Article Archives: Bumps in the Night

General Ulysses S. Grant earned his stripes here!

June 4, 2020 | by Al Hunter

This column first appeared in July, 2009. So you think you’re a Civil War buff? Well, so did I. I’ve read, researched and written about the American Civil War most of my life. Yet, I recently discovered an interesting little factoid from my beloved home state and city of my … Read More

Daytona Beach, Henry Ford, John Dillinger and Bonnie & Clyde, Part 2

May 21, 2020 | by Al Hunter

As discussed in Part 1 of this series, Henry Ford had early connections to auto racing’s two biggest cities: Indianapolis and Daytona. And despite his straight-laced appearance, Boy Scout demeanor and pious reputation, he also had connections to some of the biggest names in the history of crime. Those connections … Read More

Daytona Beach, Henry Ford, John Dillinger and Bonnie & Clyde

May 14, 2020 | by Al Hunter

Like all Americans, COVID-19 is affecting my life and adjusting my normal routine. For more than a quarter century, the Hunter family has ventured down to Daytona Beach, Florida every spring  for an annual getaway. Well, that vacay was cancelled this year. The seriousness of this pandemic far outweighs a … Read More

The Red Stripe Iron Lung Legend

May 7, 2020 | by Al Hunter

Last month the General Motors Kokomo plant began mass production of the Ventec Life Systems V+Pro critical care ventilator under contract to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The announcement stirred up memories of World War II plant production in places like Indianapolis, Anderson, Marion, Muncie, Fort Wayne … Read More

Where Have You Gone, Mr. Bendo? A Nation Turns Its Lonely Eyes to You

April 30, 2020 | by Al Hunter

This article first appeared in the July 1, 2011 issue. Some of the roadside attractions mentioned here may, or may not, still be standing. To many Hoosiers, summertime conjures up images of cozy family car trips spent searching for the odd and unusual sites that allow us all to forget … Read More