Article Archives: Bumps in the Night

The search for Pukwudgies

November 20, 2025 | by Al Hunter

This article first appeared in September 2009 A couple dozen members of Irvington’s “Ichabod Crane Society of Things that Go Bump in the Night” met at Mounds State Park in Anderson, Indiana to search for the mythical “Pukwudgies” that have reportedly roamed the forests and river banks of central Indiana … Read More

“The Marble Heart”

November 13, 2025 | by Al Hunter

One hundred and sixty two years ago, an ominous event took place that must surely ranks among the most unusual portentous footnotes in all of American history. On November 9, 1863, just nine days before he boarded a train bound for Gettysburg enroute to deliver the most famous speech in … Read More

I tink dat I shall nevah see a ting as be-u-de-full as dis tree

November 6, 2025 | by Al Hunter

In May of 1932, 33-year-old Chicago gangster Al Capone was sent to Atlanta Penitentiary following his conviction for tax evasion. Upon his arrival at Atlanta, Capone was officially diagnosed with syphilis and gonorrhea. He arrived while suffering severe withdrawal symptoms from his cocaine addiction and dealing with the drug’s aftermath: … Read More

The Ghosts of Irvington and Why They Matter

October 30, 2025 | by Al Hunter

This column first appeared in October 2014. Al is recuperating from this year’s Ghost Tours. It’s that time of year again in the Irv: Halloween season. Houses are sprouting spider webs and ghost circles, windows of businesses are being prepped for seasonal artwork, children (and some adults) are carefully planning … Read More

The Old Indiana Women’s Prison Needs Your Input

October 23, 2025 | by Al Hunter

Last Monday, I traveled a couple of blocks west from Irvington to the old Indiana Women’s Prison at Randolph and New York for a meeting with Joey Newsom and a tour of the old prison complex. Newsom serves as board president of the Willard Park Neighborhood Association on the eastside … Read More