Unbound: A Collection of Indiana Stories
The Indiana Historical Society is excited to bring you Unbound: A Collection of Indiana Stories. A retelling of classic Indiana stories and those that might become classics. We are pulling materials from our Traces and Connections Magazines, Blogs, and Exhibits to build upon one another in an effort to share a more complete and connected Indiana history.
Episodes
Make your way to the dance floor and bust a move, cut a rug, or boogie down on this all-new episode of Unbound! Casey takes us back to Northwest Indiana, we are hitting the “spring cushion” dance floor at Madura's Danceland in Hammond, IN. Then we travel back down to Indy, and head up to the Indiana Roof Ballroom with Regan for an epic battle of the bands.
Secure loose articles, lower your lap bar, and please keep your hands and legs inside the vehicle at all times on this thrill ride episode of Unbound. With the weather getting nice Casey and Regan are diving into summertime fun. First Regan tells us about the history of Lassen’s Resort in Cedar Lake, IN. Then Casey rides the roller coaster that is the story of the first amusement parks in Indianapolis.
On the newest episode of Unbound, Casey and Regan are getting in touch with nature by looking at the stories of the unlikely formation of two of Indiana’s State Parks, Spring Mill State Park and Shades State Park.
George Donaldson Spring Mill's Eccentric Naturalist
Further Information:
What’s the password? It’s ok Casey and Regan don’t know either, but they are diving into the world of some of the secret societies that have existed in Indiana. First, Regan looking into the fraternal order, The Knights of Pythias. Then, Casey looks into the extensive history and spread the Ku Klux Klan had in Indiana in the early 20th Century.
Knights of Pythias, Eureka Lodge No. 20 Greenfield, Hancock County, Indiana, 1908-1922
...
In this literary episode of Unbound, Regan and Casey are doing something they’ve never done before, have a guest host! Welcome to the podcast Jess Baloun, former preliminary editor of Unbound and now host of Unboxed a new YouTube Series from Indiana Historical Society. First, Jess tells about the life of Kurt Vonnegut from the point of view of his biographer’s wife. Then, Regan dives into the life and fame of Pulitzter winner Ernie...
On this Paul filled episode of Unbound, Casey and Regan explore the world of Indiana symbolism. First, Regan goes into the history of the Indiana state flag designed by Paul Hadley. Then, Casey talks about the once incredibly popular state song “On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away” by Paul Dresser.
Paul Hadley: Artist and Designer of the Indiana State Flag
Further Information:
In this episode of Unbound, we are talking cold hard cash. First, Regan tells us the story of master counterfeiter Peter McCartney, who distributed forged bank notes during the Civil War. Then, Casey regales us with the story of a bank crash that occurred in 1884, which uncovered the stories of many families in Daviess County.
King of The Coney Men, Master Counterfeiter: Peter McCartney
Get into the swing of this new season with two new and exciting stories, first we go back to the racetrack with Betty Cadou. The first woman ever to be allowed in the pits and garages at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Then we take you out to the ball game with the story of Cliff Robinson the official batboy for the Indianapolis Clowns.
A Woman at the Brickyard: Betty Cadou and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
We are off to the races on this season finale of Unbound! First, Casey explores the rich history of African American racers and the Colored Speedway Association. Then, Regan recounts the story of the races that took place in the air at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Balloons Over Indianapolis
Further Information:
Colored Speedway Association Officials
Sumner "Red" Oliver
Officials, Dr...
This episode Casey and Regan are on the lam exploring the histories of prisons and prison reform in Indiana. Regan begins by telling us the story of two prison reformers Rhoda Coffin and Sarah J. Smith who helped to found the first women's prison in Indiana; which spurs a conversation into the complexities of historical figures. Casey dives into the fascinating history of the Indiana Boys' School a prison for boys ages 8 ...
Casey and Regan dive into the rich world of Indiana's Syrian immigrant communities. First, Casey looks at the immigrant community that existed in Indianapolis in the early 1900s, through the lens of a local celebrity, Ramanos the Fencer. Then, Regan tells about the largest Syrian community outside of New York located in Fort Wayne, and how they made their homes there.
Ramanos the Fencer
Largest Syrian Colony Outsi...
Have you ever looked at a photograph and wondered what, where, or who you were looking at in the image? Join Regan, Amy, and Director of Access and Preservation, Susan Sutton, as they talk about falling down the rabbit hole and discuss the tips and tricks they’ve used to provide a better description or answer questions about photographs.
Further Information:
Sea Scouts Boat
U.S. Rubber Self Sealing Fuel ...
Trigger Warning: Death, War, Gun Violence.
This week Casey and Regan look at Hoosiers’ experiences with war abroad. First, Casey takes you behind the Iron Curtain, in Cold War Russia, with the story of an US Diplomat from Indiana. Then through their letters home, Regan shares the stories of three young Hoosiers who gave their lives for their country in the Korean War.
Tales of a Wandering Diplomat: A Hoosier Behind the Ir...
Casey and Regan are running away with the circus in this episode of Unbound. First, Casey looks at how the Women's Franchise League of Indiana utilized a circus and their elephants in their fight to gain the right to vote. Then Regan tells us the story of Buckskin Ben Stalker, an Indiana man who traveled the country with the "Biggest Little Wild West Show on Earth".
Balloons, Elephants and Lawyers, OH MY!
Join Casey and Regan on a journey through some Indiana architecture. First Regan explores the life of architect and visionary Avriel Shull. Then Casey looks into the story of our very own building, Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center.
Live Furiously: The Design Life of Avriel Shull
A Living Room for Indiana: The New Indiana Historical Society Headquarters
Further Information:
Avriel Shul...
Have you read a book written by a ghost, attended a seance (or wanted to), had your palm read? Join Regan, Amy, and Director of Collections Management, Maire Gurevitz, as they discuss some rabbit holes they’ve encountered related to Spiritualism in the IHS collections.
Further Information:
Psychopathy, or, Spiritual Healing
Valentine Nicholson Collection
Valentine and Elizabeth Nicholson
Valentine Nich...
This week on Unbound, Casey and Regan are going off the beaten path with this week’s episode. First, Regan explores the history of Indiana’s first brewers in New Harmony, IN. Casey will then tell you about the rise and fall of the Auburn Rubber Company whose toy empire stretched all over the country.
Indiana's First Brewers: The Germans at New Harmony
Toys and Treasures: The Auburn Rubber Company
Further Information:
R...
This week Casey and Regan dive into the stories of two trailblazing women from Indiana. First, Regan looks at the life of pioneer lumberwoman Helen Pike Utter who took over her father’s lumber company and grew it into an empire. Then, Casey explores the career of Valeska Suratt, an alluring vamp and self-proclaimed marginally talented performer.
Helen Pike Utter: Indiana's Pioneer Lumberwoman
Valeska Suratt: Indi...
Welcome back for Season 3 of Unbound! We are excited to be back and to be bringing you brand new stories. This season will also be including new special episodes called, Unbound: Down the Rabbit Hole where members of our collections staff share times where they have fallen down the research rabbit hole.
On this season premiere of Unbound, Casey and Regan explore science in Indiana. First exploring the life of Dr. Albert B...
Casey and Regan close out Season 2 on a high note by discussing the lives and careers of two Indiana musicians. First, we will discuss pianist and teacher Bertha Jasper Mehrlich. Then we will close out the season with music and film legend Phil Harris.
Further Information:
Phil Harris
Phil Harris with friends
Phil Harris 1984
Recital for Two Pianos
Co-Operative Piano Teacher's Association
Scr...
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