in 1912, the governor of indiana instituted riley day on the poet's birthday. schools were required to teach riley's poems to their pupils, and banquet events were held in his honor around the state. in 1915 and 1916 the celebration was national after being proclaimed in most states. the annual celebration continued in indiana until 1968. in early 1916 riley was filmed as part of a movie to celebrate indiana's centennial, the video is on display at the indiana state library.