Leonard W. Leeds was an amateur historian and news aficionado with amazing archival skills. He was also my grandfather-in-law. Although I only knew him for a short time, he left a lasting impact on me.
He captured major world events of the past 60 years on reel-to-reel, cassette tape and video (when it became available). It’s only suiting to his amazing legacy that he should have his own podcast!
Mr. Leeds, affectionately known by his grandchildren as “Papa Len,” passed away on May 13th, 2005. He is survived by his two sons Rick and Steve; a daughter Judith; four grandchildren, Michael, David Jennifer and Allison; and one great grandchild, Penelope.
I was going through the possessions Papa Len left behind and found a set of five 90 minute tapes that were, like all his tapes, meticulously labeled. But unlike most of his tapes, which captured historical events, these were labeled “LWL Memoirs.”
What I uncovered was a treasure trove of remarkable, heartwarming stories told by a phenomenal storyteller.
These oral memoirs were recorded by Leonard in September of 1987. On them, his dear friend Jane Abrams interviews him on 90 minute Maxell magnetic cassette tape.
I am currently editing the first episode and I will be releasing it in the near future.
My wife Allison (Papa Len’s grand daughter) and I sincerely hope that you enjoy these incredible stories so that you may share in Papa Len’s legacy.