Four Years!

     Four years ago this month, I started down an unknown path.  Could I create a blog that concentrated on collecting historic photos of the Irvington neighborhood in Indianapolis?  Would people visit the site?  Would the site become self-sustaining?  In other words, if I built it...would you come?  Needless to say, Vintage Irvington has exceeded my expectations.  I have been fortunate in that several people have been very generous with their family collections. Some of have sought me out from all corners of the country. It turns out that this neighborhood has been very special in the lives of so many people.

Contributors From the Last Year

     In the winter of 2013, I met Leland Dickerson, a World War II veteran, whose brother was tragically killed towards the end of the war.  He generously loaned me dozens of shots of the neighborhood dating back to the 1930s.  Barbara Sanders had deep roots in the area on both sides of her family.  Thanks to her generosity I was able to post shots of the former White Farm at East 10th and Shadeland Avenue as well as of nearby areas on East New York Street and North Butler Avenue.  Suzette Hagan's family photos of 5621 Beechwood Avenue depicted fascinating glimpses into the lives of 1950s-era Irvingtonians.  I also received wonderful photos and stories from Bill Ferling, Paula Schmidt, David Bailey, Richard C. Gaskill, Carol Oribison, D.J. Smith, Brad Amiano, Terry Wilgus, the Stroude Family, Brian Callahan, and Larry Muncie.  This blog would not be possible without the kindness of these current or former Irvington residents.  Do you have a scrapbook filled with Irvington photos?  I would love to speak to you!  You can reach me at williamfranklingulde@gmail.com.

     By the way, in the four years that Vintage Irvington has been in operation, the site has received 115, 367 hits.  While most of the readers hail from the United States, Vintage Irvington has received hundreds and in some cases thousands of hits from Russia, Germany, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Ukraine, Turkey, Latvia, and Poland. Curiosity seekers from dozens of other nations have also landed upon the blog.

Highlights From the Past Year

     I have always had a soft spot for photos that show men and women returning from World War II.  In this image, snapped in February of 1943, Harry Perkins, Leland Dickerson, and Curly Morris posed along the 5800 block of Lowell Avenue.  They look joyful as snow melted about them on the warm winter day.  (Photo courtesy of Leland Dickerson) 

     Bill Ferling was kind enough to lend me photos from the collection of the Irvington Presbyterian Church.  This beautiful image shows the stunning structure on an early spring day in 1953. Note the historic double still standing just east of the church where the parking lot sits today.

     David Bailey grew up along South Emerson Avenue near the former Butler University.  Mr. Bailey, an avid reader and history lover, contributed many stunning photos to this blog including this image of Butler students on "clean up" day in 1917.  

     Carol Orbison's family grew up in Irvington.  She generously loaned me photos from her father and grandfather's photo collection.  This image depicts the Orbison family home at 51 North Irvington Avenue in 1912.  

    Paula Schmidt has graciously not only donated images, but she has also been a guest writer several times on this blog.  One of her stories this year was of the Thormeyer family at 93 South Butler Avenue. Paula traveled to Austin, Indiana to learn more about these interesting people and came back with some wonderful stories and images.  In this photo taken c1935, the Thormeyer women stand near the family home on Butler Avenue.

     
     Barbara Azbell Sanders has deep roots in Irvington.  Her mother's people owned a farm just east of the neighborhood at 10th and Shadeland Avenue.  There is not a shred of a farm at that intersection today, so I am particularly grateful to Mrs. Sanders for being so generous with her collection.  In this photo, snapped in 1937, members of the White family gathered for a reunion at their farmhouse. (now demolished)

     Mrs. Sanders also contributed several other photos that showed life in other parts of the neighborhood.  I particularly loved this photo of Vivian and Barbara Azbell in their riding attire. Behind them, you can see 4910, 4914, and 4918-20 East New York Street in 1938.  

     Fred Azbell ran Azbell Distribution Company, a business that sold auto parts. In this photo, little Barbara Azbell sits atop one vehicle in the family fleet along the 1100 block of North Butler Avenue in 1943.  Her grandfather, Thomas White, briefly took over the family business while her father served in World War II. (Photo courtesy of Barbara Sanders)

     The Becker family dwelled in a stunning Arts and Crafts home at 5621 Beechwood Avenue.  On November 27, 1954, Julius and Gloria Pirtle Becker celebrated their wedding day in the Becker home.  Family members and friends from all over the Midwest traversed to Irvington to rejoice with the young couple despite the snowy conditions outside.  In this photo, members of the Pirtle and Becker family gathered for the wedding photographer.  (Photo courtesy of Suzette Hagan)

A Birthday Party at the Wallace Street Presbyterian Church--1952

The Reverend John H. Bergen, the pastor of the Wallace Street Presbyterian Church, received a surprise on his 62nd birthday when the local chapter of the Bluebirds honored him with a cake. Mr. Bergen and his wife Lorene and children, John and Mary, dwelled in the small bungalow at 929 North Wallace Avenue which served as the church parsonage. The photo, taken in the basement of the church in 1952, shows the two chapter sponsors, Mrs. Vivian Azbell and Mrs. Flo Norton.  The girls in the photo include:

Juanita Stewart, Melinda Beberstein, Sandra Myers, Donna Young, Barbara Azbell, Carol Hall, Carolyn Rosemeyer, Shelly Norton, Brenda Frazier, Charlotte Spangler, Jennie Gray,  and Margaret Pete.  

The church, built in 1926, was truly a neighborhood church as no parking lot has ever existed for the structure located at 4805 East 10th Street. Congregants built onto the structure in 1948.  Oddly, the church is called Wallace "Street" Presbyterian Church despite the fact that it is located along Wallace "Avenue."  

The local chapter of the Wallace Street Presbyterian "Bluebirds" hosted a birthday party for the Reverend John H. Bergen in the basement of the church in 1952.

Wallace Street Presbyterian Church in 2014

Tenth Street entrance to the Wallace Street Presbyterian Church in 2014

Cornerstone for the newer 1948 addition to the Wallace Street Presbyterian Church in 2014

The historic image is courtesy of Barbara Sanders.  

A Suburb Near a Suburb

As World War II wound down, speculators and developers began to prepare for the return of millions of veterans.  Where would they live?  Irvington began life as a planned suburb in 1870.  By 1945, the city had completely swallowed what was once a country setting. In the mid-1940s, farmers in Marion County began to sell off tracts of land for future suburban neighborhoods.  Beginning in 1943, the White family started to sell off acreage near East 11th Street and Shadeland Avenue and decided to build a new home at 1101 North Shadeland Avenue in 1943.  Within five years, dozens of other families, including some returning veterans, built their dream home in the area using the G.I. Bill passed by Congress in 1944.  The planned community along East 11th Street, Edgewood Drive, Elmhurst Drive, Shortridge Road, and East 13th Street featured single-storied homes with two to three bedrooms on large lots. Some of the houses provided attached garages, something not found in nearby Irvington. Americans flocked to theses new suburbs by the millions abandoning older neighborhoods in the cities.  Developers added thousands of homes in Warren Township throughout the 1950s and 1960s with most of the area developed by the 1970s.  The new community at East 11th Street and Shadeland Avenue featured no alleys nor sidewalks for the car remained king while the country built vast interstates and abandoned rail traffic.

Family photos of the White family, taken from 1943 through 1948, show the area around East 11th Street and Shadeland Avenue before the area was completely developed. You may see a photo of the White home in 2014 by clicking on the link below.

Pearl White posed with a dahlia by the family car and home at 1101 North Shadeland Avenue in 1944.

T. Newton White and Pearl White stand in front of the family home at 1101 North Shadeland Avenue in 1944.

Father's Day 1948: T. Newton White and Fred Azbell posed with Barbara Azbell and Fred Azbell, Jr. in the yard  of the White Family home at 1101 North Shadeland

Vast tracts of land remained undeveloped in 1943 when this photo was snapped of Barbara Azbell at 1101 North Shadeland Avenue. The electrical poles had just been placed along East 11th Street.  

The historic images are courtesy of Barbara Sanders.  

Emerson Avenue Baptist Sunday School Graduates--1948 and 1956

Emerson Avenue Baptist Church has been an important institution in the neighborhood since 1921.  Located at the northwest corner of North Emerson Avenue and East Michigan Street, the church used to be sheathed in brick but was later covered in Bedford Stone after some significant additions.  In these two photos, both taken in the mid-twentieth century, you can see the brick facades.  In the case of the 1948 image, we have the names of every child in the photo.  The opposite is true for the 1956 image so if you recognize anyone let us know!

Back Row: (left to right) Jackie Weninger, Linda McKay, Vickie Visom, Susan Page, Billie O’Connell, Kenneth Fromer, Steven Self, David Bradbury, Harold Wilson

Front Row:  (left to right) Barbara Azbell, Betty Lou Page, Patty Windel, Johnny Shannon, Hilda Powers, Linda Mosier, Christine Davis, Judy Fleehearty; This was photo was taken on September 26, 1948

Emerson Avenue Baptist Church Sunday School Graduates in 1956

The historic images are courtesy of Barbara Sanders.  To see a contemporary photo of the church click on the address link below.  

Azbell Distribution Company c1950

Entrepreneur Fred Azbell opened his own business in the mid-twentieth century selling Bowes Auto Parts.  Eventually, he secured a commercial building at 5021 East Michigan Street and operated at this site from 1950 through the mid-1960s until his untimely passing. The building was first constructed for Harry Asche in 1918 to service east side automobile owners.  Many others operated out of this garage including Charles P. Culley in the 1920s, John L. Manson in the 1930s, and a business called Wheeler and Gossett Auto Repairs in the 1940s. Mr. Azbell enclosed the central garage bay and turned the structure into an auto parts distribution center.  Spark plugs, wheelcaps, and just about any other Bowes parts were available to Irvington residents. The top image revealed the exterior of the structure in the 1950s.  In the second photo, Mr. Azbell on the right met with a client possibly in a filling station at 5135 East 10th Street.  In the third historic photo, Mr. Azbell proudly posed next to the Bowes Auto trucks c1945. The contemporary photo shows the early twentieth-century structure in 2014.

The Azbell Distributing Company at 5021 East Michigan Street (formerly 5019) c1950

Fred Azbell, on the right, visited one of his customers--possibly in a filling station 5135  East 10th Street run by Joe Himmel

Fred Azbell next to Bowes Auto Parts company car c1945

5021 East Michigan Street in 2014.  Harry Asche built the garage in 1918.  

The historic images are courtesy of Barbara Sanders.  

A Brick Tudor-Revival in Northern Irvington

Most of the homes in the 1100 block of North Butler Avenue were built in the 1920s although the lovely brick Tudor-Revival structure at 1121 North Butler Avenue was not completed until 1933. The Kennelly family was the first to call the dwelling "home." By the mid-20th century, when these photos were snapped, Peter and Hazel Ruden lived in the house.  Mr. Ruden served as a manager for the Philco Radio Equipment Corporation. Mrs. Ruden stayed at home and became good friends with her neighbors, including the Azbells who resided at 1115 North Butler Avenue. The historic photos show the Ruden home and the Azbell family.

Posed with Mom:  Little Barbara Azbell held onto Vivian Azbell's hand in 1943. Behind the mother and daughter you can see 1121 North Butler Avenue.  

Easter 1938:  Fred Azbell affectionately posed with his mother, Winifred Azbell. It must have been a little chilly as Mrs. Azbell clutched her hands. Behind the pair, you can see 1121 North Butler Avenue which had only been standing for four years.  

A Visit With a Kind Neighbor:   Hazel Ruden sat on her back stoop at 1121 North Butler Avenue in 1952 with her  child, Barbara, and little Ricky Azbell nearby.  

Visiting:  Vivian Azbell (1115 North Butler Avenue) stopped by to see her neighbor, Hazel Ruden (center) at 1121 North Butler Avenue.  Barbara Azbell remained engrossed with a book. She would later go on and become a teacher. The photo was likely taken around 1958.  

1121 North Butler Avenue in 2014.  Other homes with a similar design dot the northern part of the neighborhood.  

 The historic images are courtesy of Barbara Sanders.  

Scenes Along North Butler Avenue in the 1940s

The 1100 block of North Butler Avenue was at the far edge of the city in 1943. In fact, the people who canvased the area for the Polk's City Directory did not go north of East 12th Street as it was considered suburban.  Most of the homes north of 10th Street along the avenue were built in the 1920s. The following historic images were all taken between 1943 through 1945. The photos show several of the houses along the block and the rooflines of those in the distance.  Contemporary photos show the area in 2014.

Azbell Auto Distribution Trucks 1943:  Behind the vehicles, you can see the brick American Four Square at 1102 North Butler Avenue and the bungalow next door at 1110 North Butler Avenue. The Von Burgs and Keplers dwelled here in the mid-1940s.  

Family Portrait:  Fred Azbell posed with his daughter, Barbara, and the family dog in 1943. Behind them, you can see 1110 North Butler Avenue.

Family Shot:  Fred Azbell held onto both his daughter, Barbara, and the family dog in 1943.  Behind the family you can see 1110 North Butler Avenue and the smaller bungalow at 1114 North Butler Avenue.  Eleanor Hodde dwelled in the smaller house in 1943.  She was a bookkeeper for the Wm. Lynn Chemical Company.  

Cute Girl:  Barbara Azbell posed atop the bumper of the family vehicle in 1944. Behind her  you can see both 1102 and 1110 North Butler Avenue.  

Barbara Azbell posed in 1944 atop the family car.  Behind her you can see the residence Harry and Dorothy Von Burg at 1102 North Butler Avenue.  Mr. Von Burg was in management for a local insurance company. Note that the house used to have a balustrade railing on the porch roof.  

Good Neighbor:  Delores Surrey greeted Barbara Azbell in 1945.  Mrs. Surrey dwelled at 1107 North Butler Avenue. You can see the rear of her home as well as that of 1103 North Butler Avenue.  

1102 and 1110 North Butler Avenue in 2014

1102 and 1110 North Butler Avenue in 2014

The historic images are courtesy of Barbara Sanders.  

Butler Avenue 1943 and Now

While Fred Azbell was away serving the country during World War II, his father-in-law, T. Newton White, took over the family business located at 1115 North Butler Avenue.  Mr. Azbell ran his auto distribution company out of his garage and home office.  He eventually moved the company to 5019 East Michigan Street.  In this photo, snapped in 1943, little Barbara Azbell sat atop one of the company vehicles.  The home at the far left at 1115 North Butler Avenue belonged to the Azbells. The larger home at 1107 North Butler Avenue housed Ralph and Irene Johns.  Mr. Johns served as a department manager for the Indiana Credit Men's Service Association.  Next door at 1103 North Butler Avenue dwelled Edward and Laura Rees.  Mr. Rees was listed as a salesman in the 1943 Polk's City Directory.  The contemporary photo shows the same view in 2014.

Azbell Distribution Company trucks along the 1100 block of North Butler Avenue in 1943

1100 block of North Butler Avenue in 2014

The historic image is courtesy of Barbara Sanders.  

It's a Wonderful Life Along Butler Avenue

The Azbell family celebrated two joyous births in the 1940s.  In top photo, Fred and Vivian Azbell welcomed little Barbara Azbell into their lives in 1942 at their home at 1115 North Butler Avenue.  Someone has sent the family roses which sat in a mid-century vase on a table nearby.  In the second photo, the entire clan gathered to welcome Fred Jr., or Ricky as he was to be called, in 1947.  His grandparents, Pearl and T. Newton White hovered above him while his parents, Fred and Vivian Azbell sat on the chair.  His sister Barbara was clearly checking out the new competition. Bob Hoover (1124 North Butler Avenue), a photographer for the Indianapolis News, managed to get in this photo as well.  Both children would grow up in the house on Butler Avenue.

Fred, Vivian and Barbara Azbell in 1942 at 1115 North Butler Avenue (photo by Bob Hoover)

Wonderfully Staged:  Pearl (in print dress) and T. Newton White above; Vivian, little Ricky, Fred, and Barbara Azbell on chair; Bob Hoover next to the family (in bow tie) in 1947; photo by Bob Hoover

1115 North Butler Avenue c1938

1115 North Butler Avenue 2014

Soldiers Home on Leave--1944

They gathered in the living room in the home of Fred and Vivian Azbell at 1115 North Butler Avenue for a beer and a smoke. The stories they had to share have been lost, but they likely had many to tell.  Fred Azbell, at the far right in the photo, hosted the event. He had just returned from the European sphere of the war. Bob Hoover, a photographer for the Indianapolis News and neighbor at 1124 North Butler Avenue, stopped by as well and snapped these wonderful images. We do not know the full name of the young man on the far left, but we do know his first name was Pat. Seated next to him was John Lynch, and Bob Carey. The clock on the mantel noted that it was 10:00PM.

In the second photo, Mr. Hoover captured a more domestic scene taken a little earlier around 9:10PM. Little Barbara Azbell studied her mother pensively and likely noticed that both of her parents beamed with joy that night.  The war was not over yet, but for at least one night in one cottage on Butler Avenue laughter could be heard.

Soldiers on leave: Pat ?, John Lynch, Bob Carey, and Fred Azbell at 1115 North Butler Avenue in 1944 (Photo by Bob Hoover)

Happy family:  Fred, Barbara, and Vivian Azbell at 1115 North Butler Avenue in 1944 (Photo by Bob Hoover)

The historic images are courtesy of Barbara Azbell Sanders.  

Azbells Move into Butler Avenue Home

Fred and Vivian White Azbell moved into 1115 North Butler Avenue in 1936. Built in 1928, two previous families, the Stanleys and Vornholts, had already called the modern looking dwelling "home." Most of the houses in the 1100 block of North Butler Avenue were built in the late 1920s and early 1930s. The architectural style of this home was more reflective of those built in the 1940s and 1950s rather than the usual Tudor-Revival or bungalow of the 1920s. There was no front porch and in fact, the front facade hosted a false wall that followed the angle of the roofline. The Azbells eventually removed that feature so they could have a small open seating area by the front door.  The couple would raise two children in the house and live along the block for decades.

Vivan Azbell stood with her parents, Pearl and T. Newtown White, in front of her new home at 1115 North Butler Avenue in 1936.

Fred Azbell, dressed in his riding clothes, posed in front of his home at 1115 North Butler Avenue in 1938.

Vivan Azbell, prepared for a ride in the country on her horse, stood in front of 1115 North Butler Avenue in 1938

1115 North Butler Avenue c1938.  Note the false wall that followed the front gable.

1115 North Butler Avenue in 2014.  The false wall has been removed.

The historic images are courtesy of Barbara Sanders.  

Their First Home--1934

Fred and Vivian White Azbell married in 1934 and moved into the Mary Elizabeth, an apartment building located at 4801 East Washington Street. Hundreds of other young families started in apartment buildings located along East Washington Street. The Layman family built the first multi-family structure at the southeast corner of South Audubon and East Washington Street in 1914.  It was the first such large venture in the neighborhood. Throughout the 1920s and into the 1930s, other developers followed suit. The Mary Elizabeth had been in operation since 1927.  The Azbells dwelled in Unit 9.  To see more images of the Mary Elizabeth click on the link below.

Vivian White Azbell sat in her living room in Apartment #9 at the Mary Elizabeth (4801 East Washington Street) in 1934.

The Mary Elizabeth opened in 1927. It is pictured here in the winter of 2012.  

The historic image is courtesy of Barbara Sanders.