Hidden History of Hamilton County, Indiana


Book Description

Hamilton County's past harbors sundry strange tales, many of them lost to time--until now. In 1867, a groom disappeared just before his wedding, presumably running away on cold feet. Four decades later, his remains were discovered buried under a shed in a mystery that remains unsolved. In the 1870s, the sheriff marshaled a seven-man posse, including two local African Americans, to deal with "desperados" in an isolated corner of the county. Their heroic efforts swiftly liberated the local populace from the yoke of banditry. A giant wave of ravenous squirrels descended on Central Indiana in 1822 to feast on crops, to the shock and dismay of new settlers. Join County Historian David Heighway for a tour of all things odd and forgotten.







Hidden History of Boone County, Indiana


Book Description

At the center of Indiana lies Boone County, a seemingly quiet place with a colorful past. The stagecoach along the Michigan Road helped to start the county, then the railroad transformed it as new towns were created along the routes. Some of these towns are now gone, leaving behind a few buildings and a sign marking where they once existed. Local vagabond Thorntown Cyrus entertained area residents with his accordion, a couple touted his and hers tractors, and the Cragun twins met a tragic demise. Mysteries surround true stories such as a rogue monkey seen wandering a community and why a butcher attacked a prominent citizen. Author Heather Phillips Lusk brings these stories and more to life to reveal what makes Boone County unique.




Noblesville


Book Description

Since 1824, Noblesville has served as the county seat for Hamilton County, Indiana. Located on the White River just north of Indianapolis, Noblesville grew from rural beginnings, changing as businesses and industry moved into the area, which was encouraged by the discovery of natural gas. This book documents the history, community life, and growth of Noblesville using stories and photographs collected from local residents, historians, church archives, the Hamilton County Historical Society, and the Hamilton East Public Library. These photographs bring the daily life of this Midwest community vividly into view.




Secret Indianapolis: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure


Book Description

Where in Indianapolis can you find a disappearing painting, a towering “ice tree,” or a giant pink elephant holding a martini? What caused the Great Squirrel Invasion of 1822, and why did Hollywood celebrities once flock to an Indianapolis cottage called Tuckaway? Where can you find a hidden museum dedicated to antique fire extinguishers? And what, exactly, is a Recordface? You’ll find the answers to these questions, and many others, in this guide to Indy’s overlooked, offbeat, and unknown. Secret Indianapolis profiles the city’s best-kept restaurant secrets, strangest parks and museums, creepiest urban legends, and weirdest works of art. It also tells the stories of forgotten local heroes, and it reveals the secrets behind beloved Indy landmarks. You’ll discover the only place in the world where it’s still possible to order Choc-Ola, explore the most haunted house in Indiana, and hear about the very dirty prank Hoosiers once pulled on a former president. Written by lifelong Hoosier and local author Ashley Petry, Secret Indianapolis offers a new way to explore the Circle City—from the quirks of local history to bizarre activities you can try today.




Hidden History of Wabash County, Indiana


Book Description

Take the road less traveled through Wabash County's forgotten stories and overlooked characters. Bob Printy may have run off to join the circus, but Jocko the monkey decided to make Wabash his home after he escaped a traveling carnival. Discover the story of Chief LeGros and learn what life was like in nineteenth-century Wabash County. Spend some time with Tommy R. Miller, who sacrificed his life caring for fellow servicemen in Vietnam. Author Ron Woodward shares the compelling, little-known history of this Indiana county.




Hidden History of Montgomery County, Indiana


Book Description

Montgomery County never fails to surprise the visitor with its unique and varied history. Even local residents are often unaware of some of their county heritage. Anyone who spends some time in Crawfordsville will eventually know about General Lew Wallace, author of the one-time bestseller Ben-Hur, as well as Senator Henry Lane, who helped found the Republican Party and get Abraham Lincoln nominated for the presidency. Wabash College was founded here in 1832 and is one of the two remaining all-male colleges in the nation -- with the dubious honor of having fired Ezra Pound before he went on to fame as a poet. The Hidden History of Montgomery County will touch upon such topics but will also bring to light many of the area's other deserving stories.




Brief History of Noblesville, A


Book Description

Noblesville's transformation from small town to one of Indiana's largest cities is a fascinating story. From the earliest settlers struggling for survival on Horseshoe Prairie in 1819 through the heady times of the 1880s Gas Boom era to today, the city thrived with uncommon personalities and landmark events. Discover the stories of former slave Reverend Barney Stone, daredevil Earl "Lucky" Teter and renowned fashion designer Norman Norell. Delve into the account of the Great Flood of 1913 and the origin of the nation's first independent telephone company. Join authors Paula Dunn and Nancy A. Massey on a journey through Noblesville's unique history.