1969     50 years ago, this headline from theSouth Bend Tribune said it all as the whole world watched the progress of the Apollo 11 mission.  Purdue University graduate Neil Armstrong became the first person to walk on the surface of the moon.  He was 239,000 miles from home when he stepped from the lunar module Eagle and said, “That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.”

1906     Gary, Indiana, was incorporated by the United States Steel Corporation.  It was named for the company’s founder, Judge Elbert Henry Gary.  The new city grew quickly and within 20 years was one of the largest in the state.

1913     Comedian Red Skelton was born in Vincennes.  Starting as a circus clown, he became famous in vaudeville, movies, radio, and television.  Today he is honored by a museum in his hometown which includes a fully-interactive exhibit entitled “Red Skelton:  A Legacy of Laughter.”

1926     Dedication ceremonies were held near Angola for land that would become Indiana’s fifth state park.  Originally called Lake James Park, the name was changed to Pokagon to reflect the area’s Native American heritage and Potawatomi leaders Leopold and Simon Pokagon.  Among those at the ceremony were Governor Ed Jackson and former Governor James Goodrich.

1935     The first Indiana State PoliceAcademy was held at the State Fairgrounds.  The recruits slept on army cots on the second floor of the horse barn and took their meals at the State Fair Hotel near Gate 6.  The rigorous five-week training program produced the first class of formally-trained state troopers.

1950     Sales of television sets were expected to rise in Indianapolis as WFBM announced plans to carry network programs.  Viewers could look forward to seeing the World Series and popular shows featuring Arthur Godfrey, Jack Benny, and Hopalong Cassidy.  Most of the RCA receivers were built in factories in Indianapolis, Bloomington, and Marion.  In today’s dollars, the price of the model pictured here would be over $4,000.

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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, consult our website listed at the bottom of this page.

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

Indiana Quick Quiz

1.  The fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, is the location for what popular TV series?

2.  DePauw University is located in which Indiana county?

3.  Who was the first woman to serve as Lieutenant Governor of Indiana?

Answers Below

Click below for a tour of the Indiana Statehouse

Did You Know?

     The Indiana State Police Museum tells the story of the history of the agency from its inception in 1933 to today.  Among the fascinating collection is the death mask of bank robber John Dillinger, classic police cars, and uniforms from earlier eras.  The museum is located at 8660 E. 21st Street in Indianapolis.  Visitors are welcome to walk around on their own.  Guided tours are also available, and school groups are encouraged to come on field trips. For more information, call (317) 899-8293.

HOOSIER QUOTE OF THE WEEK ” We’re all put on earth for a purpose, and mine is to make people laugh.” – – Red Skelton

ANSWERS:  1.  Stranger Things      2.  Putnam County  3.  Kathy Davis