This week in Indiana’s history …
1831 – The first newspaper in northern Indiana was founded by John D. Defrees in South Bend. Under the banner of The Northwestern Pioneer and St. Joseph Intelligencer, the paper was published for about a year. Defrees later became an attorney and was elected to the Indiana Senate. He returned to the newspaper business in 1846 when he purchased the Indianapolis Journal (now the Indianapolis Star).
1863 – Indiana Governor Oliver P. Morton boarded a train to go to ceremonies dedicating the cemetery at Gettysburg, Pa. Two days later, he was on the speaker’s platform behind President Abraham Lincoln as Lincoln gave what has become one of the most famous speeches in history. Morton accompanied the President on the return train to Washington.
1911 – Patrons were introduced to their new public library in Clinton in Vermillion County. The building was the result of a $12,500 gift from industrialist Andrew Carnegie. The neoclassical structure, with extensive additions, still serves the reading public. Carnegie built 164 libraries in Indiana, more than in any other state.
1921 – Pedestrians along Washington Street in Indianapolis were amazed to hear music being played on a phonograph two miles away. According to the newspapers, it was made possible by “wireless telephone.” The demonstration was conducted by radio engineer Francis F. Hamilton, who soon established the city’s first broadcasting station.
1947 – The English Theater on the Circle in Indianapolis announced two performances by the Vatican Choir. The program was advertised as “the musical event of the age for all religions, with 60 voices.” Ticket prices ranged from 90 cents to three dollars. The concert was part of a 99-city tour which marked the first time in history the choir had sung outside the Vatican.
1957 – Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt came to Indianapolis to visit the Flanner House. At the social service center on West 16th Street, she said, “You have to educate so people can do for themselves what they should do.” She was taken on a tour to see the nearly 200 homes built through the Flanner House self-help program.