Stepping back in time is something a person can hardly replicate easily without a movie crew, but I had the privilege of riding a time machine back 60 years this past weekend in the little town of Milan, Indiana.
I am sure most of you have watched the movie Hoosiers, starring Gene Hackman and Dennis Hopper, as the tiny town of Hickory turned into the center of the basketball world as the Huskers won the 1954 Indiana State Championship over South Bend Central. The movie was based on the actual title run of the Milan Indians that culminated with a championship game win over Muncie Central as they became the smallest school to ever win the championship.
The Milan ’54 Hoosiers museum, located on 201 W. Carr Street in Milan, is the aforementioned time machine that will take you into the heart of the movie Hoosiers and the real story of one of the greatest sports stories in basketball history.
Looking at all the uniforms from the movie, to the actual players’ lockers of memorabilia, and even the actual hospital bed Shooter jumped up and down on after Jimmy Chitwood’s game winner, the Milan ’54 Hoosiers museum is an experience you won’t soon forget.
You will learn how much the movie is like the actual story and how Bobby Plump (Jimmy Chitwood) hit the same last second shot to beat Kentucky in the 1954 Kentucky/Indiana All Star game.
Check out some of the photos from the museum and the old water tower that still stands representing what the town of Milan will forever be known.
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This is the 60th anniversary of Milan’s historic ride and the Milan ’54 Hoosiers Museum is hosting a celebration for the Indians on June 21, 2014.
Here is the schedule for the festivities:
1pm: Parade from Milan H.S. to Museum
1:30-2:30: Autograph Session at Milan Town Hall ($15 admission)
2:30-4:30: Free Dance (Carr St.)– The American Kings
5:00-7:00: Anniversary Dinner with 1954 Team ($54/person, reservations 888-747-5394)
All profits benefit Milan ’54 Hoosiers Museum.
For more information visit the Milan54 Museum website by clicking here.
Like their facebook page by clicking here.
If you would like to ride the basketball time machine, to a place in Indiana where they actually celebrate championships, check out the little town of Milan, Indiana.
It was a trip I won’t soon forget.
