1940s-Era Snapshots From the Victoria Apartments on East Washington Street

      In the spring of 1928, contractors for the Southern Building Corporation began construction on two brick apartment buildings in the 5100 block of East Washington Street.  Developers called one of the structures the "Muriel" and the other unit, the "Victoria." Both have housed dozens of Irvington residents over the decades. 

     Twelve years after the Victoria opened its doors, sixty-one-year-old Floy Barnard Wayman and two of her adult daughters, Virginia and Janice, moved into unit number 3 in 1940. Mrs. Wayman, a divorcee, had worked for her entire adult life, and took the position as the manager of the Victoria Apartments at 5124 East Washington Street. (later renumbered as 5128) Her daughter Virginia worked as a teacher while Janice was employed as a stenographer. They paid $45 dollars in rent. 

     Life changed for the women when twenty-four-year-old Janice Wayman married John Wilbur Kern at the Irvington Presbyterian Church on May 16, 1942. The young couple moved into Unit No. 1 of the Victoria where they remained until after World War II. Their first child James R. Kern arrived on September 3, 1946. The family documented little "Jimmy" in several photos around the Victoria. Sadness overtook the Waymans and Kerns in 1949 with the passing of Floy Barnard Wayman at the age of 70. By the end of the decade, none of the family remained in the apartments. 

The bridesmaids for Janice Wayman gathered in front of the Victoria at 5124 East Washington Street (later numbered as 5128) on May 16, 1942. She married John W. Kern at the Irvington Presbyterian Church. Pictured (left to right): Alice Wayman Trent (her sister), Charlotte Bullerman (sister-in-law), Virginia Wayman (sister), Randalyn Kern (sister-in-law), Frances Beale Kern (sister-in-law)

Floy Barnard Wayman not only lived in the Victoria Apartments at 5124 East Washington Street (later 5128), but she also managed the building. This photo was likely snapped c1945 in front of the building. 

Janice Wayman and John Wilbur Kern posed for this photo in March of 1942 in front of the Victoria Apartments in Irvington. They married two months later. 

John Wilbur Kern posed in front of the Victoria Apartments (currently 5128 East Washington Street) where his fiancee, Janice Wayman lived with her mother and her sister in 1942. 

Little James R. "Jimmy" Kern rode his tricycle in front of the Victoria Apartments at 5124 East Washington Street (now 5128) in 1947. 

Janice Wayman Kern posed possibly with two nieces in 1947 in front of the Victoria Apartments in Irvington. 

John Kern posed with his fiancee, Janice Wayman inside her mother's apartment at the Victoria. (current address is 5128 East Washington Street)

An unidentified Wayman or Kern family member reads a "picture book" inside Floy Barnard Wayman's apartment at the Victoria in Irvington in 1942. 

Virginia Wayman held her nephew, James R. Kern, in 1947 on the steps leading up the Victoria Apartments at 5124 East Washington Street. (now 5128)

Virginia Wayman (left) posed with her sister, Janice Wayman Kern, and another unidentified women in front of the Victoria Apartments at 5124 East Washington Street (currently 5128) c1949. Behind the women, you can also see the double located at 5132-34 East Washington Street. 

The Victoria Apartments at 5128 East Washington Street (formerly 5124) on November 1, 2024.

Next Up: Scenes Along East Washington Street

Sources:  1940 and 1950 Federal Census; Polk's Indianapolis City Directories; Information on the Victoria and Muriel: "Increase Shown in Realty Sales," Indianapolis Star, May 6, 1928, p. 36; "Activity Marks Realty Market," May 20, 1928, p. 12; Marriage--"Janice Wayman Becomes a Bride," Indianapolis News, May 16, 1942, p. 14.

A Note About the Photos: I found these images in an antique shop in Indianapolis. I would be happy to donate these photos back to a family member. Contact me on the email listed on this page. 

Window Painting Dates Back to First Halloween Festival in 1946

     What a social revolution when the kids are invited  to wield a soap bar on a business front." ("We Like This Halloween," Indianapolis Times, November 2, 1946, p. 8)

      

     Thousands of spectators lined East Washington Street between Whittier Place and Audubon Road to watch a parade of 500 children dressed up in Halloween costumes on the evening of October 31, 1946. Although World War II had ended a year earlier, there were still shortages of various products including some soaps, but local business leaders were ready to start a new tradition that would be forever known as the Irvington Halloween Festival. It had been a rainy and cool Thursday, but the weather cleared long enough for the festivities to commence. 

     For years, Halloween night vandalism had plagued most American cities and towns. While most of the pranks were merely mischievous, there were always a few kids who took things too far. The most common act of vandalism involved bars of soap. Children--mainly teens--spent the evening soaping the windows of cars, businesses, and even homes prompting people to spend hours of time cleaning up the messes. Cities around the state looked for solutions and some like Irvington came up with an option. They invited children of all ages to "soap" windows along East Washington Street. Led by the Irvington Business Association, the organizers provided $500 in prize money. They also organized a big parade and invited city dignitaries to serve as judges.

     In the window painting contest, Wayne Craven, an Arsenal Technical High School student, wowed the judges for two years in a row with his talented artistic renderings. Little David Peters, who lived at 312 North Layman Avenue, won first place for the younger kids. His brother Donald also produced some impressive art renderings. Their family proudly photographed their art throughout the late 1940s. Irvington was not the only community to host such an event as kids in Lebanon, Columbus, Franklin, and Rushville also painted windows and dressed up for a parade; however, Irvington has been the only community in the state to sustain the tradition year after year. 

Eight-year-old David Peters of 312 North Layman Avenue painted Pinocchio and Figaro in 1947. He won a ribbon for his for his age division. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

David and Donald Peters of 312 North Layman Avenue participated in the window painting contest associated with the Irvington Halloween Festival throughout the second half of the 1940s. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

Children who painted the windows during the Irvington Halloween Festival frequently created images from cartoons popular at the time. Visible inside this business is a sign that says "Accessories." David Peters remembers painting this piece of art at the Chevrolet dealership located on the northwestern corner of East Washington Street and Ritter Avenue. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

Donald Peters of 312 North Layman Avenue painted Thumper the Rabbit c1947 (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

Bugs Bunny appeared in an Irvington window c1948. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

David Peters of 312 North Layman painted this scene for the Halloween window decorating competition as part of the Irvington Halloween Festival, c1948. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

     I wish to thank the Peters family for their photos and stories. 

Sources: Interviews with Douglas Peters, 2024; First Irvington Halloween Festival--Jack Shackleford, "500 Irvington Kids Dress up, Parade in Halloween Festival," Indianapolis Star, November 1, 1945, p. 1; "Prizes to Best Glass Soapers," Indianapolis News, October 17, 1946, p. 21; "$500 in Prizes for Best Soap Jobs," Indianapolis News, October 30, 1946, p. 1

Life along Layman and Lowell Avenues in the 1940s

     Orville and Marjorie Peters raised their four children at 312 North Layman Avenue. Family scrapbooks reveal the busy childhoods of each of the kids. Most of the photos for this post were taken in the 1940s and show life along North Layman Avenue. While children were clearly the focus of the images, many Layman Avenue residences can be seen behind the family members. 

Layman Avenue 

In 1945, a group of scouts gathered in the front yard of the Peters home at 312 North Layman Avenue. Behind the group you can see the homes located at 315 and 321 North Layman Avenue. Marjorie Peters served as the den mother. Orville Peters, her husband, taught the boys how to build and fly a kite. He can be seen standing in the back clad in a black hat. We do not know the names of every boy so if you recognize someone, let me know. Pictured:  Dick Parish in the plaid jacket and next to him, David Peters in the dark jacket; Max Woodbury in the striped shirt; and Steve Lane kneeling in the front. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

Billy Cline posed with his friend Susan Peters c 1948 along Layman Avenue. Behind the kids, you can see the homes located at 327, 331, and beyond. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

308 North Layman Avenue

     When Marjorie and Orville Peters moved into 312 North Layman Avenue, likely one of the first neighbors to say"hello" might have been the Weavers at 308. Marjorie had grown up at 312 and would have known this family her entire life. Harry and Mable (Myrle) Weaver had lived at 308 North Layman Avenue since the 1910s. Their children would have grown up next to Marjorie.  

Donald and David Peters (left) posed with their friend, Price Garland, who lived at 328 North Layman Avenue c1943. Behind the boys, you can see the Weaver home at 308 North Layman Avenue. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

Mable and Harry Weaver posed for this photograph in July of 1917. They lived at 308 North Layman Avenue for decades. (photo courtesy of the Weaver family descendants via Ancestry.com) 

316 North Layman Avenue

     In 1940, when the Peters family moved into 312 North Layman Avenue, Orley and Mellie May resided next door at 316 North Layman Avenue. Various photographers frequently posed family members facing north so the May home appeared quite frequently in their photos. Mr. May died at the age of 56 after a tragic accident in 1942. Mrs. May passed away in 1950. The home sat empty through most of 1951 until the Victor family moved in. 

Marjorie and Orville posed for this photograph c1944. Behind the couple, you can see both 316 and 320 North Layman Avenue. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

David and Donald Peters posed c1944 in their front yard at 312 North Layman Avenue. Behind the boys, you can see the May home at 316 North Layman Avenue. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

Donald Peters prepared to pass the football c1945. Behind him, you can see the May home at 316 North Layman Avenue. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

Donald Peters was ready for his Little League game c1948. Behind him, you can see the May home at 316 North Layman Avenue. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

Left to right: David Peters, Marjorie Fox, and Susan Peters, c1948; Behind the kids you can see up Layman Avenue including the May home at 316 North Layman Avenue. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

Susan Peters looked on as her father, Orville Peters, displayed his great catch of fish, c1948. Behind them, you can see the south side of 316 North Layman Avenue. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

Susan and David Peters rode their bikes near their home at 312 North Layman Avenue c1947. Behind the kids, you can see 316 and 320 North Layman Avenue. (photo courtesy of the Peters family) 

315 North Layman Avenue

     While we do not know the exact month, Mrs. Frances E. Ensworth, a retired bank clerk, moved into 315 North Layman Avenue during the same year as the Peters family across the street in 1940. Impressively, Mrs. Ensworth, a career woman, spent most of her time at American Fletcher National Bank. By the time she moved into her Layman Avenue home at the age of 68, she had already been a widow for twelve years. Her time in the home ended with her death in 1955. Later the Downey and Hill families moved in. 

 Susan Peters, the third child of Orville and Marjorie Peters, smiled for the camera in this shot from 1944. Across the street, you can see the home belonging to Mrs. Frances Ensworth at 315 North Layman Avenue. (photo courtesy of the Peters family) 

Susan and Marjorie Peters posed along the front yard at 312 North Layman Avenue c1944. Behind them, you can see both 315 and 321 North Layman Avenue. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

5514 Lowell Avenue

     The Huggins and later Alexander families lived in the two-story Arts and Crafts bungalow at 5514 Lowell Avenue in the 1940s and 1950s. The backyard of the Peters family at 312 North Layman abutted the side yard of 5514 Lowell Avenue so the eastern side of that home frequently showed up in family photos. 

Orville Peters posed with his sons, Donald and David, in the backyard of 312 North Layman Avenue c1943. Behind them, you can see the side of 5514 Lowell Avenue. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

David and Donald Peters displayed their catch, c1948, in the backyard of 312 North Layman Avenue. Behind the boys, you can see 5514 Lowell Avenue. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

5602 Lowell Avenue

     Several families lived in the two-story American foursquare located at 5602 Lowell Avenue during the Peters' era at 312 North Layman Avenue. The Johnson, Kenner, and Moore families lived across the street from the Peters family and that home frequently appeared in family photos. 

Marjorie Peters joyfully held up her new baby daughter, Susan, in 1943. Behind them, you can see the west side of 5602 Lowell Avenue. Richard and Marguerette Johnson resided in the home at the time. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

Donald Peters tried out his new bike along the brick street in front of his house at 312 North Layman Avenue in December of 1946. Behind him, you can see the home located at 5602 Lowell Avenue. (photo courtesy of the Peters family) 

David Peters, c1948, in his front of house at 312 North Layman Avenue. Behind him, you can see 5602 Lowell Avenue. A post office box can also be seen at the corner. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

Susan Peters posed for this photograph along the front walk of her home at 312 North Layman Avenue. Behind her, you can see a milk delivery truck parked near the intersection of Layman and Lowell Avenues. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

I wish to thank Doug, Donald, David, and Susan Peters for their photos and stories. 

Sources:  Interview with Douglas Peters, 2024; US Federal Census records, 1930, 1940, and 1950; Polk's City Directories for Indianapolis 1939-1956; Information for the Weaver family came from Ancestry.com; Orley and Mellie May--Obituaries, Indianapolis News, January 31, 1947, p. 7; Indianapolis News, October 24, 1950, p. 24; Frances Ensworth obituary--Indianapolis News, October 6, 1955, p. 12.

Family Moved Into Layman Avenue Home

      In the late summer of 1940, neighbors in the 300 block of North Layman Avenue likely noticed a new family moving into 312. Of course, if they looked closely, they would have seen someone who looked familiar. Marjorie Jones Peters had grown up in 312 North Layman Avenue. Her parents, Morris and Lillian Jones, had purchased the house in 1923. Mr. Jones worked as an insurance agent and received a job opportunity in Chicago so the older couple sold the house to Orville and Marjorie Peters. A member of the Jones-Peters family would reside in the home for nearly 70 years. 

     Orville and Marjorie Peters had been renting a small double nearby at 740 North Bancroft Street. Their new home on Layman Avenue had two stories and three bedrooms. Their sons, Donald and David, soon welcomed a sister, Susan, in 1943. Images from scrapbooks from the family show that the three children had the entire area as their playground. Like many neighborhood kids, they attended School #57 and Howe High School. 

     Shortly after moving into their Layman Avenue home, Mr. Peters left his position as an auditor for Standard Oil Company and transferred into a similar position for the Barbasol Shaving Cream Company. He would also later work for Jones and Laughlin Steel Company. When he wasn't working, he could generally be found on a golf course so it was likely no surprise to his family that after he retired, he helped to take care of the Pleasant Run Golf Course. 

     One by one, Mr. and Mrs. Peters watched as their children graduated from high school, attended college, and got married. Then, they received a shock with the arrival of a fourth child, Douglas Peters, in 1958. Doug recalled in an interview that he lived a happy and adventurous childhood with good friends from the neighborhood. Like his siblings, he attended School #57 and Howe High School. 

Next Up: Layman Avenue Scenes

Orville and Marjorie Peters posed with their third child, Susan Peters, in the summer of 1944 along the front sidewalk leading up to 312 North Layman Avenue. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

Marjorie Jones Peters had grown up in 312 North Layman Avenue. She moved back into her childhood home in 1940 and remained for the rest of her life. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

Family reunion: Marjorie Jones Peters hosted her sister's family at 312 North Layman Avenue c1950. Like Marjorie, Betty Jones Fox had grown up in the house. Top: David Peters (in cap), Walter Fox (brother-in-law to Marjorie Jones Peters), Orville Peters in white t-shirt; Betty Fox, sister of Marjorie Fox; smaller children--Marjorie Fox, Tom Fox, and Susan Peters. Donald Peters stood in the front. You can also see 316 North Layman Avenue behind the group. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

Donald, David, and Susan Peters posed for this photograph at 312 Layman Avenue in 1946. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

Marjorie Peters held her niece, Marjorie Fox c1948 in front of 312 North Layman Avenue. Her son Donald helped little Marjorie look at the camera by pointing at the photographer. David Peters is at the right and Susan Peters is in the front. (photo courtesy of the Peters Family)

Susan and David Peters in the side yard of 312 North Layman Avenue in the summer of 1944; (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

Susan Peters played with a cat in the backyard of 312 North Layman Avenue in the summer of 1944. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

Susan and David Peters in the backyard of 312 North Layman Avenue in the summer of 1944 (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

Susan Peters rode her bike and posed for this photograph in front of her home at 312 North Layman Avenue, c1950. (photo courtesy of Doug Peters)

Grandmothers, Lillian Jones and Carolyn Peters, gathered on the front porch at 312 North Layman Avenue with Donald Peters and Bob Jones in 1951. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

Doug Peters (right) was the fourth and final child of Orville and Marjorie Peters. In this photo, he posed with nephew, Mark Peters, in the front yard of 312 North Layman Avenue in 1961. Behind the kids, you can see the home located at 315 North Layman Avenue. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

Lillian and Morris Jones sold their home at 312 North Layman Avenue to their daughter, Marjorie Jones Peters and their son-in-law, Orville Peters, in 1940. They were pictured in front of their home in 1935. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

     I wish to thank Doug Peters for the use of the family photos and stories.

Sources:  Interviews with Douglas Peters, 2024; US Federal Census, 1950; Polk's City Directory: Indianapolis, 1940, 1941. 

Couple Moved into Emerson Heights Double During the Great Depression

      On December 9, 1933, Orville Peters and Marjorie Jones wed at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Irvington. With the nation still firmly in a major economic depression, the newlyweds started their lives together. Mr. Peters had grown up in Crothersville, Indiana and had only recently moved to Indianapolis. He enrolled in the Sanderson Business School and excelled, so much so that the college published his portrait and boasted of him in an advertisement. He used his knowledge and skills from that school to get hired by Standard Oil as an auditor. 

     In the summer of 1935, the couple likely saw an ad in the Indianapolis News that a double at 740 North Bancroft Street was available for rent. The home turned out to be a good decision on their part as it was close to Marjorie's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jones, who lived at 312 North Layman Avenue. Soon, the pair welcomed two children, Donald and David Peters. 

     The young couple became very involved in the community. Mr. Peters was an avid golfer and frequently organized company tournaments. Mrs. Peters, who also golfed, formed the very first Mothers' Club for St. Matthew's Episcopal Church where she served as the Vice President. She conducted meetings in her Bancroft Avenue dwelling. As many of her friends also married, she hosted bridal showers in the residence as well. In the summer of 1938, she decorated her place in red and white colors for Jean McHatton who would soon marry Robert Behr. She asked attendees to gift kitchen items for the future Mrs. Behr. 

     On April 15, 1940, census taker, Beatrice Bleich, knocked on the door at 740 North Bancroft Street. Ms. Bleich recorded that Orville Peters was 29 years old and an auditor for Standard Oil Company. He earned a comfortable salary of $2000 a year. Marjorie Peters was 27 years old. Ms. Bleich noted that little Donald was three years old while David was only five months old. She further revealed that the couple paid $33 a month in rent. What she likely didn't know was that the family would soon move from the small two-bedroom double and into Marjorie Peters' childhood home at 312 North Layman Avenue. They would need the larger house as two more children would later arrive. Upon completing her survey, Ms. Bleich walked across the front porch to the other side of the double at 738 North Bancroft Street to interview Harry and Mary Beese. 

Next Up: Life Along Layman Avenue

Marjorie and Orville Peters resided at 740 North Bancroft Street from 1935 until 1940. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

Orville Peters excelled at the Sanderson Business School. He served as an auditor and accountant for the remainder of his working life. (ad from unknown publication courtesy of the Peters family)

Orville Peters worked for Standard Oil in 1938 when this photo was snapped at 740 North Bancroft Street. He was later employed at Barbasol, Jones & Laughlin Steel, and other companies. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

Marjorie Jones Peters grew up in Irvington. She posed with her first of four children, Donald, in 1938.  (photo courtesy of the Peters family) 

Orville Peters posed with his son, Donald, in 1938 along the sidewalk leading up to 740 North Bancroft Street. Behind the pair, you can see the bungalows at 741 and 739 North Bancroft Street. (photo courtesy of the Peters family) 

Little Donald Peters played with his blocks in 1938 in front of his home at 740 North Bancroft Street. You can also see the front porch of the home next door at 742 North Bancroft Street. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

Donald Peters (right) walked up the sidewalk at 740 North Bancroft Street with an unidentified little girl in 1938. Behind the pair, you can see several houses in the 700 block of North Bancroft Street. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

A group of children gathered in front of 739 North Bancroft Street in 1938. Bert and Clara Marston resided in the home at the time. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

Donald Peters, the son of Orville and Marjorie Peters, walked along the sidewalk leading up to 740 North Bancroft Street in February of 1938. Behind him, you can see houses in the 700 block of North Bancroft Street. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

By 1939, Orville and Marjorie Peters welcomed their second child, David. In this portrait: Orville (holding David), Donald and Marjorie Peters (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

     I wish to thank Doug Peters who generously loaned family scrapbooks and stories. 

Sources:  Interviews with Doug Peters, Summer, 2024; Wedding--"Miss Jones and Orville Peters Wed," Indianapolis Times, December 9, 1933, p. 5; Ad for 740 N. Bancroft--"For Rent," Indianapolis News, June 29, 1935, p. 13; Mothers' Club--"Mothers Club Founded at St. Matthews Church," Indianapolis News, August 20, 1939, p. 8; Wedding shower--"Kitchen Shower Tonight to Honor Jean McHatton," Indianapolis Star, July 8, 1938, p. 7; Polk's City Directory (Marion County, IN), City Directory, 1938; US Federal Census, 1940.