Indiana Quick Quiz
- Former Indiana governors Paul V. McNutt and Roger Branigin were both born in what Indiana city?
- On what date each year is "Statehood Day" in Indiana?
- Name the three county seat cities in Indiana which start with "Green."
Answers Below
1821 Alexander Ralston published his map of Indianapolis, a one-mile square with diagonal streets and a circle in the middle. Ralston had worked with Pierre L'Enfant in the planning of Washington, D.C. and Indianapolis had many of the same features. Main streets were named after states and areas were set aside for the Statehouse, Governor's House, and a city market. Pictured: Ralston's tombstone at Crown Hill Cemetery, which displays his city plan for Indianapolis.
Did You Know?
Alexander Ralston's plan for Indianapolis included a Governor's Mansion in the middle of the Circle. The residence was completed in 1827 at a cost of $6,500. However, Esther Ray, wife of Governor James Brown Ray, refused to move in. She did not want to live in the middle of so much public activity. No governor ever lived in the home, which was torn down in the 1850s.
1894 Indianapolis businessman Gilbert Van Camp started selling cans of pork and beans door-to-door. He soon had hundreds of salespeople throughout the area and, within ten years. the company was a multi-million dollar enterprise.
1919 The Circle Talking Machine Shop in Indianapolis, next to the Circle Theater, advertised the hit records for December. One of the top-sellers was "Yellow Dog Blues" by the J. C. Smith Orchestra, featuring the "laughing trombone." Other hits were "Pretty Little Rainbows," "Tulip Time," and "When Preacher Makes You Mine."
1933 The 21st Amendment was ratified in Congress, ending prohibition across the country. The end of the "Noble Experiment" was welcomed by many Hoosiers. Harry's Place, on Highway 52 south of Lafayette, celebrated by offering live music by the "Rhythm Boys," a fish sandwich, and a glass of beer, all for 10 cents.
1940 Franklin, Indiana, was the focus of a major photo essay in Life Magazine. Titled "A Small Town's Saturday Night," the article included pictures of men hanging around the barbershop, kids watching movies at the Artcraft Theater, teenagers having sodas at the drugstore, customers at Nick's Candy Kitchen, and cars double-parked on a crowded Jefferson Street.
1968 Featured as "Lady Soul," Aretha Franklin was in concert for one night only at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum. Reserved seats were $3 to $5. At age 26, Franklin had already scored a huge hit with "Respect," which became her signature song in a legendary career which lasted another 50 years.
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HOOSIER QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"Nobody is indispensable, but some people are awful hard to get along without." - - - Roger Branigin, 42nd Governor of Indiana
Answers: 1. Franklin 2. December 11 3. Greenfield (Hancock County,) Greencastle (Putnam County,) and Greensburg (Decatur County)
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