Episode 49 - A hermit socialite and Ernest Hemingway’s crazy life
In this episode Chris explores Ida Wood’s life (pictured above). Ida was one of New York’s socialites from around 1857 through to 1907 when she suddenly disappeared and subsequently lived life as a hermit with her sister and daughter in the Herald Square Hotel. That was until 24 years later when Ida’s sister became sick and she sought help. What became clear was Ida was an extremely wealthy women, but essentially lived in squalor. It’s a fascinating tale of one woman doing what she thought was best to hang onto her wealth. Harrison meanwhile investigates Ernest Hemingway’s crazy life, from fighting with the French Resistance during WWII behind enemy lines to living through two plane crashes in two days (and escaping of the planes by smashing his head against the jammed door!). Unfortunately for the accomplished writer, depression, or his “Black Dog” as he called it, stalked him and eventually caused him to commit suicide. A terribly sad end for such an incredible force of nature.