Evaleen Stein, Indiana’s Rediscovered Literary Light

This is a video of my paper presentation about author, poet, and artist Evaleen Stein (1863-1923) to The Parlor Club in February 2022. The Parlor Club is a Greater Lafayette, Indiana, scholarly group founded in 1877 with members from the Purdue University sphere and the community. As a member, Evaleen was designated as the group’s Poet Laureate. Evaleen Stein was a writer, with many works inspired by nature, during the golden age of Indiana literature (1880-1920).

This paper presentation was the first step in my year-long journey of bringing Evaleen out of the shadows of history. I submitted my paper to Traces of Indiana and Midwestern History magazine published by the Indiana Historical Society, and it was featured in the summer 2022 issue.

Then, I used my research and new-found knowledge about Evaleen, and applied for an Indiana State Historical marker to be placed at her former home in honor of her contributions to the state’s literary and artistic landscape and my application was approved. Evaleen’s home happens to be across the street from my home.

I then led a fundraising effort, and several present Parlor Club members and citizens of the community contributed to the cost of the marker.  A plaque presentation will  take place in 2023 or 2024, 100 years after Evaleen’s death. Today, Evaleen’s poems are still read by school children, and many of her works have been set to music. Search for Evaleen Stein on YouTube and see what you find.

Please sit back and watch my presentation on Evaleen Stein, a literary talent, a watercolorist, and a lover of flora and fauna. My sister-writer from 100 years before my time.