Indiana (A570)

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Scenes from the View-Master packet Indiana (A570) from the State Tour Series.

 

Packet Cover

 

Booklet Cover

 

From the 16-page booklet:

AMERICA’S CROSSROADS

The past of all America is mirrored in the history of Indiana. The Indians came to this area as settlers pushed them westward. It was named for them but soon they, and French and English fur traders gave way to a flood of pioneers pushing westward after the Revolutionary War in search of free land. Indiana earned its motto, “The Crossroads of America,” as Southerners and Yankees, Swiss, Scotch and Irish, and Germans came. The growth of industry and mining brought Poles, Hungarians and others to the north. Young Abe Lincoln, Kentucky-born, grew to manhood in southern Indiana.

This is a land of blue skies and rolling rivers, of corn fields and fertile farms—and when Hoosier poet James Whitcomb Riley wrote about “the old swimming hole” and the joys of rural living, he was writing not just about Indiana but of things cherished by all Americans.

A FEW FACTS AND FIGURES. There is more to Indiana than frost on pumpkins and fodder in shocks. It ranks third nationally in steel production, has one of the world’s largest oil refineries, and manufactures transportation and farm equipment, machinery of all kinds, textiles and chemicals. These and other products account for over $5 billion of a $6,769,000,000 yearly income; agriculture brings in an important $1,390,000,000. Natural wealth includes coal, petroleum, building limestone and other minerals. Railroads crisscross the state and a 40-mile Lake Michigan shoreline provides shipping outlets.

GEOGRAPHICALLY SPEAKING. With Michigan to the north and Kentucky to the south, Indiana blends Yankee bustle with a more leisurely southern tempo. It is 38th in size among the states (36,291 sq. miles) and 12th in population (1960 census). Basically a plains state, the land rises in gentle hills in the southern part.

THE HUMAN SIDE. The origin of the nickname “Hoosier” is disputed, but it’s generally agreed that it once was a synonym for “hayseed.” The independent Indianans tried it on, liked it, and wear it proudly. Forty out of 100 live in rural areas; 90 of 100 are native-born.

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1

State Capitol

Indianapolis

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State Capitol, Indianapolis

 

From the 16-page booklet:

Our View-Master Guided Picture Tour of Indiana begins in Indianapolis, at the State Capitol building. One of the few great cities in the U.S. not located on navigable water, it is the second largest state capital (Boston is first); and with its population of 461,654 it is Indiana’s biggest city. Indianapolis succeeded Corydon as the Legislative seat in 1825 by virtue of its location near the state’s geographical center. The coming of the railroad in 1847 assisted its growth. Today it is the hub where seven major railroads meet, and a banking and agricultural shipping center. Indianapolis also has many fine department stares whose quality of merchandise draws Hoosiers from all over the state, giving it a thriving retail trade.

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2

Soldiers & Sailors Monument,

Indianapolis

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Soldiers and Sailors Monument

 

From the 16-page booklet:

In this city, designed along the lines of Washington, D.C., avenues radiate like spokes from a central point. The Circle contains the soaring Soldiers and Sailors Monument, crowned with a 38-foot statue of Victory atop a 246-foot shaft. It commemorates the service of Indiana men in the Civil War.

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3

Marmon Wasp, Speedway Museum

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Indianapolis “500”

 

From the 16-page booklet:

This six-cylinder Marmon Wasp displayed in the Speedway Museum won the first “500” in 1911, averaging 74.59 mph. To the automotive industry the race is a testing ground for improved automobile designs. Four-wheel brakes, high compression engines and many other features were tested and developed in these yearly competitions.

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6

Memorial Library, Notre Dame

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Notre Dame du Lac

 

From the 16-page booklet:

This famed Roman Catholic University at South Bend began as one small log building in 1842. Today it has five colleges on a 1,700-acre campus. The new Memorial Library (1963) was the gift of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Phalin of Chicago. The great mural, “The Word of Life,” on the 13-story building depicts Christ and those in every era who have prepared men’s minds to receive truth and knowledge. Artist Millard Sheets received an honorary degree for this monumental work which uses 81 different stones and materials in 171 finishes. The largest of its panels weighs 3,218 lbs. and is over 5 ft. by 10 ft. in size.

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