1844 – Charles Gerard Conn was born in New York. His family moved to Elkhart, where he grew up to be mayor, Congressman, entrepreneur and founder of a band instrument company which became known around the world.
1922 – The palatial new Indiana Theater opened in Terre Haute. The first program featured the silent film “Cappy Ricks” accompanied by the Indiana Symphonic Orchestra. The theater remains today as an architectural jewel in the city.
1931 – 28 miners were killed in an explosion at the Little Betty Mine in Linton. Authorities determined that the blast had been triggered by methane gas. Governor Harry G. Leslie was among the many volunteers who came to help in rescue and relief efforts.
1937 – Flooding along the Ohio River left hundreds dead and thousands homeless. Evansville, Madison, Lawrenceburg, Aurora, New Albany and other Indiana cities along the Ohio set record flood levels.
1953 – Gene Autry, famous singing cowboy of radio, TV and movies, entertained a crowd of 14,000 youngsters at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum. The show included Autry’s popular sidekick Pat Buttram and, of course, Champion, “The Wonder Horse.” Musical acts included the Hoosier Hotshots.
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 around the nation. There are five in Indiana, including one (a sycamore) on the east lawn of the Indiana Statehouse.