How’s 2025 going for you so far?

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While a lot of us have already broken our New Years Resolution’s – or just didn’t bother making one this year – maybe I can give you a couple of suggestions to your make your days seem a little better.

I work at the Indiana State Library, which is a beautifully-crafted work of art that I honestly feel privileged to walk into every day. But let’s be honest, no one wants to drive downtown; it’s busy and that scares “country folks.” However, if you come while all this construction is going on, you’re able to park in the parking garage across the street and bring your ticket in to be validated.

Now, let’s talk about how this field trip can benefit you! First, walk into the library and find a book, find a comfy seat, sit down and relax for a while. We don’t care how long you stay… as long as you’re out by 4:30 p.m., as I must go let my dog out.

Studies show that reading can reduce your stress levels by more than 60%. Reading also reduces muscle tension and reduces heart rate. Reading is also an excellent way to relax, so make it part of your bedtime ritual for better sleep.

Make 2025 about you. Try new things. Learn about cooking or meditation. You might just want to learn how to plant that herb garden you’ve always dreamed of. We have all these books and more hidden gems in the stacks waiting for you to come visit. Stop by the Circulation desk and say, “Hi.” We’ll be glad to see you.

This blog post was written by Rayjeana Duty, circulation supervisor, Indiana State Library.

New technology opens up vast world of records through FamilySearch

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In 2023, FamilySearch debuted a new feature for researchers: Full-Text Search. Using handwriting recognition technology, FamilySearch is indexing and making searchable massive numbers of records that were unindexed and difficult to navigate before now.

At this time, Full-Text Search includes over 4,500 record sets from all seven continents (yes, including Antarctica). FamilySearch continues to add new record sets and to expand the number of records in currently indexed sets.

Indiana records currently included in Full-Text Search.

To access Full-Text Search, you will need a free FamilySearch account, which you can create at www.familysearch.org. Once you have an account, visit the FamilySearch Labs page to join Full-Text Search. Since it is currently in testing, it’s not part of the regular FamilySearch search experience. After joining, you can use Full-Text Search to search for any person, place, business or keyword.

FamilySearch Full-Text Search main page.

So how does it all work? Let’s look at an example. Suppose we are researching the Sipple family of Tippecanoe County, Indiana.

We start by searching for the surname Sipple. We can either limit our search to Tippecanoe County from the beginning using the location field, or we can filter our results after we search. In this example, we’re going to use the filters.

Search results.

Full-Text Search gives us 62 results for people named Sipple in Tippecanoe County. Looking at the Record Type filter, we can see there are Legal Records, Vital Records, Business Records and Government Records. Each of those can be further filtered by subtype. For example Vital Records may include birth, marriage and death records, depending on the place you’re researching. You can also filter your results by decade using the Year filter and by FamilySearch collection using the Collection filter.

Tippecanoe County General Index of Deeds, Volume 135: 1849-1970.

Let’s look at this deed index from Tippecanoe County. For this county, FamilySearch has only the deed indexes. For other counties and places, they often have the full deed records as well. You may also find other text-heavy records such as wills, probates, court records and more.

The name we searched is highlighted on the page so we can see where the relevant record is. There’s also a transcription of the records on the right, with our search terms highlighted. As you can see, there’s some unclear transcriptions here. Because handwriting can be so highly variable, the transcriptions are not always perfect, but they are usually quite good.

Once we have looked at the record to make sure it’s what we want, we can download the record as a PDF or JPG and have citations automatically included. We can also attach the record to the relevant person on the FamilySearch Tree.

Search results for Smith in Knox County, Indiana at home.

Search results for Smith in Knox County, Indiana at the Indiana State Library.

One thing to note about Full-Text Search is that although FamilySearch is freely accessible at home, there may be records that you cannot access just anywhere. Due to contractual restrictions, some records are available only at FamilySearch Centers and FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries. Fortunately, the Indiana State Library is an Affiliate Library and we have access to thousands of additional records compared to at-home users. To find a FamilySearch Center or Affiliate Library near you, visit the Find a FamilySearch Location page.

The examples given here all cover Indiana, but Full-Text Search includes records from across the United States and around the world. Records that previously had to be accessed page-by-page are now fully searchable and ready for researchers to make new discoveries about their families.

This blog post is by Jamie Dunn, Genealogy Division supervisor.

Legal considerations for library events: What Indiana librarians need to know

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Libraries in Indiana are vibrant community hubs offering a range of events, from book clubs and author talks to STEM workshops and family movie nights. While these events enhance community engagement, they also come with legal considerations that librarians must address to protect their institutions and participants. The following are key legal issues Indiana librarians should be aware of when planning and hosting events, ensuring a smooth and compliant experience for all.

Many library events involve the use of copyrighted materials, such as books, movies, music or art. Public performance rights are a critical aspect to consider, particularly for movie nights or live readings. Showing a film requires a public performance license, even if you own the DVD or digital copy. Playing music at events, whether live or recorded, may require licenses from organizations like the American Society of Composers Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) or Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI). Readings and story times typically fall under fair use but large-scale or paid ticketed events would likely require additional permissions and possibly even an amusement and entertainment permit.

Hosting events introduces risks which could include injuries, property damage or unforeseen emergencies. Libraries should be sure to have appropriate liability protections in place. General liability insurance should cover accidents or injuries that occur during events. Review your library’s insurance policy to ensure adequate coverage for events. Use participant waivers for high-risk activities, such as physical workshops or outdoor events. Require vendors or performers to provide proof of insurance for services provided at the event. Conduct safety assessments for event activities and clearly communicate rules and expectations to participants.

The Americans with Disabilities Act mandates that library services and programs, including special events, must be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Ensure physical venues are wheelchair accessible, including entrances, seating and restrooms. Provide accommodations, such as sign language interpreters or assistive listening devices, when requested. Digital events must meet accessibility standards, including captioning for videos and screen reader-compatible materials. Plan for accessibility from the outset, rather than as an afterthought. Include an accessibility statement in event promotions, inviting participants to request accommodations. Train staff on ADA requirements and best practices for inclusive programming.

Events for children and teens often involve specific legal considerations, including consent and supervision. Develop and use parental consent and release forms for events that include photographs, videos or off-site activities. Libraries could even include this language in the activity sign-up forms. Ensure adequate adult supervision during children’s programs, whether that means requiring parents to attend the event with their children or whether it means diverting additional library staff to assist with the program. Clearly communicate expectations for parent or guardian participation when necessary and avoid collecting unnecessary personal data from minors.

Collaborating with outside vendors, authors or performers for events requires clear, enforceable agreements. Define the scope of services, payment terms and cancellation policies. Include clauses addressing copyright, liability and insurance requirements. Maintain thorough records of agreements and communications with vendors and clarify expectations for promotion, setup and cleanup responsibilities.

Post clear signage at events informing participants about photography or recording. Libraries can also address whether there will be photography or videography at the event in the sign-up form, state how images will be used and include consent for use language. Store and use images responsibly, adhering to your library’s privacy policies.

Library events are a cornerstone of community engagement, but they come with legal responsibilities that Indiana librarians must navigate. By addressing copyright compliance, liability, accessibility and other legal concerns proactively, libraries can create events that are not only enjoyable but also legally sound.

This blog post was written by Sylvia Watson, library law consultant and legal counsel, Indiana State Library.

 

Access state agency publications past and present online

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The Indiana State Library continues to collect publications created by state agencies. Whether born-digital or digitized from historical copies, there are ways to access them.

The Indiana State Library uses Archive-It to preserve copies of born-digital publications that are hosted on the websites of Indiana State Government departments and agencies.

Archive-It collection page for Indiana State Library.

The Archive-It collection started in March 2020 and now contains nearly five years’ worth of captures of state agency web pages and online publications such as annual reports, brochures, fact sheets and more. One can browse the state agency listings or search the collection. To find versions of agency websites before March 2020, use the general web archive, known as the Internet Archive Wayback Machine.

The Indiana State Agency Documents online collection contains digitized copies of a wide variety of historical publications. This collection continues to grow and is often updated based on reference inquiries. Examples include:

Highways of Indiana.

Indiana Civil Rights Commission: The First 25 Years.

Indiana Celebrates: The Bicentennial in Review, 1971-1977.

Keep in mind that there are many more printed documents published by state agencies that are listed in Indiana State Library’s online catalog. Additionally, this online guide to Locating Indiana Government Documents is a frequently consulted resource. For assistance tracking down state publications past or present, please send in questions to Ask-a-Librarian or contact the Indiana Collection at 317-232-3670.

This post was written by Andrea Glenn, Indiana Division librarian and state documents coordinator at the Indiana State Library.

Small business data resources

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Data research goes hand-in-hand with business research. Though small businesses are a small percent of the data requests we receive at the State Data Center @ the Indiana State Library throughout the year, this data makes up an important part of the landscape of patrons served by our nationwide SDC network.

The U.S. Census Bureau recently released an annual data product called Nonemployer Statistics. What is a nonemployer, you might ask? Don’t worry! I ask this question all of the time. It turns out that this is the Census Bureau’s fancy way to say: “This business is run by one person only – the business owner. They don’t pay anyone else to run the business with them.” Here is the Nonemployer Statistics Glossary definition for the term:

A nonemployer business is one that has no paid employees, has annual business receipts of $1,000 or more ($1 or more in the Construction industry), and is subject to federal income taxes.

A nonemployer business is by nature considered a small business, and this is why I’d like to share the Small Business Resources you have at your fingertips through the State Data Center network. If you are a librarian or teacher, you can share these with your patrons and students, in hopes that their enterprising spirits are inspired during this year’s busy holiday season.

Federal Resources
Census Bureau’s State Data Center Program
There is an SDC in every U.S. State and major territory. You can request data – including economic and business data – and assistance from local experts using each statewide network here.

Census Bureau’s Census Information Center Program
The SDC’s companion program, the CIC Program, works closely with local data users to provide local communities of practice and policy analysts with training on using census data. Their statewide network can be accessed here.

U.S. Small Business Administration
The SBA can help you obtain funding for your small business by way of helping with research for loans and grants. Find information about business planning, running your business, and disaster planning here. View this current SBA blog article for “5 Small Business Trends for 2025.”

The SBA Indiana District Office is in Indianapolis and serves the entire state.

SCORE
A partner with the SBA, through SCORE.org, find a business mentor, plus access to free learning resources for starting and growing your small business.

State Resources
Indiana Secretary of State
Indiana’s INBIZ service lets you do research on current businesses, file to register your business, find state forms and answer questions about legal requirements.

Indiana Business Research Center
The IBRC at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business is a partner of the State Data Center Program. Carol Rogers, a long time friend of the SDC, can assist data users in answering Indiana’s economic quandaries.

Center for Business and Economic Research, Ball State University
Ball State’s CBER is a partner of the State Data Center Program. The research team at CBER is dedicated not only to the Muncie area, but statewide coverage. Its director, Michael Hicks, is a frequent contributor to current literature about Indiana’s economy.

Indiana Economic Development Corporation
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation network has 10 regional Small Business Development Center offices and a University Center at the Purdue Center for Regional Development.

I hope you find these resources useful!

This blog post was written by Katie Springer, reference librarian and director of the Indiana State Data Center. For more information, contact the Reference and Government Services Division at 317-232-3678, or submit an Ask-A-Librarian request.

New prizes coming to the Indiana Library Passport in 2025 as the State Library celebrates 200 years

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As the Indiana State Library prepares to celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2025, the Indiana Library Passport is offering new prizes and activities for the new year as part of the festivities. A brand new limited-edition bicentennial celebration mug and a special year-end prize drawing are included in the offerings.

The Indiana Library Passport, a creative digital experience that encourages everyone to visit libraries across the Hoosier state, launched in 2022. The passport, open to Indiana residents and outside visitors alike, showcases nearly 170 main libraries and branches.

After users provide their name, email address and mobile phone number, a link will be sent to their mobile phone, which will add a button icon to their home screen. From there, users are free to begin visiting Hoosier libraries. Users access the passport to check in to a participating library using their phone’s location services. When a user checks in to a library, they earn points, which can be redeemed to claim prizes directly through the passport.

In addition to allowing users to earn redeemable points, the passport automatically enters each user into a quarterly prize drawing every time they check in to a library. Passport users are permitted to check in to each library once per week.

In 2025, in addition to the regular quarterly prize drawings, a special year-end prize drawing will take place. Everyone who physically checks into the Indiana State Library – located at 315 W. Ohio St. in downtown Indianapolis – between Jan. 1, 2025 and Dec. 31, 2025, will be entered to win a copy of “Laying the Foundation,” a brand new book featuring collection highlights from the Indiana State Library. The richly-illustrated book features 100 items from the library’s vast and remarkable collection. Spanning multiple centuries and covering a wide array of topics, items in the book represent only a small fraction of the historic and culturally significant materials held by the Indiana State library. The book is also available for purchase for $20 in the Nook Gift Shop on the first floor of the State Library.

Those who cannot check into the Indiana State Library can still join in on the fun. Beginning in January, a special limited-edition bicentennial celebration mug will be available to claim with points earned by checking into libraries all across the state. Each check-in earns a user 100 points. The special mug can be claimed for 1,000 points, but supplies are very limited. Users may also still claim the standard Indiana Library Passport mug, at a different point value.

In 2025, a new batch of prizes will be available for passport users to win via quarterly drawing. Next year will see admission vouchers to the Indiana Medical History Museum; tickets to tour various historical locations across the state, courtesy of Indiana Landmarks; annual Indiana state park passes, courtesy of the Indiana DNR; and admission passes to the Indiana State Museum.

Beginning right now, the Indiana Library Passport is offering a new referral program. When a user refers a new user via the passport, they will earn 50 points which can be put toward earning one of the two mug prizes.

Click here to learn more about the Indiana Library Passport. Click here to see a list of past and present prize donors.

Libraries interested in joining the Indiana Library Passport – free of cost – should contact John Wekluk, communications director at the Indiana State Library.

This post was written by John Wekluk, communications director at the Indiana State Library.

Save the date! What’s Up Wednesday schedule for 2025

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Save the Date!

The Indiana State Library’s Professional Development Office is excited to tell you about the upcoming What’s Up Wednesday webinar schedule for 2025. We are still finalizing details for some of the webinars but we wanted to share what we do have.

Jan. 8, 2025
“What’s Up Wednesday – Empowering Libraries to Support Caregivers: Essential Resources and Strategies”

Caregivers often face overwhelming physical, emotional and mental challenges while balancing caregiving with their own well-being. In this session, librarians will learn how to support caregivers by connecting them with trusted health resources from the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, and other key organizations. Participants will explore effective strategies for making libraries welcoming, resource-rich spaces for caregivers and gain practical tools to help prevent caregiver burnout within the community. Join us to strengthen your library’s role as a supportive hub for caregivers, fostering resilience and connection.

Presented by Bobbi Newman, Region 6, NNLM.

Jan. 29, 2025
“What’s Up Wednesday – Artificial Intelligence in Libraries”

Stay tuned for description and registration link!

Presented by Mike Acsbok.

Feb. 12, 2025
“What’s Up Wednesday – ‘Sorry, I Don’t Speak Librarian’: Finding Your Voice and Writing for Your Audience”

Stay tuned for description, presenter info and registration link!

Feb. 26, 2025
“What’s Up Wednesday – School Care Team”

Shane Presley and Rebekah Enzler will be doing a presentation on their organization, School Care Team. With years of experience in education, the School Care Team works alongside schools and community partners to nurture cultures of care.

Stay tuned for the registration link!

Presented by Shane Presley and Rebekah Enzler.

March 12, 2025
“What’s Up Wednesday – ILF and Advocacy”

Stay tuned for description and registration link!

Presented by Vanessa Martin and Julie Wendorf.

March 26, 2025
“What’s Up Wednesday: 2025 State of the Child with Indiana Youth Institute”

To improve the lives of all Indiana children, Indiana Youth Institute provides access to reliable data and resources to empower, educate, and equip those who impact youth. Join us for a dive into the recently released 2025 Indiana KIDS COUNT® Data Book during this State of the Child presentation! Learn and engage with the best and most recent information on child well-being, to inform leaders, policymakers, youth workers and advocates, like you, with go-to sources for critical data to create positive change for youth in your community.

Stay tuned for the registration link!

Presented by the Indiana Youth Institute Data Team.

April 9, 2025
“What’s Up Wednesday – Indiana Collection at the Indiana State Library”

The Indiana Collection at the Indiana State Library offers a wealth of published material about our great state. Among the most widely used are local daily newspapers, maps, local histories and state agency documents, including historical laws. Our collection includes historical runs of many titles, essential for researching the past and preparing for the future.

In this webinar, you’ll be introduced to fascinating items within the collection, receive tips for exploring the resources, discover where to find online materials and learn how you can help us grow this unique collection.

Stay tuned for the registration link!

Presented by Monique Howell, Indiana Division supervisor, Indiana State Library.

April 30, 2025
“What’s Up Wednesday – Start Your Community’s Journey to Information Literacy”

In 2024, the Institute of Museum and Library Services launched a new website to resources to teach about the different types of literacy there are including information literacy, digital literacy, financial literacy, health literacy and science literacy. The website includes programming resources to help develop skills in using and understanding information in a quickly changing world. In addition, the website includes training resources specifically for professionals, funding opportunities to promote information literacy, ready-made lesson plans, evaluation tools and more.

Presented by Kara Cleveland, Professional Development Office supervisor, Indiana State Library.

May 14, 2025
“What’s Up Wednesday – Small Adjustments for Big Change”

Hear about the programs that have influenced one library’s community, including diversifying collections, creating spaces for different age groups, implementing food security programs, getting outside of library walls, implementing 24-hour book pickup and offering take-home crafts, all on a small budget in a small building. We’ll look at how some of the programs were planned and work together as a team to share successful programs and identify other ways to make big changes with small adjustments.

Presented by Brenda Hornsby Heindl, director and librarian, Liberty Public Library in Liberty, North Carolina.

May 28, 2025
“What’s Up Wednesday – Video Game Collections in Libraries, Pt. 3”

Stay tuned for the description and registration link!

Presented by Chris Baker, Jenna Gilles and Jamie Hein.

June 11, 2025
“What’s Up Wednesday – Invisible Faces”

The presenter will provide the information on human trafficking and its forms, the risks, the language, unacknowledged victims, identification and myths.

Stay tuned for the registration link!

Presented by Bridgette Spann-Edwards.

June 25, 2025
“What’s Up Wednesday – A Trauma Informed Care for Grieving Families”

Objectives of this webinar are to learn how grief affects children at different developmental stages; the Do’s and Don’ts of trauma informed responses; and how to best support grieving youth and families.

Presented by Lindsy Diener-Locke, LSW – Ryan’s Place in Goshen, Indiana.

July 9, 2025
“What’s Up Wednesday – Presenting the Autism Center”

Learn about the Autism Center at the new Fort Benjamin Branch of the Indianapolis Public Library.

Stay tuned for the registration link!

Presented by Shelby Peak, Indianapolis Public Library.

July 30, 2025
“What’s Up Wednesday”

This webinar will help debunk the fears surrounding AI, while providing how we currently use AI in our daily lives.

Stay tuned for presentation title and registration link!

Presented by Dr. Treg Hopkins, national director of administration and leadership of Connectable Education.

Aug. 13, 2025″
What’s Up Wednesday – Adult Programming Made Easy, Part 2″

Need more adult programming ideas? I’ve got you! I have gathered 12 more programming ideas, complete with instructions, for your library to use. These programs are adaptable to any budget.

Stay tuned for the registration link!

Presented by Lacey Klemm, Northwest regional coordinator at the Indiana State Library.

Aug. 27, 2025
“What’s Up Wednesday”

Our presenter will teach librarians and staff how they can incorporate AI in their jobs, and within their library.

Stay tuned for presentation title and registration link!

Presented by Dr. Treg Hopkins, national director of administration and leadership of Connectable Education.

Sept. 10, 2025
“What’s Up Wednesday”

Share information on what types of AI could be beneficial for libraries to use, to serve and to provide for their communities.

Stay tuned for presentation title and registration link!

Presented by Dr. Treg Hopkins, national director of administration and leadership of Connectable Education.

Sept. 24, 2025
Stay tuned for the title, description and registration link!

Oct. 8, 2025
“What’s Up Wednesday”

Demonstrate how libraries can use AI capabilities to create library programming.

Stay tuned for presentation title and registration link!

Presented by Dr. Treg Hopkins, national director of administration and leadership of Connectable Education.

Each webinar is eligible for one LEU for Indiana library staff. Check the Indiana State Library’s events calendar for all of the latest training info, including the details about the remaining webinars when they become available!

This blog post was submitted by Kara Cleveland, Professional Development Office supervisor at the Indiana State Library.

Indiana Share – What is it, and how does it work?

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If a patron is unable to find a book they want on Indiana public library shelves, there are, thankfully, many options to get it to them, one of which is interlibrary loan. There are numerous resource sharing services throughout the state, but Indiana Share is one of the longest running of the available ILL services and recently saw a resurgence in 2024.

What is Indiana Share?
Indiana Share is an Indiana State Library-managed interlibrary loan service for public, school, special and institutional libraries around the state. Indiana Share was launched in 2008, shortly after INCOLSA discontinued their regional interlibrary loan service. There was still a statewide need for assistance in providing interlibrary loans, especially for libraries and schools unable to support or afford this service individually, so the Indiana State Library, in partnership with the Indianapolis Public Library, stepped in to fill the gap. The state library hired a small team of library technicians to process these requests and provide loans via a special statewide OCLC subscription. The team was based out of Indianapolis Public Library’s Central branch, and for a time even pulled and fulfilled loans directly from IndyPL’s collection.

Over time, as the Evergreen Indiana consortium expanded to over half of the state’s public libraries, the need for Indiana Share decreased as the consortium libraries shared between themselves. SRCS, the Statewide Remote Circulation Service, was also introduced as an interlibrary loan option and provided loans for eight years, but after its discontinuation the Indiana State Library once again welcomed libraries back to Indiana Share, and all hands are on deck to process these requests accurately and timely.

How does it work?
Participating libraries use a link on the Indiana State Library’s website to search OCLC’s WorldCat and request items. These requests are then routed to State Library staff who process each request, locating potential lenders from approximately 100 academic and public libraries via OCLC. State Library staff always try to obtain books within Indiana, if possible, since these are shipped for no cost if the library is an InfoExpress courier subscriber. With Indiana Share, it is also possible to borrow requests from public, academic and special libraries out of state if a library agrees to extra fees or costs associated with postage. Each Share request is processed by hand and sent to as many lenders as possible, as many times as needed, until it is either filled for cancelled. There is currently no cost to libraries to use the service.

If a request is filled, a lending library ships the item directly to the requesting library. If no lenders are identified, or no copies are available, the request is canceled and the requesting library receives an email explaining why the loan was cancelled. In addition to placing requests, Indiana Share participants are asked to provide updates to the state library when materials are received or returned so that we can make sure the OCLC system is appropriately updated.

Indiana Share requests can only be placed by the staff of participating libraries. If you are a patron interested in this service ask the circulation staff at your library about the types of interlibrary loan services available to you. We also encourage libraries with robust interlibrary loan services to consider subscribing to OCLC directly, which reduces the need for Indiana State Library staff to mediate each request, and also enables them to share their collections.

This blog post was written by Jen Clifton, Library Development Office.

Centennial and Bicentennial reflections

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Dec. 6 marks the 100th anniversary of Gene Stratton-Porter’s death. Stratton-Porter wore many hats: conservationist, photographer, film producer and, not least, as a best-selling Hoosier author. Geneva Grace Stratton was born on Aug. 17, 1863, in Wabash County, Indiana. In 1886, Gene married businessman Charles Porter and the following year had their only child, a daughter, Jeannette Stratton-Porter. In 1894, Charles and Gene built a cabin near the Limberlost Swamp in Geneva, Indiana, where Gene spent much of her time exploring before the swamp was destroyed in the name of development in 1912. While living at Limberlost, Gene wrote six of her twelve novels and five of her seven nature books, including the best-selling books “Freckles” and “A Girl of the Limberlost.” In 1914, the family moved to Sylvan Lake, in Noble County, Indiana, building a cabin that the author spent no small amount of time and money making sure had minimum negative impact on the site. She even went to so far as to hire a tree surgeon to help her preserve the area. Wildflower Woods Cabin still stands today.

In 1919, the novelist moved to California and started her own film production company, Gene Stratton-Porter Productions. Included among the library’s small collection of Gene Stratton-Porter manuscripts (S1069), is correspondence on letterhead from said production company.

This collection also includes correspondence from Stratton-Porter and several other materials ranging from 1902 to 1979, regarding her work as an author, photographer and filmmaker, in addition to her personal life. The collection includes an undated portrait photograph of Stratton-Porter posing outdoors; an advertisement from Good Housekeeping; and a typed copy of an article, “The Old Institution of Home” from 1922; as well as a portrait postcard printed circa 1979.

Her 1921 California-centric work, “Her Father’s Daughter,” reflected anti-Asian sentiments of the time and reviews of her works were more mixed during this period, which coincided with her focus on trying to get her previous works made into films. She died on Dec. 6, 1924, in Los Angeles, California, from injuries sustained in a car accident. She is buried near her cabin on Sylvan Lake in Rome City, Indiana.

Incidentally, the letter printed here has also been reproduced in “Laying the Foundation: Collection Highlights From the Indiana State Library,” a book published in honor of the Indiana State Library’s bicentennial, which will be celebrated next year. The volume is now available for purchase in the Nook, our gift shop located at the Indiana State Library’s 315 W. Ohio St. entrance. If you’d like to take home a piece of Gene Stratton-Porter yourself, along with 99 other gems from the library’s collection dating from the 14th century to the present, stop by the gift shop.

Once you pick up your copy of the book, you can head up to Wildflower Woods on Dec. 6, where The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites will be honoring Stratton-Porter with a tour of her beloved home. Visitors will also learn about 19th and early 20th century mourning practices.

This post was written by Victoria Duncan, Rare Books and Manuscripts supervisor.

Indiana’s forgotten bowl game: The Refrigerator Bowl

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The United States in the late 1940s was hungry for college football. With many schools completely dropping their programs for the duration of World War II, the American public was ready to resume its collegiate sports traditions. The postwar era saw a rush of newly created bowl games throughout the country as cities sought to cash-in on the trend and market themselves as popular sports destinations. Most of these bowl series are now defunct but included the Raison Bowl in Fresno, California; the Salad Bowl in Phoenix, Arizona; and the Cigar Bowl in Tampa, Florida. Never to be left out of a trend, Indiana also had a bowl entry dubbed the Refrigerator Bowl, held annually in Evansville from 1948 to 1956.

Souvenir program for the first game.

By 1948, the city of Evansville was home to multiple companies that manufactured refrigerators or refrigerator components. Servel, Inc., the Seeger Refrigerator Corporation and International Harvester were producing over a million units each year, a figure which gave Evansville boasting rights to the title “refrigerator capital of the world.”

Evansville’s “Big Three” refrigerator manufacturers.

Members of the Evansville Junior Chamber of Commerce – commonly known as the Jaycees – developed the idea of hosting a college bowl game, partly to highlight the city’s importance in the refrigerator industry and also to raise money for the local YMCA children’s facility known as Camp Carson.

While most college bowl games have historically been held on the first day of January, the Refrigerator Bowl was always held in early December, a concession to Indiana’s fickle winter weather. The game was scheduled to be played in the Reitz Bowl, a “natural amphitheater” stadium attached to Reitz High School.

Built in 1921, the Reitz Bowl continues to be used for local high school football games.

The teams selected to participate in the inaugural game were Missouri Valley and Evansville College. The Missouri Valley Vikings were a Midwestern powerhouse and had not lost a game since 1941. Going into the bowl game, the team had only allowed a mere three touchdowns the entire 1948 season. The Evansville Purple Aces had lost three games and were considered obvious underdogs.

Much to the surprise of all involved, the Evansville Purple Aces managed to end Missouri Valley’s long winning streak by scoring two touchdowns and defeating them 13 to 7. Approximately 7,500 spectators attended the event and Evansville’s head coach was carried off the field on the shoulders of his ecstatic players.

Newspaper coverage from the Evansville Courier Press, Dec. 5, 1948. From Newspapers.com.

The first bowl game was enough of a success that it continued for the next eight years. However, by the mid 1950s, attendance was very low and one of the major refrigerator companies, Servel, went out of business. Despite no longer having its own bowl game, Evansville continued to be a hub of refrigerator manufacturing for the next couple of decades.

This blog post was written by Jocelyn Lewis, Catalog Division supervisor, Indiana State Library. For more information, contact the Indiana State Library at 317-232-3678 or “Ask-A-Librarian.”