Secure loose articles, lower your lap bar, and please keep your hands and legs inside the vehicle at all times on this thrill ride episode of Unbound. With the weather getting nice Casey and Regan are diving into summertime fun. First Regan tells us about the history of Lassen’s Resort in Cedar Lake, IN. Then Casey rides the roller coaster that is the story of the first amusement parks in Indianapolis.

Worlds of Wonder, Amusement Parks in Indianapolis

Further Information:

Lassen's Hotel

Swimmers at Lassen's Resort

Lassen's Resort Ballroom

Riverside Amusement Park

"Shoot the Chutes" Waterslide at Wonderland Amusement Park in Indianapolis

White City Streetcar Line Outside White City Amusement Park

On the newest episode of Unbound, Casey and Regan are getting in touch with nature by looking at the stories of the unlikely formation of two of Indiana’s State Parks, Spring Mill State Park and Shades State Park.

George Donaldson Spring Mill's Eccentric Naturalist

Further Information:

Donaldson Cave, Spring Mill State Park, Mitchell, Indiana

Spring Mill State Park Map

Shades of Death State Park

Indian Trail Shades of Death

Elinor and Mary Canoeing at "The Shades" [Shades State Park]

What’s the password? It’s ok Casey and Regan don’t know either, but they are diving into the world of some of the secret societies that have existed in Indiana. First, Regan looking into the fraternal order, The Knights of Pythias. Then, Casey looks into the extensive history and spread the Ku Klux Klan had in Indiana in the early 20th Century.

Knights of Pythias, Eureka Lodge No. 20 Greenfield, Hancock County, Indiana, 1908-1922

Further Information:

Jack L. New Collection

Ku Klux Klan, Wayne County, Records

Check out our exhibit RESIST!

In this literary episode of Unbound, Regan and Casey are doing something they’ve never done before, have a guest host! Welcome to the podcast Jess Baloun, former preliminary editor of Unbound and now host of Unboxed a new YouTube Series from Indiana Historical Society. First, Jess tells about the life of Kurt Vonnegut from the point of view of his biographer’s wife. Then, Regan dives into the life and fame of Pulitzter winner Ernie Pyle.

The Biographer's Wife: My Life with Kurt Vonnegut

Further Information:

Kurt Vonnegut, 1940

Kurt Vonnegut Jr, with student group, Shortridge High School

Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.

Pyle Residence near Dana

Ernie Pyle with Bomber Crew

Banner for "The Story of G.I. Joe" Over Pennsylvania Street

On this Paul filled episode of Unbound, Casey and Regan explore the world of Indiana symbolism. First, Regan goes into the history of the Indiana state flag designed by Paul Hadley. Then, Casey talks about the once incredibly popular state song “On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away” by Paul Dresser.

Paul Hadley: Artist and Designer of the Indiana State Flag

Play It Again, Paul

Further Information:

Paul Hadley Biography

Autographed Photo of Paul Dresser

Cover of "On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away"

In this episode of Unbound, we are talking cold hard cash. First, Regan tells us the story of master counterfeiter Peter McCartney, who distributed forged bank notes during the Civil War. Then, Casey regales us with the story of a bank crash that occurred in 1884, which uncovered the stories of many families in Daviess County.

King of The Coney Men, Master Counterfeiter: Peter McCartney

Bank Crash: Legal Papers Gathered in Wake of Bank Failure Tell Stories of Elisha and Martha Hyatt Family and Neighbors in Daviess County, 1885-1896

Further Information:

Counterfeiter:

Indiana State Prison

Glenn's Block on Washington, Circa 1862

Federal Building, 1905

Bank Crash:

Richard Hyatt Papers

Daviess County Images

Get into the swing of this new season with two new and exciting stories, first we go back to the racetrack with Betty Cadou. The first woman ever to be allowed in the pits and garages at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Then we take you out to the ball game with the story of Cliff Robinson the official batboy for the Indianapolis Clowns.

A Woman at the Brickyard: Betty Cadou and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The Batboy: Cliff Robinson and Indiana Sports

Further Information:

Indianapolis Clown Team and Bus

Indianapolis Clown Team

Oscar Charleston

Crispus Attucks High School

We are off to the races on this season finale of Unbound! First, Casey explores the rich history of African American racers and the Colored Speedway Association. Then, Regan recounts the story of the races that took place in the air at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Balloons Over Indianapolis

Further Information:

Colored Speedway Association Officials
Sumner "Red" Oliver
Officials, Drivers, and Mechanics at the Gold and Glory Sweepstakes Race

Balloon Race, 1909
National Championship Balloon Race, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 1910
Carl G. Fisher