1880 – General Lew Wallace of Crawfordsville published Ben-Hur, hailed as one of the most influential books of the 19th century. The novel has never been out of print after 138 years.
1914 – The Carnegie Corporation approved a gift of $10,000 to the Walton Ladies Literary Club to build a library in the Cass County city. The building still serves the community and is one of 164 libraries built by Andrew Carnegie in Indiana.
1922 – Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. was born in Indianapolis. He became one of the prominent authors of the 20th century, creating such best sellers as Slaughterhouse Five and Breakfast of Champions.
1933 – On Veterans’ Day, Governor Paul V. McNutt led dedication ceremonies for the Indiana World War Memorial. The cornerstone had been laid in 1927 by General John “Black Jack” Pershing. The awesome structure of Indiana limestone contains an extensive military museum and the magnificent Shrine Room.
1950 – Indianapolis Mayor Albert G. Feeney died of a heart attack at the Hotel Lincoln in the city. He had been addressing a women’s luncheon meeting. His death came on his 58th birthday. The position of mayor was assumed by City Controller Phillip L. Bayt, Jr.
1967 – World War I “Flying Ace” Eddie Rickenbacker was in the book department at the L. S. Ayres Department Store. He signed copies of Rickenbacker, the story of his fascinating life. He had raced in the early years of the 500-Mile Race and had owned the Speedway track from 1927 to 1945.