The Love Story that Built St. Mary Catholic Church
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...
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"Where Are My People to Go?:" Violence and Resilience in West Baden
Talking Hoosier History
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...
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Moy Kee: The “Mayor” of Indianapolis’s Chinese Community
Talking Hoosier History
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...
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"The Most Righteous War:" The Leadership and Sacrifice of Lt. Col. William Swaim
Talking Hoosier History
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...
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Fred Rohrer and the Temperance War in Berne, Indiana
Talking Hoosier History
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...
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Gloria Frankel & The Seahorse: The South Bend LGBT Club’s Fight for Gay Rights
Talking Hoosier History
In 2015, Mayor Pete Buttigieg of South Bend announced in 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....
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The "Buzz Wagon:" Studebaker's Electric Cars
Talking Hoosier History
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...
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Raiderettes: The Womanpower Behind the P-47 Thunderbolt
Talking Hoosier History
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...
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Hoosier Radical: Theodore Luesse Takes On the Great Depression
Talking Hoosier History
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...
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Horseshoe Punch: The Meteoric Rise of Boxer Ray Bronson
Talking Hoosier History
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: . Notes and sources: . Image courtesy Library of Congress.
info_outlineOn May 24, 1924, the Ku Klux Klan attempted to hold a meeting in South Bend, Indiana. They were met with furious Notre Dame students and South Bend citizens, who banded together to drive the organization out of town. When the Klan used this confrontation as fodder for anti-immigrant, anti-Catholic propaganda, university administration needed to find a way to combat the smear campaign. They found their answer in a wildly successful Notre Dame football team.
Find a transcript and show notes here.