IU History
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Why is the IU School of Medicine Located in Indianapolis?
The IU School of Medicine has been a very influential part of Indiana University and the state of Indiana for over a century. Just on its own terms, it is…
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Hidden IU: The Creation of Spring Mill State Park
What do 181 acres near Mitchell, Ind., a Scottish immigrant, caves with blind fish, lawsuits (lots of them), and Indiana University have in common? They are all parts of a…
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Cut from the Same Cloth
If the return of acid-wash jeans tells us anything, it’s that there’s no such thing as a truly worn-out style. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for garments. When it…
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The Green Feather Movement
Once upon a time, not so very long ago, Robin Hood and his merry band roamed Indiana University’s Bloomington campus. It was the 1950s and Senator Joseph McCarthy had unleashed…
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Bridging the Visibility Gap
It all started with two names: Lulu Westenhaver (sometimes spelled as Lula Westenhauer) and Esther Bray. These names were the only mention of a female presence in the early days…
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University Lake: IU’s Silent Partner Since 1911
At its inception in 1820, Indiana University (then the Indiana State Seminary) was located at the modern intersection of Second Street and College Avenue. The site was home to a…
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Myths of IU: Bloomington’s Sinking Library
The main library (rededicated as the Herman B Wells Library in 2005) was dedicated in October of 1970, and almost since the building’s construction was announced, rumors questioning its ability…
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‘Know and Appreciate and Forever Be Humbly Grateful’
On Memorial Day, we honor the men and women of the armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Through his wartime columns, Ernie Pyle, IU’s…
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A Big Bang: The IU Chemistry Demonstration Gone Awry
On the evening of April 24, 1957, in the auditorium of the chemistry building, Assistant Professor Charles Rohrer prepared the final demonstration for the Southern Indiana section of the American…
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Hidden IU: Reverend William M. Daily
Popular Methodist minister William “Bill” Daily, BA 1836, served as Indiana University’s third president from 1853-59. His election was marked by political maneuvering and his resignation was due to ecclesiastical scandal.…
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Reds Among the Cream and Crimson
When angry letters from Indiana citizens arrived in August 1946, IU President Herman B Wells, BS’24, MA’27, LLD’62, knew he had a problem on his hands. “Take steps to fire the Reds…
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Myths of IU: Herman B Wells, Light-Maker
Each year, current and prospective students hear the popular myth about former IU President Herman B Wells, BS’24, MA’27, LLD’62, and the IU Bloomington lamp posts. The myth goes as…