IRVINGTON — There have been dozens of books written about D.C. Stephenson and the Klan in Indiana. In most of these books, Madge Oberholtzer is discussed as merely the victim of a horrendous crime, and is just a grisly side detail of Stephenson’s downfall, which ultimately lead to the downfall of the Klan in the state.
In the new book, Madge: The life and times of Madge Oberholtzer, the young Irvington woman who brought down D. C. Stephenson and the Ku Klux Klan, takes center stage. Irvington author Charlotte Halsema Ottinger spent nearly a decade researching and uncovering the extraordinary life of Madge, and shares never before, or rarely seen, photographs in the new book.
Madge Oberholtzer’s life (1896-1925) was spent mainly in Irvington. It was there that she went to school (IPS #57) as a little girl, and at Butler College as a young lady (Butler was originally in Irvington). By all accounts, Madge was a lively girl who loved art and studied hard at Butler until her junior year. When money got tight for her family, Madge took time off from college and got a job that ultimately lead to a position of trust and authority in the statehouse. After the election, she helped set up the inaugural dinner for the new governor, where she met D.C. Stephenson, a fellow Irvingtonian and the Grand Dragon of the KKK. The new power broker in state politics, Stephenson became obsessed with Madge, leading him to kidnap and assault her, leading to her death.
Much has been written about Madge’s death, and her deathbed testimony, that brought an end to the power of Stephenson and the KKK in Indiana, but little has been written about her life. The Irvington Historical Society is pleased to publish Madge: The life and times of Madge Oberholtzer, a book that focuses attention on the bright young woman who was a victim of a terrible crime. Until November 15, the Bona Center is also featuring an exhibit based upon the book and displaying many original artifacts associated with her story. The exhibit is sponsored by Deb Kent’s Team at the Gallery of Homes. The Bona Thompson Center is open most Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 p.m. The Bona is located at 5350 University Ave.
There will be a public reception and book launch on Friday, Oct. 1 from 6-8 p.m. at the Bona Thompson Center, 5350 University Ave. Come in, tour the exhibit and pick up a copy of this new and exciting book. Copies will be available for purchase starting at the reception, or during the regular open hours of the Bona Thompson Center. Books will also be available for purchase on the Web at www.irvingtonhistorical.info or on Amazon.com.