This week in Indiana’s history …
1883 – The United States adopted Railroad Standard Time, which established four time zones within the nation. The system was meant to eliminate confusion caused by the many different local clock times. One newspaper reported that, before the new system, travelers through Indiana might have to reset their watches 23 times.
1915 – The Root Glass Company of Terre Haute received a patent for its design of the Coca-Cola bottle. The firm had won the competitive challenge from the company to create a glass container “so distinct that you would recognize it by feeling it in the dark or lying broken on the ground.” The bottle is now acknowledged to be one of the most recognizable objects in the world.
1918 – In the midst of an influenza epidemic, the Board of Health in Indianapolis issued an order requiring all citizens to wear face masks in public places. According to city officials, the edict would be strictly enforced. In addition, all schools and libraries were closed until further notice.
1919 – Edgar A. Guest, one of the most popular poets of the era, was guest speaker at the Rotary Club luncheon at the Claypool Hotel in Indianapolis. His “Just Folks” verse was published daily in newspapers across the country. He also spoke to students at Manual, Shortridge, and Arsenal Tech high schools.
1947 – The “Friendship Train” traveled into Indiana from Chicago. It was met with enthusiasm by large crowds in Elkhart and South Bend. Governor Ralph Gates led the reception in both cities, accompanied by industrialist Henry J. Kaiser. In Elkhart, they were joined by George Selmer, grandson of the founder of the musical instrument company. The train was traveling the nation collecting food for starving people in France and Italy.
1968 – Appliance stores across Indiana were offering in-store demonstrations of the new Amana Radar Range, the first compact microwave oven available to consumers. “Cook like the 21st Century Today!” declared the newspaper ads which described “push-button cooking” that “does a hamburger in 60 seconds.” The sticker price on the oven was $495 (over $3,000 in today’s economy.)