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Life could be risky in the small towns in Southern Indiana where I grew up in the 1960's, but going back in time, based on the old newspaper articles, things weren't much safer in the old days. From shooting at hats to teaching butchers how to kill cattle, there were lots of unusual ways folks met their demise back in the days.

Stolen turkeys, lost turkeys, greased pigs and a recipe for head cheese.

More stories of narrow escapes from an unpleasant demise, with some helpful hints for how to tell if someone isn't quite dead.

Modesty was our watchword in Southern Indiana back in the day, so the idea of public nudity made us want to run away. Here are a few stories from the old papers about the days when scanty attire struck fear in the hearts of shy Hoosiers.

Back in the day, the word “lovemaking” had a softer, gentler meaning, which made for some interesting headlines that might raise a few eyebrows in the modern era, but which fit right in to the general shyness of Hoosiers about matters of affection. Also, a few items about the dangers of kicking dogs and the persistence of outhouses on Main Street in Mitchell Indiana.

Well, over time the view about what was considered indecent behavior has changed. In olden times it might have been playing in the orchestra for a saucy production, spitting in the French Lick post office, or wearing too many clothes.

News items from the past about cats and dogs, fingers and toes, and good and bad luck.

Whether it’s an irritable hog, an unjustly imprisoned monkey, or an angry mother, join us for stories of bigger things that bite, and yet another news item about someone with extra toes.

A hodgepodge of special treats including strange animals and their poop, Christmas traditions in Colombia, and Crimes and Misdemeanors in Mitchell Indiana.

We had our own state-sanctioned vigilantes in Mitchell 100 years ago, keeping the roads safe from thieves and lovers, in their endless fight against crime and prurience. Also, a recitation of the the theme song from the cartoon show Underdog, my favorite vigilante when I was a kid.

Highlights from Festival Week in Mitchell Indiana, including the crowning of the Persimmon Queen, the Incredible Shrinking High School Marching Band, and my 50th High School Reunion, are all on deck for this special episode from my home town.

Folks’ favorite vacation activity when I grew up in Mitchell Indiana in the Sixties was staying home. And why not? Here is a comparison of the relative attractions of Mitchell Indiana and Key West Florida.

Back in the day, one of the calls of alarm from parents and educators had to do with the rash of teenagers “going steady”. According to some, the antidote to such activity was to encourage teenage girls to stay home with Mother and listen to old records. Even worse, the prevalence of “petting parties” drew suggestions of armed responses. As always, the local townsfolk were ever vigilant to make sure that nobody had any fun.

Folks were forever reporting someone else’s child to the police as incorrigible back in the day, to no apparent good end, but consternation being the mother of invention, the advent of the automatic spanking machine offered hope for incorrigibility sufferers. Finally, an amusing anecdote about a missing leg.

Marijuana grew wild all throughout the state, but it wasn’t much to write home about. This is a cautionary tale about making sure you have a working air vent if your bedroom is above the living room and your roommate is up late and committed to spending hours smoking Indiana marijuana in order to generate an appetite for fast food.