Talking Hoosier History

The beautiful Saint Mary Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis is made of stone and stained glass, sure. But the most important material used by German immigrant and architect Herman Gaul was love. The building design was a present to Father Anthony Scheideler, pastor at St. Mary, who introduced Herman to his wife, who just happened to be named Mary. This new episode of Talking Hoosier History is voiced by Justin Clark, written by Jill Weiss Simins, edited by Dr. Michella Marino and produced by A.J. Chrapliwy. A transcript, show notes, and more information on this episode is available at the THH website: https://podcast.history.in.gov/.

For many, French Lick Valley was an idyllic retreat and recreational wonderland. But for Black residents, the Valley was a hotbed of violence and intimidation in the early 1900s. Many had moved to the area from the South to work in the hospitality business. The local community responded to their presence with a series of threatening letters and bombings. While these efforts succeeded in driving out some Black residents, those who remained opened businesses and established recreational opportunities. In this new episode of Talking Hoosier History, we explore the resilience of Black French Lick residents despite contending with displacement, vandalism, violence, and eventually the organized efforts of the Klan. This episode of Talking Hoosier History is voiced by Justin Clark, written by Nicole Poletika, and produced by A.J. Chrapliwy. A transcript, show notes, and more information on this episode is available at the THH website: https://podcast.history.in.gov/.

On May 28, 1904, Chinese immigrants Moy Kee and Chin Fung hosted Chinese imperial royalty at their Indianapolis chop suey restaurant. Prince Pu Lun, the rumored heir to the Qing Dynasty's imperial throne, was so impressed by the luncheon that he elevated Moy to Mandarin of the Fifth Rank, a prestigious Chinese social status. But how did Moy Kee, an immigrant from the Guangdong Province, end up hosting Chinese royalty? How did he gain so much influence in Indianapolis during the height of Chinese exclusion and Sinophobia? The story is a fascinating one that raises an even deeper questions that the United States still wrestles with today: What does it mean to be an American citizen? And who gets to be a citizen and who doesn't? This new episode of Talking Hoosier History is voiced by Justin Clark, written by Kelsey Green, and produced by A.J. Chrapliwy. A transcript, show notes, and more information on this episode is available at the THH website: https://podcast.history.in.gov/.

Why would an average Hoosier leave his family and friends, his hometown and farm, not to mention comfort and safety, to answer President Lincoln's call for troops in 1861? What would inspire a citizen soldier to risk making the ultimate sacrifice?   The battlefield letters of Ossian (Wells County, Indiana) farmer-turned-Lieutenant-Colonel William Swaim to his beloved wife Hannah address those questions. And the answer may come as a surprise to those who have argued that the average Hoosier soldier did not understand the ideological causes of the Civil War.   Learn about Swaim's leadership of the 34th Regiment Indiana Volunteers ("Morton's Rifles"), as well as his sacrifice for his moral convictions through the latest episode of Talking Hoosier History.   Written by Jill Weiss Simins, voiced by Justin Clark, and produced by A.J. Chrapliwy. A transcript, shownotes, and more information on this episode is available at the THH website: https://podcast.history.in.gov/. 

In September of 1903, Fred Rohrer and his family awoke to the sound of explosions in their living room, as an unknown figured attempted to kill them by dynamiting the residence. Instantly, Rohrer knew that his leadership role within Berne, Indiana's Temperance campaign was the assailant's motive.. With the use of the Berne Witness, Rohrer helped solidify Indiana's role in the national fight for Prohibition. In this new episode of Talking Hoosier History, learn about the way the Temperance Movement shaped grassroots organizing within Indiana as we discuss Rohrer's unwavering commitment to the cause through the lens of his newspaper. Written by Emily McGuire, hosted by Justin Clark, and produced by A.J. Chrapliwy. A transcript, show notes, and more information on this episode is available at the THH website: https://podcast.history.in.gov/. 

In 2015, Mayor Pete Buttigieg of South Bend announced in a South Bend Tribune op-ed that he was gay, making him Indiana's first openly gay mayor. Four decades before Buttigieg's announcement, the city reportedly outlawed same-sex dancing. In 1974, Gloria Frankel and her gay club, The Seahorse Cabaret, withstood police harassment, challenged regulations against LGBT individuals, and endured a firebombing. In this episode of Talking Hoosier History, we explore the fight for gay rights in the Michiana area and the intrepid woman who lead the charge. Written by Nicole Poletika and voiced by Justin Clark. Produced by A.J. Chrapliwy. A transcript, show notes, and more information on this episode is available at the THH website: https://podcast.history.in.gov/.  

As we pass the elusive Telsa Cybertruck, we're reminded of Studebaker's innovative electric cars produced in the early 20th century.   The South Bend manufacturer's electric cars became a mainstay of the company, providing vehicles for personal use as well as transport. They were also marketed in a unique way. Studebaker focused on city businessmen, and especially society women, as the premier customers for electric cars. While gas-powered cars became the company's focus by 1912, Studebaker's innovative designs and skillful presentation nevertheless made their electric cars more than a mere fad. They showed the country that electric cars could be made cost-effectively and provide customers with a reliable, affordable means of personal transportation.   Written and voiced by Justin Clark. Produced by Jill Weiss Simins. A transcript, show notes, and more information on this episode is available at the THH website: https://podcast.history.in.gov/. 

The P-47 Thunderbolt is considered one of the most important fighter-bombers used by Allied Forces in World War II. Thunderbolts flew over half a million missions and are renowned by pilots for their durability and reliability.  Over one-third of all Thunderbolts were built at the Republic Aviation plant in Evansville. Notably, nearly half of the plant's employees were women. Known as "Raiderettes," they worked alongside male workers and boasted a variety of jobs including on the assembly lines, in the administrative offices, and even as test pilots. Many of the women were "two-job workers," balancing 14-hour shifts at Republic with raising children while their partners fought overseas. Our new blog post examines the lived experiences of the Raiderettes and how they navigated being women workers in a "man's" world, pushing against and often breaking the glass ceiling in the process. This episode was written by Kelsey Green, produced by Jill Weiss Simins, and performed by Justin Clark. For show notes, sources, and links to more information visit the Talking Hoosier History homepage: https://podcast.history.in.gov/  

In this episode of Talking Hoosier History, we'll meet radical organizer Theodore Luesse, who agitated for relief measures during the Great Depressions. His actions culminated in a sentence at the notorious State Penal Farm in Putnamville, where he ran for governor on the Communist ticket. Luesse's sentence increased Hoosiers' interest in communist ideals and ignited a series of social protests, ultimately modernizing Indiana government and cultivating a new generation of organizers, who demanded more from their government. Written by Nicole Poletika. Performed by Justin Clark. Produced by Jill Weiss Simins. A transcript of this episode is available at the THH website: https://podcast.history.in.gov/. Notes and sources: https://blog.history.in.gov/the-agitator-theodore-luesse-takes-on-the-great-depression/ Images accessed Newspapers.com.

In this short episode of Talking Hoosier History, we'll learn about Hoosier fighter Ray Bronson, who rocked the boxing world during the early 20th century. A horseshoe fitter-turned-welterweight champion, Bronson's considerable wins, international bouts, and successful management of other boxers put him a cut above most fighters. Written and performed by Justin Clark. Produced by Jill Weiss Simins. A transcript of this episode is available at the THH website: https://podcast.history.in.gov/. Notes and sources: https://blog.history.in.gov/the-agitator-theodore-luesse-takes-on-the-great-depression/. Image courtesy Library of Congress.