1918     Opha May Johnson of Kokomo signed up for the Marine Corps, becoming the first official woman Marine.  She was soon promoted to sergeant and handled critical clerical jobs necessary during World War I.  She was the highest-ranking woman in the Marine Corps during her time in service.  Later she served as a clerk in the War Department.

1931     “Take the world with you to uninhabited places” declared Indiana newspaper ads for the Motorola “auto radio.”  New technology made it possible for cars to receive clear broadcast signals as they moved from place to place.  A recent study by the Radio Manufacturers Association indicated that “the new motor-car radio does not increase driving dangers nor distract drivers’ attention.”

1945     Japanese forces surrendered, ending World War II.  Cheering crowds filled the streets of cities in Indiana and across America as millions celebrated the end of the war, which for the United States had lasted almost four years.  Approximately 338,000 men and 118,000 women from Indiana were in uniform.

1951     Samuel Woodfill died on his farm near Vevay.  A major in the United States Army, he was a veteran of World War I and World War II.  Winner of the Medal of Honor, the Legion of Honor, and the French Croix de Guerre, he was one of the most decorated soldiers of the 20th Century.

1976     Oscar McKinley Charleston was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Born in Indianapolis, he was a batboy for the Indianapolis ABC’s before beginning a long career in the Negro Leagues.  His best season was in 1921 with the St. Louis Giants when he hit 15 homeruns, 12 triples and 17 doubles, stole 31 bases, and had a .437 batting average.

2011     Wind gusts from an approaching thunderstorm caused a stage to collapse at the Indiana State Fair.  A large crowd had gathered to be entertained by the band “Sugarland.”  Just before they came on stage, the storm struck and caused a temporary roof to fall onto a crowd of spectators, killing 7 people and injuring 58.  Above:  The headline from the Bedford Times-Mail.  

ABE MARTIN SEZ: Most of the restin’ is done by folks who have no laurels. (Kin Hubbard, The Indianapolis News, August 4, 1928)

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Indiana Statehouse Tour Office

Indiana Department of Administration

Guided tours of the Indiana Statehouse are offered Monday through Saturday.  For more information, please contact the tour office.

(317) 233-5293
touroffice@idoa.in.gov  

Indiana Quick Quiz

     These historic homes in Indiana offer public tours.  Match each to the appropriate city.

1.  The Reitz Home    2.  The Seiberling Mansion  3.  The J. F. D. Lanier Home    4.  The Culbertson Mansion

A.  Madison        B.  Evansville

C.  Kokomo        D.  New Albany

Answers Below

Hoosier Quote of the Week

“We can bear with great philosophy the sufferings of others, especially if we do not actually see them.”

– – – Albion Fellows Bacon (1865 – 1933)

Born in Evansville, Albion Fellows Bacon was a writer and social reformer.  She is remembered for her work in improving housing standards and the quality of life for children.

Did You Know?

     William Henry Harrison served as the Governor of the Indiana Territory.  “Grouseland” was his home in the Territorial Capital of Vincennes.  Completed in 1804, it is considered the first brick house in the state.  It was at the center of government in the early years and sometimes served as a fortress in periods of unrest.  The home is now a museum open for public tours.  It contains period furniture along with artifacts from the Battle of Tippecanoe and Harrison’s successful 1840 campaign for President of the United States.

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