Al Hunter’s Story Archive

“What we have here is a failure to communicate.”

September 15, 2022 | by Al Hunter

This column first appeared in August 2009. Al is completing a major project. One of the most recognizable character actors of all time, Strother Martin (Jr.) was born in Kokomo, Indiana on March 26, 1919. Strother was the youngest of three children born to father Strother Douglas Martin, a machinist, … Read More

The First Bike Shop in Indianapolis

September 8, 2022 | by Al Hunter

This story first appeared in July 2009. Although the first documented appearance of a bicycle can be traced to a demonstration of the high-wheeled bike called the “Ordinary” in 1869, these old fashioned contraptions would be almost unrecognizable to the riders of today. With their huge front tires and seats … Read More

It was 20 years ago today: The Beatles in Indy

September 1, 2022 | by Al Hunter

This column first appeared in the Sept. 4 2009 issue. “It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They’ve been going in and out of style. But they’re guaranteed to raise a smile. So may I introduce to you, the act you’ve known for all … Read More

Bill Justice brought characters to life

August 25, 2022 | by Al Hunter

This column originally appeared in May 2009. Al is finishing a major project. Walt Disney animator and engineer William “Bill” Justice was born on Feb. 9, 1914, in Dayton, Ohio but grew up in Greenfield, Ind. His family moved to Indianapolis and after Bill graduated from Arsenal Technical High School … Read More

Ebbets Field — 100 Years Ago

August 18, 2022 | by Al Hunter

This column originally appeared in April 2013. Al is finishing writing a book. I’m an anniversary guy. Nothing gets me to daydreaming faster than when I find out that something important happened on this date however many years ago. This month, we passed another anniversary that I really didn’t hear … Read More