This week in Indiana’s history …
1849 – Indiana Governor Paris Dunning addressed the General Assembly about the need to appoint delegates to the new Constitutional Convention. This was one of the governor’s final acts before his term ended the next day. The bill authorizing the convention was signed the following month by Governor Joseph A. Wright. The new constitution was ratified in 1851.
1868 – Two steamboats, the America and the United States, collided on the Ohio River in the area of Switzerland County. The accident happened in the dark of night on a dangerous bend in the river. It was believed that the captain of the United States did not hear the warning whistles of the America. Both vessels caught fire and 72 people died.
1903 – The Indiana High School Athletic Association was organized by high school principals. Their stated purpose was “the encouragement and direction of athletics in the high schools of the state.” The first meeting was held at the Statehouse in the office of Fasset A. Cotton, the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
1920 – “Made in Richmond” was the theme of an expansive display at the city’s YMCA. Over 50 local companies participated. Among them was the Starr Company which presented several pianos and phonographs, International Harvester which demonstrated their tractor wheat drill, the Pilot Automobile Company which revealed their new five-passenger touring car, and the Richmond Baking Company which offered a variety of cakes and cookies.
1937 – Former United States Supreme Court Justice Willis Van Devanter was welcomed back to his hometown of Marion. Over 1,000 attended a dinner in his honor. He spoke of growing up in Marion and attending Asbury College (now DePauw University). He had recently completed 27 years on the nation’s highest court, having been appointed by President William Howard Taft.
1955 – Piano virtuoso Van Cliburn performed with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra at the Murat Theater. The 20-year-old received high marks from Indianapolis News critic Corbin Patrick, who described him as a “young man with a future. His style is Texan, big and expansive.” Van Cliburn went on to world fame three years later when he won the International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow.