Construction Photos of Pleasant Run Parkway Home

Throughout the summer of 1950, construction workers busily erected a brand new home at 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive for the Doran family. Incredible photographs still exist of the house under construction in the family's collection. Wilbur and Julia Cooper Doran commissioned architect Orlando Little to assist them with the design. The plan is based upon a builder's catalog design called "The Collingwood." Mr. Little modified the design for his clients. The images show the house under various phases of construction and family members can be seen excitedly examining their new environment.

Miriam Doran stood in her new front yard at 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive in the summer of 1950.
(photo courtesy of Kevin Yamafuji) 

Julia Cooper Doran stood in her future home at 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive in the summer of 1950 while her daughter, Miriam, posed next to the bricks that would be used for the exterior of the residence. (photo courtesy of Kevin Yamafuji) 

5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive under construction in 1950 (photo courtesy of Kevin Yamafuji) 

Taking Shape: Children dashed about the new house under construction at 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive in the summer of 1950. (photo courtesy of Kevin Yamafuji) 

An unidentified construction worker examined plans in the new living room at 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive in 1950 (photo courtesy of Kevin Yamafuji) 

5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive in 1950 (photo courtesy of Kevin Yamafuji) 

The tub had been installed at 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive in the summer of 1950 (photo courtesy of Kevin Yamafuji) 

5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive in 1950 (photo courtesy of Kevin Yamafuji) 

5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive in 1950 (photo courtesy of Kevin Yamafuji) 

The home at 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway Drive is a modified version of the "The Collingwood"

Notice the bike tracks in the snow in this artistic shot of 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive taken in the winter of 1951 by the Doran family. (photo courtesy of Kevin Yamafuji) 

A special thanks to the following people for making this post possible: Miriam Lash, James Doran, Jennifer Lash, Susan Boyle, and Kevin Yamafuji. 

Orlando Little Designed Irvington Home

Wilbur and Julia Cooper Doran had been living in Irvington since their marriage in 1934. They resided along both Burgess and Campbell Avenues. As their family grew, the couple knew that they wanted a bigger house. In the 1940s, the Dorans lived in a small two-bedroom house at 737 North Campbell Avenue with three small children. Mr. Doran earned a comfortable salary as a chemist for the Eli Lilly Company so they had options. After World War II ended, veterans flooded home and houses were hard to find. Many folks began to build ranch houses in new subdivisions in the far parts of the county, but the Dorans were not interested in leaving Irvington. By the late 1940s, there were few available lots in Irvington, but around the corner from their home they noticed an old apple orchard on a single lot in the 5700 block of Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive and purchased it.

5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive in 2019 (photo courtesy of Alicia Schwering) 

Sometime in 1949, the Dorans commissioned an architect named Orlando B. Little to design their new home. Miriam Doran Lash, the daughter of Wilbur and Julia Doran, remembers sitting in Mr. Little's office and playing with the model of the house that he had prepared for the family. While more research is needed on this interesting architect, it is known that some of his religious and state-owned structures are still around today. In the 1920s, he designed the barracks for the Indiana Boys School in Plainfield. In 1931, he received the commission to draw up the plans for structures at the Indiana School for the Feeble Minded in Butlerville, Indiana. It is also known that he designed the West Michigan Methodist Episcopal Church at 2132 West Michigan Street in 1924 and the Ray Street Nazarene Church at 1242 West Ray Street in 1952 in Indianapolis.

Orlando B. Little, an architect, designed 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive. (photo Indianapolis News, January 21, 1958, 9)

Orlando B. Little designed the West Michigan Street Methodist Episcopal Church in 1924. It still stands at 2132 West Michigan Street in Indianapolis in 2019. 

Orlando B. Little also designed the Ray Street Nazarene Church in 1952. It still stands at 1242 West Ray Street in Indianapolis in 2019. 

Wilbur and Julia Cooper Doran purchased this lot at 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive in 1949. They hired Orlando B. Little to design a home for them on the site. (historic photo courtesy of Miriam Lash, Jennifer Lash, and Alicia Schwering) 

In the autumn of 1950, the Dorans moved into their brand new house at 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive. The two-story brick home was ample for their family. With a long living room with a fireplace in the middle of it, the Dorans would have plenty of room to host gatherings in their residence. Mrs. Doran was very active in various clubs and associations and held several meetings in her home. For instance, on February 4, 1952, she invited the local chapter of the American Association of University Women to gather in her home. The purpose of the meeting was to examine the local school system. Several women spoke at the event including Olma Bruck, a former Indianapolis School Board Member.

While Mrs. Doran stayed home to raise their three children, Mr. Doran was a very busy person at Eli Lilly.  He was an important research chemist who not only authored articles on barbiturates for the American Chemical Society, but his research on hypnotics led to a patent for Seconal. A publication put out by Eli Lilly revealed that Mr. Doran actually obtained several patents on hypnotics. He was considered one of the leading authorities in the world on barbituric-acid chemistry.

For the Doran children, the new home was a perfect place in which to find areas to play. Across the street, the boys used a small field next to Pleasant Run for all kinds of ball games. The stream itself was also an inviting place for the children to explore nature.

David Lash, the son-in-law of Wilbur and Julia Doran, attempted to dig out the family driveway at 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive c 1965.  (photo courtesy of Miriam Lash and Alicia Schwering)

Family dinner, January 1954:  Wilbur, Miriam, Julia, and James Doran gathered for a meal in their dining room at 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive.  Philip Doran likely took the photo. 

The Doran family dog reclined next the fireplace at 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive in 1967. (photo courtesy of Miriam Lash and Alicia Schwering) 

Julia Cooper Doran, who had deep roots in Irvington, posed next to her Christmas tree c1966 (photo courtesy of Miriam Lash and Alicia Schwering)

Happy Day: Miriam Doran married David Lash of 47 North Layman Avenue at the Irvington Methodist Church on August 6, 1965. After the wedding, the Dorans hosted a reception. In this photo, the newlyweds departed out a back door of her childhood home at 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive. Judy and Barbara Doran can also be seen in the image. (photo courtesy of Miriam Lash and Alicia Schwering)

House for sale c1982: The Dorans had lived in their home for over 30 years when they put it on the market. Harold Papiska was the next resident of the house. (photo courtesy of Miriam Lash and Alicia Schwering)

Today, the home at 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive looks much the same as it did in 1950. The pin oak planted by Mr. Doran in the front yard now towers over the house. The Dorans sold the dwelling in the early 1980s. Later residents altered a few things on the back of the house, but the residence is largely as Mr. Little designed it.

Sources:  About Orlando Little:  "Orlando Little, Architect, Dies," Indianapolis News, January 21, 1958, 9; "Notice to Bidders," Indianapolis Star, October 21, 1925; "West Michigan M.E. Church Work Started," Indianapolis Star, September 8, 1924, 17; "Sealed Proposals," Indianapolis Star, May 21, 1931, 8; "New Ray Street Nazarene Church to be Dedicated," Indianapolis Star, April 21, 1954, 8; The Doran family:  "AAUW Study Groups Schedule 6 Meetings," Indianapolis Star, February 3, 1952, 65; "Lash-Doran," Indianapolis Star, January 6, 1965, 98; "Irvington Mother's Club," Indianapolis Star, January 12, 1964, 73. Clipping from Eli Lilly Company Promotional, "Wilbur Doran Scores Scientific 1st in Synthesizing New Anesthetic," Undated. (collection of Miriam Lash)

I am indebted to Miriam Doran Lash for her stories and information about the photos. I would also like to thank Alicia Schwering who introduced me to the Doran/Lash family. Jennifer Lash, the daughter of Miriam and David Lash has also assisted with the post. Thank you to all three of these ladies!

Caldwells Move to Pleasant Run Parkway Home

In 1958, Howard and Elsie Felt Caldwell listed their home at 81 North Hawthorne Lane with the Spann Realty Company. They had made the decision to move into a beautiful ranch home at 6530 East Pleasant Run Parkway South Drive due to Elsie Felt Caldwell's health. She could now move about easier without having to climb a staircase.They were not the first residents of that home as the Meyers and Huffers preceded them. Situated on a corner, the backyard sloped down to the Pleasant Run stream. Although he could have retired long ago, Howard Caldwell, Sr. continued to work at his advertising firm downtown.

6530 East Pleasant Run Parkway c1968 (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

Ad Man: Howard Caldwell, Sr. at his desk in his downtown office in the Merchant's Building in July of 1964 (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

Tragically, not long after the Caldwells moved into their new home, Elsie Felt Caldwell became sick. Their daughter, Martha Virginia, moved in to help take care of her mother. After a long illness, Mrs. Caldwell passed away in the house in 1961. Mr. Caldwell continued to live on in the dwelling and likely surprised his family in 1968 when he announced that he was marrying Bertha Lugar, the mother of Mayor Richard Lugar. The happy couple honeymooned in Florida and South America.

Not all was perfect in the new house. Sometime in June of 1969 while the Caldwells were gone, thieves broke into the residence and stole many items including the couple's color television set, silverware, jewelry, and their 1963 Buick LeSabre. Of course, the new Mrs. Caldwell was the mother of the mayor of the city so the police eventually tracked down the culprits. All four connected with the burglary were captured and shepherded to jail.

Howard Caldwell, Sr. married Bertha Lugar in 1968. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

Howard Caldwell Jr. and his wife Lynn Gruenholz Caldwell and their daughters, Tracy, Ginny, and Susan, visited Howard Caldwell Sr. at his home at 6530 Pleasant Run Parkway South Drive c1966 (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

Howard Caldwell Sr. relaxed in his home at 6530 East Pleasant Run Parkway South Drive in 1972. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

6530 East Pleasant Run Parkway South Drive c1958 (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

Howard Caldwell, Sr. passed away at the age of 80 in 1973. Bertha Lugar Caldwell continued to reside in the house until 1975. She would live many more years and long enough to see her son become a Senator. She died in 1999 at the age 92.

Sources:  "Mrs. Caldwell Dies in Home," Indianapolis Star, September 17, 1961, 12; "Burglars Make $10,000 Haul in Eastside Home," Indianapolis News, June 21, 1969, 16; "Howard Caldwell, Sr. Rites to be Saturday," Indianapolis Star, December 27, 1973, 37.

I am indebted to Ginny Hingst for her stories and photos of the Caldwell family.

The Donnell Home Then and Now

Dr. Clifton Donnell and his wife, Bonnie Applegate Donnell, moved into their beautiful Colonial Revival stuccoed home at 82 North Hawthorne Lane in the late 1920s. They were not the first family to reside here as the Craven family preceded them. The Donnells raised their daughter Mary Elizabeth here as well. Dr. Donnell was a well-known dentist and a deacon at the Irvington Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Donnell was extraordinarily active in various clubs. Society blurbs in the Indianapolis Star and News reveal that she hosted numerous luncheons and meetings in the house. Among some of the folks who gathered here included the Irvington Republican Women's Association, the Katherine Merrill Graydon Club (Butler Professor), the Kappa Kappa Kappa Sorority alumni, and various groups from the Irvington Presbyterian Church. One of her biggest events took place on Monday, April 8, 1929, when she hosted a dinner for the Irvington Coterie Club. The women invited their husbands that night. The club colors were yellow and white so the small tables scattered throughout the living room and dining room had daffodils and tulips along with decorative tablecloths in those hues. Forty people attended the event.

Sometime in the winter of 1943, either Howard or Elsie Felt Caldwell, who lived a across the street, grabbed their camera and snapped the beautiful winter image of the Donnell home. The exterior of the residence has changed little since its construction over one hundred years ago.

Dr. Clifton and Bonnie Applegate Donnell dwelled at 82 North Hawthorne Lane when this photo was snapped during the winter of 1943 by the Caldwell family. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

82 North Hawthorne Lane in 2019

Sources: Society blurbs: Indianapolis Star, April 9, 1929, 14; Indianapolis Star, October 12, 1933, 9; Dr. Clifton Donnell: "Services Set for Dentist," Indianapolis News, July 23, 1954, 14; Bonnie Applegate Donnell: "Bonnie Donnell Was Active in Community," Indianapolis News, July 9, 1993, 27

Caldwells of Hawthorne Lane

For Howard and Elsie Felt Caldwell, a dream finally came true when they purchased their first home in 1937 at 81 North Hawthorne Lane. Prior to that, the couple had rented an apartment and lived with both their families at different times along Bosart or Irvington Avenues. Despite the Great Depression, Mr. Caldwell's savvy business practices allowed the couple to save enough money to purchase the beautiful home. They were not the first family to dwell in the house as the Reidenbachs, Camps, and Clarks had also lived here.

Howard and Elsie Felt Caldwell moved into 81 North Hawthorne along with their two children, Martha Virginia and Howard, Jr. in 1937  (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst) 

The Caldwell posed in their backyard at 81 North Hawthorne Lane in 1944 as their son Howard, Jr. had just enlisted into the US Navy. Behind the family, you can see the rear of the Wheeler home at 5317 Lowell Avenue and other Lowell Avenue neighbors. (left to right) Howard Caldwell, Sr., Elsie Felt Caldwell, Howard Caldwell, Jr., Martha Virginia Caldwell (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

Mr. Caldwell founded an advertising agency that eventually became the biggest in the city of Indianapolis. A profile done of him by a reporter for the Indianapolis News in 1958 noted that Mr. Caldwell was not a typical ad man as he "had no ulcers, dropped few cliches, and enjoys Shakespeare." His big break came in 1928 with a successful campaign involving tomato juice, a new product that few Americans had sampled at the time. Mr. Caldwell generally reported to his office on the 11th floor of the Merchants Building by 8:00AM and remained working until 6:30 or 7:00PM.

Elsie Felt Caldwell stayed home and raised the couple's two children, Martha Virginia and Howard, Jr. She was an active club woman and member of the Butler University Alumni Association. Society notes in both the Indianapolis Star and News indicate that Mrs. Caldwell was a member of the Katherine Merrill Graydon Club (Butler University professor), the Irvington Coterie, and the Irvington Union of Clubs. A graduate of the class 1917, Elsie frequently attended Butler class reunions. The Caldwells even hosted one at their home on Hawthorne Lane on June 9, 1946.

Martha Virginia and Howard, Jr. were both excellent students. Martha Virginia graduated from Shortridge High School and Howard Jr. graduated from Thomas Carr Howe High School. Both later went on to graduate from Butler University. Martha Virginia eventually moved to Chicago and became an advertising agent like her father. Howard Jr., joined the Navy in 1944 as World War II still occupied the nation. His father had also been in the navy in World War One. Howard finished his college degree after the war was over and went into journalism as both a radio and later television broadcaster. He married Lynn Gruenholz in 1955.

Martha Virginia Caldwell received her AB from Butler University in 1940. In this photo, she posed in front of her childhood home at 81 North Hawthorne Lane. The residence most visible in the image is of 75 North Hawthorne Lane. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

Howard Caldwell Jr. posed with Jean Carrollton in this photo taken in 1943 at Howe High School for the yearbook. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

As soon as he graduated from high school, Howard Caldwell Jr. enlisted in the US Navy in 1944. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

With worried looks on their faces, Howard Caldwell Jr. posed with his sister, Martha Virginia, in their backyard at 81 North Hawthorne Lane in 1944. World War II still raged at the time so the family was likely anxious about Howard's future and safety.  (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst) 

Martha Virginia Caldwell a talented ad woman who had a great sense of humor, posed in her backyard at 81 North Hawthorne Lane in 1944. Her niece, Ginny Hingst, is currently producing a biography of her. Behind her, you can see the garage belonging to 85 North Hawthorne Lane and the back of the Wheeler home at 5317 Lowell Avenue. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

Howard Caldwell Sr. who also served in the US Navy during World War I posed with his son, Howard Jr. in 1944 in the backyard of 81 North Hawthorne Lane. Behind the men, you can see the rear of the Wheeler home at 5317 Lowell Avenue. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

Howard Caldwell Jr. posed in 1944 in the front yard of his home at 81 North Hawthorne Lane. Behind him, you can see the neighbor's house at 85 North Hawthorne Lane. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

Howard Caldwell, Jr. posed with Jean Carrollton in front of his home at 81 North Hawthorne Lane in 1944. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

Howard Caldwell, Jr and Jean Carrollton stood in the front yard at 81 North Hawthorne Lane in 1944. Behind the couple you can see the homes located at 58 and 82 North Hawthorne Lane. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst) 

Sisters Reunited: Elsie Felt Caldwell welcomed Mable Felt Browder to her home at 81 North Hawthorne Lane c1955.  Left to right: Howard Caldwell, Jr., Elsie Felt Caldwell, Mable Felt Browder, David Browder, top row: Martha Virginia Caldwell, Clifford Browder, Jr. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

Elsie Felt posed with a grandchild in the backyard at 81 North Hawthorne Lane c1956 (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

Howard Caldwell Jr., would later become a prominent newscaster in Indianapolis. He began his broadcasting career in Terre Haute. In this photo, he stood in the backyard of his childhood home at 81 North Hawthorne Lane. The home most visible in the image is that of 85 North Hawthorne Lane. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst) 

Howard Caldwell, Jr. married Lynn Gruenholz in 1955. In this photo, they posed in the front yard of the Caldwell family home at 81 North Hawthorne Lane. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst) 

A beautiful snow blanketed the backyard belonging to the Caldwell family at 81 North Hawthorne Lane c1940 (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

81 N Hawthorne Lane after a snowstorm c1940 (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst) 

The Caldwells would live in the Hawthorne Lane home for twenty one years. In 1958, the couple moved into brand new ranch style home at 6530 Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive.

Sources:  Bart Grabow, "Howard Caldwell is Ulcer-Free Ad Agency Head," Indianapolis News, June 16, 1958, 25; Article about Howard Caldwell Sr. attending the the enlistment ceremony for Howard Caldwell, Jr., Indianapolis Star, February 17, 1944, 14.

I am indebted to Ginny Hingst for her stories and photos about the Caldwell and Felt families.

Caldwell Family Resided at the Audubon Court Apartments from 1927-1932

Howard C. and Elsie Felt Caldwell along with their two children, Martha Virginia and Howard, Jr., moved into the Audubon Court Apartments in 1927. Mr. Caldwell was the president of the Caldwell-Baker Advertising Agency. They resided in #4 fronting Audubon Road. Mrs. Caldwell stayed home and raised the two young children. Living nearby were two great friends, Joseph and Guinevere Ostrander and their daughter Nancy. Howard, Jr. reported later, in a reminiscence about his childhood, that he was always surrounded by books and friends. Reading and later writing came naturally to the young boy as he excelled at both School #57 and later Howe High School. When the Great Depression took a toll on the country, the Caldwells left the apartment and moved back in with his mother, Martha Caldwell, at 30 North Bosart Avenue to help save money during the lean times. By the end of the 1930s, Howard Sr.'s thriftiness paid off as the family moved into their very own home at 81 North Hawthorne Lane.

     To learn more about the Ostrander family, click on the link  below. 

Audubon Court Apartment #4 in 2019

Eva Ruth Ham, who was raised in the Ostrander home posed with Howard Caldwell, Jr., and Nancy Ostrander in 1929 at the Audubon Court Apartments.  (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

Sources:  Howard Caldwell, "Off Handed Remark Leads to Literary Growth," Indianapolis Prime Times, January 2003, 3;  Howard Caldwell, "Recalling School 57 and 'Schoolboy' Crush," Indianapolis Prime Times, September 2003, 5.

I am indebted to Ginny Hingst for the use of her family photos and artifacts.