In 1942, Clarence and Edna Marchal purchased a nearly-twenty-year-old double on the northwest corner of South Audubon Road and Julian Avenue. The property sat on the former Sylvester Johnson estate. Built in the American Foursquare style c1924, the double had addresses for both streets. The Marchals moved into 5654 Julian Avenue and leased out 72 South Audubon Road. Eventually, the couple along with their two children, Roger and Sharon, moved into the Audubon Road side as Mrs. Marchal preferred that address.
Besides earning an income from their double, Mr. Marchal worked at both Diamond Chain Company and later at Allison Engine Company. Mrs. Marchal stayed home to raise the children although later she worked for both H. P. Wasson Company at Eastgate Mall and at J.C Penny's Department Store in downtown Indianapolis. Roger Marchal, who loaned us the photos, grew up in the double and graduated from Howe High School in 1960. He had many fond memories of the property including the fact that they had one of the first television sets in the area. He noted that many friends enjoyed coming to his home to view the new invention. Mrs. Marchal loved flowers and every year she filled her pots and beds with many beautiful varieties. The Marchals owned the property until 2004!
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| Family reunion: Roger Marchal, Jim Tool, Sharon Marchal, John Ruby, and Polly Edwards gathered in the front yard at 72 South Audubon in 1952. Raymond Lichti, an uncle to Roger and Sharon, parked his Chevrolet along Julian Avenue. (photo courtesy of Roger Marchal) |
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| Theodore Rodenbeck leased 5654 Julian Avenue from the Marchals in the mid-1960s. (photo courtesy of Roger Marchal) |
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| The Marchals planted this beautiful spruce tree in their front yard at 72 South Audubon Road. It came down during a strong windstorm recently. (photo courtesy of Roger Marchal) |
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| Clarence and Edna Marchal spent 62 years of their lives in the double at 72 South Audubon Road. In this photo, snapped in 1998, Mr. Marchal was 93 and Mrs. Marchal was 89. (photo courtesy of Roger Marchal) |
I wish to thank Roger and Mary Marchal for their stories and photos about this property. Mr. Marchal is very involved with the Howe Alumni Association.
