Methodists Dedicated New Wing in 1957

      On a chilly but sunny Sunday morning in November hundreds of members of the Irvington Methodist Church gathered along North Audubon Road for the groundbreaking of a new education wing. The church had been on this site since 1926, but had been in Irvington since 1879 in a variety of locations. Dr. Henry L. White, the pastor of the church in 1957 conducted the special outdoor ceremony. 

     The Garns and Moore Firm designed the new three-story brick wing. Glenroy Construction won the bid for the construction of the edifice. You can see their truck in the top photo. The new wing included numerous classrooms, a chapel, and an administrative area and would be completed in 1958. Officials placed the wing east of what was formerly the Forrest-Howe home.

     Behind the crowd that morning neighbors who resided in 23, 25, 53, and the double at 59-61 might have peeked out their windows to watch the formal event. So who lived in those residences in 1957? Wellise and Rose Hui along with Cornelia Hui resided at 23 Audubon Road. Mr. Hui operated the Irvington Importing Company while his wife Rose worked at the N & R Laundry. Cornelia taught at the McKinley Elementary School. Next door Dorothy White lived in the corner home at 25 North Audubon Road. The Dufour family resided at 53 North Audubon Road. They might not have been home that morning as they usually attended mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. In the large double next door Frank and Ella Wallace leased 59 North Audubon Road while Henry W. and Carol Ross leased 61 North Audubon Road.      

     Throughout the winter of 1957 and 1958 construction workers built the new wing changing the look of the Irvington Methodist Church. 

Members of the Irvington Methodist Church gathered for the groundbreaking of a new education wing on November 10, 1957. The most visible homes in the photo include 23, 25, 53, and 59-61 North Audubon Road. (photo courtesy of the Irvington Historical Society)

Officials from the Irvington Methodist Church participated in the groundbreaking of the new education wing on November 10, 1957. Left to right: Reverend C. Kenneth Powell, Firman Sims, Glendon Hackney, Delbert Meyer, and Dr. Henry L. White. (photo courtesy of the Irvington Historical Society)

Throughout the winter in 1957 and 1958, workers for Glenroy Construction erected the new education wing at the Irvington Methodist Church. This image also shows the rear of the businesses along East Washington Street and the tower of the Irvington Presbyterian Church. (photo courtesy of the Irvington Historical Society)

Workers neared completion of the new education wing at the Irvington Methodist Church in the spring of 1958. The addition housed numerous classrooms for the church. (photo courtesy of the Irvington Historical Society)

Editor's Note: The Irvington Methodist Church will turn 150 years old this September. 

Sources: Polk's Indianapolis City Directories, 1957 and 1958; Sources: "Irvington to Break Ground For Addition," Indianapolis Star, November 9, 1957, p. 12. 

Irvington Intersection Then and Now

       A winter storm arrived in Indianapolis on January 30, 1914. It began as sleet and then as folks slumbered several inches fell upon the rooftops and blanketed the city. An Indianapolis News reporter noted the next day that "...when the city awoke in the morning it was confronted with a winter scene that no pen or camera could worthily portray." 

     Meanwhile in Irvington photographer Albert B. Francis set up his tripod and camera on Sunday morning, February 1, 1914, at the intersection of South Audubon Road and Julian Avenue.  He did not live in the neighborhood so we are unclear if he was there to document a snowy scene or if he was commissioned. He stood across the street from the "Y" turn around for the streetcar on Julian Avenue and aimed his lens at a group of people next to car #907. 

     Streetcars provided neighborhood residents the opportunity to ride into downtown Indianapolis for work or to shop. One of the lines came down the middle of East Washington Street and turned south down Audubon Road to the commercial area in the 100 block. Then, the car had to back up two blocks to Julian Avenue so that it could turn around and head north to the National Road. The spot where it had to turn around was called the "Y" due to its shape. 

     On that snowy morning two streetcar employees whose names might be David or Fred or Wesley (see below) stood next to the car. A regal-looking woman appeared to be walking down towards them in front of the beautiful brick bungalow at 69 South Audubon Road. An elegantly dressed couple posed across the street. Behind them many branches laid on the grounds of the Julian home at 115 South Audubon Road. Perhaps there had been ice as well? Marion County Historian Steve Barnett researched the streetcar and found out that it had been built in 1908 in Cincinnati and retired in 1935. 

A little over 112 years after that beautiful snowstorm covered Irvington, I grabbed my camera on a beautiful early spring day and snapped the same view. The streetcar is gone and of course all of the folks in that photo departed long ago, but the house remains as do the curb cuts for the "Y." Will someone stop by and snap the same image 112 years from today? I hope so! 

A streetcar parked on Julian Avenue next to 69 South Audubon Road on February 1, 1914 (Irvington Historical Society)

The intersection of Julian Avenue and South Audubon Road on March 24, 2026

On the back of the photo there is writing but it is difficult to decipher. I see Mabel Johns or is it Mabel Johnson? "Bernie's uncle...Wesley or Fred" and then there is David Werner or is it Weiner or Weaver or Wesner or...Drop me a note on the email listed on this page if you figure it out! 

Sources:  Indiana Album list of photographers including A.B. Francis; Polk's Indianapolis City Directories, 1913-1915; Unpublished research by Steve Barnett, Marion County Historian; Snowstorm--"And It Was Only On Thursday Somebody Thought He Saw a Robin," Indianapolis News, January 31, 1914, p. 16.

Brookville Village Opened in 1949

      Four years after the end of World War II, the city of Indianapolis faced a housing shortage. Prices for existing homes remained out of reach for many residents. War-time shortages in certain sectors had hindered development, but that soon would change as developers purchased vacant land on the outskirts of the city. By the late 1940s, most of the land around Irvington had been developed, but there were still opportunities. Many acres east of South Audubon Road, west of Arlington Avenue, north of Brookville Road, and south of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad sat vacant on what was formerly the Shimer and Hartman family farms. 

     Developers Louis and Mildred Markun purchased the land and came up with a novel idea. They saw an opportunity that could benefit the city and would-be home buyers. The Markuns planned to build dozens of prefabricated homes and sell the properties for modest prices. For $400 dollars as a downpayment and $40 a month, local residents could own a piece of the American dream.  The houses ranged in cost from $6000 to $6400. An Indianapolis News article praised the couple for helping to ease the housing shortage in the city. Mildred Markun took the lead on the project. She had already made a name for herself as leader. Mayor John Kern had appointed her as only the third woman on the Park Board in 1935. Governor Henry Schricker appointed her to several other boards.  When a reporter questioned her about leading such an endeavor she responded that she "would rather be in business than just keeping house." 

     The Markuns hired Detroit architect Richard Pollman to design the homes. They employed Emanuel Farley & Son to construct the modest two and three bedroom dwellings.  The first house open to the public was at 515 South Audubon Road. The residence, painted white with green shutters, served as the model for the neighborhood. An Indianapolis Star article featured the house on March 20, 1949. The two-bedroom home, erected on a slab, had hardwood floors throughout and asphalt tile in the kitchen and bathroom. Mr. Pollman designed a large picture window in the living room along with a dinette and a utility room. Contractor Farley insulated the home. The house came with a forced-air Silent Sioux oil heating system and a waterheater. The kitchen was described as "streamlined" with an American 64" sink and steel kitchen cabinets. Mrs. Markun worked with Wm. H. Block Department Store to furnish the spec house. 

     Hundreds of people toured the house and the development during the open house. Many of those who walked through the residence worked across the street at the International Harvester plant. To say that the venture was a success might be an understatement.  In one week, the Markuns sold 153 houses to families and individuals. Their million-dollar investment proved to be a sound one. They later built other subdivisions north of Irvington. The small homes have served the community for nearly 80 years. Most of them have been altered or enlarged over time. 

Aerial shot of the intersection of Shimer and South Graham Avenues, 1949 (courtesy of Bass Co. Photo Collection, Indiana Historical Society)

Aerial photograph of Brookville Village located north of the International Harvester factory, 1949; The wide street is Brookville Road. In the distance, you can see the homes along South Arlington Avenue and those located north of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. (courtesy of Bass Photo Co. Photo Collection, Indiana Historical Society)

Two historical homes are visible in this aerial shot of Brookville Village in 1949. In the foreground you can see the home belonging to the Sutter family at 5718 Brookville Road. It is no longer standing. In the distance you can see the former Hartman farmhouse at 5802 Brookville Road. It is still standing in 2026. The Meyer family lived there in 1949. New homes along Shimer Avenue, South Graham Avenue, and Greenfield Avenue awaited their new homeowners. (courtesy of the Bass Co. Photo Collection, Indiana Historical Society)

Aerial photograph of new homes along Shimer, Greenfield, and Arlington Avenues in 1949; (courtesy of Bass Photo Co., Indiana Historical Society)

Aerial photograph of Brookville Village located in southern Irvington, 1949 (photo courtesy of Bass Photo Co., Indiana Historical Society)

Ad for Brookville Village spec home at 515 South Audubon Road (Indianapolis Star, March 20, 1949, p. 72)

515 South Audubon Road served as the model home for the Brookville Village subdivision. (Google Streetview, August, 2022)

Mildred Markun served as the lead developer on the Brookville Village subdivision. (Indianapolis Star, October 31, 1943, p. 59)

Sources:  Brookville Village--Roger Budrow, "Million-Dollar Subdivision Due With 170 Homes," Indianapolis News, January 7, 1949, p. 1; "Brookville Village," Indianapolis News, January 10, 1949, p. 10; "Brookville Village Housing Project To Be Open Sunday," Indianapolis Star, March 18, 1949, p. 43; "154 Homes Sold in Housing Project," Indianapolis Star, March 27, 1949, p. 27; "$6,400 Homes Are 'Sold Out'," Indianapolis News, March 22, 1949, p. 1; Mildred Markun--Lotys Benning Stewart, "They Achieve," Indianapolis Star, October 31, 1943, p. 54; Louis Markun--"Louis Markun Dies; Apartment Builder," Indianapolis Star, November 1, 1973, p. 61. 

The Marchal Family Purchased an Irvington Double in 1942

      In 1942, Clarence and Edna Marchal purchased a nearly-twenty-year-old double on the northwest corner of South Audubon Road and Julian Avenue. The property sat on the former Sylvester Johnson estate. Built in the American Foursquare style c1924, the double had addresses for both streets. The Marchals moved into 5654 Julian Avenue and leased out 72 South Audubon Road. Eventually, the couple along with their two children, Roger and Sharon, moved into the Audubon Road side as Mrs. Marchal preferred that address. 

     Besides earning an income from their double, Mr. Marchal worked at both Diamond Chain Company and later at Allison Engine Company. Mrs. Marchal stayed home to raise the children although later she worked for both H. P. Wasson Company at Eastgate Mall and at J.C. Penny's Department Store in downtown Indianapolis. Roger Marchal, who loaned us the photos, grew up in the double and graduated from Howe High School in 1960. He had many fond memories of the property including the fact that they had one of the first television sets in the area. He noted that many friends enjoyed coming to his home to view the new invention. Mrs. Marchal loved flowers and every year she filled her pots and beds with many beautiful varieties. The Marchals owned the property until 2004! 

Family reunion: Roger Marchal, Jim Tool, Sharon Marchal, John Ruby, and Polly Edwards gathered in the front yard at 72 South Audubon in 1952. Raymond Lichti, an uncle to Roger and Sharon, parked his Chevrolet along Julian Avenue. (photo courtesy of Roger Marchal)

Theodore Rodenbeck leased 5654 Julian Avenue from the Marchals in the mid-1960s. (photo courtesy of Roger Marchal)

The Marchals planted this beautiful spruce tree in their front yard at 72 South Audubon Road. It came down during a strong windstorm recently. (photo courtesy of Roger Marchal)

Clarence and Edna Marchal spent 62 years of their lives in the double at 72 South Audubon Road. In this photo, snapped in 1998, Mr. Marchal was 93 and Mrs. Marchal was 89. (photo courtesy of Roger Marchal)

     I wish to thank Roger and Mary Marchal for their stories and photos about this property. Mr. Marchal is very involved with the Howe Alumni Association. 

Beautiful Irvington School Burned in 1898

      In the wee hours of the morning sometime around 3:30AM on December 16, 1898, the "Owl" train pulled into Irvington. Al Atkinson and another employee on the train noticed a glare in the distance and realized that the Irvington School was completely engulfed in flames. He tried to warn local officials about the fire. Some nearby residents like Robert E. Moore and the Earl family also saw and possibly heard the inferno. A few citizens tried to go into the building to rescue some of the books, but the heat and smoke kept them out. Because the town of Irvington had no proper fire protection, the small crowd had to helplessly watch the destruction of their beautiful school. 

     Built in 1874 in the Second Empire style, the school stood across the street from the Irving Circle Park on the southeast quadrant of University Avenue and South Audubon Road. As the population grew, the school board commissioned an addition to the original structure in 1896. Mary E. Plummer was the first principal of the school. The total cost of the building came in at around $20,000, but unfortunately town officials did not take out enough insurance for such a calamity. 

     A reporter for the Indianapolis News described that the light from the flames that night reflected onto the snowy ground. Eerie photos likely taken from the Earl home at 5631 University Avenue showed the various stages of the fire. The addition completed in 1896 tumbled into the ground while some of the walls of the original structure remained intact. If you look closely at two of the photos you will see the silhouettes of a small crowd. Everything was lost in the blaze including artwork and the school's library. Even some of the nearby trees were singed. Daniel Lesley, the president of the board of education, pledged that children would be back at school in some capacity by January. For the remainder of the new winter and spring term, classes met in various churches, lodges, and businesses throughout the community until a new school could be built. 

     The blaze had been the largest in the history of the town. This fire and others led many citizens to call for Irvington to be annexed by the city of Indianapolis which took place in 1902. Shockingly, the new school built just south of the current building burned in 1903 leading officials to rebuild yet again except at the new location at the intersection of East Washington Street and Ritter Avenue. That school would later be known as the George Washington Julian School, I.P.S. #57. 

The Irvington Public School (1874-1898) was possibly designed by Isaac Taylor with Joel Stover as the contractor. The school sat in a grove of trees across the street from the Irving Circle Park. This photo was likely snapped c1890. (Carrie Tompkins Scrapbook, Irvington Historical Society)

Students from the Irvington Public School gathered for this photograph on April 23, 1891. (Carrie Tompkins Scrapbook, Irvington Historical Society)

The Irvington Public School sat on the southeast quadrant of University Avenue  (then Grand Avenue) and South Audubon Road (then Central Avenue). After the fire it was removed for another school on the site which also burned in 1903. Later the section was developed into several lots for homes. (Map of Irvington, 1889)

Fire Photos

The fire in the Irvington Public School began in the early morning hours of December 16, 1898. The janitor in charge informed the school board that he had turned down the furnace before he left that day. Members of the Earl family likely took this photo from their home across the street just as the flames started to consume the structure. (Carrie Tompkins Scrapbook, Irvington Historical Society)

The second photo, likely taken from 5631 University Avenue on December 16, 1898, shows that the fire had now consumed the rear addition to the building (at the right). If you look closely, you can see silhouetted individuals in the foreground.  (Carrie Tompkins Scrapbook, Irvington Historical Society)

Adults on the left huddled together and children on the right, watched--most likely in horror and fascination as fire consumed the entire Irvington Public School on December 16, 1898. Irvington had no proper fire protection at the time. (Carrie Tompkins Scrapbook, Irvington Historical Society)

Indianapolis News, December 16, 1898, p. 8

Site of former Irvington School at University Avenue and South Audubon Road on December 13, 2025

Sources:  Lola Blount Conner, "Irvington's Children of the Early 70's Got First Glimpse of McGuffey Readers at Old Mt. Zion District School," Indianapolis Star, November 26, 1933, p. 49; B.R. Sulgrove, History of Indianapolis and Marion County, (Philadelphia, 1884), p.622; Construction--"Personal," May 9, 1873, p.3; Paul Diebold, Greater Irvington II, (Indianapolis, 2020), pp. 163-164; Fire--"Large Fire," Indianapolis News, December 16, 1898, p. 8. 

Irvington Had a Passenger Depot For 48 Years

      When Jacob Julian and Sylvester Johnson founded the new town of Irvington in 1870, they envisioned a passenger depot along the Panhandle (later Pennsylvania Railroad) to make it easier for homeowners and business folks to invest and live in the new community. That dream came to fruition in September of 1874 with the construction of the first station on what is now known as the northeast corner of Bonna Avenue and South Audubon Road. Edwin Williams served as the first agent for the brick depot. In the winter of 1882, town officials added a rear room complete with a pump for cold water. 

      Paul Diebold in his book Greater Irvington asserts that the station became the unofficial town hall and meeting place for the community during the early years. For a brief time, residents could receive their mail at the depot until 1885. They also voted in elections here. George Russell, a realtor and postmaster, operated the telegraph for the neighborhood and often on election nights, local citizens gathered in the building to learn of the results. 

      The station also became very important for Butler University college students, who traveled here from all over the state every September. A newspaper account in the Indianapolis News on September 13, 1892, documented the moments that Butler students arrived that year. The reporter noted that the first young people came with their books and trunks and stashed the items on the platform. They continued to arrive on various trains through the "dreary" day. Some made it in time to attend chapel. Classes didn't start for three days so they had time to settle in at their boarding houses or perhaps at the dorm. Anxious freshmen arrived with excited seniors to start or conclude chapters of their lives. The story at the depot repeated in May. 

     In 1922, officials announced that the little depot at Irvington would be closed and demolished. There was no need for it as there were now several streetcar lines servicing the area. After the demolition, contractors from the Pennsylvania Railroad erected a small shed on the site. By 1970 that structure had also been removed and the land was sold to Everett and Una Brown, who built a house on the narrow strip of land. The site of the former Pennsylvania Railroad was later converted into the Pennsy Trail. 

Citizens walked along the wooden platform in front of the Irvington Depot c1890. The brick structure served the community from 1874 until 1922. (courtesy of the Ron Huggler Collection, Irvington Historical Society)

The Irvington Passenger Depot formerly sat on the northeast corner of Bonna Avenue and South Audubon Road. (Map of Irvington, 1889, Irvington Historical Society)

The Irvington Depot Reprint (Indianapolis News, April 5, 1993, p.19)

A freight train steamed through Irvington during the winter of 1951. The Pennsylvania Railroad had a double track. To the right of the train you can see the shed that replaced the original depot. The most visible home in the photo is that of 5727 Bonna Avenue. The Gustin family lived in the house at the time that this photo was snapped. (photo courtesy of Martin Biemer of Classic Trains newsletter at trains.com)

Everett and Una Brown built this home at 135 South Audubon Road on the site of the former Irvington Depot in 1970. (photo snapped by Bill Gulde on June 18, 2023)

      I wish to thank Ron Huggler who documented much of the history needed for this post. His purchase of the top photo prompted him to build a diorama of the intersection of Bonna Avenue and South Audubon Road. You can see his creation at the Bona Thompson Memorial Center at 5350 E. University Avenue on the weekends from 1-4. 

Sources: Construction--"City News," Indianapolis News, September 3, 1874, p. 3; Enlargement--"City News, Indianapolis News, January 20, 1882, p. 4 and "City and Wayne Co.," Richmond Independent Telegram (IN), September 3, 1882, p. 3; Edwin Williams--"City News," Indianapolis News, April 28, 1874, p. 3; Election Site--"Warren Township Primary," Indianapolis Journal, May 12, 1898, p. 5; Election results via telegraph--Indianapolis News, October 13, 1903, p. 4; General articles--Grace Julian Clarke, "Irvington to Lose Station Built by Early Settlers," Indianapolis Star, May 5, 1922, p. 7; Paul Diebold, Greater Irvington II: Architecture, People, and Place on the Indianapolis Eastside, Indianapolis, 2020, pp. 206-207. 

M.C. Goe Groceries and Notions--1905

      Hezekiah and Margaretta Cornelia Farnsworth Goe moved to Irvington in 1884 to open one of the earliest groceries in the new town.  Mr. Goe ran the business, but named the store after his wife, M.C. Goe. Her name appeared on other transactions as well including the construction of rental property in 1891. The Goes prospered with their new enterprise and moved into a second store located in the Moore's Block at 130 South Audubon Road on January 1, 1892. (We do not know the exact location of their first store in Irvington. It likely sat on South Audubon Road as well.) The three-story brick structure housed other businesses as well including a barbershop, a drug store, the post office, and the headquarters for the Knights of Pythias, a fraternal lodge. The building was conveniently located across the street from the Irvington Depot and on the northwest corner of Bonna Avenue (then Railroad Street) and Audubon Road. 

     Other grocers soon moved into the neighborhood including Daniel D. Pike. To stay competitive, Mr. Goe kept a fully-stocked store. Most of his dry goods came from the Wholesale District just south of downtown. How do we know this? On December 3, 1895, he was shopping for items in the basement of Schnull & Co. on South Meridian Street when he heard a commotion above him. Mr. Goe along with two Schnull employees got into an elevator, but then they realized that the building was on fire. A portion of an upper floor crashed upon the elevator and trapped the three men. They could hear the crackling of the flames above them. The two younger men managed to escape through a small hatch in the roof of the elevator, but Mr. Goe was "too robust." He took off his jacket and his vest, but could still not squeeze through the hole. The two young men retrieved an axe and helped to liberate him "with a prayer upon his lips." 

     Mr. Goe remained in business for several more years. He divested himself of the store in 1908 to the Kemper brothers. Zeb Kenady took over the operation in 1909 and remained for several years. The Moore block is no longer standing and was bulldozed in the late 1930s. 

In July of 1905, Hezekiah Goe (in the dark suit) along with some of his employees gathered in front of M.C. Goe Groceries and Notions for this photograph. We do not know the names of the children or of the
 other adult male in the image at this time. (Photo courtesy of the Kingsbury family)

Hezekiah Noble Goe (1837-1919) opened his first grocery store just as the Civil War ended on Illinois Street north of downtown Indianapolis. He moved his store to Irvington in 1884. (photo courtesy of the Kingsbury family)

Margaretta Cornelia Farnsworth Goe (1848-1940), known as Cornelia, served as one of the first female school board members in the state of Indiana. Her husband, Hezekiah Goe, named the grocery store in Irvington after her. (photo courtesy of the Kingsbury family)

 Up Next: The Goes Build a Home on South Ritter Avenue

I wish to thank Kathy and Dick Meyer for the image and the stories of the Goe family. 

Sources: Ad for Mckenzie's Family Syrup in M.C. Grocery, Indianapolis Journal, November 13, 1885, p. 8; Fire-" A Half Million Loss," Indianapolis Journal, December 4, 1895, p. 1; Polk's Indianapolis City Directories, 1884-1909; New store--"Irvington Town Topics," Indianapolis News,  December 26, 1892; Commemorative Biographical Record of Prominent and Representative Men of Indianapolis and Vicinity, (Chicago, 1908), pp. 643-644

Audubon Road House in the Winter of 1910

      Newspaper accounts reported heavy snows throughout the state of Indiana in January of 1910. Some local officials had to deal with ice jams on various rivers. Cold temperatures forced many residents to remain inside for better weather. In Irvington, a photographer snapped an image for a postcard of the Reverend John H. and Martha Starks Ketcham's home at 23 North Audubon Road. The Ketchams likely purchased duplicates of the photos and sent them out to various family members. Martha or "Mattie" mailed one image to her nephew, Charles E. Anderson in Lathrop, California on January 18, 1910, and included an amusing note. Some words have been added to help with the context although you can read the original unedited note on the card pictured below.

     This is none of your Calif. make-believe snows. Just look at the ice cycles and the depths of the white stuff on my steps. It has been better (deeper) than this(.) It is melting some (as) you (can) see at this time. I am warm enough indoors but venture out very little. I hope you received my Christmas greeting. This is the house that we built. Aunt Mat.

     The Ketchams, who were both in their 70s, purchased the land for their home from Robert C. Browning in the spring of 1907. A blurb in the Indianapolis Star on October 13, 1907, noted that the retired minister and his wife moved from their Martinsville, Indiana house and into their newly-built Irvington home in that month. The Ketchams also sold part of their lot to their daughter and son-in-law, Mary Ketcham Piercy and Joseph W. Piercy, in that same year. In the fall of 1908, the Piercys relocated next door in their newly-built residence at 19 North Audubon Road. You can read more about the Piercy family by clicking on the link below. 

     Mattie Ketcham, the author of the note, had been very busy the previous month as she hosted the Women's Home Missionary Society of the Irvington Methodist Church on December 29, 1909. Each member of the committee answered the roll call with a "bit of Christmas cheer." Mrs. Walter Jenney read "The Christmas Story," while others provided the music. Her husband, the Reverend John H. Ketcham, who although retired, frequently substituted for vacationing or ill Indianapolis ministers. 

     In 1911, the elderly couple said goodbye to their daughter's family next door. The Piercys moved to Bloomington, Indiana due to Joseph Piercy's employment as a professor at Indiana University. They also had to say farewell to their talented granddaughter, Josephine Piercy, who would go on to earn many degrees including a Master's degree from Columbia University and a doctorate from Yale University. She followed in her father's footsteps and taught at Indiana University. Newspaper accounts revealed that the Piercys came back to stay with the Ketchams for the holidays for numerous years. 

     The couple lived out the rest of their lives in the Audubon Road residence. Both of them lived into their 90s. Mr. Ketcham died in 1922 followed by Mrs. Ketcham in 1933.

Snow fell upon the Ketcham home during the winter of 1910. You can somewhat see the side of 25 North Audubon Road as well as a barn or carriage house.  (courtesy of Kyle Kingen)

Rear of the photo-postcard sent by Martha Ketcham on January 18, 1910 to her nephew, Charles E. Anderson; (courtesy of Kyle Kingen)

Indianapolis Star, March 10, 1933, p. 3

Indianapolis Star, March 2, 1922, p. 9

23 North Audubon Road on November 27, 2024

Thank you: I am particularly indebted to Kyle Kingen, whose keen eye realized that he likely found a photo of an Indianapolis residence. With the aid of super history-sleuth, Deedee Davis, the pair realized that they had uncovered a photograph of a house in Irvington. I thank them both. 

Sources--Rev. J.H. Ketcham--"Dr. J.H. Ketcham, Methodist Pastor 68 Years, Is Dead," Indianapolis Star, March 2, 1922, p. 9; "The Reverend J. B.  (sic) Ketcham Dead at the Age of 90," Indianapolis News, March 2, 1922, p. 7. Martha "Mattie" Stark Ketcham--"Early State Settler Dies at Home Here," Indianapolis Times, March 10, 1933, p. 12; "Mrs. Martha M. Ketcham, Widow of Pioneer M.E. Minister, Succumbs," Indianapolis Star, March 10, 1933, p. 3; Granddaughter, Dr. Josephine Piercy--"Josephine K. Piercy Had Taught English at Indiana University," Indianapolis Star, February 16, 1995, p. 41; 23 North Audubon--"News of the Churches," Indianapolis Star, December 29, 1909, p. 3; Xmas, 1921--"Personal Mention," Indianapolis Star, December 24, 1921, p.44.

Parties Along Both Spencer Avenue and Audubon Road in 1947

      Howe High School student, Phyllis Halcomb, cultivated many friendships during her tenure in the school from the mid to late-1940s. In fact, she remained life-long friends with most of her girlfriends. After the young women graduated from high school, one-by-one they married and started their families. They attended each other's weddings and other joyful events. Phyllis would be the last of the group to marry. They are all gone now, but Phyllis, like many teenagers of her day, kept a scrapbook of her youth. The photos chronicle a brief moment in time. World War II had just ended. Some of the young women in the photos welcomed their brothers and cousins back home. The Korean War was still three years ahead and would affect another era of their lives. 

Jean Shaffer Hosts a Slumber Party at 135 South Spencer Avenue

     Sometime in the summer of 1947, Jean Shaffer invited several of her girlfriends over to her house for a slumber party.  All of young women attended Howe High School and belonged the D.M.O sub-deb sorority. Most of the teens lived in Irvington or at least on the east side of Indianapolis. The young women posed for photos and one could imagine the laughter that could be heard all along Spencer Avenue.

     Jean Shaffer was the daughter of Lawrence and Eleene Shaffer of 135 South Spencer Avenue. Mr. Shaffer earned his living as a linotype operator for both the Indianapolis Star and Times. The Shaffers moved into the small cottage in 1928 along with their son, Lawrence and daughter Jean. They were active members of the Downey Avenue Christian Church. Jean would later marry John Eugene Edwards in the church in 1951. At Howe, Jean was chosen as queen of the Sweetheart Dance. 

     We can only speculate on the topics discussed at the party. If the gathering was in June, then the ladies might have been talking about various films playing at east side cinemas. The Irving featured "Albuquerque" with Randolph Scott, who starred in several other films that year. At the Emerson on East 10th Street they could have seen "Frontier Marshall" also starring Randolph Scott. At the Tuxedo located at 4020 East New York Street, they could watch second-run or older films like "Robin Hood" starring Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland. Another older film, "Good Girls Go to Paris" played at the Tacoma located at 2442 East Washington Street. Perhaps they spoke of their favorite swing bands. Boys were likely a subject as were dreams of the future. Some planned to attend college. Some planned to marry right away. Some, like Phyllis Halcomb, wanted a career. 

Jean Shaffer, stood on the porch of her home at 135 South Spencer Avenue in 1947. It was a fun day as she was hosting a slumber party for her friends from Howe High School. On the top step sat Pat Clause and Marilyn Doherty. On the middle step sat Phyllis Halcomb while Mariana Fullen and Margie Joslin sat on the bottom step. (photo courtesy of Mary Lee Pappas)

Carol Schneider posed on the front porch of the Shaffer home at 135 South Spencer Avenue in 1947. (photo courtesy of Mary Lee Pappas)

One by one, each of the slumber party guests posed individually in 1947 on the front porch of the Shaffer home at 135 South Spencer Avenue. In this photo, it was Gladys Ferguson's turn. (photo courtesy of Mary Lee Pappas)

Phyllis Leffler (Howe letter sweater), Pat Clause, and Marilyn Doherty stood along the front walk of the Shaffer home at 135 South Spencer Avenue in 1947. Above the three teens, four other young women, including Phyllis Halcomb, Mariana Fullen, Margie Joslin, and Jean Shaffer awaited their turn for more photos. (photo courtesy of Mary Lee Pappas)

Gladys Ferguson and Carol Arnholter smile for the photographer at the Shaffer home at135 South Spencer Avenue in 1947. Miss Arnholter lived one block away and was best friends with Jean Shaffer. She later served as her maid of honor in 1951. (photo courtesy of Mary Lee Pappas) 

Nine Howe High School teens gathered at the home of Jean Shaffer at 135 South Spencer Avenue for a slumber party in 1947. Pictured: Top row--Phyllis Leffler, Margie Joslin, Mariana Fullen; Middle Row--Phyllis Halcomb, Carol Arnholter, Carol Schneider; Bottom Row--Pat Clause, Gladys Ferguson, Marilyn Doherty. Jean Shaffer must have taken the photograph! (photo courtesy of Mary Lee Pappas)

135 South Spencer Avenue in the early spring of 2022

Friends Gather at Carol Arnholter's Home at 47 South Spencer Avenue

     Harold and Ethelwyne Arnholter purchased the beautiful American Four Square on the northeast corner of Spencer and Julian Avenues in 1932. Despite the Great Depression, Mr. Arnholter managed to keep his job as a salesman at the Upjohn Pharmacy Company. Both Mr. and Mrs. Arnholter were highly educated with Mrs. Arnholter eventually earning a Ph.D. in psychology from Purdue University. They raised their three children, Richard, Albert, and Carol at 47 South Spencer Avenue just one block away from the Shaffers. Young Carol frequently hosted meetings and gatherings at her home. The previous year in 1946, she helped to plan the "Truth or Consequence" dance at the Pleasant Run Golf house and called it the "Jive Hive." Reid Chapman served as the master of ceremonies while Ed Hall and his band played through the evening. The Arnoholters lived in the two-story home for over twenty years, moving out in 1954.

Gladys Ferguson, who lived at 5201 East Burgess Avenue posed on the front porch belonging to the Arnholter family at 47 South Spencer Avenue in 1947. (photo courtesy of Mary Lee Pappas)

Jean Shaffer, who lived just a block away at 135 South Spencer Avenue stood on the front porch at 47 South Spencer Avenue in 1947. Jean was a good friend to Carol Arnholter. (photo courtesy of Mary Lee Pappas) 

Mariana Fullen of 126 Berry Avenue posed on the front porch of the Arnholter residence at 47 South Spencer Avenue in 1947. (photo courtesy of Mary Lee Pappas)

47 South Spencer Avenue in the early spring of 2022

D.M.O. Sub-Deb Initiation at the home of Carol Schneider at 1003 North Audubon Road

     Eleven young women from Howe High School gathered on a chilly day in 1947 at the home of Carol Schneider. The purpose of the visit was to initiate some of the younger teens into the D.M.O., a "sub-deb" that functioned like a sorority. There were several such groups for young women and men who attended the high school although they were exclusive. The young women contracted Tower Studio in Irvington and posed for a formal photograph next to the Schneider fireplace with informal shots taken outside. 

     The brick residence was a beautiful place to hold the ceremony. Carol and her sister Ellen were the daughters of Ralph and Letha Schneider. Like Mr. Arnholter, Mr. Schneider not only kept his job during the Great Depression, but he earned enough money to buy the brand new house located at 1003 North Audubon Road. The builder situated the house to face Audubon Road but included a side porch on East Tenth Street. In 1947, there still existed a field behind the property and Audubon Road north of Tenth Street was a dirt path. That would all change soon. The Schneiders lived in the house from 1933 until 1954. 

     

     

Members of the D.M.O sub-deb group posed in front of the Schneider home at 1003 North Audubon Road in 1947. Left to right: Winnie Locklear, Gladys Ferguson, Diane Scott, Margie Joslin, Mariana Fullen, Diane Hays (photo courtesy of Mary Lee Pappas)

Several young women of the D.M.O sorority posed in 1947 in the side yard of 1003 North Audubon Road. Behind the young women, you can see the Schneider home as well as 5740 East 10th Street. Left to right: Diane Hays, ?, Mariana Fullen, Margie Joslin, Phyllis Halcomb, Carol Schneider, Carol Arnholter, Jean Shaffer, Diane Scott, Gladys Ferguson, Winnie Locklear; If anyone recognizes the young woman who is second teen from the left, please contact me at the e-mail listed on the page. (photo courtesy of Mary Lee Pappas)

Members of the Howe High School D.M.O. sorority gathered in the Schneider living room at 1003 North Audubon Road in 1947. The photo was taken by Tower Studios who operated at 5454 East Washington Street. Standing--left to right: Carol Arnholter, Gladys Ferguson, Diane Scott, ?, Winnie Locklear; Seated--left to right: Mariana Fullen, Carol Schneider, Diane Hays, Jean Schaffer, Phyllis Halcomb, Margie Joslin. If you know the name of the young woman dressed in black (fourth from left), would you drop me a note at the e-mail listed on this page? (photo courtesy of Mary Lee Pappas) 
    

1003 North Audubon Road on a rainy, April 6, 2022

Time Marches On: In 1998, many Howe graduates gathered for their fiftieth class reunion. Jean Shaffer Edwards Meek, who hosted those slumber parties in the 1940s once again welcomed her friends into her home. Pictured: Top row--Janet Eickhoff, Gladys Ferguson Lepper, Diane Hays Scott, Jean Shaffer Edwards Meek, Carol Arnholter Simmons, Winnie Locklear Miller, Phyllis Halcomb Pappas, Marilyn Doherty Thompson Stephens (photo courtesy of Mary Lee Pappas) 

      I wish to thank Mary Lee Pappas for the stories and photos from her mother's early years. I would also like to thanks Deedee Davis. 

Sources: Interviews with Mary Lee Pappas March 18 and 21, 2022; The 1930 and 1940 Federal Census for all three families featured; Shaffer family--"Jean Shaffer, Queen of Howe Hi-Y Dance," Indianapolis Star, February 23, 1947, 18; Shaffer wedding--"Rites to be Feb. 9," Indianapolis Star, January 7, 1951, 65; Obituaries for Mr. and Mrs. Shaffer-- Indianapolis News, January 10, 1986, 26;  Indianapolis News, January 29, 1988, 2; Arnholter family--"Jive Journal," Indianapolis Star, , January 20, 1946, 68; "Jive Hive Will Have Dance," Indianapolis News, May 31, 1946, 26; Obituaries--"Harold H. Arnholter Active in Theater," Indianapolis News, December 28, 1968, 11; Ethelwyne Arnholter--Indianapolis News, March 7, 1986, 29; Schneider family--William Gulde, The Schneider Cottage: The Story of 1003 North Audubon Road, Unpublished, September 7, 2013.