The Zoercher Family of Layman Avenue

Finding historic photos of one's house can be difficult and for some of us, elusive. For others, it is as easy as a knock on the door. How many of us have longed to go into a childhood home or the former house of a grandparent? That is exactly what happened when members of the Zoercher family returned to 52 North Layman over fifty years after leaving the beautiful American Four Square.

James Zoercher (1909-1965) grew up in Irvington at 68 N. Whittier Place. His father was a prominent attorney. On January 24, 1931, James, married Eleanor Hadd (1908-1982) and began working for Indianapolis Power and Light. Mrs. Zoercher lived in both Boston and Baltimore prior to moving to Indianapolis. The young couple eventually set up housekeeping at 52 North Layman Avenue in 1934 and remained until 1955. They raised their children in the home and thankfully took many photos of their beloved family and of the Layman Avenue area. These photos are now treasured by the current homeowners.

In the top photo, you can see an image of the house taken around 1940. A contemporary shot of the same side of the dwelling was shot on March 19, 2012. In the other historic photos, you will see various members of the Zoercher family gathered on the front steps. Most of the shots are of the children although you can see Mrs. Zoercher in a few of them. You will note that most of the photos date from the late 1930s throughout the 1940s. The Zoerchers were clearly fashionable people based upon their stylish clothes. Mrs. Zoercher eventually worked as a therapist at the La Rue Carter Hospital. More photos of this interesting family will be forthcoming. The historic images are courtesy of Andrea de Mink.