The Love Story that Built St. Mary Catholic Church

Men of the cloth frequently juggle multiple roles: head of the church, community spiritual leader, and faith counselor, among others. But Father Anthony Scheideler, a Catholic priest in Indianapolis, also became a matchmaker. His role in introducing renowned architect Herman Gaul to his future wife would pay godly dividends.

St. Mary Catholic Church is an architectural gem. Its gothic towers help define the downtown Indianapolis skyline, while its bells call the faithful to worship. Not only for its congregation but also for those dining and shopping in the Mass Ave. cultural district, the cathedral provides a glimmer of stately beauty nestled amid the urban landscape. But St. Mary’s is more than just an elegant building. It is the physical testament to a love story—one set into motion by a kind, matchmaking priest.

Episode written by Jill Weiss Simins, edited by Michella Marino, hosted by Justin Clark, and produced by A.J. Chrapliwy. Transcript and source notes available at https://podcast.history.in.gov/.

"Where Are My People to Go?:" Violence and Resilience in West Baden

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/.

Moy Kee: The “Mayor” of Indianapolis’s Chinese Community

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/.

"The Most Righteous War:" The Leadership and Sacrifice of Lt. Col. William Swaim

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/.

Fred Rohrer and the Temperance War in Berne, Indiana

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/.

Gloria Frankel and the Seahorse: The South Bend LGBT Club's Right for Gay Rights

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/.

The "Buzz Wagon:" Studebaker's Electric Cars

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/.

Raiderettes: The Womanpower Behind the P-47 Thunderbolt

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/.

WISH-TV | Wiki Conference underway in Indianapolis

The people behind the online encyclopedia Wikipedia are in Indianapolis this weekend for a 4-day conference to share ideas and talk about how to improve the site.

FULL STORY: https://www.wishtv.com/news/wikipedia-conference-comes-to-indianapolis/

Hoosier Radical: Theodore Leusse Takes On the Great Depression

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-agita...

Horseshoe Punch: The Meteoric Rise of Boxer Ray Bronson

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-agita....

Image courtesy Library of Congress.

“Justice and the Square Deal:" The Political Alliance of Mother Jones and John W. Kern

In this episode of Talking Hoosier History, we’ll learn about labor organizer Mary "Mother" Jones's political partnership with John W. Kern, the U.S. Senator from Indiana, and how their alliance represented a real shift in attitudes regarding organized labor during the Progressive Era.

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-guard...

Images courtesy Library of Congress.

Nixon’s Favorite Mayor: The Early Career of Richard Lugar

In this episode of Talking Hoosier History, we’ll explore the mayoral career of “Nixon’s Favorite Mayor,” future U.S. Senator Richard G. Lugar. Learn more about Mayor Lugar’s controversial city-consolidation plan known as Unigov, how Lugar attracted the attention of the sitting president, and how Nixon’s 1972 visit to Indiana jumpstarted Lugar’s national career.

Written by Kelsey Green 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/nixons-favorite-mayor-the-early-career-of-richard-lugar/.

Notes and sources: https://blog.history.in.gov/richard-g-lugar-nixons-favorite-mayor/

“Ambassadors of Goodwill:” Mexican Bracero Workers during WWII

In this short episode of Talking Hoosier History, we’ll discuss the Mexican bracero workers who came to Indiana during WWII, how Hoosiers welcomed them (or didn’t), and how the braceros helped the U.S. meet wartime agricultural needs. We’ll also get a glimpse of how the Bracero Program established immigration patterns that remain relevant today.

Written and produced by Jill Weiss Simins. Performed by Justin Clark.

A transcript of this episode is available at the THH website: https://podcast.history.in.gov/.

Notes and sources: https://blog.history.in.gov/braceros-...

Image: Dorthea Lange, Braceros, photograph, ca. 1942, accessed Online Archive of California.

Singing Hate “Off the Monument Steps:” LGBTQ Pride & Patriotism

In this episode of Talking Hoosier History, we’ll explore how patriotism comes in different forms through a proud moment in Indiana queer history. At the 1991 Gay Pride Celebration on the Circle, protestors stormed the stage just as the Indianapolis Men’s Chorus was getting ready to perform. Join us to learn how the Men’s Chorus defused the tension using only their voices!

Written by Dr. Michella Marino 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://bit.ly/2KzYzbt.

Dissent & Patriotism in the Terre Haute Hungarian Community

In this episode of THH, we’ll meet the Hungarian immigrants who created a thriving community in Terre Haute. Forced to take low paying and dangerous jobs, they unionized to improve conditions. Designated “alien enemies” during WWI, these newcomers worked for citizenship in the face of persecution.

Written and produced by Jill Weiss Simins. Performed by Justin Clark.

Transcript available at the THH website: https://podcast.history.in.gov/.

Notes and sources: https://bit.ly/3LlzcrC.

Hook's Drug Stores: The Community-Conscious Pharmacy

In this episode of Talking Hoosier History, we’ll learn about the German-immigrant roots of Hook’s Drug Stores, the company’s early policy of desegregation and advancement of Black employees, and how the company aimed to protect its customers through drug awareness campaigns. We’ve also got some fun soundbites from 1980s Hook's commercials that might bring you back!

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://bit.ly/45t59pN

George Ade, President Taft, and the Modern Political Campaign

In this episode of Talking Hoosier History, we visit the estate of writer George Ade where William Howard Taft launched his presidential campaign and changed politics forever. Learn about how campaigning has evolved, the origin of the “sound bite,” and Hoosier politician Samuel M. Ralston.

Written and produced by Jill Weiss Simins. Performed by Justin Clark.

Transcript available at the THH website: https://podcast.history.in.gov/

Notes and sources: https://blog.history.in.gov/1908-taft-rally/

"Disguised As A Doughboy:" The Frontline War Work of Sarah M. Wilmer

Welcome to the first episode of the 2023 season of Talking Hoosier History. This is also our first short episode, the perfect length for classroom use. You’ll learn about the frontline efforts of Sarah M. Wilmer in WWI, how we do history with primary sources, and a related historical marker.

Written and produced by Jill Weiss Simins. Performed by Justin Clark.

A transcript of this episode is available at the THH website: https://podcast.history.in.gov/.

Notes and sources: https://bit.ly/3Ozpp3a.

From Drifter to CEO: The Remarkable Life of Henry C. Ulen

The life of Hoosier industrialist Henry Ulen seems like a movie—a person of little education and resources who uses his raw talents and savvy to build a massive business empire, who then comes back to his hometown to share the fruits of his success. Perhaps it was his years drifting from town to town on the railroads as a young man that inspired a sense of community, of needing a place to call one’s own. As such, his business ventures were all about providing places with the tools they needed to build communities and wealth of their own. And today, over 120 people still call the town of Ulen home, with the golf course still serving as a hub that brings the community together. The life, work, and charity of Henry C. Ulen exemplified the true meaning of “Hoosier Hospitality.”

Learn more Indiana History from the IHB: http://www.in.gov/history/

Search historic newspaper pages at Hoosier State Chronicles: www.hoosierstatechronicles.org

Search Hoosier history at Indiana Memory: www.indianamemory.org

Visit our Blog: https://blog.history.in.gov/

Visit Chronicling America to read more first drafts of history: https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/

Learn more about the history relevance campaign at https://www.historyrelevance.com/

Credits: Written and produced by Justin Clark. Music: "Forest" by Vlad Gluschenko, "Wanderlust" by Scott Buckley, "Chess Pieces" by Silent Partner, "Saturday Groove" by John Deley, "Lake Eerie" by Silent Partner, and "Purpose" by Jonny Easton