Article Archives: Bumps in the Night

The Death of Private Robert Gay, Part 2

August 17, 2023 | by Al Hunter

This column first appeared in April 2013. The last moments of Private Robert Gay, as taken from the official military court martial document known as “General Orders No. 23,” were documented as follows. His dying speech was uttered without any tremulousness of tone… His voice was clear and distinct, his … Read More

The Death of Private Robert Gay, Part 1

August 10, 2023 | by Al Hunter

This column first appeared in April 2013. Camp Morton — a name familiar to every Indianapolis Civil War buff and historian. If the name doesn’t ring a bell, allow me to enlighten you. Camp Morton began life as an Indianapolis Civil War training camp for soldiers preparing to march off … Read More

Chicago Cubs: The Curse of Billy Goat Sianis

August 3, 2023 | by Al Hunter

This column first appeared in May 2013. On April 10, 2013, a box arrived at the friendly confines addressed to the club’s owner Thomas S. Ricketts. Ricketts has been making noise recently with threats to move the team out of Wrigley Field unless the ballpark is updated and a newer … Read More

Waymarking in Indiana, Part 2

July 27, 2023 | by Al Hunter

This column first appeared in April 2012. But who was the real Garret Harsin? According to his Revolutionary War pension papers, Garret Harsin was born in New York City on June 15, 1753, (although the Brandywine tombstone lists January 4, 1750 as the birth date). According to the 1790 Federal … Read More

Waymarking in Indiana, Part 1

July 20, 2023 | by Al Hunter

This column first appeared in March 2012. A while back, I was introduced to the “sport” of geocaching by Irvingtonians Keith and Rachel Gough. A pair of loyal readers, brothers Gary and Tim Poynter, contacted me afterwards and unwittingly peaked my interest in another “sport” that is a direct offshoot … Read More