1883 – Two children, Blanche and Orris Hiestand, discovered Marengo Cave in Crawford County. Legend has it that the two youngsters were playing in the woods when they noticed an opening at the bottom of a sink hole. After a short investigation, they reported what they had seen to the owner of the property. Cavern tours began later that year. The site is now a National Natural Landmark.
1901 – The Bears of Blue River was published by Charles Major of Shelbyville. The story is about a boy named Balser who lives with his family in a log cabin on the banks of the Big Blue River. He has many adventures as he encounters the dangers of frontier life. The book has become a classic in children’s literature.
1940 – Auto pioneer Henry Ford came by special train to Rushville to meet with Republican presidential candidate Wendell Willkie. The two conferred at the Willkie home on Harrison Street. A few days later, Ford announced his support for the Hoosier lawyer, saying, “I am completely satisfied that he means to do exactly what he says and is competent to do it without evasion or excuse.”
1971 – American Fletcher National Bank announced the installation of “cash machines” at five locations in Indianapolis. The forerunner of the modern “ATM,” the device permitted customers to obtain either $25 or $50 in currency anytime, day or night. The company reported that patrons were very happy with the new method of banking.
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, worked 12-hour shifts around the clock for 10 days.
2003 – Indiana Governor Frank O’Bannon suffered a stroke while attending a conference at the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago. He died five days later. Following a funeral at the Statehouse, he was buried at Cedar Hill Cemetery in his hometown of Corydon. He was the first governor to die in office since Alvin Hovey succumbed to illness in 1891.