Brain Junk

On July 6th, 1930 Fred Newton dipped a toe into the Mississippi river and explained to reporters that he planned to swim from Minneapolis to New Orleans. Along the way he encountered floating rafts of manure and other hazards. It wasn't an adventure for the faint of heart.Show Notes:Smithsonian Magazine - Fred Newton Swims the MississippiWashington Post-Swimming Down the Mississippi for Dear LifeFred NewtonImage Courtesy of Smithsonian MagazineMap courtesy Wikimedia Commons This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brainjunkpodcast.substack.com