1866 – The first encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic was held in Indianapolis. Former Civil War soldiers met at Morrison’s Opera House where Governor Oliver P. Morton was one of the principal speakers. The GAR met in Indianapolis many times over the next 80 years.
1915 – The Liberty Bell passed through Indianapolis while on a tour of the nation. Downtown streets were crowded with patriotic citizens singing “America.”
1924 – The Lerner Theater opened in Elkhart, featuring vaudeville acts and big bands as well as motion pictures. The beautiful theater was carefully renovated a few years ago and continues to be a popular entertainment venue.
1949 – The world premiere of the movie Johnny Holiday was held at the Lyric Theater in Indianapolis. Filmed almost entirely at the Indiana Boys’ School in Plainfield, the movie stars William Bendix and Hoagy Carmichael, with a cameo appearance by Indiana Governor Henry Schricker.
1963 – Indiana Governor Matthew Welsh proclaimed a 30-day mourning period following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The Governor and his wife Mary attended the President’s funeral in Washington.
1967 – The English rock band “The Who” performed live at a Thanksgiving show at the Delaware County Fairgrounds in Muncie. Tickets were $3 in advance and $3.50 at the door.