1880 – Famous orator and social reformer Frederick Douglass was in Madison campaigning for presidential candidate James A. Garfield. Douglass, a former slave, spoke to a large crowd at the corner of Broadway and Main. He continued his talk at the Jefferson County Courthouse. The local newspaper called it a “powerful speech.” On the same tour, Douglass spoke in several Indiana cities, including Noblesville, Muncie, Winchester, Columbus, Evansville and Fountain City.
1887 – Called the “Laborer’s Holiday,” one of the first Labor Day celebrations was held in Indianapolis. Thousands turned out for a parade which began at the corner of Delaware and Market Streets. The long procession moved through the downtown section and ended at the exposition grounds north of the city. There a large picnic was enjoyed, along with foot races, baseball, and a greased-pig race. Many labor unions were represented in the crowd, including stone cutters, tailors, bakers, furniture makers, typographers, plumbers and car makers.
1915 – Indianapolis artist Johnny Gruelle received a patent for the design of a doll named “Raggedy Ann.” He had grown up in the Lockerbie Street neighborhood of James Whitcomb Riley, and legend has it that the character was inspired by Riley’s poem “The Raggedy Man.” Raggedy Ann and her brother Raggedy Andy, featured in a series of books, have become icons in American popular culture.
1951 – The Hadacol Goodwill Caravan arrived in Indianapolis for a performance at the Midget Speedway Stadium on 16th Street. The program offered a wide variety of talent and big-name stars, including Hank Williams, Carmen Miranda, Tony Martin, Dick Haymes, Minnie Pearl, Eddie “Rochester” Anderson, and Jack Dempsey. The show was free to those who brought a boxtop from Hadacol, a liquid vitamin supplement advertised on radio.
1976 – Rosalynn Carter was in the state on a campaign tour for her husband, Jimmy Carter, who was running for President. She made stops in Lafayette, Fort Wayne, Evansville and Indianapolis, where she walked around the Circle and spoke with former Governor Matthew Welsh.
2001 – Terrorists attacked the Twin Towers in New York City. Within 24 hours, Task Force One from Indianapolis was assisting at Ground Zero. The team, made up of firefighters, dog handlers, and paramedics from Marion County, worked 12-hour shifts around the clock for 10 days.