This week in Indiana’s history …
1859 – Isaac Blackford died in Washington, D.C. He had been the longest-serving Indiana Supreme Court Justice. Appointed by Governor Jonathan Jennings in 1817, he served under 10 governors, retiring in 1852. Author of the eight-volume Blackford’s Reports, he was called “The Indiana Blackstone.”
1885 – The Indiana Academy of Science was formed at a meeting at the Marion County Courthouse. Approximately 40 people attended the event, which had been organized by the Brookville Society of Natural History. Members started work immediately to establish better health care, improve disease control, develop laboratory techniques, and establish pure food laws.
1914 – The New Year’s Eve Show at the B. F. Keith Theater in Indianapolis featured a full array of Vaudeville acts. Heading the cast were the four Marx Brothers: Groucho, Chico, Harpo and Zeppo. Also on the bill were “tramp pantomimist” Joe Jackson, the “Flying Henrys” on the double trapeze, the comedy team of Nevins and Gordon, and Trevitt’s Military Canines.
1930 – A New Year’s Day Open House was held at the Governor’s Mansion in Indianapolis. Governor Harry G. Leslie and his wife Martha hosted the event, which included many county, state and federal officials as well as the general public. Special guests were United States Senators James E. Watson and Arthur R. Robinson.
1967 – Purdue University capped a 9-2 season with a trip to the Rose Bowl. The team, coached by Jack Mollenkopf, won a hard-fought 14-13 victory over the University of Southern California. Purdue senior defensive back John Charles was named the game’s Most Valuable Player.
2012 – Karen Freeman-Wilson took office as mayor of Gary. She was the first African American female mayor in the state. During her two terms, she worked on economic development, investment and infrastructure improvements. She now serves as president and CEO of the Chicago Urban League.