Earl L. Conn, one of the Ball State profs who brought respectability to teaching journalism in east central Indiana, loved the Hoosier state.
A Marion, Ind., high school grad, he worked in Richmond and Muncie, gaining an honest appreciation for everything ‘Indiana.’ He rose to the spot of dean emeritus at Ball State’s College of Communications. He died in September at the age of 82.
But his “My Indiana: 101 More Places to See” has just been released as an enjoyable addendum to his earlier “101 Places to See,” published by the Indiana Historical Society Press in 2006.
Conn had a passion for the future of journalism and would often write reflectively, particularly if he pondered the Civil Rights era.
But here, he steps back from sentimentality and meditation. “101 More” is a functional tour book that reminds us there is more down the vacation road than an amusement park.
He calls each piece an “essay,” though they had been published as travel columns since 1998. There is no room for interpretative travel pieces here. Each is accompanied by three or more point-and-shoot film camera photos taken by Conn.
Even he admits that some trips were rushed, composed after a quick stop or limited travel time. For example, he traversed the 297-mile Ohio River Scenic Byway in one day.
Locally, he includes Madison County sites that clearly are not destination stops for tourists.
The first, listed as “Indiana’s Smallest Towns,” include the three incorporated towns of River Forest, Woodlawn Heights and Country Club Heights — all surrounded by Anderson. Conn writes, “Indeed, I’m sure the residents aren’t looking for visitors. But if you’re in the area, and you want to see for yourself, well —.”
The second local venue directs travelers to the Elwood Public Library to read up on Wendell L. Willkie who gave his acceptance speech as Republican presidential candidate in Elwood in 1940. A historical marker designates the site where 250,000 gathered to hear Willkie.
In a piece such as Willkie’s, Conn shows he may be best at relaying Indiana history and good ole’ journalistic backgrounding. Conn was an Abraham Lincoln buff and could even find a link in Portland. As he writes about the Jay County Historical Museum, he seems most taken by a Lincoln photograph donated to the museum in 1919.
Combined, the essays reflect Conn as the every-Hoosier. He took the time to explore every slice of Indiana — from the state’s highest point (Bethel) to an inaccessible underground river (Orangeville). He truly enjoyed the journey and respected the state.
And, when all is read and done, you’ll mark a few pages and head out on a day’s trip where you’ll understand Conn’s admiration for the Hoosier state.
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Late BSU prof Conn offers 'More Places to See'
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