Hoosier Daddy?

Mike Royko, my favorite writer, often wrote about the state God created as an afterthought after the other 49. In one particular column he weighed in on the origin of the nickname "Hoosier." Some attribute it to the accent of the first settlers in the territory, namely hillbillies from Kentucky. They had a tendency to answer the door of their homes by saying "who's here?"

Another story that I choose to believe also relates back to the early days before statehood. Some of these same hillbillies would roam the state, coming upon individual homesteads occasionally. They were known as "hoojin," and the mere mention of the name was a signal to lock up your wife and kids for fear of the havoc these inbreds might inflict on a family.

Royko explained why Indiana was the worst state in the country. It has two big cities, Gary and Indianapolis. In one you die by gun shots, the other of boredom, hence the nickname "Naptown." The Hoosierdome, since renamed, was billed by their mayor when it opened as the sign of progress and great things. Royko, a lifelong Chicagoan, refused to see indoor football in such a way. Apparently the city agrees as the new stadium will have a retractable roof.

I'll end with a story of Royko visiting the state upon the invitation of a friend who sought to change his mind. He went along for the ride and ultimately was amazed by the beautiful scenery, rolling hills, and lush green landscape. His mind changed, he apologized to his friend for all of the Indiana-bashing, only to notice a road sign as they exited the state: "Thanks for Visiting Iowa."

ON WISCONSIN!