Poisoned History

Mary Alice Livingston, the Clam Chowder Killer?

April 1, 2026·52 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Mary Alice Livingston Fleming was a single mom from a wealthy family who allegedly killed her own mother in 1895 but denied having anything to do with it. Her family and this case were a large part of history and a huge story in the sensationalist press of the time.Sources and resources:Livingston, J; Arsenic and Clam Chowder: Murder in Gilded Age New York. The Gotham Center for New York City History, https://www.gothamcenter.org/blog/arsenic-and-clam-chowder-murder-in-gilded-age-new-yorkWilhelm, R; Book Review: The fatal bowl of soup by James D. Livingston. Murder By Gaslight, 14Aug2010, http://www.murderbygaslight.com/2010/08/Ephemeral New York: The sensational clam chowder murder of 1895, 8Jan2012, https://ephemeralnewyork.wordpress.com/tag/mary-alice-fleming-livingston/Livingston, JD, Arsenic and clam chowder: murder in gilded age New York; Albany, NY, State University of New York Press, 2010, https://www.hudsonrivervalley.org/james_d_livingston1WikipediaThis podcast uses sound from Freesound.org:minor-key-music-box by user darkwaryurmc (http://freesound.org/s/318908/) licensed under CCBYNC 4.0All statements in this podcast represent the opinions of the host and her guests.Cover art photos: public domain.

Podzilla Summary coming soon

Sign up to get notified when the full AI-powered summary is ready.

Get Free Summaries →

Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.

Listen to This Episode

Get summaries like this every morning.

Free AI-powered recaps of Poisoned History and your other favorite podcasts, delivered to your inbox.

Get Free Summaries →

Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.