This week in Indiana’s history …
1888 – Charles Edward Henry began production at the Opalescent Glass Works in Kokomo. It was one of many glass operations which resulted from the “Gas Boom” in Indiana in the late 19th century. Early clients included Louis Comfort Tiffany. Still in business, the company is known for high-quality hand-mixed sheet glass and art glass.
1913 – Felrath Hines was born in Indianapolis. He graduated from Crispus Attucks High School and attended classes at the John Herron Art Institute. He went on to become a successful abstract painter and the first African American chief conservator for the Smithsonian Institution’s National Portrait Gallery. His work is on exhibit in museums around the world.
1916 – Dedication ceremonies were held for the new Carnegie Library in Winamac. Through the efforts of the local women’s club and other interested citizens, a building lot was obtained and an application made to Andrew Carnegie. A grant of $10,000 built the sturdy, brick neo-classical style building which, with upgrades and additions, continues to serve the readers of Pulaski County.
1925 – In a courtroom in Noblesville, D. C. Stephenson, Grand Dragon of the Indiana Ku Klux Klan, was found guilty of second-degree murder. His trial and conviction revealed a series of sordid crimes and corruption which ruined the reputation of the Klan and severely weakened its influence in state government.
1933 – On Veterans’ Day, Governor Paul V. McNutt led dedication ceremonies for the Indiana World War Memorial. A solemn crowd of thousands braved the chill November winds to commemorate the signing of the Armistice 15 years earlier which had ended World War I. The building had been under construction for six years, with the cornerstone installed in 1927 by General John “Black Jack” Pershing.
1945 – Terre Haute businessman Tony Hulman purchased the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for $750,000. He bought the property from famous pilot and race driver Eddie Rickenbacker. The track had been closed during the duration of World War II. The 320 acres were covered with weeds and many of the structures had deteriorated. However, the track was renovated enough to conduct the 500-Mile Race the following May.