Remembering Indiana in the Twentieth Century

J. Henry Ballman, born 1910, grew up on farms in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. He speaks about his family history, farm life, family values, and early life, such as trapping and his courtship. Later, he speaks about his work at Servel and how he was self-taught at most things he accomplished. After Servel, he speaks about his post-retirement jobs and activities as well as reflecting on how the country has changed during his life.

Lawrence and Mary Brookins speak briefly about their family history, religion, and growing up in Indiana. Lawrence joined the Navy during World War II, and talks about racial segregation in the military and his employment after his service. The last major topic they speak about is the Flanner House Homes. They describe how they got into the program, what work was required, the background checks, and how that experience shows when maintaining their home.

Ralph Dorris, born 1929, speaks about his family history and the values his parents instilled while growing up. He worked several jobs, primarily as an electrician, during his life and he discusses many of them. He also speaks about the local electricians union, the local union leadership, and the changes not only in the union, but also the country since he was born.

Ida Edelen grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and moved to Indianapolis, Indiana just after she got married in the nineteen fifties. She originally went to work for the Flanner House Homes where she speaks about her duties as personnel director, such as recruiting new couples, educational programs, and helping obtain mortgages. Later, she speaks about the changes in Indianapolis, particularly the relocation of families when IUPUI came in and the way the city has expanded.

Walter Hayden, born 1913, speaks about his family history, family values, and the influence of his family's religion and politics. As he states, he has always been for the CIO, and got into unions very early after leaving home. He discusses some of his early jobs before becoming chairman of the Education Committee for the CIO where he has worked since.

Alice Hottenstein, born 1918, speaks about her memories growing up and living in the Evansville area. She talks about her childhood, including school and family history, the organizations she belongs to, particularly the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Colonial Dames of the 17th Century, and the employment out look for the area. She also discusses some of her important memories, and how Evansville, especially downtown, has changed.

Mary Jane Koch, born 1907, grew up in the Evansville area and speaks about her family history, education, and courtship. After college, she worked as a librarian, and continued intermittently in various places for several more years. She was also quite active in various organizations such as the League of Women Voters and the Daughters of the American Revolution which she discusses in some detail as well as her best and worst memories through the Great Depression and World War II.

Delbert and Mildred Kuhlenschmidt speak briefly about their family history and early life before delving into their employment particularly at Faultless Caster Company and Berman's which became Zenith. They speak about production during World War II, the labor organization and struggles, and the 1948 Congressional hearings that accuses several Faultless workers of being communists.

Henry Labhart speaks about his family history, the difference in the home when women did not work, and some of his experiences during World War II. He was trained to be an electrician while in the military which led to his job at General Electric after the war. He talks a little about the local unions and its leaders, before he speaks about his move to management.

Dee Margadant, born 1908, grew up mostly around Cincinnati, Ohio, where her father was a physician. She moved along with her husband to Evansville, Indiana just after she was married, where he worked for the. She speaks briefly about her family history and belonging to the Daughters of the American Revolution before discussing the Great Depression, 1937 Flood, and World War II. She also speaks about volunteering for the Red Cross, Gray ladies, and the Woodmere Asylum.

Marcella Massey, born 1921, grew up in Evansville, and eventually taught school for thirty two years. She speaks about growing up living above the restaurant her parents owned, her education, and the changes in Evansville, during the Great Depression, world War II, and later. She also has been highly involved in genealogy organizations, especially the Daughters of the American Revolution, which she talks about extensively.

Alberta Murphy, born 1918, grew up in Arkansas and moved to Indianapolis, Indiana during the nineteen fifties. She discusses her family history, her early life, picking cotton, and the disrespect from white students who would spit on her on the way to school. After her second marriage, she moved to Indianapolis where she speaks about getting and living in a Flanner House Home, going to night school, working at Crispus Attucks High School, and the importance of unions in her husband's employment.

William Taylor grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana and eventually attended Indiana University majoring in art. He speaks about job opportunities for blacks during the fifties, and describes his experiences at IU especially in regard to the group he became associated with He knew racial segregation existed, but only dawned on him in a few instances while in the military.

Mary Trabits, born 1918, grew up on a farm in the Evansville Area before becoming a teacher. She speaks about teaching and the demands put on the youth of today, especially compared with earlier in her career. She discusses some details about the World War II era, such as the dances with soldiers in Kentucky, and the role of teachers in handing out the various rationing stamps. After retirement, she became interested in genealogy and discusses joining the Daughters of the American Revolution, Colonial Dames of the 17th Century, and other organizations that have kept her busy.

Clarence Wood, born 1925, grew up in Pike Township in Indianapolis. He speaks about his family history, the importance of religion, and his education at Indiana University as a result of the GI Bill. He describes the operations and goals of Flanner House Homes, where he worked almost thirteen years, before describing his employment in the banking industry.