Scouts, School #82, and a Long Lost House

      Ron Huggler, who grew up at 4613 Young Avenue, participated in both Cub and Boy Scouts. Many of his friends in the neighborhood joined the same pack. They met in numerous places including at the American Legion Lodge located in the former Scot Butler home at 124 South Downey Avenue. The shots below are the first known interior images of that home which was demolished in the late 1950s. On Memorial Days, the boys marched in honor of the veterans at places like Washington Park Cemetery. They went on field trips as well. During one spring vacation from school, Cub Scout Pack #29 visited U.S. Naval Ordnance plant at Arlington Avenue and 21st. Many of the Dads who worked at the plant proudly posed for a photo with their sons. 

Cub Scout Pack #29

This photo turned out to be a remarkable find as it is the first known interior shot of the former Scot Butler home at 124 South Downey Avenue. The home later became the Irvington American Legion Post #38 before it was torn down in the 1950s. In 1949, members of Cub Scout Pack #29 gathered in the former parlor of the home for a group photograph with their "den" parents and perhaps members of the American Legion. We know some of the names of the people in the photo, but we need your help. Let us know if you recognize anyone! Front Row (l to r) Unknown Man, Possibly Mrs. Proctor, Jerry Hatcher, Unknown scout, Robert Butler, Dale May, Unknown man;  First Row on stage (l to r) Unknown man, Unknown scout, Ron Huggler, Walter Bowles, Bruce Proctor, Unknown scout, Brad Lane, Unknown scout, Unknown scout, Unknown scout, Unknown woman, Unknown woman; Top Row on stage (l to r): Unknown scout, Unknown scout, Possibly Alan Miller, Unknown scout, Unknown scout, Royce Bourne, Robert Horton (photo courtesy of Ron Huggler)

Members of Cub Scout Pack #29 performed a skit c1949 at the Irvington American Legion Post #38 at 124 South Downey Avenue (former home of Scot Butler) Scouts pictured (l to r): Unknown scout, Dale May, Robert Horton, Ron Huggler, Brad Lane, Jerry Hatcher, and Unknown Scout (photo courtesy of Ron Huggler) 

Scot Butler, the son of Ovid Butler, moved to 124 South Downey Avenue. This photo was likely snapped around 1902. The home later became the American Legion Post for Irvington. It was torn down in the late 1950s to make room for the mid-century round office structure for the Disciples of Christ. The boys in the image above were photographed in the front parlor on the first floor. (photo courtesy of the Irvington Historical Society) 

On Memorial Day 1949, members of Cub Scout Pack #29 marched in the Washington Park Cemetery to honor veterans of both World War I and World War II. (photos courtesy of Ron Huggler)

Members of a local marching band joined the cub scouts at Washington Park Cemetery in 1949 to honor veterans. (photo courtesy of Ron Huggler)

On April 11, 1949, members of Cub Scout Pack #29 toured the US Naval Ordnance plant at Arlington Avenue and 21st Street. Let us know if you recognize some of the people in this photograph. Front row (l to r): Ron Huggler, Brad Lane, Robert Lanham, Unknown scout, Robert Butler; Second row (l to r): Unknown scout, Unknown scout, Dale May, Jerry Hatcher, Unknown Scout, Alan Miller, Ronald Lisby, Unknown Scout; Third row (l to r): Bruce Proctor, Walter Bowles, Unknown Scout, Unknown Scout, Unknown Scout; Fourth row (l to r): Scoutmaster Walter Proctor, Marjorie Bourne, Unknown woman, Unknown woman, Unknown woman, Unknown woman; Top Row: Ed Harwood, John Huggler, Unknown Man, Cleo Bourne, Unknown woman, Martha Lanham, Nathan Brinson

IPS #82 (Christian Park School)

     Most children from the Christian Park Heights neighborhood attended IPS #82. They could easily walk from their homes north and south of Brookville Road. The school had a very active parent organization and even sponsored a Mother's Chorus. Helen Huggler and other Moms sang at events around the city of Indianapolis and even participated in a competition in South Bend. Throughout the 1940s, a representative from the Christian family would welcome the kids to school. Ron Huggler remembered learning about the family's history near the school's beautiful fireplace in the children's activity room. 

IPS #82 on a snowy day c1951(photo courtesy of Ron Huggler)

A classroom scene inside IPS #82 c1951 (photo courtesy of Ron Huggler)

In December of 1951 students at IPS #82 performed a Christmas pageant. The art class created the "stained glass" behind the kids. Standing (left to right): Jimmy Christian, Katherine Kollman, Ronald Nichols, Unknown, Ron Huggler; Seated (left to right); Walter Bowles, Mark Bottema, Cheenu Rassman, Judy Bechtel, Dale May (photo courtesy of Ron Huggler)

Members of the Class of 1953 from IPS #82 posed for this formal photograph. Standing (left to right): James Christian, James Simmons, Ronald Corya, Walter Hill, Charles Karr, Karl Hedges, Ronald Chappell, Jerry Hensley, Tom Barber; Seated (left to right): Bill Wheeling, Dave Stafford, Sharon Means, Judy Proctor, Janet Redman, David Probst, Ron Huggler (photo courtesy of Ron Huggler)

We do not know the occasion, but several members of the class of 1953 from IPS #82 gathered for this photograph c1953. (photo courtesy of Ron Huggler)

Judy Bechtel and Cathy Dudley posed next to the Christian Park School "float" c1952.  Behind the girls you can see 4702 Wentworth Boulevard. Drop me an e-mail if you know what this float was used for as we are still searching for that reason!  (photo courtesy of Ron Huggler)

John Pogue posed next to the Christian Park School "float" c1952 along Wentworth Boulevard. (photo courtesy of Ron Huggler)

Sources:  Ron Huggler, "The Best of Times: Random Thoughts on My Journey to Now," Unpublished memoir, 2006; Interviews with Ron Huggler, January 23, 26, February 1, 15, 20, 2023. A special thanks to Don Flick and Steve Barnett at the Irvington Historical Society. 

The Young of Young Avenue

      They gathered under a beautiful shade tree at the intersection of South Drexel and Young Avenues each race-day weekend for the unofficial Christian Park Heights bicycle race. Any kid who had a bike could participate. You might be aware that Johnnie Parsons won the Indianapolis 500 in 1950, but did you know who crossed the finish line on South Drexel in that year? The boys awaited the official start from Wayne Bruness. Then, they sped south on Drexel to Brookville Road.  They hoped that no oncoming car would slow them down. They raced east on Brookville Road and north on Bosart Avenue. In their imaginations they could hear the crowds cheering.  They skidded around the corner onto Young Avenue, a gently sloping down-hill street. And then, the moment of truth arrived. Ron Huggler, of 4613 Young Avenue, passed under the shade tree before the others. Another race was in the history books.

Bike race in May, 1950: Wayne Bruness held the flag. The racers left to right: Johnnie Robeson, Dale May, Bob Butler, and Ron Huggler. Their starting and ending line was on South Drexel Avenue under a shade tree in the yard at 4601 Young Avenue. Behind the kids you can see the houses located at 4572 and 4602 Young Avenue. (photo courtesy of Ron Huggler) 

On race day, many boys would gather at the Huggler house at 4613 Young Avenue and play a board game called "Huggin' the Rail." It was a simple game of chance whereby kids rolled the dice to move their race car along an oval track. (image courtesy of boardgeek.com) 

     If you walked down Young Avenue in the 1940s and 1950s on a beautiful day, you would hear the sounds of children. Nearly every other home along the block had a child in it. For young Ron Huggler, it was a "paradise." The newer neighborhood with its affordable housing attracted many young couples just starting out in life. Some remained in the area for years while others moved into larger homes in other neighborhoods. After World War II ended, another influx of newer families moved in as the veterans took advantage of the GI Bill to buy a home. 

     Ron Huggler recalled that on Saturday mornings he and his family shopped in Irvington. He fondly remembered patronizing the F. W. Woolworth Co. and Danner Brothers. He loved stopping by Taylor's Ice Cream and Candy Store.  Sometimes, he would join his friends for a double matinee at the Irving Theater. They also patronized the Tuxedo, Arlington, Sheridan, and Emerson Theaters as well. During his teenage years, he loved to lunch at Wolman's Drugs on the corner of East Washington Street and Ritter Avenue where he dined on the delicious chili, a sandwich, and a flavored drink. He also enjoyed riding his bike to Bob Steele's Hobby Shop as they had numerous board games, models, train sets, and all kinds of toys. 

     During the summer months, the kids played baseball in a field near Pleasant Run. They also enjoyed hanging around the nearby railroad tracks to flatten pennies or other objects. On one occasion, Ron found a rail-line lantern along the tracks. Several decades later he donated that artifact to the Irvington Historical Society. Another fun adventure for the kids was a bike ride or walk to Bob's Market on Orion Avenue just west of Emerson Avenue. Here, the kids could purchase an array of candy including bubblegum, licorice whips, Red Hots, Jaw Breakers, and even candy cigarettes. (Yikes!) The store had a huge collection of large chocolate bars, most of which cost five cents. 

     There were so many kids living in the area that years later as adults they gathered for reunions in places like Christian Park and the Huggler home. Most of the kids in the photos below are in their 80s now if they are still with us. Enjoy this trip down Memory Lane also known as Young Avenue. 

Several kids in the neighborhood gathered at the Huggler home at 4613 Young Avenue c1945. Behind the kids you can see the homes at 4609 and 4605 Young Avenue. Top Row: Unknown child holding flag, Unknown blond-haired boy, Ron Huggler: Middle Row: Unknown girl, Linda Teeguarden, Bethany Teeguarden, possibly Bonnie Dove; Cathy Dudley with flag. 

Many kids posed on the front yard of 4613 Young Avenue c1946. Top row: Ron Huggler, Sandra Clift; Middle Row: Dale Male, possibly  Wally or Johnny Paul, Alan Miller, Cathy Dudley; Front row:  Johnnie Robeson, Ronnie Riebe, Randy Toler, Linda Riebe, and Bob Butler. 

Bob Butler and Cathy Dudley posed in their western gear in the front yard of 4613 Young Avenue. Behind the kids you can see the north side of the 4600 block of Young Avenue c1947. 

Barbara Reed and her pet chihuahua visited the Hugglers at 4613 Young Avenue c1946. 

Billy, Connie, and Patty Harrell posed in their front yard at 4571 Young Avenue c1950. Behind the kids you can see 4568 and 4572 Young Avenue. 

Cowgirls, Cathy Dudley and Barbara Reed c1945 in front of the Reed home at 4572 Brookville Road.

Wayne Bruness and Ron Huggler posed in the Huggler living room at 4613 Young Avenue on Christmas Day c1947. 

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Ron Huggler and Patrick c 1952 at the Huggler home at 4613 Young Avenue.

Ron Huggler stood at his patrol post in the winter of 1951, Behind him you can see 4658 Brookville Road.

Meanwhile on nearby Farrington Avenue in 1949!! (Hoosier Chronicles)

Sources:  Ron Huggler, "The Best of Times: Random Thoughts on My Journey to Now," Unpublished memories of life on Young Avenue, 2006; Interview with Ron Huggler, January 23, 26, February 1, 2023. I also wish to thank Mike Widner. 

Neighbors Along Young Avenue

     Many families moved into the newly-constructed houses in the Christian Park Heights subdivision in the 1940s. John and Helen Huggler found their forever home at 4613 Young Avenue in 1942. They raised their son, Ron, in the modest two-bedroom bungalow. Mr. Huggler documented many of the neighbors along Young Avenue. They socialized together and their children grew up together.  As World War II raged, many family members sent spouses and children off to war. Mr. Huggler served as the air-raid warden for the community. Families planted victory gardens. Children participated in paper and scrap drives. 

     Most of the kids from the neighborhood attended IPS #82  adjacent to Christian Park. Teenagers enrolled at nearby Howe High School or Arsenal Technical High School. Ron Huggler, who grew up in Christian Park Heights, noted that the neighborhood was close-knit. 

Ron Huggler grew up at 4613 Young Avenue. His father, John Huggler, photographed several families who resided along Young Avenue. In this image, young Ron posed with his dog Patrick. The photo was snapped in 1947. Behind Ron, you can see several of the residences in the 4600 block of Young Avenue.

The Dudley Family, 4605 Young Avenue

    Art and Faustina Dudley along with their daughter, Cathy, moved into the Christian Park Heights neighborhood in the early 1940s. Mr. Dudley was a plumber for several companies. He occasionally received calls from his neighbors, and according to Ron Huggler, Mr. Dudley always made time to help unclog a drain or fix a leaky faucet. The house became a gathering spot for many neighborhood kids especially on hot summer days as the Dudleys filled an inner tube with water and let the kids cool off. Art Dudley and John Huggler remained friends throughout their lives. 

Faustina and Art Dudley stood in front of their home at 4605 Young Avenue c1943 (photo courtesy of Ron Huggler)

Art Dudley hosed down Cathy Dudley, Johnnie Robeson, Karen Moore, Alan Miller, and Bob Butler in the front yard at 4605 Young Avenue on a hot summer day c1945. Behind the kids, you can see 4610, 4614, 4618, and 4622 Young Avenue. (photo courtesy of Ron Huggler)

Ron Huggler, who lived at 4613 Young Avenue, posed with Cathy Dudley in her front yard at 4605 Young Avenue. Both kids were only-children and grew up as brother and sister. The photo was likely snapped in 1943 in the front yard of 4605 Young Avenue. Behind the kids, you can see 4610 and 4614 Young Avenue. (photo courtesy of Ron Huggler)

   The McKinney Family, 4609 Young Avenue

     Raymond and Mary (Mae) McKinney moved into their bungalow at 4609 Young Avenue in 1943. Mr. McKinney worked for the E.C. Atkins Company for years and later as a representative for the American Saw & Manufacturing Company. Their only son, Raymond McKinney, Jr. served during World War II so there were likely many anxious nights in the home. Thankfully, Raymond, Jr. returned home after the war. The couple did not live in the residence for very long as they moved to 1104 North Leland Avenue by the end of the decade. 

Raymond and Mae McKinney (4609 Young Avenue) visited with the Dudley family at 4605 Young Avenue c1943.  (photo courtesy of Ron Huggler)

Raymond and Mae McKinney relaxed in their backyard at 4609 Young Avenue c1945. Mr. McKinney planted the Lombardy Poplar trees seen in the photo. They were one of the first families to fence in their backyard along the block. They also had one of the earliest television sets. (photo courtesy of Ron Huggler)

Raymond P. McKinney, Sr. landscaped his yard at 4609 Young Avenue c1943 (photo courtesy of Ron Huggler) 

The Mauzys, 4617 Young Avenue

      Merritt and Evangeline Collins Mauzy briefly lived in Christian Park Heights following their marriage in 1943. Mr. Mauzy served the country during World War II and attended the IU School of Medicine. He eventually became a plastic surgeon. Mrs. Mauzy was an accomplished soloist and a graduate of the IU School of Music. She is not pictured in the photographs below. We are still trying to identify the woman in the photos but she is possibly Merritt's mother, Verlie Mauzy. The children in the photos belong to the Teeguarden family of 4621 Young Avenue. Dr. Mauzy and Mrs. Mauzy relocated to West Virginia and  divorced in the early 1950s. Evangeline, who went by the stage name of Jenny Collins, went on to a highly successful singing career in Paris and on Broadway in New York. She married a French athlete and painter named Jacque Maloubier. All of that was far into the future from the photos below. On this date sometime in either 1942 or 1943, John Huggler, who resided at 4613 Young Avenue grabbed his camera and snapped some photos of his new neighbors. 

An unidentified woman posed with Merritt Mauzy and Linda and Bethany Teeguarden c1943 in front of 4617 Young Avenue. The woman might be Verlie Mauzy, the mother of Merritt Mauzy. The Teeguarden children resided at 4621 Young Avenue. (photo courtesy of Ron Huggler)

An unidentified woman posed with Merritt Mauzy in front of 4617 Young Avenue c1943. The woman might be Verlie Mauzy, the mother of Merritt Mauzy.  (photo courtesy of Ron Huggler)

Ron Huggler, Linda Teeguarden, Wayne Bruness, and Bethany Teeguarden stood in front of the Huggler home at 4613 Young Avenue c1942. Behind the kids you can see part or all of 4618, 4622, 4626, 4630, and 4634 Young Avenue. (photo courtesy of Ron Huggler) 

Stodgill Family, 4614 Young Avenue

     Robert (Bob) and Bernadette Stodgill were the second residents of 4614 Young Avenue. Donald and Jane Smith were the first to dwell in the home. The Stodgills were best friends with the Hugglers at 4613 Young Avenue. Ron Huggler reported that his parents frequently hosted card parties or board games with their neighbors. The Stodgills later moved to Texas but returned in the summer of 1984 to visit their good friends along Young Avenue. 

Bernadette and Bob Stodgill returned to their old neighborhood to visit John and Helen Huggler at 4613 Young Avenue in August of 1984. They had moved to Texas. (photo courtesy of Ron Huggler)

Next Up:  The Young of Young Avenue

Sources:  Interviews with Ron Huggler, the son of John and Helen Huggler, January 23, 26, February 1, 2023; Obituaries--"Arthur Dudley," Indianapolis News, December 4, 1986, 1947; "Faustina Dudley," Indianapolis Star, September 25, 1961, 18; "Raymond McKinney," Indianapolis Star, April 30, 1962, 6; "Mary McKinney," Indianapolis Star, January 26, 1994, 14. Evangeline Collins Maloubier--J. Dorsey Callaghan, "She's About as French as New Paris (Ind.)" Detroit Free Press, May 12, 1956, 11.