April 11 – April 17The Week in Indiana History |
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“I used to get letters from girl reporters saying that their lives were nowhere near as exciting as Brenda’s. I told them that if I made Brenda’s life like theirs, nobody would read it.” – – – Dale Messick (1906-2005) Did You Know?   Visitors to French Lick often ask about the origin of the town’s name. The answer is simple: the town is named for the township it’s in. Next question: Where did the township get its name? According to legend, in the early years of the 19th century, salt deposits in the area attracted French settlers from Vincennes. The salty water, commonly called a “lick,” proved inviting to deer and other animals, therefore making the region a good source of game. The region also became famous for its sulfur springs, which many believed had almost magical curative powers. Pluto water, a best-selling laxative in the early 20th century, was bottled in French Lick.  In 1931, the National Governors’ Convention was held at the Luxurious French Lick Springs Hotel, and it was there that Franklin D. Roosevelt started laying his plans to run for President. Perhaps the most famous person from French Lick today is basketball star and coach Larry Bird.
ANSWERS: 1. Wabash 2. hay 3. sycamores 4. Wabash |
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1867   Wilbur Wright was born near Millville in Henry County. His father, Milton Wright, was a bishop in the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. The family moved several times, ending up in Dayton, Ohio, where Wilbur and his brother Orville conducted experiments which made aviation history.
1903   Indiana Governor Winfield T. Durbin and United States Senator Charles W. Fairbanks led the grand opening of the West Baden Springs Hotel in French Lick. Called the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the circular structure encompassed the largest unsupported dome in the world. Palm trees grew in the atrium. With over 500 rooms, the venue offered a gambling casino, movies, bowling, and billiards. A primary attraction were the mineral baths which many believed could cure a variety of ailments.
1945   Flags at the Indiana Statehouse were lowered to half-staff following news of the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Governor Ralph F. Gates sent a telegram to First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt extending the sympathy of the people of Indiana. He pledged loyal support of all Hoosiers for the new President, Harry S. Truman.
1964   Dale Messick was the featured speaker at the annual meeting of the Women’s Press Club in Indianapolis. Born in South Bend, she was America’s first syndicated female cartoonist. Her “Brenda Starr, Reporter” comic strip appeared daily in 250 newspapers. Millions of readers followed the adventures of the glamorous newspaper reporter who chased stories around the world. Pictured: Dale Messick in front of the Brenda Starr stamp which was issued in 1995 as part of the Post Office’s “Comic Strips Classics” issue.  
