Saturday, July 16, 2011

Helen and Janet Hunt--1961


The Hunt family have lived in Irvington for over seventy years. Helen Hunt, seen this photo, is 94 years old (in 2011) and can recall many stories about the neighborhood. Born in Tipton County, Indiana, she spent her childhood on the Weaver farm near Hobbs. She eventually married Leroy Hunt in 1939 and they moved to Indianapolis where he became a pharmacist. The newlyweds rented a couple of homes on the east side of Indianapolis and lived briefly in Rockford, Illinois. In the early 1940s, they purchased their dream bungalow at 341 South Audubon Road in Irvington.

Mr. and Mrs. Hunt raised their two children, Michael and Janet, in the house. Mrs. Hunt stayed at home with the children while Mr. Hunt worked at Lagg's Pharmacy at State and Southeastern Avenues. Mrs. Hunt fondly recalled shopping at Regal's Grocery in the 200 block of South Audubon and Danner's Five and Dime on East Washington Street. She also frequented Vonnegut Hardware and the Chaille Shoe Store both on Washington Street. Besides being a Girl Scout leader, Mrs. Hunt was known as an excellent cook. She baked a cake every weekend and always had a full cookie jar. Her favorite activity was to go "neighboring." She loved to visit with people and her memories are filled with Irvington families who departed long ago. Her stories and her photos will be frequently presented on this blog. She is an Irvington treasure. I am especially indebted to her daughter Janet Hunt Wilzbacher, who made it possible for me to not only interview Mrs. Hunt, but also to collect some of her photos of Irvington.

The image featured today is of Mrs. Helen Hunt and her daughter Janet Hunt in 1961. They are standing in the front yard of their bungalow at 341 S. Audubon Road. Across the street you can see the small bungalow at 340 as well as 338, 326, and even 320 South Audubon Road. This photo completely captures the love between a mother and a daughter that is still strong fifty years after the picture was taken. This image is courtesy of Helen Hunt.

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