Over Forty Years in a Bosart Avenue Bungalow

Carl and Marianna Swego Koepper bought a bungalow at 21 North Bosart Avenue from William H. Polk in either late 1929 or early 1930.  Mr. Koepper, a hardworking and industrious man, worked his way up from being a teller at Indiana National Bank to eventually becoming a vice president. Despite his rise in income and status, the couple remained in the modest bungalow until 1971. They had no children, but they were very involved in the lives of family members who dwelled on the near south side of Indianapolis and in Irvington. Mrs. Koepper stayed home and kept a beautiful house. She also loved to garden.  In her backyard she grew flowers and vegetables. Family film footage shot in 1938 and 1939 reveals that Mr. Koepper had a fun sense of humor.  Eventually, the couple left their Bosart Avenue home for an apartment on the north side of Indianapolis. Sadly, both of them passed away in the 1970s. Historic photos reveal glimpses into the lives of this much-admired couple.

Koepper Clan:  Henry and Josephine Koepper posed with their three sons on Christmas Day in 1932 on the front porch at 21 North Bosart Avenue. Pictured (left to right): Hubert, Josephine, Henry, Carl, and Norman Koepper

Christmas Gathering: Extended members of the Koepper family gathered at 21 North Bosart Avenue on December 25, 1951. Standing on the left with Christmas presents in his hands was David Koepper. Nearby, Marianna Swego Koepper walked by the family Christmas tree. Lydia Koepper watched the day's events from a chair by the front door.  A young Steve Koepper sat on the floor and looked directly at the family photographer.  The most visible person on the couch was Susan Koepper.

Lovely Backyard in the Summer of 1953:  Marianna Swego Koepper kept beautiful flower and vegetable gardens in the backyard of her home at 21 North Bosart Avenue.  Beyond the Koepper home, you can see the Dutch Colonial located at 20 North Bosart Avenue.  

Rich Harvest:  Marianna Swego Koepper can be seen in the backyard of her home at 21 North Bosart Avenue picking tomatoes from her lush vegetable garden in the summer of 1953.  

Joy of the Season:  Members of the Koepper family gathered at the home of Carl and Marianna Swego Koepper on Christmas Day in 1966.  The Koeppers dwelled in a lovely bungalow at 21 North Bosart Avenue.  Note the unpainted woodwork, crown moulding,  and built-in cabinetry behind and above family.  Pictured:  Mary Koepper, the wife of Hubert Koepper can be seen at the far left. Seated at the table-- Robert and Inge Koepper and their sons, Mark and Ronald;  Standing behind everyone-- Hubert Koepper.  Robert was the son of Hubert and Mary Koepper.

Decades Together:  Carl and Marianna Swego Koepper posed for this photo in 1970 in the living room of their home at 21 North Bosart Avenue.  They moved out of this dwelling and into an apartment on the north side of Indianapolis in 1971.

Mystery Flutist:  Either Carl or Marianna Swego Koepper snapped this artistic photograph of a young lady giving a recital for the couple in their home at 21 North Bosart Avenue. If anyone recognizes this talented young lady, drop me an e-mail at the address listed on the side of this blog.  

21 North Bosart Avenue in 2015.

The historic images and stories for this post are courtesy of Steve Koepper.