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.
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 10 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, Ind., 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.