Article Archives: Bumps in the Night

In Search of Ann Rutledge: Lincoln’s lost love

March 23, 2023 | by Al Hunter

On March 1 I visited Springfield Illinois while working on an ongoing book project. My wife Rhonda wanted me out of the house for a couple of days for heavy spring cleaning. So I took advantage of an opportunity to visit some of the places I had long wished to … Read More

Collectible Cookie Jars

March 16, 2023 | by Linda Hamer Kennett

This column first appeared in January 2011. In the late 1700s the British needed a way to keep their tasty morsels fresh, so they invented the biscuit jar. It took about 125 years for this idea make its way across the Atlantic to America, but when it did it was … Read More

San Francisco Memories

March 16, 2023 | by Al Hunter

This column first appeared in May 2011. Al is currently on a research trip. Anyone familiar with my columns knows that I have a love for historical objects. In my travels to antique shops, malls and shows I often run across amazing things. Some I purchase, some I simply gaze … Read More

The Black Day of the General Assembly

March 9, 2023 | by Al Hunter

This column first appeared in April 2011. Al is on a research trip. During the 1880s, Indiana industry began to grow rapidly due to the Indiana Natural Gas Boom and the ensuing creation of many new labor unions and a return to Democratic control of the General Assembly. One of … Read More

The Ghost of Mae West, Part 4

March 2, 2023 | by Al Hunter

This column first appeared in June 2012. Al is on vacation. Hopefully, by now, you’ve learned everything you ever wanted to know about Mae West. My own personal interest in Ms. West began about fifteen years ago at, of all places, the Louisville flea market. As you may have gathered … Read More