Episode 25 – Originally Published 2017
Trigger warning – discussions about domestic violence and murder
The first “earth week” was held in Philadelphia in 1970. A group of students and professors from University of Pennsylvania Design School first conceptualized the idea of earth week: activities dedicated to focusing on our planet and how we can improve and preserve the earth. One of the stand outs from that first earth week was a broadcast on CBS news. People all over the country could see the massive outpouring of support at teach in’s and events at Fairmount Park and Independence hall. A local man stood out during that special; not an honored speaker but someone who grabbed the microphone for a few minutes. That broadcast began Ira Einhorn’s self-professed claim to fame as an earth week organizer. He became better known as the Unicorn Killer.
Einhorn was a local activist around the Penn campus and Philadelphia. He ran in circles with some of the biggest names in social and political activism. Businesses and corporations in Philly took care of Ira Einhorn. They paid his living expenses and gave him money for food in exchange for his unique and unconventional consulting services. Einhorn didn’t visit visiting them in their board rooms – he set up shop almost like a mafia don at a desirable table in a Philly restaurant called La Terasse in University City And that’s where he met Holly Maddox, a recent graduate from Bryn Mawr College who moved here from Tyler, TX. His politics aligned with hers, his activism was exciting, being in his presence was an experience and Holly Maddux was completely taken with him. Their relationship born of peace and love became one of violence and turmoil. After 5 years Holly found the courage to end her relationship with Ira Einhorn. On September 9, 1979, Holly Maddux disappeared after a visit to the apartment she once shared with Einhorn. Eighteen months later Holly’s mummified remains were found inside a trunk in a locked closet in Einhorn’s Philadelphia apartment. What followed was a 23-year man hunt that spanned an ocean in an attempt to bring Einhorn back to the states to face justice.
TwistedPhilly is researched, hosted, and produced by me, Deana Marie, and available biweekly wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow me on Tiktok and Instagram at twistedphilly To see many of the locations and histories I discuss in the show.
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