1904     Irish poet and dramatist William Butler Yeats was the guest speaker at the Athenaeum on the campus of Butler University in Irvington.  He spoke on the topic, “The Theater and What It Might Be.”  He said modern audiences demand expensive stage settings but care little for the worth of the play.

1927     The Notre Dame Glee Club performed for President Calvin Coolidge at the White House.  Earlier in the day, they had entertained in the ballroom of the Mayflower Hotel.  The 40 singers presented a variety of classical and religious music, as well as college tunes, such as the “Hike Song” and “Victory March.”

1951     After six overtimes, the Indianapolis Olympians defeated the Rochester Royals in the longest NBA game in history.  Played at Edgerton Park Arena, the contest ended with a close Olympians victory. The final score was 75 to 73. Two of the overtime sessions were scoreless, and in one neither team launched a shot.  The Olympians, in existence from 1949 to 1952, were founding members of the NBA.  Their home arena was Butler (now Hinkle) Fieldhouse.

50 YEARS AGO 1971     The Indianapolis Sesquicentennial celebration began at the Murat Theater with a musical extravaganza entitled “We Celebrate Our City.“  IUPUI student Diana Buchanan was crowned Sesquicentennial Queen as Mayor Richard G. Lugar cut a giant, tiered cake for the occasion.  The 90-minute musical, based on the city’s 150th birthday, included 150 actors, singers, and dancers.  The show was written by Randy Galvin and was later presented on the stage of his Black Curtain Theater.

1995     Governor Evan Bayh appointed Myra Selby to the Indiana Supreme Court.  She was the first woman and the first African American to serve on the state’s highest court.  During her years on the bench, she authored more than 100 majority opinions, including important decisions regarding tort law reform and medical malpractice claims.

2015     Arthur Carter died in Indianapolis at age 92.  He was the last Indiana member of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, an African American Army Air squadron which fought in World War II.  A graduate of Crispus Attucks High School, he attended Indiana University before joining the service.  In 2007, he received the Congressional Gold Medal from President George W. Bush.

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Indiana Quick Quiz

     Indiana is home to five minor league baseball teams.  Match the team to the home city.

1.  Tin Caps     2. Southshore Railcats   3.  Indians    4.  Cubs    5.  Otters

A.  Gary    B.  Evansville   C. South Bend   D.  Indianapolis    E.  Fort  Wayne

Answers Below

Did You Know?

     The most recent mural to be completed in downtown Indianapolis pays tribute to Eva Mozes Kor, who survived the Holocaust and became a life-long advocate for hope and forgiveness.  She lived the final 59 years of her life in Terre Haute.  An author and world traveler, she was twice honored as a Sagamore of the Wabash.  In 2017, Governor Eric Holcomb presented her with the Sachem Award, Indiana’s highest honor.  The mural is on the east side of the 500 Festival Building on Virginia Avenue.  It is the work of Hoosier artist Pamela Bliss.

Hoosier Quote of the Week

“Forgive your worst enemy.  It will heal your soul and set you free.”

– – – Eva Mozes Kor (1934 – 2019)

Video Links

HOOSIERS HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS, hosted by Governor Eric Holcomb and First Lady Janet Holcomb

STATEHOOD DAY: Learn about the three branches of government and more!

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ANSWERS:  1. E     2.  A     3.  D     4.  C    5.  B