May 16 – May 22The Week in Indiana History |
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“But you do not think much about the stars. They are always there. Look at them when you have a moment.” – – – Mary Jane Ward (1905 – 1981) Born in Fairmount, Indiana, she became a novelist whose book TheSnake Pit was made into an Oscar-winning motion picture. Did You Know?Pay for the Commissioners    In January of 1820, the Indiana General Assembly in the capital city of Corydon passed an act which called for the appointment of a commission of ten members “to select and locate a site for the permanent seat of government for Indiana.”  Those chosen were George Hunt (Wayne County,) John Conner (Fayette County,) Stephen Ludlow (Dearborn County,) John Galleland (Switzerland County,) Joseph Bartholomew (Clark County,) Jesse B. Durham (Jackson County,) John Tipton (Harrison County,) Frederick Rapp (Posey County,) William Prince (Gibson County,) and Thomas Emmerson (Knox County.) Each member of the Commission would receive an allowance of “two dollars each, per day, for their services, and also the sum of two dollars for every twenty-five miles each may travel.” Take an “Armchair Tour” of the Indiana Statehouse
ANSWERS: 1. D Greencastle  2. B Indianapolis 3. A Mishawaka 4. C Upland |
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1920   United States Vice President Thomas Marshall gave the keynote address at the Democratic State Convention in Indianapolis. Speaking at the Denison Hotel, the former Indiana Governor praised President Woodrow Wilson and his policies during World War I. Former Indiana Governor Samuel Ralston was cheered by the crowd when he encouraged Marshall to run for President.
1932   Dan Wakefield was born in Indianapolis. He attended Shortridge High School where he was a sports writer for the school’s newspaper, The Shortridge DailyEcho. He graduated from Columbia University and went on to become a journalist, novelist, and screenwriter. Two of his novels, Going All the Way and Starting Over, were made into movies.
1986   At commencement ceremonies for Indiana Central University, school president Gene E. Sease announced that the name of the institution would be changed to The University of Indianapolis. He and Mayor William H. Hudnut said the change had already been authorized by the Indiana Secretary of State and would take place immediately. At the same time, a $25 million “Focus on the Future” fund drive was launched.
1991   Willy T. Ribbs became the first African American to qualify for the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. He qualified again in 1993 and also competed in many other forms of auto racing, including Indy Car, NASCAR, and the Trans-Am Series. He was raised on a ranch in California where he became interested in racing at an early age.
