August 03, 2024
Teddy Roosevelt and Indiana connections
He visited Indiana 10 times, trips that included riveting and colorful episodes that made national news.
 In 1902 as the sitting U.S. president, Teddy Roosevelt had emergency surgery in Indianapolis at what was then St. Vincent Infirmary. A debate ensued about whether a general aesthetic should be used on the Republican president, a particular concern because the nation had no vice president then.
Two years later, he was elected along with a vice president from Indianapolis, Charles Fairbanks, with whom Roosevelt had a chilly relationship. It was not helped by a "cocktail controversy" in 1907, when Manhattans were served at Fairbanks' mansion during a luncheon attended by both men.
Although Fairbanks was unlike Roosevelt in both politics and personality, another Indiana public figure, U.S. Sen. Albert Beveridge, was regarded as extremely influential on the charismatic man whose nicknames included "T.R." and "Tough Teddy". Beveridge, an imperialist, joined Roosevelt when he formed a third party, the Bull Moose Party; Teddy was an unsuccessful presidential candidate on that short-lived party's ticket in 1912.
Another connection between Indiana and Roosevelt: Some Hoosiers were members of the flamboyant Rough Riders, the U.S. cavalry regiment during the Spanish-American War associated with "Tough Teddy".
Our show focusing on these and other aspects of Teddy Roosevelt (1858-1919) comes prior to a national gathering in Indianapolis of the Theodore Roosevelt Association, a New York-based organization formed to perpetuate his ideals and aspirations. Many events during the Oct. 17-20 meeting are open to the public. For our show, Nelson's guests will be:
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Fritz Gordner, the founder of the Indiana chapter of the Theodore Roosevelt Association and its past president. An Indianapolis resident, Fritz works in the life insurance industry; a mountain climber, he says his TR enthusiasm was inspired during a trip to the Tetons that resulted in an appreciation for his conservation efforts.
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And Michael Cullinane, an acclaimed public historian for the Theodore Roosevelt Association, which is based in Oyster Bay, N.Y., where "TR" lived. Mike also is the chair of the Theodore Roosevelt studies at Dickinson State University.
During our show, Mike will share insights about Sen. Beveridge (1862-1927) and TR related to issues ranging from child labor laws and food and drug legislation to imperialism. Beveridge generally was considered a progressive, like Roosevelt.
In contrast, Fairbanks (1852-1918), was conservative, a former railroad attorney and, according to the Vice Presidents: A Biographical Dictionary (which features a chapter about Fairbanks written by Ray Boomhower of the Indiana Historical Society), he was put on the 1904 presidential ticket for balance.
 A teetotaler known as "Buttermilk Charlie", Fairbanks was derided as "Cocktail Charlie" after the 1907 scandal, which happened during an era when many Americans were favoring the eventual enactment of Prohibition. Manhattan cocktails were served at the luncheon in Fairbanks' mansion attended by Roosevelt. Ironically, as we explored during a show in 2014 about presidential visits to Indiana, historians think neither of the two men consumed a cocktail themselves.
There was no vice president in 1902 when Roosevelt visited Indianapolis because he had assumed the presidency the previous year after the assassination of President William McKinley. Before embarking on a train trip to Indiana that included stops at depots in Logansport, Tipton and Noblesville, Roosevelt had been in a carriage in Massachusetts that was struck by a speeding streetcar.
He suffered a severe wound in his leg, which worsened during his visit to Indiana. Fearing that an abscess would become infected and result in blood poisoning, physicians in Indianapolis prevailed on the president to endure emergency surgery, an episode explored during a Hoosier History Live show in 2021 about the 25th Amendment and its Indiana connections. Former U.S. Sen. Birch Bayh from Indiana was the author of the 25th Amendment, which wasn't ratified until 1967 and clarified presidential succession.
History fact: The Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial in Indianapolis lists both TR (for his service with the Rough Riders) and one of his sons, Theodore Roosevelt Jr., who served in both World Wars I and II.
Latest Podcast Available!
July 13, 2024 -Vinyl era of Indiana music: a follow-up Click here for podcast.
For a complete list of show podcasts and show enewsletters, please go to ARCHIVES on our website.
Molly Head to sign off as creator and producer of Hoosier History Live
Molly says 'It's been a great run for me, and I'm very proud of the show we've put together over the years. I take credit for having created the show and for having asked Nelson Price to host it! I've done all the fund raising over the years, planned the great parties, produced the Roadtrip segment, guest hosted, served as photo editor, and mostly, managed the whole thing. Thanks also to the outstanding support of those who have worked on the show over the years, including Corene Nickel, Ryan DeRome, Mick Armbruster, Cheryl Lamb, Richard Sullivan, and Pam Fraizer. As I've always said, "It takes a village".
Some of the other radio shows I created over the years include "Too Many Cooks!" www.toomanycooks.info, "Chefs' Rendezvous", and "Conversations", for which I hosted a live call in talk show. "Conversations" was mostly about contemporary social issues, but also about history, the arts, culture, and more. Again, it's been a pleasure to create fun, informative media over the years!"
More news from Hoosier History Live
Because of funding challenges, this will be the FINAL e-newsletter for Hoosier History Live. Nelson will continue to host a live, one-hour show Saturdays. Listen at noon on WICR 88.7 fm, or stream it on the WICR HD1 app. And we will continue to keep our website up so that our trove of years’ worth of podcasts about all aspects of Indiana will be accessible at hoosierhistorylive.org
The Hoosier History Live ARCHIVES is essentially our collection of previously aired shows that have been turned into podcasts, as well as their accompanying, informational e-newsletters. We will continue Facebook posts about upcoming show topics and guests, but, because of dwindling resources, we won’t be publishing e-newsletters, nor will we be posting new podcasts on a regular basis. Please continue to tune in to the live show, and continue to savor our years of treasured podcasts at hoosierhistorylive.org.
Trivia prizes sought
Our "History Mystery" on air contest continues to be very popular! If you are an organization or business that would like to contribute tickets or admissions, please contact our host Nelson at nelson@hoosierhistorylive.org.
Prizes must fit in a standard business envelope. Hoosier History Live prefers to "snail mail" prizes to our trivia winners. And If prizes are time sensitive, they need to be offered well in advance of the event so that we can get them out in time.
Who can you see in this “Hoosier History Live Photo Album” . . .
Swipe through these photos gleaned from the last fourteen years of Hoosier History Live production!
And would you believe that radio technology has completely changed tech wise since we first went on the air in 2008 at WICR? Can you find Bobby Plump, Chris Gahl, Connie Zeigler, Tom Ridley, Bonnie Britton, Tiffany Benedict Browne, Eunice Trotter, David Baker, Lefty Huntzinger, Keira Amstutz, Cowboy Bob, Janie of “Popeye and Janie”, K.P. Singh, Pam Fraizer, and Dark Rain Thom? The voices of so many Hoosiers blended together over the years to make Hoosier History Live such a unique archive.
And thanks to Richard Sullivan of Monomedia for creating this group of images.
What people are saying about Hoosier History Live
"...Are fulfilling a valuable role..."
"Hoosier History Live is a haven of trustworthy knowledge. Molly Head and Nelson Price are fulfilling a valuable role in making quality scholarship about our state readily available to on-the-go listeners, expanding how we engage with the history and culture of Indiana."
-Wayne Hastings, Bloomington listener and library science student
"...A great service with the creation of independent media..."
"Both Nelson Price and Molly Head do the public a great service with the creation of independent media project Hoosier History Live. The program adds considerably to the public IQ, at a time when intelligence is much needed."
- Tom Cochrun, former news anchor, WTHR-TV Channel 13 Indianapolis
"... an intelligent, well-researched program..."
"I’ve loved listening to Hoosier History Live during the pandemic as an intelligent, well-researched program to escape the news for an hour."
-Lee Little, JD, MLS, Research Librarian, Indiana University
"...'Live' - and 'Lively' as well..."
"Hoosier History really is 'Live' - and 'Lively' as well. The program brings to new audiences the delight and wisdom that comes with knowing more of our past and our connections as Hoosiers."
- James H. Madison, Emeritus History Professor, Indiana University
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"The links on the Friday Hoosier History Live enewsletter are a great way to learn more about history, and from a variety of sources."
- Jill Ditmire, Omni Media Specialist
"I love the podcasts..."
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- Terri Gorney, Fort Wayne listener
"...infuses joy into the pursuit of history..."
"Nelson Price, more than anyone I know, infuses joy into the pursuit of history. And that joy rings out loud and clear on the radio show, Hoosier History Live."
- Marsh Davis, President, Indiana Landmarks
"... a compelling and engaging project..."
"Molly Head and Nelson Price are Indiana-based visionaries who have created a compelling and engaging media project with Hoosier History Live. Podcasts, website, enewsletter, and live call-in radio show; it’s all there!"
- Keira Amstutz, President and CEO, Indiana Humanities
"...does more to promote Indiana history..."
"Hoosier History Live does more to promote Indiana history than does any single source."
- Andrea Neal, Indianapolis author and educator
"...always a great show"
“Hoosier History Live is always a great show. We did a small sponsorship as a gesture of support, and I didn’t think a little history show would have much impact. But many people mentioned to me that they had heard our credit on the radio.”
- G.B. Landrigan, Realtor, Certified Residential Specialist
"...a great way to represent what I do..."
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my experiences with Nelson Price and the Hoosier History Live team. I feel being on the show was a great way to represent what I do with motorsports history. I am particularly excited by the show's new distribution through a podcast and making it accessible live through the Web.”
-Mark Dill, owner, FirstSuperSpeedway.com
"...great value to sponsors..."
"Hoosier History Live has amassed a vast library of content over the years, both with the show audio and newsletter material. I believe that the Hoosier History Live content has great value to sponsors and advertisers via widespread online distribution. Nowhere else do you find the fresh new material each week, the depth of stories, the richness of detail, and the long-term consistency."
- John McDonald, CEO, ClearObject in Fishers, Indiana, Inc. Magazine’s fastest-growing IT company in Indiana for 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.
"...enthusiastic, curious and knowledgeable..."
"Hoosier History Live is a perfect place to consider and reconsider history ... not just what happened in the past, but what it may mean in the present. Nelson Price is the perfect host: enthusiastic, curious and knowledgeable. Tune in to Hoosier History Live and be prepared to be surprised."
- James Still, playwright in residence, Indiana Repertory Theatre
"...I want to call in!..
"No, I haven't heard of another call-in talk radio show about history. Our airwaves are now full of the worst vitriol! Give me the phone number for the show. I want to call in!"
- Ken Burns, speaking at a preview of his film "The War" at Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, April 18, 2007
"Another Hoosier History Live endorsement from a Hoosier in California ..."
"Hoosier History Live is a bright spot in my media constellation. I also frequently forward your weekly enewsletters to friends around the globe. I may now be a Californian, but my Hoosier interest is endless. The podcasts and streaming are good tools. By all means, persevere!"
- Tom Cochrun, former news anchor, WTHR-TV Channel 13 Indianapolis
"From a Hoosier who knows her books..."
"Fills a niche for the lover of Indiana history."
- Kathleen Madinger Angelone, retired bookstore owner
Podcast listening, and Hoosier History Live copyright policies
We still do a live radio show every Saturday from noon to one broadcasting on WICR 88.7, but more and more of our listeners are listening to our podcasts, which are basically audio copies of our live shows. Our website is www.hoosierhistorylive.org, and you can sign up at our website to get our free weekly newsletter.
At the top of our newsletter and website we put notice, and links, to our newly published podcasts. We also provide a link to ARCHIVES, which is a list of our past enewsletters and published podcasts.
 If you have a preferred podcast provider like Apple Podcasts or Spotify, you can use their search function to call up Hoosier History Live as well. Look for the yellow Hoosier History Live logo.
We copyright our work, and we have a crew of very talented people putting it together. But we WANT you to share it! We believe that learning should be accessible to everyone! You are welcome to copy, link to, or forward any of our Hoosier History Live material. Just please do not edit it! Our underwriter logos and voiced credits are on our material; and these underwriters make our work possible.
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