history

The beribboned road leading to that neon-lit crescendo of summer, the Indiana State Fair, may provide an even better reflection of our agricultural heritage—and inspire the next generation to embrace it.

On July 12, Indiana Landmarks hosts its annual Treasure Hunt. Above, a few of the items we’d like to add to our chest.   Photos by Tony Valainis This article appeared in the July 2014 issue.  

A hilly spot with a skyline view perfect for watching the Fourth of July fireworks over downtown, and the edge Flat 12 Bierwerks has on Sun King.

Via @JoshuaOwen: “The saddest part of The Fault In Our Stars, was definitely when Augustus fell into the chocolate river and got sucked up into the tube. Sorry for the spoiler.”

“My father once wrote, we’re old-fashioned enough to believe much can be learned from the past, new-fashioned enough to search for ways to a better future,” Joan SerVass says. “I feel like this is something that needs to be preserved.”

Don’t miss long-pot tea-pourer Li Min, visiting from China. “He pours teas out of a long spout while performing kung fu such that the tea goes five, 10, 15 feet into your cup.”

Now celebrating its 200th anniversary and more accessible with the opening of I-69 from Bloomington to Evansville, the town is at its best in early May.

“When Eli Lilly was 23 years old, he got so bored in the infantry division of the Union Army that he convinced Indiana’s governor to let him start the 18th Indiana Battery.”

By decisively winning the 1926 Gold and Glory Sweepstakes, Charlie Wiggins, a humble mechanic from Indy’s south side, earned the nickname “The Negro Speed King”—almost 65 years before Willie T. Ribbs would become the first black driver to qualify for the Indianapolis 500.

Apparently, John Green’s bestselling novel about two star-crossed lovers is really, really good. The Hoosierist can only read a couple of pages before crying.

Finally a new constitution—the same one we have now, minus a slew of wacky amendments (I’m looking at you HJR-3)—was hammered out.

IRT executive artistic director Janet Allen says the characters’ ages were considered when high-schoolers were cast in the roles of Young Eva and Ed. “This is about a child’s experience,” she says.

Five museums and archival sites will show us their take on the 1960s beginning this month in a joint exhibition called “A Change Is Gonna Come.”

While a clunky read at times, Leonard’s biography serves as a good introduction to the history of Indiana basketball.

The excitement of Thanksgiving was quelled. Later, at church, we all prayed a little harder.