1904 – The Indiana Union Traction Company opened a line from Kokomo to Logansport. By the 1920s, the company covered hundreds of miles throughout the state with interurban electric streetcars. Indiana ended up with the second largest interurban network in the nation.
1916 – James Whitcomb Riley died at his home on Lockerbie Street in Indianapolis. Known as the “Hoosier Poet,” he was one of the most popular authors of his time. His books sold in the millions, and his stage presentations delighted audiences everywhere. His grave is atop the “crown” at Crown Hill Cemetery.
1934 – Notorious bank robber John Dillinger was buried at Crown Hill Cemetery. Thousands stood outside the fence as private family services were held. A raging thunderstorm delayed the funeral for 15 minutes. Dillinger had been killed by FBI agents in Chicago three days earlier.
1948 – Wearing a big straw hat decorated with roses, Marjorie Main entertained on stage at the Circle Theater in Indianapolis. She was there to promote her latest movie, “Feudin’, Fussin’, and A-Fightin’.” The popular actress told the crowd, “I was born on a farm not 20 miles from here, and no matter how far I roam, it’s always home.”
1968 – The singing family known as the Jackson 5 left their home in Gary to go to Detroit to audition for Motown Records. They were signed by famed record producer Berry Gordy and within a year were gaining national attention. In December 1969, they appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show.
1984 – An Old-Timers Dream Baseball Game heralded the opening of the new Hoosier Dome in Indianapolis. Over 18,000 fans cheered as Joe DiMaggio, Bob Feller, Whitey Ford, Don Larson, Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, Carl Erskine, Willie Mays and many other legendary players took the field. The National League defeated the American League, 13-12.