Lester M. Hunt

(Nov. 21, 1894-June 14, 1962). Former political editor and writer for the Indianapolis Star, Lester M. Hunt was born in Minneapolis and educated in New York City. He had a colorful career spanning 48 years in newspapers in several states. Among fellow journalists, he was known as a “newspaperman’s newspaperman,” someone who could cover any kind of story with skill and thoroughness.

Hunt began his career with the Daily Chautauquan in New York, then worked for papers on the east and west coasts. He spent 20 years in the state of Washington covering top stories and writing exposes on local crime and corruption.

In 1941, he moved to Indianapolis and became editor of the Teamsters’ magazine. Eugene C. Pulliam hired him in 1948 at the Indianapolis Star, where he worked as a chief political writer until his death. Hunt attracted national attention in the early 1950s in a series of articles campaigning against the secrecy of welfare records. This series (the accuracy of which was challenged) prompted passage of the Hughes Anti-Secrecy Act, which opened state and local documents to the public. He also wrote about highway scandals in the administration of Governor George Craig and election frauds in Lake County.

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