Gathering in the Backyard of the Lollis Home

Edward and Georgia May Lollis moved into 5919 Julian Avenue in 1937 and remained until 1941. The small backyard served as a perfect spot for a growing toddler.  A mature apple tree at the rear of the property provided not only the perfect amount of shade, but also a plentiful fruit harvest.  In 1938, Mrs. Lollis recorded that it was a banner year for the apples. Her neighbors, the Lawtons, at 5915 Julian Avenue also had an apple tree in their backyard.  On July 15, 1938, at the height of the apple season, the Lollis family celebrated the first birthday of young Ted Lollis in the backyard and under that productive tree.  Several images from the Lollis family photo album reveal other joyful moments in the backyard as well.

Ted Lollis enjoyed his first birthday cake on July 15, 1938, in the backyard of 5919 Julian Avenue. You can see apples from the nearby tree at his feet.  Behind him you can see the garage and barn in the backyards of the homes in the 5900 block of Julian Avenue.

A happy Ted Lollis posed for his family on July 15, 1938. He had just celebrated his first birthday. Behind him, you can see the rear of 5925 and 5929 Julian Avenue.

Ted Lollis joyfully swung on July 15, 1938, in his backyard at 5919 Julian Avenue.  Apples from a nearby tree were strewn at his feet. You can see the rear of 5925 Julian Avenue behind him.  

Time to mow!  Mr. Lollis had just finished mowing the backyard of 5919 Julian Avenue in the summer of 1938 when this photo was snapped. His mower rested upon the sidewalk.  If you look closely, you can see the cistern near the rear of the house.  A trellis hosted flowers and the family also had a grape arbor.  The large tree visible in the photo was an apple tree. 

Georgia May Lollis posed with her son, Ted, in the backyard of 5919 Julian Avenue in February of 1938. Behind them, you can see the rear of of 5929 and 5935 Julian Avenue.  

The historic images are courtesy of Ted Lollis. To see images from the Lawton family who dwelled next door, click on the link below.  

Julian Avenue Scenes in 1937 and 1938

Edward and Georgia May Lollis of 5919 Julian Avenue proudly snapped photos of their only child, Ted, in the front yard of their home.  The sleeping baby or active toddler was the focus of the photographer, but the images also show neighboring homes and garages.  In the top photo, taken in October of 1937, a smiling baby reclined in a wicker crib.  Autumn leaves can be seen on the grass near the child. The most visible home in the photo belonged to the Conn family at 48 South Arlington Avenue. The spruce tree that grew in the rear of that home now towers over the backyard of the small bungalow in 2015.

Over a year later, young Ted Lollis once again posed in the front yard at 5919 Julian Avenue on November 20, 1938.  Now an active toddler, young Ted jumped in a box and used a toy dog as his pretend horse or guide dog.  It was a cool day and all of the leaves are off of the trees. An early winter snowstorm would hit the neighborhood three days after this photo was snapped. Behind Ted, you can see several neighboring houses.  On the left, you can once again see the Conn family home at 48 South Arlington Avenue. The two houses facing the photographer were located at 103 and 107 South Arlington Avenue.  If they peaked out their windows that day, a member of the Barnes or Malin family might have seen young Ted scooting around in his homemade wagon. To the right of the child, you can see 5929 Julian Avenue(vacant in 1938), the Howell family home at 5935 Julian Avenue, and rooftop of of the Scheffel bungalow at 5937 Julian Avenue.

The historic images are courtesy of Ted Lollis.  To see more scenes of this part of the neighborhood click on the "Lawton Family" link below.  

Welcome to the Lollis Home--A Complete Tour (1937-1941)

Edward and Georgia May Lollis moved into 5919 Julian Avenue in 1937.  The American Four Square dwelling had been most associated with the Enyart family who moved into it in 1913.  The house was likely built around 1910.  Mr. and Mrs. Lollis purchased the house from Ora and Grace Enyart.  Typical of American Four Squares, the foyer, living room, dining room, and kitchen were on the first floor while all of the bedrooms and the bathroom were on the second floor.  These homes usually had large attic spaces which could be converted into bedrooms.  Four Squares also usually had large front porches and small back porches. The homes were generally painted in earthy colors popular during Arts and Crafts era although Mr. and Mrs. Lollis had the home painted white and they also added shutters to the second floor windows facing Julian Avenue.

Edward and Georgia May Lollis had acquired some beautiful furniture which they placed in their large four-bedroom home on Julian Avenue.  In 1938, Georgia May's family, the Campbells, shipped a dining room set complete with a table, chairs, and buffet from St. Louis to Irvington. If one were to drop by the Lollis home unannounced, they would have seen a typewriter on the dining room table as Mrs. Lollis frequently wrote essays and papers while seated at the beautiful table. If she knew guests were coming she removed the typewriter from the table. Mrs. Lollis took photos of the interior of the home after they first moved in and again on May 11, 1941, just as they were about to move out.

5919 Julian Avenue in 1937

5919 Julian Avenue on October 29, 1939

With light streaming in, you can see the beautiful furniture in the living room of the Lollis home at 5919 Julian Avenue in 1938. Note the secretary and the spindled chair. A lovely tapestry hung on the wall. A card table appears to be leaning on the wall below it. Mrs. Lollis placed flowers in a glass vase on smaller oval table.

In another view of the living room of the Lollis home at 5919 Julian Avenue in 1938, you can see an inviting chair and nearby a magazine stand that held both Time and Life magazines. Sliding doors separated the living and dining rooms. Notice the original light feature still hanging in the living room.  

His and her overstuffed chairs sat in front of the large windows in the living room in the home of the Lollis family at 5919 Julian Avenue.  (May 11, 1941)

By 1941, Mr. and Mrs. Lollis had moved the large secretary to another wall within their living room at 5919 Julian Avenue. Beyond you can see a chair and table in the foyer.  

In the corner of living room at 5919 Julian Avenue, the Lollis family added a bookshelf that came from her family, the Campbells.  Atop the piece, you can see both a photo of their beloved son, Ted, and a clock.  (May 11, 1941)

The dining room of the Lollis home at 5919 Julian Avenue on May 11, 1941.

The dining room of the Lollis home at 5919 Julian Avenue on May 11, 1941: Note the original light fixture still hanging from the ceiling. 

Ted Lollis opened a drawer in the built-in cabinet in the kitchen at 5919 Julian Avenue on May 11, 1941. Mrs. Lollis documented photos of the house so that he would know about his first childhood home.  Her Royal Doulton China collection can be seen just behind the glass.  

Ted Lollis sat at the kitchen table at his home at 5919 Julian Avenue on May 11, 1941. Although it may not have been her intention, Mrs. Lollis created an impressionistic image with this photograph with lovely light streaming in on the table and on her freshly cut peonies.  

Mrs. Lollis took a photo of the bedroom belonging to Ted Lollis on May 11, 1941.   

The historic images are courtesy of Ted Lollis.  

The Lollis Family Set Up Housekeeping Along Julian Avenue

Edward and Georgia May Campbell Lollis married in 1933 and set up housekeeping at the Cathcart Apartments at 103 East Ninth Street just north of downtown Indianapolis.  They remained there for nearly four years before moving to Irvington, a familiar place to both of them as they had both previously dwelled in the neighborhood.  Mr. Lollis worked as a legal editor for the Bobbs-Merrill Company at the time while Mrs. Lollis served as the assistant editor for Insurance Research and Review Services. In an age where most people struggled to earn a high school diploma, Mr. and Mrs. Lollis both had advanced college degrees.  Mr. Lollis completed his law degree while Mrs. Lollis had earned a Masters in Journalism from the University of Missouri.  Mrs. Lollis actually earned more money than her husband in 1933.  She would eventually leave the workforce in 1937 before the birth of her first and only child, Ted.

With a double income, the couple was able to save enough money to buy property. In fact, Mr. Lollis became a shrewd, although conservative, investor. He saw real estate as an opportunity and in the 1930s, the couple purchased two doubles along Julian Avenue and other on New York Street. They bought their first home at 5919 Julian Avenue in 1937.

Life changed for the couple on July 15, 1937, when Georgia May Lollis gave birth to their son, Edward Lollis, Jr.  They brought their infant son to their Julian home and hosted regular visitors who wanted to meet the young child.  His appearance brought out family photographers who snapped away as the happy couple posed proudly with their new child. Mrs. Lollis would eventually create a photo album to document her son's early years.

And Baby Makes Three: Georgia May and Edward Lollis posed with their son, Ted, on the front porch of 5919 Julian Avenue on August 19, 1937.

The New Kid:  Edward Lollis proudly admired his new son, Ted, on the lap of Georgia May Lollis on August 19, 1937.

The Two Edwards:  Edward Lollis, Sr. posed with his son, Edward, Wesley Lollis II, on September 6, 1937. Behind the father and son, you can see the home at 5925 Julian Avenue.  

Mother and Son: Georgia May Campbell held her son, Ted, in the backyard of 5919 Julian Avenue. Behind them, you can see the rear of 5925 Julian Avenue.

Sold! Edward and Georgia May Lollis purchased 5919 Julian Avenue in 1937. You can still see the "for sale" sign in the front yard.  

The historic images are courtesy of Ted Lollis.  

Neighborhood Scenes at the Intersection of Johnson and Julian Avenues--1940s and 1950s

The sleepy intersection of Julian and Johnson Avenue comes alive each Sunday as members of the Irvington Presbyterian Church arrive for services.  The narrow and winding streets have hosted hundreds of residents over the years.  Johnson Avenue dead-ended into the Pennsylvania Railroad. By the mid-twentieth century, city officials deemed Julian Avenue a one-way street.  On warm summer nights, residents who opened their windows or slept out on second-floor sleeping porches could hear both the traffic along East Washington Street and the sounds of trains along the nearby rail line. The widow, Mary Pulver Stevenson, photographed friends and family who came to see her at 112 Johnson Avenue and as a result she also documented her surroundings. Color photographs, taken in the early 1950s show her beautiful backyard flower garden.

An unidentified woman stood in the side tree lawn of 5603 Julian Avenue c1943

Edward Lollis, the nephew of Mary Stevenson, stopped by for a visit c1952 in front of 112 Johnson Avenue in his 1948 Buick Roadmaster.  Behind him you can see the side of 5603 Julian Avenue and the Irvington Presbyterian Church. If you look closely you can his son Ted and his wife Georgia May Lollis in the car. 

Unidentified ladies stood in the yard of 112 Johnson Avenue. Behind them you can see the rear of 5543 Julian Avenue and the Irvington Presbyterian c1945.

Mary Pulver Stevenson posed for this photograph in her front yard at 112 Johnson Avenue. Behind her you can see the rear of 5543 Julian Avenue c1945.  

Boarder, Lois Omer, posed with homeowner, Mary Stevenson, in the backyard of 112 Johnson Avenue in 1953. Miss Omer worked nearby at the Missions Building on Downey Avenue. (Photographer Ted Lollis) 

Lois Omer stood in the backyard of 112 Johnson Avenue in 1953. Behind her, you can see the lovely flower garden and 104 Johnson Avenue which had been sheathed in Insulbrick by the mid-twentieth century. (Photographer Ted Lollis)

The historic images are courtesy of Ted Lollis.  

A Gathering By the Stoop at 112 Johnson Avenue

Mary Pulver Stevenson moved into her ailing mother's home at 112 Johnson Avenue in 1941.  Ohio Pulver would not live to see the end of year.  Finding herself a widow and now without her parents, Mrs. Stevenson leased rooms at her Johnson Avenue dwelling. Since she did not drive, she also rented out the garage along the alley. When family or visitors stopped by to see her, she often asked them to pose on the front stoop for a photograph to document the occasion.  Her photo album is filled with people--often the same family members--perched or leaning on that front stoop.  Mrs. Stevenson passed away in 1969.

Ohio Pulver, the mother of Mary Pulver Stevenson, posed on one of the front porch stoops at 112 Johnson Avenue c1925.  The Pulvers first moved into the home in 1923. Mrs. Pulver died in 1941.  

Edward Pulver posed on the front porch stoop at 112 Johnson Avenue c1925 for his daughter, Mary Pulver Stevenson. Edward Pulver passed away in 1936 at his Irvington home. 

To make ends meet, Mary Pulver Stevenson (left) leased rooms.  Lois Omer (right) was one of her long-time boarders. They posed for this photograph c1948.  

Unidentified young ladies stopped by to visit Mary Stevenson at 112 Johnson Avenue c1945.  

A pensive Ted Lollis posed atop the front porch stoop at 112 Johnson Avenue for his Aunt Mary Stevenson c1948. Ted lived east of his Aunt Mary along Julian Avenue and he was a frequent visitor to her home.  

The front porch stoop at 112 Johnson Avenue is all but a ruin in 2015 as the home is in need of a serious renovation.

The historic images are courtesy of Ted Lollis.  

The Pulvers Move to Johnson Avenue

Edward and Ohio Snider Pulver decided to move to Irvington in 1923 to be near their only child, Mary Pulver Stevenson.  The Pulvers hailed from Piper City, Illinois and purchased a modest two-story home at 112 Johnson Avenue from Gustave Breuninger. Mr. Pulver, a retired Colonel,  had fought in the Third Calvary Regiment for the U.S. Government in the Indian Wars in Nebraska.  He was also an active Mason. The Pulvers were members of the Irvington Presbyterian Church and merely had to walk across the street to attend church each Sunday.  Mr. Pulver died in 1936 and Mrs. Pulver passed away in 1941.  Their daughter, Mary Pulver Stevenson a widow, moved into the Johnson Avenue home in 1941 and remained there for two decades.

Edward Pulver stood in the front yard of 112 Johnson Avenue c1925. Behind him, you can see the older Irvington Presbyterian Church that predated the current structure.  

Edward and Ohio Pulver relaxed in their living room at 112 Johnson Avenue c1925. The photo was most likely taken by their daughter, Mary Pulver Stevenson.  

112 Johnson Avenue in 2015

The historic images are courtesy of Ted Lollis.

The Stevensons Spend Their Final Years Together

Robert E. and Mary Pulver Stevenson moved into 56 South Irvington Avenue in 1932 along with their nephew, Edward Lollis.  Mr. Stevenson busied himself with various projects and ideas for new business adventures.  He had received a patent in 1912 for a water softener and he had tried to raise the capital for a dam along the Eel River in Putnam and Owen Counties.  He "read law" as a young man and became an attorney.  He was involved with the Scottish Rite.  Many top businessmen in the city networked in social clubs like the Masons.  Mrs. Stevenson was active at the Irvington Presbyterian Church and she likely looked after her elderly parents who dwelled nearby at 112 Johnson Avenue.  Young Edward Lollis had graduated from the Indiana Law School in 1930. To supplement his income while completing his coursework, Edward worked at the Piggly Wiggly Grocery Store at 5440 East Washington Street and then at an all-night filling station at East Washington Street and Southeastern Avenue. He later worked for the Bobbs-Merrill Company before moving on to American States Insurance, a company where he worked for decades.  He left home in 1933 to marry although he stayed close to his Aunt and Uncle.

On November 1, 1939, Mary Stevenson's world changed dramatically when her sixty-five-year-old husband died suddenly.  Life must have been a blur for her as she had lost her father three years earlier.  Mrs. Stevenson and her nephew Edward held the funeral for Robert E. Stevenson at 56 South Irvington Avenue on November 3, 1939.  Mrs. Stevenson could not live in such a large house by herself so she moved in with her mother at 112 Johnson Avenue in 1941.  She would never remarry.

Mary Stevenson posed for a photo in 1937 before getting into Robert Stevenson's 1934  Cadillac. Behind her you can see the residences located at 21, 23, and 25-27 South Irvington Avenue.  

Going for a Drive:  Robert E. Stevenson pulled into the driveway of 56 South Irvington Avenue in 1935. Behind him, you can see the double at 25-27 South Irvington Avenue.  

Robert E. Stevenson proudly posed next to his 1934 Cadillac along South Irvington Avenue in 1937. Behind him, you can see 52, 28, 24, 22, and 18 South Irvington Avenue.  (some of those houses are no longer standing)

Edward Lollis, the nephew and ward of Robert and Mary Stevenson, graduated from Butler University in 1927 and the Indiana Law School in 1930. He lived with the Stevensons until his marriage in 1933.  

The historic images are courtesy of Ted Lollis.  

Snowfall Along Julian Avenue--1937

In the winter of 1937, Mary Stevenson of 56 South Irvington Avenue peered out her window and noticed a beautiful scene as snow had just fallen. She grabbed her camera and went out onto the front porch and snapped one photo.  Then she ventured out into her yard and took another.  In the top photo, a young boy can be seen in front of 5451 Julian Avenue.  It is possible that it might have been five-year-old Harry Fox, Jr. who dwelled in that house.  His father, Harry Fox, Sr., was Vice President of Fox Optical Company.  His mother Mabel stayed home and raised his other siblings, Mary Ellen, Dorothy,  Anna, Jane, and Joan.   Next door at 5457 Julian Avenue dwelled  his elderly neighbors, Edgar and Harriett Perkins.  Mr. Perkins still served as a judge although he was old enough to retire. You can also see the rear of the homes along South Ritter Avenue.

In the second photo, Mrs. Stevenson aimed her camera at the back of IPS #57.  Were children in session on that day or did she take the photo on a weekend? The home at the far left was a double at 25-27 South Irvington Avenue.  Verner E. Sprouse lived on one side while Bernard and Mary Callon dwelled on the other.

Beautiful Snow:  Mary Stevenson snapped this photo from her home at 56 South Irvington Avenue of the 5400 block of Julian Avenue in the winter of 1937.  

The rear of IPS #57 and part of 25-27 South Irvington Avenue can be seen in this photo snapped by Mary Stevenson (56 South Irvington Avenue) in the winter of 1937.  

The historic images are courtesy of Ted Lollis.  

Snookie the Cat

She posed regally and patiently for the photographer, Mary Stevenson, in 1937. Snookie, a much-loved feline, dwelled within the confines of 56 South Irvington Avenue and later at 112 Johnson Avenue. Princess Snookie has been gone for seventy years, but her spirit has been resurrected for today's post. Welcome back, Snookie!!

Snookie posed atop a stool at 56 South Irvington Avenue in 1937

Regal Snookie stood atop her stoop at 56 South Irvington Avenue to view her kingdom in 1937

Mary Stevenson held her beloved Snookie c1941 at 112 Johnson Avenue

 The historic images are courtesy of Ted Lollis.  

Life Along Irvington Avenue in the 1930s

Robert E. and Mary Stevenson along with their nephew, Edward Lollis, moved into 56 South Irvington Avenue in 1932.  The family had been dwelling in a grand house along Washington Street, but they sold that house in 1928 and lived in a few other homes in Irvington before finally settling down once again.  The Depression had not been kind to the Stevensons, but they managed to put together enough money to buy the large house at the intersection of Julian and Irvington Avenues. Young Edward had graduated from Butler University in 1927.  He had wanted to attend Purdue University and did so for one year, but his Uncle Robert told him that there was no more money for Purdue so he came home and majored in mathematics at Butler.  Mr. Lollis then enrolled and graduated from law school.

Mary Stevenson's parents, Edward and Ohio Pulver, lived nearby at 112 Johnson Avenue. Within a very short amount of time, however, Mrs. Stevenson would lose both her father and husband.  Her comfortable world was about to change dramatically.

Shortly after moving into 56 South Irvington, Mary Stevenson grabbed her trusty camera and documented the home and the nearby neighborhood.  She was clearly house proud and once again had a fine home for her beautiful grand piano.

56 South Irvington Avenue c1933

Ohio Pulver visited her daughter, Mary Stevenson, at 56 South Irvington Avenue c1935.  Note the beautiful spirea behind her.  Many Irvington residents planted this lovely bush next to their homes.  

Beautiful flowers next to 56 South Irvington Avenue c1935

Mary Stevenson's grand piano sat in the parlor at 56 South Irvington Avenue c1935

To the point:  The front yard at 56 South Irvington Avenue c1935. Beyond the beautiful hedge you can see homes along Julian Avenue towards Ritter Avenue.  

56 South Irvington Avenue has been altered over the years. It was eventually carved into at least four apartments. Sometime in the mid-twentieth century, a landlord added faux stone.  Vinyl siding now covers the clapboard. (Photo by Bill Gulde in 2015)

The historic images are courtesy of Ted Lollis.