October 3 – October 9The Week in Indiana History |
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“I loved the activity at the Mansion at 4343 North Meridian. Oh, there were frantic days, but so many appreciative people.” – – -Barbara Winterble Handley (1909 – 1980) Her husband, Harold Handley, was Governor of Indiana from 1957 to 1961. Born in Wisconsin, she moved to Pasadena, California, where she studied modern dance under Martha Graham. She met her future husband when she was working for the Red Cross during World War II. Did You Know?   The Tippecanoe Battlefield was the first Indiana site to be designated a National Historic Landmark. The NHL program, administered by the National Park Service, honors properties which have nationwide historic significance. There are now 43 National Historic Landmarks in Indiana. They include Angel Mounds near Evansville , the Levi Coffin House in Fountain City, Grouseland in Vincennes, the Miller House in Columbus, the Wallace Circus Headquarters in Peru, and the West Baden Springs Hotel .
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1886   Speculators discovered natural gas in a cornfield near Kokomo, leading to a “gas boom.” The plentiful supply of nearly-free fuel led to the establishment of many glass manufacturing companies in the area. Many jobs were created in a short time. The population of Kokomo doubled from about 4,000 to over 8,000 in the next few years.
1912   Woodrow Wilson, Governor of New Jersey, made a late-night visit to the Indiana Statehouse. He went into the rotunda to see a model home exhibit. There he was treated to coffee and homemade biscuits by students from Manual Training High School. He also viewed exhibits on other floors of the Capitol, including the chamber of the House of Representatives where he witnessed demonstrations of equipment used in coal mine rescues. He was in the city campaigning for President of the United States.
1946   Ernest M. Viquesney died in Spencer, Indiana. A talented artist, he became best known as a sculptor. His most famous work is a statue titled “The Spirit of the American Doughboy,” which depicts a World War I soldier in full battle uniform. One of the most popular statues in American history, it was mass produced and at one time was found at over 300 locations across the country, most often in parks and county courtyards. It is still standing in 11 Indiana cities, including Evansville, Attica, New Castle, Muncie, Peru, and the sculptor’s hometown of Spencer. Pictured: “The Spirit of the American Doughboy” in front of the Owen County Courthouse in Spencer.
1960   The Tippecanoe Battlefield was designated a National Historic Landmark. An 85-foot marble obelisk stands on the site where the Battle of Tippecanoe was fought in 1811. United States forces, led by William Henry Harrison, clashed with the Native American federation led by Shawnee Chief Tecumseh. The area now encompasses 96 acres and includes picnic areas, a nature center, and hiking trails.
