8 Rare Photos Taken In Indiana During The Old Days That Will Simply Astound You

I think we can all agree that the Hoosier State is quite a fascinating place to live – it’s most certainly not the “flyover” state that many folks from the coast tend to dismiss it as. Life in Indiana is a truly underrated thing, we think, and one of our favorite things to do is check out old photos of Indiana throughout its rich history. There are so many great vintage Indiana photos that we had trouble narrowing it down to just a few. Check out these wonderful old-fashioned photos of Indiana that will remind you of just how different things used to be in the past… or maybe how similar they still are today!

Steve Shook/Steven R. Shook Collection/Flickr

This astounding shot was taken in Valparaiso, Indiana after a major snowstorm in 1912. The blizzard unleashed amazing amounts of snow all over the Hoosier State. Here, you can see what was once known as the Central House Hotel and was later called the Hotel Lafayette. Valparaiso's Central Park Plaza is now located in this area today, and it's a popular spot for festivals and live concerts.

Steve Shook/Steven R. Shook Collection/Flickr

Railroad collisions could be quite disastrous! This accident involved two trains traveling on the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad - it was most commonly shortened to "the Panhandle Railroad." The trains collided, head-on, at 6:15 a.m. on October 18, 1903. The incident occurred just outside of Hebron, Indiana, and claimed the lives of two confirmed victims. It is said that two additional people may have died during the havoc when the derailed trains caused nearby chaos.

Advertisement

Steve Shook/Steven R. Shook Collection/Flickr

This old photo of Indiana appeared on a postcard mailed in 1916. The text inscribed on the back reads as follows:

Dear Mrs. Howard & Family:

We have had some cold weather here. I think you will agree with me by looking at this card. Will write soon. We are all well and hope you are the same.

Yours truly, W.A.J.

We're definitely inclined to agree, old friend. Definitely inclined to agree. Certainly looks quite frigid out!

Advertisement

Steve Shook/Steven R. Shook Collection/Flickr

I just love how cheerful this shot looks! This delightful photo captures a moment of fun between three beachgoers at Waverly Beach in Chesterton. The photo was taken around 1930. It's intriguing to see just how much beachwear fashion has changed. You can see the Devil's Slide Dune in the background - it's still present today, though it has evolved just a bit over the years.

Related Stories

We Bet You Didn't Know That Indiana Is Home To One Of The Oldest Publications In America

Few People Know About The Missing Robbery Loot Hiding Somewhere Near State Route 31A In Indiana

Once Abandoned And Left To Decay, Central State Hospital In Indiana Has Been (Mostly) Restored To Its Former Glory

Steve Shook/Steven R. Shook Collection/Flickr

A storm that was born in Illinois gave birth to a powerful tornado on a May afternoon in 1917. The tornado traveled more than 110 miles on the ground over the course of two hours and 46 minutes. The same storm reportedly dropped gigantic, softball-sized hail over parts of Illinois and Indiana. The Fujita Scale had not been invented yet, but it's thought that this tornado would have likely been rated an F4, or possibly even an F5. The storm that produced the tornado created several other tornadoes that killed and injured more than 200 people in several nearby states.

Steve Shook/Steven R. Shook Collection/Flickr

Sand sculptures are, of course, still a thing even to this day, so it's kind of cool to see one from way back when. The one featured in this old-fashioned photo of Indiana was crafted by an unknown (but clearly highly skilled) artist on Michigan City Beach.

Steve Shook/Steven R. Shook Collection/Flickr

Sometimes, photography is the only way we have to travel back in time. This shot is a great example of that, because this building is no longer standing. At the time this photo was taken, in 1913, this was the Ford Motor Agency Building. In a few years, it would be sold and renamed Stout's Garage.

Steve Shook/Steven R. Shook Collection/Flickr

Following heavy rains, a washout on the B&O Railroad claimed the life of one man and injured several others in this terrible accident. An express train made up of six cars tumbled down a steep 20-foot embankment, pinning the engineer underneath it. To this day, this remains one of the worst railway disasters in Indiana history.

Fans of old photos of Indiana will want to check out this fun 1950s drive through Fort Wayne, Indiana posted to YouTube by user G Cast:

Do these old-fashioned photos of Indiana intrigue you as much as they intrigue us? We love these windows into the past – however small they may be – and we enjoy the insight they offer us.

Want to show off your Hoosier pride inside your home? Check out this cool retro art print! I love how old-fashioned it looks.

For more interesting places in IN you ought to look into, check out the 12 most beautiful places in Indiana.