Special Screening of Blind Logic: The Ralph R. Teetor Story Coming to the Pickwick Theatre July 28

Chautauqua-Wawasee and the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum are partnering with Blind Logic Productions to present a special screening of Blind Logic: The Ralph R. Teetor Story on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the historic Pickwick Theatre in Syracuse.

The screening begins at 6:30 p.m., and donations collected during the event will benefit the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum.

“We are excited to partner with these esteemed community organizations and return to the historic Pickwick Theatre, sharing the life of Ralph Teetor and his Lake Wawasee history with the Syracuse-Wawasee community,” said filmmaker Jack Teetor.

Mark Knecht, President of Chautauqua-Wawasee, added, “The Ralph Teetor story tells a sliver of Lake Wawasee’s history, but more importantly, weaves in stories of many notable people from automotive history.”

Ralph Teetor’s Connection to Lake Wawasee

Ralph Teetor’s history at Lake Wawasee dates back to 1914, when he built his first speedboat. Boating quickly became a favorite pastime, and his family soon purchased a cottage on the lake, beginning a connection to the area that continues through his descendants today.

Teetor later purchased the famed racing boat Miss Detroit II, a 250-horsepower vessel built by Chris and Jay Smith, founders of the Chris-Craft Boat Company. Alongside his cousin, Dan Teetor, he piloted the boat at speeds exceeding 70 miles per hour, an astonishing feat for the era.

The Story of an Automotive Pioneer

Blind Logic: The Ralph R. Teetor Story chronicles the remarkable life of Ralph R. Teetor, a blind inventor, engineer, and automotive pioneer whose innovations transformed the automotive industry.

Despite losing his sight as a child, Teetor became one of America’s most influential automotive visionaries. His inventions, including an automatic gearshift and the technology that evolved into Cruise Control, continue to impact drivers around the world today.

For decades, Teetor pushed the boundaries of automotive safety, performance, and efficiency. As he famously stated in 1945:

“I am not handicapped because I never considered myself so.”

Featuring Leaders in Automotive History and Design

The documentary includes appearances and commentary from several notable figures, including:

• Lyn St. James, legendary race car driver and 1992 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year
• Franz von Holzhausen, Chief Designer at Tesla
• Sarah Cook, President of the Automotive Hall of Fame
• Leslie Mark Kendall, Chief Historian at the Petersen Automotive Museum

The film also features Emmy Award winners Jeff Daniels and Mike Rowe, along with Emmy-nominated actor Barry Corbin.

Written, directed, and produced by Jack Teetor, the documentary is based on the book One Man’s Vision: The Life of Automotive Pioneer Ralph R. Teetor by the late Marjorie Teetor Meyer.

Part of Chautauqua-Wawasee’s Famous Hoosier Series

This special screening is part of Chautauqua-Wawasee’s annual Famous Hoosier Series, which highlights notable individuals who have shaped Indiana and beyond. Previous programs have featured John Wooden and Eli Lilly.

Through educational programs, cultural experiences, and community engagement, Chautauqua-Wawasee continues its mission of enriching lives and strengthening the community. The Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum preserves and shares the rich history of the area’s families, lakes, businesses, and industries.

Event Information

What: Blind Logic: The Ralph R. Teetor Story
When: Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6:00 p.m.)
Where: Pickwick Theatre, Syracuse, Indiana
Cost: Donations accepted to benefit the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum