Dr. Bruce Smith
Dr. Bruce Smith ([url="https://inkwellhearthandplow.blogspot.com/"]Inkwell, Hearth and Plow[/url]) is a retired professor of history and a lifelong observer of politics and world events. He holds degrees from Indiana University and the University of Notre Dame. In addition to writing, he works as a caretaker and handyman. His non-fiction book The War Comes to Plum Street, about daily life in the 1930s and during World War II, may be ordered from [url="http://www.iupress.indiana.edu/product_info.php?products_id=93188"]Indiana University Press[/url].
Most Recent Articles by Dr. Bruce Smith:
Luck Is Where You Find It
June 29, 2026
Survival in Tough Times:
Survival in Tough Times: If John Adams and thomas Jefferson drove past that farm, I think they both might smile, then look at me and say, “Now there’s something you don’t see every day!”
May 2026 Reminds Me Of July 1945
June 17, 2026
Survival in Tough Times: Fanatical hatred born of zealotry takes a powerful grip on some people. Time will tell just how powerful that grip will be, and how resolute the forces of the good will remain in the face of it all;
A Gift of Fruit
June 16, 2026
Survival in Tough Times: And now, more than 60 years after my grandmother showed me how, I take special care when making an apple pie to slice the apples as thin as possible, and to be grateful for friends with orchards, and for their gift of fruit;
Reminds me of 1886 The Haymarket Riot
May 3, 2026
Survival in Tough Times: Take note of those who in 1886 or even today want the power to define fairness for themselves only;
Reminds Me Of The Congress of Vienna 1815
March 9, 2026
The Board of Peace and a Regional Reset;
Spring Is Trying Hard To Arrive Early
March 7, 2026
Survival in Tough Times: Are the snowbirds still here? Soon even they will abandon their winter quarters for the journey to the True North Strong and Free. We wish them a prosperous and successful summer north of the 49th Parallel;
Small Town Comforts
February 13, 2026
Babbs Supermarket, Spencer Indiana: It’s my all-time favorite small town supermarket and home for small town comfort;
The Southern Plains November 2025
February 8, 2026
Survival in Tough Times: Nostalgic journey for me everytime
Reminds Me Of 1959
January 16, 2026
Survival in Tough Times: Comrades! Buckle up for the glorious socialist future, and cue The Internationale!
Captivated By Art, Illustrated With Music
December 13, 2025
Survival in Tough Times
All Of Our Days
November 8, 2025
Walter Huston - September Song (1945)
Week of Change
October 21, 2025
Survival in Tough Times: October delights in so many ways. This week there was change in the air;
October in Gold
October 19, 2025
Survival in Tough Times: On many of these days I have gone back in my memory to sit on the firm seat on a yellow school bus on a golden October day, and always by the window, partway back;
Give Us This Day Our Peaceful Morning
October 7, 2025
Survival in Tough Times: It’s good to start the day with a peaceful morning cup and a quick march around a quiet little burg in the Heartland;
The Smitty Plan For Easy and Abundant Points
September 12, 2025
My wish for you, dear reader, in this golden autumn is that love will grow for you, too;
Suddenly Old
September 8, 2025
Survival in Tough Times: I may be an official Old Guy, but I can still get a job about anywhere, I can make change, and I know things;
Give Us This Day That Comforting Industrial Hum
August 19, 2025
Survival in Tough Times: When the power goes out we may urgently murmur ‘restore to us this day that comforting industrial hum.’
A Trickster For Our Time
August 11, 2025
He’s our alter ego, our connected big-city friend, our defender. He’s our trickster, our Bugs Bunny
Report From the Heartland Part II
Eighteen Hours of Greyhound Travel Across the Heartland
August 1, 2025
Report From the Heartland June 2025 Part I
It Is Too Early To Tell
June 7, 2025
We must wait and work and keep on fighting. Even if we win a total victory one day our resolve must only be renewed. Our country, our rich culture, and the values of Western Civilization are at stake, and they are worth whatever it takes to win
The Dismal Digital Future
May 29, 2025
Survival in Tough Times
Survival in Tough Times: Crosley made radios, refrigerators, automobiles that average people could afford
Impressionist April
April 23, 2025
Summer is still two months away, but the green and growing things know that they must get ready for the quickening days ahead
The Greatest Generation Fed Us Well
March 31, 2025
Survival in Tough Times: Among many other things, those 1950s suppers with the family are worth remembering
Harbinger Days
March 18, 2025
Spring is coming. My confidence grows because the chorus frogs and the peepers say so, and they always know.
Screen a Classic Film With Kids or Grandkids
March 5, 2025
Survival in Tough Times: Climb into your comfy chair, pop the popcorn, and settle back for some great memories
Reminds me of ‘82 and ‘83
February 27, 2025
Survival in Tough Times: The chorus of opposition and blame against Trump will continue and increase in volume and in ferocity
DOGE Is Only Doing What Congress Was Supposed To Do All Along
February 19, 2025
Survival in Tough Times: Those who pushed another CR and cried that reform was not worth shutting down the federal government for even an hour--Blame them--Blame them all from both sides of the House