This week in Indiana’s history …
1921 – Results of the 1920 National Census were released. The population of Indiana was reported at 2,930,390. Spread over the 92 counties, there was an average of 81.3 people per square mile. Brown County was the least populated, with an average of 23 people per square mile. Marion County topped the scale with 877 people per square mile.
1934 – Performing with the Reisman Symphonic Orchestra, pianist-composer George Gershwin was on stage at the English Theater in Indianapolis. It was standing room only as Gershwin conducted some of his most famous works, including “Rhapsody in Blue,” “An American in Paris,” and “I Got Rhythm.” Corbin Patrick, reviewer for the Indianapolis Star, called the composer a “pioneer in the movement to make a lady out of jazz.”
1940 – Original costumes from the then-current hit movie Gone With the Wind were on display at the William H. Block Department Store in Indianapolis. In the one-day-only presentation, the costumes worn by Scarlett O’Hara, Rhett Butler, and other characters in the show were modeled in the Terrace Tea Room and later placed on display in the Illinois Street show windows.
1967 – Meg Cabot was born in Bloomington. After graduation from Indiana University, she became an author of romantic fiction. She has written over 80 books for adults and teens, selling over 25 million copies worldwide. The Disney Company made two movies based upon her Princess Diaries.
1971 – Apollo 14 was launched on a moon mission. Among many scientific projects on board were hundreds of tree seeds. When the mission returned to earth, the seeds grew into what were called “moon trees” which were planted across the nation. There are five in Indiana, including a sycamore on the east lawn of the Indiana Statehouse.
2000 – The African-American Historical Museum opened in Fort Wayne. It was founded by Hana Stith, a retired school teacher and community leader. The museum covers the histories of people of African descent in Allen County along with African history from the earliest times. It also houses the city’s largest public collection of African art.