from Pixabay 1001 Stories from the Gilded Age theme: Thanks to Luis_Humanoide “Victorian Violin Waltz” Music by from
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THE BEST OF THE GILDED AGE [THE VILLAGE SINGER]
10/12/2025
THE BEST OF THE GILDED AGE [THE VILLAGE SINGER]
The Best of the Gilded Age is a countdown episode series of the most beloved stories to celebrate 10 years of storytelling with Jon Hagadorn. We begin with The Village Singer by Mary Wilkins-Freeman, #30 in our top episodes list. This episode first aired on September 29th, 2024 and has had over 1,120 listens in the past year! "A Village Singer" tells the story of Candace Whitcomb, a forty-year veteran soprano in her New England village church who is replaced by the younger Alma Way. Upset by her dismissal and realizing she was tricked into attending her own "retirement" party where she received a photograph album with the note of her replacement, Candace retaliates by singing loudly on her home organ to disrupt Sunday service. Every episode contains a little trivia about Jon Hagadorn as well! Please leave a review and rate this episode. We also encourage you to follow us on social media: Instagram: Facebook: Reddit: LinkedIn: Credits: Production by Gizelle Erickson Narration by Jon Hagadorn Executive Producer Jon Hagadorn Music and Effects used: Thank you: Background Music For Videos Music by from Thank you: Freesound Community Liftoff sound effect Sound Effect by from Thank you: Sonix FX Sounds Rocket Launch effect, Sound Effect by from
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ANNE OF THE ISLAND [ANNOUNCEMENT]
10/01/2025
ANNE OF THE ISLAND [ANNOUNCEMENT]
Did you know that Jon recently produced his 1001st episode? To celebrate his 10 years, we are going into the vaults and bringing back the best of the best episodes, complete with a fresh feel and commentary provided by your host, Gizelle Erickson. To the fans of Anne - have no fear! We will be continuing to produce episodes for you, and will resume her story after our countdown is complete! You will want to subscribe to this podcast so you will know the moment a new episode releases. In the meantime, we invite you to join us on our social media platforms where we are building a community you will want to be a part of! Instagram: Facebook: Reddit: LinkedIn: Credits Narration and Production by Gizelle Erickson Executive Producer Jon Hagadorn Music: Thanks to Luis_Humanoide “Victorian Violin Waltz” Music by from Thanks to Music_For_Videos "Romance" Music by from
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ANNE OF THE ISLAND (CHAP 14) THE SUMMONS
09/21/2025
ANNE OF THE ISLAND (CHAP 14) THE SUMMONS
Join us for Chapter XIV, “The Summons,” from L.M. Montgomery’s beloved novel, Anne of the Island. As the summer’s splendor wanes and the world is full of hazes, Anne dedicates her evenings to her friend Ruby Gillis, who is growing paler and struggling with what Anne perceives as an invisible foe. Anne senses that Ruby needs help—craves it—and she wants to give it to her and can’t. In a pivotal, moonlit vigil, the conversation shifts from light chatter to a harrowing confession as Ruby admits she is afraid to die, not because she fears heaven itself, but because it won’t be what she has been used to. This profound discussion forces Anne to wrestle with her own ideas about the great mysteries of life and eternity, realizing that her life must take on a deeper purpose. Tune in to discover how this event, which Anne realizes will change her forever, culminates in a final summons that might not be disregarded or evaded in Avonlea. Follow us on Social Media for extra content! Instagram: Facebook: Reddit: LinkedIn: Credits Narration and Production by Gizelle Erickson Executive Producer Jon Hagadorn Music: Thanks to Luis_Humanoide “Victorian Violin Waltz” Music by from Thanks to Music_For_Videos "Romance" Music by from
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ANNE OF THE ISLAND (Chapter 13) THE WAY OF THE TRANSGRESSORS
09/17/2025
ANNE OF THE ISLAND (Chapter 13) THE WAY OF THE TRANSGRESSORS
In Chapter 13, “The Way of Transgressors,” from L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of the Island, we dive into a vividly rendered account of childhood mischief and the dawning pangs of conscience. Young Davy Keith, left under Mrs. Lynde’s vigilant eye, embarks on a meticulously planned rebellion. This day of transgression, however, soon leads him down a path where a "mis'rubul" conscience becomes his harshest, most inescapable judge. L.M. Montgomery, celebrated for her profound ability to capture the authentic voice and intricate internal world of children, brilliantly portrays Davy’s tumultuous journey from reckless abandon to the heavy burden of guilt, illuminating how even the smallest acts of defiance can cast a long shadow over a young heart and highlighting her genius for depicting complex emotional landscapes through her characters. Follow us on Social Media for extra content! Instagram: Facebook: Reddit: LinkedIn: Credits Narration and Production by Gizelle Erickson Executive Producer Jon Hagadorn Music: Thanks to Luis_Humanoide “Victorian Violin Waltz” Music by from Thanks to Music_For_Videos "Romance" Music by from
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ANNE OF THE ISLAND (CHAP 12) AVERIL'S ATONEMENT
09/14/2025
ANNE OF THE ISLAND (CHAP 12) AVERIL'S ATONEMENT
In Chapter XII, “Averil’s Atonement,” from L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of the Island, we delve into Anne Shirley’s creative world as she embarks on her first serious attempt at fiction writing. Listeners will join Anne as she grapples with finding the perfect plot for her heroine, Averil, and dedicates hours to choosing names for all her characters, including her hero, Perceval Dalrymple. Anne even enlists Diana's help in naming a minor character, eventually settling on "Robert Ray" after rejecting a more aristocratic suggestion that wasn't quite suitable for a chore boy. Anne's literary ambitions are fueled by a pursuit of fame over profit, as she contemplates whether to craft a romantic, unhappy ending or cater to perceived editorial preferences for happier resolutions. We'll explore Anne's challenges as her characters sometimes take on a life of their own, doing and saying things she never intended, highlighting the humorous and often frustrating journey of an aspiring author. Show credits Narration and Production: Gizelle Erickson Executive Producer: Jon Hagadorn Music & Effects: Thanks to Luis_Humanoide “Victorian Violin Waltz” Music by Luis Humanoide from Pixabay Thanks to Music_For_Videos "Romance" Music by Anastasia Chubarova from Pixabay Country Morning Late September by rasunter255 (Freesound) from Pixabay Enjoy all our shows at www.bestof1001stories.com'
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ANNE OF THE ISLAND (CHAP 11) THE ROUND OF LIFE
09/10/2025
ANNE OF THE ISLAND (CHAP 11) THE ROUND OF LIFE
In this episode, we delve into Lucy Maude Montgomery's beloved Anne of the Island, specifically Chapter XI, “The Round of Life”. Anne Shirley returns to Avonlea, her academic achievements at Redmond College marked by the Thorburn Scholarship, only to face the sobering realities of life's constant changes. She confronts the fragility of existence through the heartbreaking news of a dear friend's battle with "galloping consumption," a term for a particularly aggressive form of tuberculosis that progressed rapidly and often led to death within months. This somber turning point in Anne’s story is made all the more poignant by a fact about the author: Lucy Maud Montgomery herself tragically lost her own mother to tuberculosis when she was just 21 months old, mirroring the disease that now threatens one of Anne’s cherished school-chums. Credits: Narrated and Produced by Gizelle Erickson Executive Producer: Jon Hagadorn Music and Sound Effects: Thanks to Luis_Humanoide “Victorian Violin Waltz” Music by Luis Humanoide from Pixabay Thanks to Music_For_Videos "Romance" Music by Anastasia Chubarova from Pixabay Sound effect “country-morning-late-september-23870” by Artistrasunter255 (Freesound) from Pixabay Now you can sign up for our newsletter at great back stories on all our podcasts and "whats coming" Sign
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ANNE OF THE ISLAND (CHAP 10) PATTY'S PLACE
09/07/2025
ANNE OF THE ISLAND (CHAP 10) PATTY'S PLACE
Welcome fellow story companions! In this episode of Anne of the Island, we delve into "Chapter X - Patty’s Place". This chapter sees Anne and Priscilla embark on their exciting quest for a shared home for the next year with Stella Maynard, leading them to the charming, yet eccentric, Patty’s Place. You'll meet the formidable "grim and ancient" Miss Patty Spofford and her niece Miss Maria, who are preparing for an unexpected European adventure. Discover the fascinating trivia of the twin guardian deities of Patty's Place: two large, white china dogs with round green spots, named Gog and Magog, which are over a hundred years old and were brought from London by Miss Patty's brother Aaron fifty years prior. We find that Miss Patty has some unique leasing conditions, prioritizing a tenant's genuine "love" for her home over mere financial gain. This plays in Anne’s favor, ultimately securing the house for Anne and her friends, once they promise to adhere to the non-negotiable rule that the house must retain its beloved name, "Patty’s Place.” Credits and Links Narration and Production: Gizelle Erickson Executive Producer: Jon Hagadorn Anne of Green Gables Museum: https://www.worldofanneshirley.com/2007/07/the-anne-of-green-gables-museum.html Music & Effects: Thanks to Luis_Humanoide “Victorian Violin Waltz” Music by Luis Humanoide from Pixabay Thanks to Music_For_Videos "Romance" Music by Anastasia Chubarova from Pixabay Thanks to freesound_community, Sound Effects by freesound_community from Pixabay "028122_Clock-grandfather-ticks & striking once" "Fireplace-Jim"
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ANNE OF THE ISLAND (CHAPS 8 &9)
09/03/2025
ANNE OF THE ISLAND (CHAPS 8 &9)
Show Description In this episode, we bring you two chapters as we continue Anne Shirley's journey of growth and self-discovery at Redmond College, exploring Chapters 8, "Anne’s First Proposal," and 9, "An Unwelcome Lover and a Welcome Friend". Anne receives a surprising and bewildering proxy proposal from a good-natured, albeit uninspiring, schoolhood chum who has loved her from afar, followed by another equally disheartening offer from someone closer at hand. These moments profoundly clash with Anne’s secret, romantic dreams of an eloquent Prince Charming. As her college term progresses, Anne finds renewed purpose and companionship in the exciting prospect of sharing a house with her friends, a plan brought to life by Stella Maynard. Join us as Anne & Priscilla embark on a house-hunting adventure, with a mysterious twist that makes Anne’s thumbs tingle! Credits Narration and Production: Gizelle Erickson Executive Producer: Jon Hagadorn Music and Sound Effects: Thanks to Luis_Humanoide “Victorian Violin Waltz” Music by Luis Humanoide from Pixabay Thanks to Music_For_Videos "Romance" Music by Anastasia Chubarova from Pixabay Thanks to freesound_community, "FEBRUARY STORM" Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay
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ANNE OF THE ISLAND (CHAP 7) HOME AGAIN
08/31/2025
ANNE OF THE ISLAND (CHAP 7) HOME AGAIN
In Chapter 7, "Home Again," of L.M. Montgomery's Anne of the Island, we witness Anne Shirley's cherished return to Green Gables after her initial weeks at Redmond College. This episode perfectly captures the poignant nostalgia and comforting embrace of home after a period of new experiences and independence. Anne's heart truly yearns for the familiar, where she is greeted with a "festal appearance" and enthusiastic welcomes from Davy and Dora, complete with a bonfire and an "Indian war-whoop". The chapter beautifully illustrates the profound "faithful, tender love" awaiting her, making Green Gables a "masterpiece" in her eyes, even amidst the bittersweet changes of growing up. Listeners will find warmth in the interactions, such as Anne's gentle guidance to Davy demonstrating her evolving maturity. The narrative is further enriched by delightful letters from friends like Philippa. "Home Again" is a testament to the enduring power of family, friendship, and the irreplaceable comfort of one's roots. Sponsor Tags Sponsor intro 10:10 Show re-entry 10:15 Credits Narration and Production: Gizelle Erickson Executive Producer: Jon Hagadorn Music and Effects: Thanks to Luis_Humanoide “Victorian Violin Waltz” Music by Luis Humanoide from Pixabay Thanks to Music_For_Videos "Romance" Music by Anastasia Chubarova from Pixabay Thanks to freesound_community by freesound_community from Pixabay "Amish Buggy" Sound Effect 10-year-old-boy-screaming
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ANNE OF THE ISLAND (CHAP 6) IN THE PARK
08/27/2025
ANNE OF THE ISLAND (CHAP 6) IN THE PARK
Show Description In this week's episode of "1001 Stories from the Gilded Age," join Gizelle Erickson as we delve into Anne of the Island, Chapter 6, 'In the Park'". Anne Shirley, along with Gilbert, Charlie, Philippa, and Priscilla, embark on a serene autumn walk through Kingsport's park, where Anne and Gilbert's reflect on life's joys and sorrows amidst the comforting pines. They come across the charming, vine-covered "Patty's Place" that captures Anne's imagination. This quaint cottage, with its old-fashioned, "unworldly flowers and shrubs", stands in stark contrast to the surrounding opulence. This beautifully echoes the author L.M. Montgomery's own profound love for gardening and natural beauty. As Anne feels an inexplicable connection to this enchanting haven, she harbors a mysterious presentiment that she will become better acquainted with it. Tune in to explore this delightful chapter, where simple beauty challenges Gilded Age extravagance and Anne's intuition hints at future adventures. Sponsor Tags Sponsor intro 7:30 Show re-entry 7:35 Credits Narrated and Produced by Gizelle Erickson Executive Producer Jon Hagadorn Music and Effects: Thanks to Luis_Humanoide “Victorian Violin Waltz” Music by Luis Humanoide from Pixabay Thanks to Music_For_Videos "Romance" Music by Anastasia Chubarova from Pixabay Thanks to freesound_community, "ambience_Cyprus_Troodos_Mountains_Mount_Olympus_OMNI_mics" Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay PLEASE SHARE AND REVIEW!!!! We love our Patreon supportsrs! Sign up fornewsletters at www.bestof1001stories.com
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ANNE OF THE ISLAND (CHAP 5) LETTERS FROM HOME
08/24/2025
ANNE OF THE ISLAND (CHAP 5) LETTERS FROM HOME
Get ready for "Letters from Home," a poignant chapter from Anne of the Island that speaks to anyone navigating life's big changes. As Anne settles into the exciting, yet sometimes disorienting, world of college, you'll feel the universal emotions of adjustment, the longing for loved ones far away, and the comforting embrace of familiar connections that make the new seem less strange. This episode offers a delightful escape from your daily routine, allowing you to immerse yourself in Anne's new friendships, her humorous observations, and the subtle complexities of budding romances. For those seeking a companion during their own life transitions or a nostalgic return to a simpler era where courtesy and manners mattered, Anne's journey, filled with relatable challenges and heartwarming moments, provides both intellectual engagement and a sense of feeling truly at home. Sponsor Tags Sponsor Intro at 9:45 Show Re-entry 9:50 Credits Narration and Production: Gizelle Erickson Executive Producer: Jon Hagadorn Music: Thanks to Music_For_Videos "Romance" Music by Anastasia Chubarova from Pixabay Thanks to Luis_Humanoide “Victorian Violin Waltz” Music by Luis Humanoide from Pixabay
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THE PARSON'S DAUGHTER OF OXNEY COLNEY by ANTHONY TROLLOPE
08/22/2025
THE PARSON'S DAUGHTER OF OXNEY COLNEY by ANTHONY TROLLOPE
Show Description Today’s show, "The Parson's Daughter of Oxney Colne" by Anthony Trollope, introduces readers to the remote beauty of Dartmoor and the life of Patience Woolsworthy, a strong-willed young woman who manages her father's parish household. Her world is suddenly widened in the expanse of love when her neighbor and friend, Miss Le Smyrger, has a relative visit that leads to romance for Patience. However, the story takes a turn when their differing values and social expectations begin to clash, particularly as Captain Broughton begins a campaign to "improve" Patience for London society. Sponsor Tags
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ANNE OF THE ISLAND (CHAP 4) APRIL'S LADY LUCY M. MONTGOMERY
08/20/2025
ANNE OF THE ISLAND (CHAP 4) APRIL'S LADY LUCY M. MONTGOMERY
This week on "1001 Stories From The Gilded Age," we delve into Chapter Four: "April's Lady" of Anne of the Island, as Anne Shirley truly begins to navigate her new life. Having landed in Kingsport, a quaint old town wrapped in its ancient colonial atmosphere and haloed by the romance of many legends, Anne initially feels as insignificant as the teeniest drop in a most enormous bucket amidst the throngs of Redmond freshies and freshettes. Seeking solace from the bustling new environment, Anne finds an unexpected haven in Old St. John’s Cemetery, a quaint and delightful historical spot at the heart of Kingsport. Here, we meet the vibrant Philippa Gordon, a bewitching new friend whose charming indecision, candid confessions about vanity, boys, and the absurdities of life, both amuse and disarm Anne and Priscilla. Join us as Anne, Priscilla, and Phil begin to forge new friendships and put forth "a tiny soul-root into Kingsport soil".
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ANNE OF THE ISLAND (CHAP 3): GREETING AND FAREWELL LUCY MAUD MONTGOMERY
08/17/2025
ANNE OF THE ISLAND (CHAP 3): GREETING AND FAREWELL LUCY MAUD MONTGOMERY
This week, in Chapter 3: "Greeting and Farewell" of Anne of the Island, listeners will join Anne Shirley as she stands on the threshold of a grand adventure, departing the cherished comfort of Green Gables for the bustling, unknown world of Kingsport and Redmond College. The episode opens with a dim and dreary dawn, setting the scene for tearful goodbyes to her beloved home, family, and friends, including a hilariously stubborn Davey and a seemingly stoic Marilla. As Anne embarks on her journey, she faces the initial bewilderment of finding herself alone amidst strangers in the bright glare of Kingsport station. Her homesickness is palpable, a swamping wave of loneliness, until the welcome sight of a familiar face brings much-needed comfort. This chapter beautifully explores the very essence of growing up and forging one's path, navigating new friendships and challenges. For many women like Anne, pursuing a university education off Prince Edward Island was a significant step, as PEI itself did not have women university graduates until 1941, and its only university at the time, St. Dunston's, did not accept women for its first 84 years. Join us as Anne bids adieu to her beloved Prince Edward Island and bravely embraces the thrilling, uncertain promise of tomorrow. Credits Narrator & Producer: Gizelle Erickson Executive Producer: Jon Hagadorn Music Source: Thanks to Luis_Humanoide, “Victorian Violin Waltz”, Music by Luis Humanoide from Pixabay Thanks to Music_For_Videos, "Romance", Music by Anastasia Chubarova from Pixabay Sound Effects: Thanks to Traian1984; "Ambience Wind Blowing" Sound Effect by Traian Mitroi from Pixabay Thanks to vem_click; "Rain Sound" Sound Effect by Pig Bank - Mood from Pixabay Thanks to freesound_community: "Steam_locomotive_distant" Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay "Boat Horn, Harbour tour" Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay "Water splashes from a ferry" Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay
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ANGELA: AN INVERTED LOVE STORY by W.S. GILBERT
08/14/2025
ANGELA: AN INVERTED LOVE STORY by W.S. GILBERT
Hello, dear listeners, Gizelle Erickson here, eager to be your companion as we once again open a window to the fascinating world of the Gilded Age, transforming your everyday moments into an engaging escape. Our next offering, William Schwenk Gilbert's poignant classic, 'Angela: An Inverted Love Story,' will transport you to the unique setting of 1890s Venice. This isn't just a story; it's an immersive journey following a bedridden man whose only view of the world, and indeed of the young woman Angela, comes from her upside-down reflection in the canal. As a tender courtship unfolds through nods and floating flowers, this tale offers a heartwarming yet insightful look into human relationships and the values of a different era. Credits Narrated and Produced by Gizelle Erickson Executive Producer Jon Hagadorn Thanks to BackgroundMusicForVideos Music by Maksym Malko from Pixabay "Italian Traditional Music" Thanks to freesound_community Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay "Parked Gondolas" "Sound recording Venice" Sir William Schwenck Gilbert was an English dramatist, librettist, poet and illustrator best known for the fourteen comic operas (known as the Savoy operas) produced in collaboration with the composer Sir Arthur Sullivan. The most famous of these are H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance and one of the most frequently performed works in the history of musical theatre, The Mikado. His creative output included over 75 plays and libretti, numerous stories, poems, lyrics and various other comic and serious pieces.
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ANNE OF THE ISLAND (CHAP 2) GARLANDS OF AUTUMN
08/13/2025
ANNE OF THE ISLAND (CHAP 2) GARLANDS OF AUTUMN
In Chapter 2 of Anne of the Island, “Garlands of Autumn” we find Anne in the last week of preparations to leave Avonlea for Redmond College. The chapter opens with a farewell party thrown by the Avonlea Village Improvement Society (A.V.I.S.) for Anne and Gilbert Blythe. Amidst the gathering of their "old crowd" of friends, including Diana Barry, Ruby Gillis, and Charlie Sloane, Anne navigates the bittersweet nature of her impending departure and her evolving feelings for Gilbert. She grapples with anxieties fueled by well-meaning but disheartening remarks from townswomen about her pursuing a B.A. at Redmond, which leaves her feeling "disgruntled" and questioning her path. But all she needs to turn her spirits around is an autumn walk with Gilbert through the Haunted Wood, where a surprise awaits her. Show Credits: Narrated and Produced by Gizelle Erickson Executive Producer: Jon Hagadorn Music & Effects: Thanks to Luis_Humanoide, Music by Luis Humanoide from Pixabay “Victorian Violin Waltz” Thanks to Music_For_Videos, Music by Anastasia Chubarova from Pixabay "Romance" Thanks to freesound_community Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay Bird sound effect Thanks to White_Records Sound Effect by Maksym Dudchyk from Pixabay Evening birds singing in spring
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ANNE OF THE ISLAND (CHAP 1) THE SHADOW OF CHANGE
08/10/2025
ANNE OF THE ISLAND (CHAP 1) THE SHADOW OF CHANGE
Get ready to journey with us as we begin L. M. Montgomery's beloved novel, Anne of the Island, a classic from the early 20th century. This installment chronicles Anne Shirley's pivotal transition from her cherished childhood in Avonlea to the exciting, yet daunting, world of adulthood and college life at Redmond. Our first chapter, aptly titled "The Shadow of Change," immediately immerses us in this significant moment, setting the stage as Anne and her dear friend Diana Barry reflect on the bittersweet passage of time and the impending separation that Anne's departure for college brings. The narrative beautifully captures the poignant nostalgia for what was, intertwined with the trepidation and excitement for what lies ahead. As Anne navigates these changes, her relationships, especially with Gilbert Blythe, begin to evolve, hinting at future complexities. This comforting, family-friendly story invites you to follow Anne's continuing journey, illustrating the intertwining of love, enduring friendship, and the challenges of newfound independence. Credits Narration and Production: Gizelle Erickson Executive Producer: Jon Hagadorn Music Credits: Thanks to Luis_Humanoide, Music by Luis Humanoide from Pixabay “Victorian Violin Waltz” Thanks to Music_For_Videos, Music by Anastasia Chubarova from Pixabay "Romance" (https://pixabay.com/music/modern-classical-romance-164950/) Sound Effects: Thanks to freesound_community; Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay “country morning late September” “Calm pond bright wind in reeds geese water” “Babbling Brook 99” “Crickets in French countryside, summer evening Thanks to RichardMultimedia; Sound Effect by Richard Multimedia from Pixabay “Ocean Waves” Enjoy all our Anne Stories IN ORDER BY EPISODE here:
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MARIE(CHAP 21) (FINAL)
08/10/2025
MARIE(CHAP 21) (FINAL)
Alan finds himself under house arrest and Hans tells him of the plot they are hatching to kill him in the morning. Marie has another idea which she doesn't share with him.
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MARIE (CHAP 20)
08/10/2025
MARIE (CHAP 20)
Alan is court-marshalled subject to the lies of Hernan Pereira, who has concocted a spider web of lies which cannot be disproven, and sentenced to be shot.
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MARIE (CHAP. 19)
08/10/2025
MARIE (CHAP. 19)
Quartermaine is held captive by the Zulus and forced to watch as Dingaan's army annihilates the Boers. After a week of captivity he is set free, and he heads across the veld, not knowing his way, looking for the Boer camp which he left.
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1001 STORIES FROM THE GILDED AGE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT
08/09/2025
1001 STORIES FROM THE GILDED AGE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT
1001 Stories From The Gilded Age is coming out of its summer slumber now! We have a new voice and talent you'lll want to meet-some of you have already heard her- that's Gizelle Erickson- and she's picking up where we left off with the "Anne of Green Gables" series where we left off ( we did the first two, Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea, in archives, links will be in show notes, hopefully, soon), starting with Anne of the Island, by Lucy Maud Montgomery, whose 'Anne' works sold over 50 million copies worldwide. Gizelle will bring you her heart-warming stories every Sunday and Wednesday at noon Eastern- then add a classic Gilded Age short Story every Friday at noon ET. Busy! Yes.
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DESIREE'S BABY by KATE CHOPIN
08/03/2025
DESIREE'S BABY by KATE CHOPIN
In post civil war southern Louisiana, a young married woman's life is turned upside down when her husband turns her and the baby out after discovering she is part black.
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MARIE (CHAP 17-18)
07/16/2025
MARIE (CHAP 17-18)
In chapter 17 Retief oversees the marriage of Marie and Allan, but their celebration is short-lived as the Boers, with Allan in tow as interpreter, leave for the camp of Dingaan the Zulu King. Once at the camp. Allan received warnings from a number of people that there is treachery afoot, but retief is not listening.
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MARIE (CHAP 16)
07/13/2025
MARIE (CHAP 16)
Allan and Marie appeal to Vrou Prinsloo and Commandant Retief for their help in getting married as soon as possible. Hans the Hottentot warns Allan not to go on the mission to deal with the Zulus for land. Retief asks Allan's opinion as to the risk involved in meeting with the Zulu king and Allan admits that the trip is plagued with danger.. Retief and the Boers all believe Allan is trying to scare them so that he can stay and enjoy his new bride, as Retief has agreed to marry them Monday morning, ignoring
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MARIE (CHAP 15)
07/09/2025
MARIE (CHAP 15)
Allan is practically ordered by Retief to accompany him on a mission to get a grant of land from the evil Zulu king but doesn't want to leave Marie behind.
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MARIE (CHAPS 13-14)
07/06/2025
MARIE (CHAPS 13-14)
A young Allen Quartermaine does his best to free his caravan of Boers from the clutches of an evil Zulu King named Dungaan.
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