The Plotner Family Arrives For Church--c1955

Mr. and Mrs Harold Plotner (5735 Beechwood Avenue) arrived for Sunday services at the Irvington Presbyterian Church sometime in 1955. Awaiting them, was photographer Reuben L. Brullow, who was taking photos for a future publication commemorating the history of the church.  The Plotners were active members of the congregation.  Harry Plotner worked at the International Harvester Company on Brookville Road as did many others in southern Irvington in the mid-twentieth century.  Local resident, Larry Muncie, who grew up near the Plotners remembered the family fondly.  Mr. Muncie noted that it was Mr. Plotner who asked him to help with recording church services on closed-circuit television.  Dr. Howard Stone was the minister at the time and during his tenure the church broadcasted services on Channel 8.

The American Four Square home visible in the photo behind the Plotners was that of 58 Johnson Avenue.  To see that house today, click on the link below.

The Plotner Family of 5735 Beechwood Avenue arrived for services at the Irvington Presbyterian Church c1955

The historic photo is courtesy of Bill Ferling and the Irvington Presbyterian Church.  Information about the Plotners is courtesy of local historian, Larry Muncie.  

Vacation Bible School--1955

The Irvington Presbyterian Church, like many Indianapolis churches, hosted Vacation Bible Schools throughout the second half of the twentieth century and beyond.  In these photos, most likely taken by Reuben L. Brullow in the summer of 1955, children from the neighborhood gathered for some summer fun.  In the top photo, a group of girls played some kind of game with a ball.  You will notice that nearly all of them were wearing dresses.  Behind the girls, you can not only see the church, but also Maplewood Court.

In the second photo, a group of boys played a game of baseball atop the asphalt parking lot.  You will note that some of the kids off to the side not only rested against one of the parked cars, but one young man actually placed his foot on it! (Kids!) In the extreme foreground of the photo, remnants of the curb and drive of Irving Court can be seen.  The Presbyterians had already purchased half of the court for a parking lot and would soon own all of it.

In the final image, the entire group gathered for a photo.  Look carefully as you might see your likely-now-retired grandparents among those fresh faces.  Behind the students, you can view the double that used to sit along Irving Court just east of the church.

These images are courtesy of Bill Ferling and the Irvington Presbyterian Church.

Church is Over--1955

In the summer of 1955, photographer Reuben L. Brullow (1616 North Bosart Avenue) set up his tripod and documented a typical day at the Irvington Presbyterian Church.  Some of his photos were to be used in a forthcoming history written to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the congregation. (1956)  In the top photo, adults chaperoned children to Sunday School along Johnson Avenue.  Through the trees and behind the church, you can see Maplewood Court.  Further down the block, you will note the American Four Square home at 27 Johnson Avenue and the rear of shops along East Washington Street. In the second photo, church members exit the building.  Some linger for conversation while others head for home. These historic images are courtesy of Bill Ferling and the Irvington Presbyterian Church.

Sunday School 1955 at the Irvington Presbyterian Church

Church is over--1955 at the Irvington Presbyterian Church