Scenes Along East Washington Street--Part II

     John W. and Janice Kern resided in the Victoria Apartments at 5124 East Washington Street (later numbered as 5128) from 1942 until 1948. Family snapshots show several East Washington Street scenes. Most of the shots were taken in 1947. The couple later moved north of Irvington to 3550 North Riley Avenue where they remained for decades. 

5136-38, 5140 (Muriel Apartments), 5148-50, and 5206-08 East Washington Street

     In the center of the photographs below, you will see the Muriel Apartments. First constructed in 1928, the two-story brick structure was at capacity in 1947. There was still a housing shortage in the US leftover from the Great Depression and World War II so the landlord of the Muriel or of the nearby duplexes had no trouble finding renters. 

Janice Wayman Kern (on the right) posed with an unidentified woman c1947 along East Washington Street. Behind the ladies, you can see the duplex at 5136-38 East Washington Street; the Muriel Apartments at 5140 East Washington; and the second story of the double located at 5148-50 East Washington Street. 

An unidentified woman posed with her 1941 Ford Super Deluxe c1947. Behind her you can see the properties located at 5136-38, 5140, 5148-50, and 5206-08 East Washington Street. 

5117 East Washington Street

     The beautiful American Four Square at 5117 East Washington Street first appeared in Irvington in 1918. A writer for the Indianapolis Star noted that Charles Edgar Bates designed the residence for John Larrison. Mr. Bates used "variegated" red brick on the outside and red tile for the roof. Inside, he designed a brick fireplace flanked by built-in bookcases. He added exposed wooden beams into the dining room ceiling for a "Flemish effect." Family members walked up and down an ornamental staircase. 

     By 1947, Francis and Anna Wilhelm resided at 5117 East Washington Street. Mr. Wilhelm, a builder, had already made a name for himself in the state of Indiana. He would later go on to build many iconic structures like the Expo Center in Indianapolis, the Music and Arts Center at Indiana University, the Chemistry building at Purdue University, and dozens of  Catholic schools. His firm was only nine years old when Mrs. Wayman posed for the photograph below. 

Floy Barnard Wayman, the manager of the Victoria Apartments on East Washington Street, stood along the sidewalk c1947. Behind her, you can see the residence at 5117 East Washington Street. The Wilhelms lived in the house at the time. 

5117 East Washington Street on November 1, 2024

5129 East Washington Street: Texaco Service Station

     George B. Keller operated the Texaco Service Station on the southeast corner of East Washington Street and Spencer Avenues. He also owned another nearby gas station at Arlington Avenue and Washington Street. The business made the headlines in 1943 when burglars broke into the building at night and stole gas ration coupons, cash, and a cigarette vending machine.  Mr. Keller owned this particular station until 1972. 

Janice Wayman Kern stood in the front yard of the Victoria Apartments in 1947. Behind her, you can see the former Texaco Service Station at 5129 East Washington Street and the west side of the LaMae Apartments at 5143 Street. 

Three unidentified people stood on the sidewalk leading to the Victoria Apartments. Behind the group, you can see the service station located at 5129 East Washington Street. That building was later torn down for a restaurant. 

5129 and 5143 East Washington Street on November 1, 2024

5143 East Washington Street: The LaMae Apartments

     The LaMae Apartments (now called Irvington Villas) located at 5143 East Washington Street opened in the fall of 1927. Builder and designer, John H. Larrison, held an open house on November 27, 1927, so that potential renters could tour the eight units. Twenty one years later, the building still looked much the same as it did in the roaring 20s. The LaMae appeared in several Wayman-Kern family photos from the late 1940s. 

Little James ("Jimmy") R. Kern rode his tricycle along East Washington Street in 1947. Behind him you can see the LaMae Apartments at 5143 East Washington. 

An unidentified girl held James R. Kern's hand on October 4, 1947. Behind the kids you can see the LaMae Apartments at 5143 East Washington Street. 

Janice, John, and James Kern sat on a bench at the Victoria Apartments while an unidentified young girl stood nearby on October 4, 1947. If you look closely, you can also see the duplexes located at 5201-03 and 5205-07 East Washington Street. 

Sources:  5117 E. Washington St.--"New Residence on the East Side Is a Model For Attractiveness," Indianapolis Star, February 2, 1919, p.32; Wilhelm family--"Francis Wilhelm of Building Firm Dies," Indianapolis News, December 6, 1976. p. 17; Texaco Gas Station--"George B. Keller" (obituary), Indianapolis News, April 18, 1989, p. 34; "Filling Station Robbed," Indianapolis Star, November 29, 1943, p. 18; LaMae Apartments--"Apartments Shown Today," Indianapolis Star, November 27, 1927, p. 35.

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.

Scenes Along East Washington Street--1940s, Part I

      John and Janice Kern lived in the Victoria Apartments at 5124 East Washington Street (later 5128) from 1942 until 1948. During that era they also welcomed a son named James R. Kern. Photos from the Kern family documented their life along that busy street. While the photographers generally captured people, they also inadvertently documented several houses and at least one business. Let's take a stroll down the 5100 block of Washington Street in 1947. 

5118-20 East Washington Street

     The Rahn family occupied both sides of the double at 5118-20 East Washington Street in 1947. Alf Rahn lived at 5118 while Lester and Mildred Rahn resided at 5120. Lester Rahn served as an assistant cashier for Indiana National Bank. He was a rising star in that organization and was still on his upward trajectory in 1947. If the Rahns looked out their living room window on a winter's day, they might have seen a young James Kern walking along the sidewalk. 

James R. Kern posed with his new toy in January of 1948. Behind him, you can see the double located at 5118-20 East Washington Street. 

James R. Kern took a tumble in January of 1948. You can see the corner of the Victoria Apartments at 5124 East Washington Street (later 5128) and the double located at 5118-20 East Washington Street.

Janice Wayman Kern posed along East Washington Street c1945. Behind her, you can see the sign for the Mobil Gas Station that used to operate at 5104 East Washington Street. You can also see the double at 5118-20 East Washington Street and the Victoria apartment building at 5124 (later 5128) East Washington Street. 

Two members of the Wayman-Kern families walked down the stairs leading to the Victoria Apartments at 5124 (later 5128) East Washington Street. You will note that there used to be an empty lot just to the west of the apartments. Construction of a brick double there later prompted city officials to renumber the Victoria Apartments to 5128 East Washington Street. You can also see the double at 5118-20 East Washington Street. 

5118-20 East Washington Street on November 1, 2024

5132-34 East Washington Street

     The double at 5132-34 East Washington Street appeared in numerous Kern family photos due to its proximity to the Victoria Apartments next door. The extended Warrick family resided at 5132. Brothers Harold C and Forrest E. along with their sister, Dorothy, and their widowed Aunt Cassie Rowlette all dwelled in the double in the late 1940s. The Warricks also rented a room to a young woman named Annatasia Corrington, who would later marry Harold Warrick.   

     Mrs. Mary C. O'Donnell, whose husband, Terrence J. had died suddenly in 1944, was the mother of seven children. She resided at 5134 East Washington Street in 1947. The O'Donnells were members of the nearby Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. 

Three women from the Wayman-Kern family stood in the front yard of the Victoria Apartments c1945. The woman facing the camera is most likely Virginia Wayman. Behind the ladies, you can see the double at 5132-34 East Washington Street. 

Janice Wayman Kern held her baby, James R. Kern, on April 10, 1947, in front of the Victoria Apartments. Behind the pair, you can see the double located at 5132-34 East Washington Street. 

James R. Kern stood in front of his home at the Victoria Apartments in 1948. You can also see the double located at 5132-34 East Washington Street. 

John Wilbur Kern posed with his son, James R. Kern, in front of the Victoria Apartments in 1947. Behind them, you can see the double at 5132-34 East Washington Street. 

Sisters Janice Wayman Kern and Virginia Wayman, posed in the front yard of the Victoria Apartments c1945. Behind them, you can see the double at 5132-34 East Washington Street.

An unidentified woman stood in the front yard of the Victoria Apartments c1945. Behind her, you can see the double at 5132-34 East Washington Street. 

5132-34 East Washington Street on November 1, 2024

Next Up: Scenes Along East Washington Street, Part 2

Sources: Polk's Directory for Indianapolis, 1947; Rahn family--"Lester H. Rahn Rites Saturday," Indianapolis News, March 31, 1977, p. 3; Warrick family--US Federal Census, 1950; "Harold C. Warrick," obituary, Indianapolis Star, August 18, 1970, p. 25; O'Donnell family--"Awarded Bronze Star," Indianapolis Star, June 29, 1952, p. 17; Obituary for Terrence C. O'Donnell, Indianapolis Star, November 6, 1944, p. 13.

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.

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.