Wintry Scenes in Irvington Through the Decades

      One of the advantages of writing this blog for twelve years, is that I have amassed a database of beautiful winter imagery connected to Irvington. So far, snow has eluded the neighborhood in late 2021, but who knows what awaits us. If heavy snows arrive in 2022, then we will probably grab our cameras and rush outside much like folks have been doing through the ages. Some of these photos have been posted before but many have not. Happy holidays and thank you to all of you who have contributed photos over the years. 

     This post is dedicated to the memory of Robert Kistner, whose image is below. I met both Mr. Kistner and his daughter Elizabeth Bodi as they were traveling down memory lane in Irvington. He grew up by the Irving Circle Park so I instantly knew which photo I wanted to post of him.  Rest in peace, Mr. Kistner. 

The Lamb family resided at 5631 University Avenue from 1937 until 1961. This photo was likely snapped c1938 on a beautiful wintry day. (photo courtesy of Lynn Smith)

The Hackleman kids, who lived at 5438 Lowell Avenue, found time to play in the snow along North Whittier Place c1910. (photo courtesy of Anne Gribble Spurgeon) 

Florence Hackleman, who lived at 5438 Lowell Avenue, posed with the family cow near the carriage house in her backyard on a winter's day c1912. (photo courtesy of Anne Gribble Spurgeon)

A giant snow mound in the backyard at 5438 Lowell Avenue provided entertainment for the Hackleman children c1910. The home most visible in the image is located at 321 Whittier Place. (photo courtesy of Anne Gribble Spurgeon) 

Florence Hackleman posed near her front porch at 5438 Lowell Avenue with her sled c1912 (photo courtesy of Anne Gribble Spurgeon) 

Albert and Rita Stone resided at 317 North Ritter Avenue from 1949 until 1954. Sometime during the early 1950s they sent this Christmas card to the Richardsons of 477 North Audubon Road. The family impressively already had a television set. (photo courtesy of Donn and Carolyn Richardson)

The Richardson family lived at 477 North Audubon Road and snapped this snowy image c1950 (photo courtesy of Donn and Carolyn Richardson)

Almost like a ghostly image, the Doan residence at 47 North Irvington Avenue was clearly covered in snow c1904. (photo courtesy of Jim and Ann Brown and the Indiana Album) 

On a wintry day, the Doan sisters of 47 North Irvington Avenue posed for a photograph. Behind the girls you can see the home located at 59 North Irvington Avenue. (photo courtesy of Jim and Ann Brown) 

Anne Warner posed in her front yard at 66 Johnson Avenue in 1954. Behind her you can also see the residences located at 58 and 54 Johnson Avenue. (photo courtesy of Steve Warner and Paul Diebold)

Wintry Scene 1954: A member of the Warner family snapped this photograph from the family home at 66 Johnson Avenue. To the left you can see the Irvington Presbyterian Church and across the street you will note the homes located in the 5600 block of Julian Avenue. (photo courtesy of Steve Warner and Paul Diebold) 

Robert Kistner (1934-2021) or "Bobby" as he was known in the photograph, posed for this image in his front yard at 263 South Audubon Road in 1937. Behind him you can see the Irving Circle Park. (photo courtesy of Robert Kistner and Elizabeth Bodi)

Bernard and Margaret Korbly purchased the Kendall home in 1915. They snapped this image of 425 North Audubon Road in the winter of 1920. (photo courtesy of Pat Dwyer)

Bike tracks lead to the Doran home at 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive in the winter of 1951. (photo courtesy of Kevin Yamafuji)

Jim Burck shoveled his driveway at 6120 East 9th Street in 1943. Behind him, you can see the Ghere family home located at 6126 East 9th Street. (photo courtesy of Christina Burck) 

John, Della, and RoseAnn O'Connor posed after a snowstorm in 1957. The O'Connors resided at 5956 Beechwood Avenue. Behind the family you can see the bungalows located at 5952 and 5948 Beechwood Avenue. (photo courtesy of RoseAnn Linder)

Dr. John H. Booth and his son, George, listened to the radio in their home at 280 South Downey Avenue c1935. (photo courtesy of Mac Fife)

Dr. Clifton and Bonnie Applegate Donnell resided at 82 North Hawthorne Lane when this photo was snapped by a member of the Caldwell family in 1943.  (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

The Schmidt home at 5702 Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive on a snowy day in 1938. The home was later renumbered as 5701 East St. Clair Street. (photo courtesy of Ann Schmidt Brown and Doreen McGuire Crenshaw) 

Time to sled! Dr. Henry Schmidt posed next to Beverly Spencer and Ann Schmidt on a winter day in 1938. The Schmidts resided at 5702 Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive and had a perfect hill for sledding. (photo courtesy of Ann Schmidt Brown and Doreen McGuire Crenshaw)

  Thank you to all who have contributed over the years! More vintage photos will be forthcoming. 

War Rationing Comes to Graham Avenue

The modest bungalow at 335 North Graham Avenue served as the home for the Richardson family as American troops fought during World War II.

George and Edythe Richardson married on December 11, 1938, and first resided in a small apartment at 4414 East New York Street. Later, they moved into 351 North Audubon Road with George's family. By 1943, they were ready to strike out on their own and relocated into the Graham Avenue home along with their children, Donn and Elizabeth. Arthur L. Chesterfield, the father of Edythe Richardson and owner of the Aluminum Finishing Company, lived with them as well. George worked at Allison's Engine at the time, but he would later work for his father-in-law. During the war, Mr. Richardson had to get up at three in the morning to go into work to assist with building military devices called bombsights. Edythe Richardson likely worried about all four of her brothers who all fought in the war. Her brother, Ed Chesterfield, helped to liberate the concentration camp known as Dachau. Her brother, Art Chesterfield, served as a guard during the Nuremberg Trials after the war was over. Her sisters also aided in the war effort at home.

As World War II raged on, Americans like the Richardsons received war ration booklets containing stamps. Every member of the family received a booklet including the very youngest who might need canned milk. Sugar, coffee, rubber, and gasoline were hard to get as the war dragged on so folks like the Richardsons had to use their rations to obtain certain products. The booklets pictured below, were issued by the government in 1943. Like many Americans, the family also planted a victory garden to raise their own produce. The Richardson family garden was actually located southeast of Washington Street and Arlington Avenue.

While the Richardson family really outgrew their bungalow almost as soon as they moved into it, they waited until the end of the war to move into a much larger residence at 477 North Audubon Road.

Edythe and George Richardson met at Butler University. They married in 1938 and moved into this bungalow at 335 North Graham Avenue in 1943. 

George Richardson stood along the walk in his front yard at 335 North Graham Avenue in 1943. 

George Richardson posed for a photograph in his front yard at 335 North Graham Avenue in 1943. Behind him, you can see the bungalow located at 333 North Graham Avenue. The Ratz family, neighbors to the Richardsons, lived in that residence for years. 

The Richardsons of 335 North Graham Avenue were issued ration booklets for each member of the family in 1943. Arthur Chesterfield, listed on one of the booklets, was the father of Edythe Richardson. 

I wish to thank Donn and Carolyn Richardson for making this post possible. 

Beautiful Images of Snow-Covered Irvington in the 1950s and 1960s

North Audubon Road, sometimes referred to as "Lovers' Lane," is a perfect setting for local photographers who want to capture the beauty of winter in Indiana. Members of the Richardson family, who moved into 477 North Audubon just after World War II, grabbed their cameras to document several serene and fun moments over the years along their wintry street.

The Richardsons first moved into 477 North Audubon Road in 1947. Their beautiful Arts and Crafts-era home looked perfect in this wintry scene snapped c1950. (photo courtesy of Donn and Carolyn Richardson)

The intersection of East Michigan Street and North Audubon c1950: The photographer, a member of the Richardson family, stood on Audubon Road and aimed the camera towards the north. (photo courtesy of Donn and Carolyn Richardson)

Off in the distance, young sledders made their way down the hill at Ellenberger Park c1952 (photo courtesy of Donn and Carolyn Richardson)

An unidentified home perhaps along North Audubon Road or Pleasant Run Parkway c1950 (photo courtesy of Donn and Carolyn Richardson)

Believe it or not, there is a street under that snow. Branches drooped over the 400 block of North Audubon Road c 1950. (photo courtesy of Donn and Carolyn Richardson)

George and Edythe Richardson lived at 477 North Audubon for most of the second half of the twentieth century. They loved to decorate their beautiful spruce tree in the front yard at Christmas. This image was likely snapped c1965. (photo courtesy of Donn and Carolyn Richardson)

George Richardson of 477 North Audubon Road attempted to dig out his car from the deep snows dropped during the blizzard of 1978. (photo courtesy of Donn and Carolyn Richardson)

A special thanks to Donn and Carolyn Richardson for making this post possible. 

Irvington Methodist Church Images--1940s

Methodists have been worshipping in Irvington since the late nineteenth century and in the current edifice since the 1920s. Thousands of people have been members over the years including the Richardson family who resided at 477 North Audubon Road. George Richardson had worked for Allison's Engine Company during World War II but had begun working at the Aluminum Finishing Corporation on 21st near the Monon Railroad after the war was over. His wife's father, Arthur Leslie Chesterfield, owned and operated the plant at the time.

George and Edythe Chesterfield Richardson joined the Challengers, an active adult Sunday School class at the Methodist Church. The Richardson children also participated in Sunday schools and with both the Boys and Girls Scouts in the basement of the church. The family would have had easy walk from their home along "Lover's Lane" to church each Sunday. Dr. Ralph O. Pearson served as the pastor of the church in the late 1940s when these photos were snapped.

Irvington Methodist Church c1947 (photo courtesy of Donn and Carolyn Richardson)

The Challengers Sunday School was for adults at the Irvington Methodist Church. George Richardson of 477 North Audubon Road is located in the top row at the far left. (photo courtesy of Donn and Carolyn Richardson)

Santa visited the children of the Irvington Methodist Church in 1947. Standing under a window in black dress was Edythe Chesterfield Richardson holding her baby, Jenny. Sitting at her feet were her other children at the time, Donn and Elizabeth. (photo courtesy of Donn and Carolyn Richardson)

A special thanks to Donn and Carolyn Richardson for providing these photos and stories. 

School #77 Dedication Day--1950

In 1949, the IPS School Board announced plans to replace the portable classrooms at 401 North Arlington Avenue with a brand new building to be completed in 1950. The new structure received the name of Anna Pearl Hamilton School in honor of a beloved former teacher who passed away in 1948. Besides naming the new school for Miss Hamilton, the local PTA also purchased a Clifton Wheeler painting in her honor titled "Early Spring." The new building would house 13 classrooms and cost $440, 000. It was only the second school built by IPS since the end of World War II. Christian and Barbara Kuhner Delker provided the land for the new structure. The old Delker farmhouse was torn down at 6026 Pleasant Run Parkway South Drive to make way for the very modern and sleek looking brick structure. School officials named the new auditorium in the structure after the Delkers.

On June 1, 1950, Irvington residents and IPS officials gathered to dedicate the future school with the laying of the cornerstone. J. Dwight Peterson, President of the Board of Commissioners, gave the principal address at the dedication.  Other speakers that day included Mrs. Olma Bruck of 52 South Audubon who was the Vice President of the school board at the time; the PTA President, Mrs. Pearle Hazenfield who lived at 58 North Arlington Avenue, and Principal Cathryn Boggy. Inside a copper box, officials placed a Bible, an American flag, local newspapers, a history of the PTA, a shiny nickel, various photographs, and signatures of the current students and staff at School #77. They then placed the box inside the cornerstone with "1950" etched into the limestone.

Donn Richardson, who grew up at 477 North Audubon Road, has many memories of the new school including the Cold War era duck and cover drills. Later, instead of going under their desks,  they drilled by going into the locker rooms in case the Soviets decided to drop an atomic bomb on Indianapolis. Mr. Richardson chuckled that one day a teacher turned off the lights, but one wise guy in the crowd decided to pass gas. Needless to say, that ended the darkened-room-practice drill. If the Soviets were to have ever flown over Irvington, they would have clearly noticed a light on in the locker rooms at School #77.

On June 1, 1950, local residents gathered for the cornerstone laying of the new School #77 at 6040 E. Pleasant Run Parkway South Drive. (photo courtesy of Donn and Carolyn Richardson)

On the stage for the cornerstone laying of the new IPS #77, also known as the Anna Pearl Hamilton School, local officials gathered on June 1, 1950. Cathryn Boggy was named as the principal of the new school. She is sitting in the second row next to an identified child and is looking at the photographer. In the front row (left to right): Horace Boggy, Emil Schaad,  Pearle Hazenfield, Olma Bruck, and J, Dwight Peterson. (photo courtesy of Donn and Carolyn Richardson)

Miss Ruby Wells, a teacher at the Anna Pearl Hamilton School, gathered her students for a Christmas photo in the winter of 1958. None of the students have been identified yet, but we hope to find the names.  (photo courtesy of Donn and Carolyn Richardson)

IPS no longer possesses the Anna Pearl Hamilton School, also known as #77. It now belongs to the Irvington Charter School (photo taken in 2012)

Sources:  "Board Pushes Addition to School 77," Indianapolis Star, March 30, 1949, 2; "New School 77 Ceremony Set," Indianapolis News, June 1, 1950, 23; "Writer Honors Teacher's Memory," Hancock Democrat, May 20, 1948, 8; Regarding the Delker family--"Ringside Hoosierland," Indianapolis News, July 1, 1949, 12.

I am indebted to Donn and Carolyn Richardson for their stories and photographs. Donn grew up at 477 North Audubon Road and attended School #77.

I.P.S. School #77--An Early Portable

In 1932, the Indianapolis Public Schools constructed four adjoining portable classrooms with a t-shaped hallway connecting the classes at 401 North Arlington Avenue.  The structure was built on land that used to belong to the Delker family. For the next eighteen years, neighborhood children attended the school from first through fourth grade. Anna Pearl Hamilton, a beloved teacher, worked in the portable from its initial opening to her untimely death at the age of 58 in 1948. When IPS built a new school on the site in 1950, they named structure in honor of Miss Hamilton. By the 1940s, Cathryn Boggy served as both the fourth grade teacher as well as the principal of the school. Donn Richardson, who lived at 477 North Audubon Road, has many memories of the "portable." Miss Hamilton's second grade classroom, like the others, had tall ceilings and her room at the southeast corner had a door out to the playground which sat near a cornfield.  Since there was no auditorium, students would gather in the hallway for any kind of school-wide assembly. Fourth graders assumed much responsibility including serving as a traffic guards for both Arlington Avenue and Pleasant Run Parkway.

In one poignant memory, Mr. Richardson recalled an encounter he had with his second grade teacher, Miss Hamilton, who he described as loving but firm. She had helped him practice his spelling words. He struggled with spelling and later he placed a sheet of paper with the words on his leg during a test. He wrote with his left hand and had to use an ink well so it took him a long time to write out his spelling words. Miss Hamilton noticed the paper on his leg and ran back to confront him. While educators were only beginning to understand dyslexia in the late 1940s, Miss Hamilton deduced why Donn had the sheet on his leg. She spoke to his parents so that they could begin working with him. He also received help at school. Soon, Donn's father bought him comic books so that he could begin reading on his own. Miss Hamilton's early intervention changed the trajectory of Donn's life as he would later become a journalist and film producer. His class was the last to benefit from Miss Hamilton's teaching as she became ill and died in the following winter. Donn reported that he felt abandoned after his beloved teacher passed away.

There were four portable classrooms constructed at 401 North Arlington Avenue. Each classroom, like the one shown in the photo, were large and had tall ceilings. This photo, likely snapped in 1947, shows fourth grade students taking some kind of assessment. Most are looking down. A school crossing guard stands in the corner. We do not know the names of any of the students.  (photo courtesy of Donn and Carolyn Richardson)

Fourth grade students c1949 served as patrol boys at I.P.S. #77 (photo courtesy of Larry Muncie)

Fourth grade students square dance as part of a school program at School #77 in 1947. Donn Richardson, who dwelled at 477 North Audubon Road, and his unidentified partner promenaded near the portable classrooms. (photo courtesy of Donn and Carolyn Richardson)

I wish to thank Donn and Carolyn Richardson for their assistance with this post. 

Rare Photo of First Irvington Presbyterian Church c1917

Mary and Robert Stevenson moved into Irvington in 1915.  The couple had married in 1909 and first dwelled in Muncie before moving to 275 South Audubon Road.  Mrs. Stevenson, the photographer in the family, walked around her new neighborhood and snapped several shots.  A life-long Presbyterian, she meandered over to the intersection of Johnson and Julian Avenues and took a photo of the Irvington Presbyterian Church around 1917. Later in her life she would dwell across the street at 112 Johnson Avenue.

Designed by local architect, Bennajah Weesner ( 5728 Rawles Avenue) and constructed by Louis Richardson ( 5506 University Avenue), the Presbyterians dedicated the church on January 10, 1909. Jonathan C. Day served as the first minister.  The board of trustees struggled in the beginning to pay for the new church, but as the neighborhood grew, residents like the Stevensons were invited to join and "subscribe."  Emily McAdams in her book Irvington Presbyterian Church 1906-1956 noted that membership expanded from 376 congregants in 1919 to 687 by 1927.  The Presbyterians eventually demolished the older and smaller 1909 structure for a grander edifice in 1928.

Mrs. Stevenson's photo likely dates to around 1917 or 1918 as the apartments located on Johnson Avenue can be seen in the photo. They were constructed in 1916 with the first residents moving into the new structures in the following year.

The First Irvington Presbyterian Church located at the intersection of Johnson and Julian Avenues c1917

Source:  Emily McAdams, Irvington Presbyterian Church 1906-1956, (Indianapolis: 1956) The historic image is courtesy of Ted Lollis.

Children Gather Along Ritter Avenue c1908

These beautiful shots of children dressed in their Sunday finest, shows many neighborhood children on the front lawns of 60, 66, 65, and 67 North Ritter Avenue c1908. The only houses visible in the photos are those of 65 and 67 North Ritter.  You will note that the city was beginning to brick the street.  Two of the girls in the photos are likely Helen and Margaret Hackleman who were born at 28 North Ritter, but grew up next door at 34 North Ritter.  Their Aunt Ida and Uncle George Russell dwelled just a few houses north at 60 North Ritter.

Neighborhood children gathered for a photo on the front yard of either 60 or 66 North Ritter Avenue c1908

Children playing (c1908) at 60 or 66 North Ritter Avenue

Children sit on bricks in front of 67 and 65 North Ritter Avenue

Thaddeus and Jennie Major dwelled at 67 North Ritter in 1908.  They had two children, Bonnie, who would later become a teacher, and Carl.  Mr. Major was both a contractor and accountant at different points in his life. Mrs. Major was an active club woman and frequently hosted the Daughters of the American Revolution in her home.  One of the highlights of their time at 67 North Ritter came on August 14, 1913, with the marriage of their daughter Bonnie to Irvington resident, Louis Richardson. The newlyweds moved into the house and would remain for the rest of their lives.

The Major Home in the winter of 2012.  Note that a brick porch has been added most likely in the 1920s.

Next door at 65 North Ritter, the elderly David Robertson, lived with several of his adult children. One of his sons, Dr. J. Frank Robertson practiced medicine at 2313 East Michigan Street.  Another son, Lou A Robertson, was a well-known attorney.  Lou also lived in the house with his wife Mary.  The Robertsons may have the record for the family who has dwelled in an Irvington house for the longest period of time.  They moved into the beautiful American Four Square in the early 1900s and the last Robertson did not leave until the 1980s.

The Robertson Home in the winter of 2012

The historic photos are courtesy of the Irvington Historical Society, Larry Muncie Collection.

Lost Irvington--Richardson Home

Today, a vacant lot along Burgess Avenue was once the site of a home for two prominent Irvington sisters.  Ida F. and Jennie Richardson likely moved into their home at 312 Burgess Avenue in the late nineteenth century.  Their brother, Thomas Morris Richardson, lived nearby in several Irvington homes before finally settling at 104 Johnson Avenue as he was both a builder and land speculator.

Joel F. Richardson, the father of this clan, made a fortune in the railroad business. He began investing and building rail lines as early as 1844 in Massachusetts and New York. Eventually, he moved his family to Delhi, Ohio (near Cincinnati) where he operated a farm and a coal elevator in nearby North Bend.  He first came to Indiana in the 1850s and helped to build the Indianapolis-Lawrenceburg Rail Line.  He returned in 1870 with the bold idea of building a belt or ring rail line around the city of Indianapolis.  Just as he began to find investors for the idea, the Panic of 1873 hit the nation and he saw his fortunes fall. He was saved by John Caven, the mayor of Indianapolis, who thought it was a good idea and helped to raise $500,000 for the construction of the profitable line.

Upon his death in 1895, Joel Richardson willed quite a lot of money and land to his children.  His son, Thomas, was an entrepreneur who began to speculate on land and housing in the Irvington area.  His firm, Richardson and Porter was likely responsible for building several Irvington homes including: 304 South Ritter Avenue, 346 South Ritter, and 104 Johnson Avenue among many others. It is possible that he built 312 Burgess Avenue, but that is merely speculation at this point.  An Indianapolis Star article (July 27, 1911) reported that Mr. Richardson sold eleven vacant lots north of Washington Street and New York Street and east of Audubon Road to Charles Thompson for $12,000.  When he suffered a near fatal stroke at the age of 60 on November 14, 1914, the Indianapolis Star called him "one of the most prominent citizens of Irvington."  He eventually recovered and lived until 1930.

Ida Richardson was a talented artist and poet.  To earn an income, she taught in the public schools.  She was known for her brass etchings and china painting.  The Indiana Historical Society has many of her scrapbooks, diaries, poetry, and two of her paintings of President Benjamin Harrison's childhood home in North Bend, Ohio.  She grew up near his family.  She had many passions in life including genealogy. In an age when it was difficult to search one's lineage, Miss Richardson managed to trace her mother's people back to Oliver Cromwell's England.  Miss Richardson was also the secretary to the Marion County Agricultural and Horticultural Society for decades beginning in the 1890s. She was also a member of other Irvington clubs as well.  Miss Richardson gave many formal talks in her lifetime including one titled, "Weeds and Seeds" on September 15, 1912. She lived most of her life with her younger sister Jennie (Mary J.) at 312 Burgess Avenue.  Sometime after 1904, they had the Queen Anne porch removed from the home and added a larger Craftsman era porch.

Ida Richardson lived to the age of 84 years and died in 1932.  Her younger sister passed away in 1936. Upon her passing, the home remained vacant through the remainder of 1936 and the rest of 1937.  Sometime during that year, the home burned to the ground.  For over seventy-five years, no one has rebuilt on the site and the lot now belongs to 304 Burgess Avenue.  Both Richardson women and the home have been forgotten.

Thankfully, local historian Larry Muncie, managed to acquire these three historic images of the long lost home.  In the top photo, you can see what the home would have looked like in the late nineteenth century.  Notice the smaller, but beautiful and ornate front porch.  In the second photo, likely taken around 1902, Ida Richardson hosts one of her many club gatherings.  In the third photo, you can see either Ida or Jennie Richardson sitting on the new porch.  Notice the plantings around the house.  In the bottom shot, taken in the final days of 2012, you can see the empty lot today.  If you are interested in reading Miss Richardson's prose (something I have not done yet), then go to the Indiana Historical Society and ask for the following catalog call numbers:  M0237, BV 1710-1719 OM 0050  This is not a woman who should be forgotten.

Richardson Home c1900 at 312 Burgess Avenue

Irvington Fortnightly Club c. 1902 at 312 Burgess Avenue

Elizabeth or Jennie Richardson sometime after 1904 at 312 Burgess Avenue

Empty lot where 312 Burgess Avenue used to be.  It likely burned to the ground in 1937.