George Ade

George Ade, born on February ninth, eighteen sixty-six, was a prominent American writer and humorist who made a significant impact on literature at the turn of the twentieth century. He gained national recognition through his column, 'Stories of the Streets and of the Town,' which vividly depicted daily life in Chicago using street language and slang. His unique style, characterized by the use of vernacular speech and playful capitalization, resonated with readers and established him as a leading voice in American humor.

Ade's fables in slang not only brought him wealth and fame but also earned him the affectionate title of the 'Aesop of Indiana.' His early works, including 'Artie' (eighteen ninety-six), 'Pink Marsh' (eighteen ninety-seven), and 'Fables in Slang' (nineteen hundred), showcased his talent for storytelling. In addition to his literary contributions, he ventured into theater, with his first Broadway production being the operetta 'The Sultan of Sulu' in nineteen hundred one. By nineteen hundred four, he had multiple plays, including 'The County Chairman' and 'The College Widow,' running simultaneously on Broadway.

Throughout the early twentieth century, Ade was instrumental in fostering a Golden Age of literature in Indiana, alongside notable contemporaries such as Booth Tarkington and James Whitcomb Riley. A graduate of Purdue University, he began his career as a newspaper reporter in Lafayette, Indiana, before moving to Chicago to work for the Chicago Daily News. Beyond writing, Ade enjoyed traveling, golf, and hosting gatherings at his estate, Hazelden, near Brook, Indiana.

In addition to his literary pursuits, Ade was actively involved in academia and philanthropy. He served on Purdue University's board of trustees from nineteen oh nine to nineteen sixteen and was a dedicated member of the Purdue Alumni Association. His contributions to the university included funding for the construction of the Memorial Gymnasium and the Memorial Union Building, as well as land and financial support for the Ross–Ade Stadium, which was named in their honor in nineteen twenty-four.