Sounds of a Mandolin on Irvington Avenue

      Howard Caldwell, Sr. stopped by the Felt home at 64 North Irvington Avenue to serenade Elsie Felt. Both had been students at Butler University so the photograph was likely taken in 1913 or 1914. The formidable woman in the photo was most likely Elsie's Mom, Martha Felt. Howard and Elsie would later marry and have two children. They were affectionately called "Popo" and "Momo" by their adoring grandchildren. Behind the group, you can see the houses located at 77, 85, 87, and 99 North Irvington Avenue. 

Howard Caldwell, Sr. serenaded Elsie Felt and her mother, Martha Felt, at their home at 64 North Irvington Avenue c1914 (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst) 

   Ginny Hingst recently found this photo in a family book. She is the granddaughter of Howard and Elsie Felt Caldwell. To learn more about the Caldwells or Felts, click on their names below. 

Thanksgiving in Irvington in 1956

The Caldwell family, of 81 North Hawthorne Lane, had much to be thankful for in 1956. Both of their adult children had begun their careers and Howard Caldwell, Sr. still managed a thriving advertising firm. On Thanksgiving Day, the Gruenholz family drove over from Terre Haute, Indiana to celebrate the day with the Caldwells. Lynn Gruenholz had married Howard Caldwell, Jr. on March 16, 1955, so it was their second holiday season as a couple. The Indianapolis Star revealed that on the previous evening a winter storm raked the northern part of the state but left only a few slick spots in central Indiana. The temperatures that year barely climbed above freezing as Irvington families began to carve their turkeys.

Elsie Felt Caldwell lit the candles for the Thanksgiving meal at 81 North Hawthorne Lane in 1956 while Helen Gruenholz, the mother of Lynn Gruenholz Caldwell, poured the water. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

Howard Caldwell, Sr. snapped this Thanksgiving shot  in 1956 in the Caldwell home at 81 North Hawthorne Lane just before the prayer. Seated on the left: Lynn Gruenholz Caldwell and her husband Howard Caldwell, Jr. Elsie Felt Caldwell sat at the head of the table; Seated at the right: Albert Gruenholz, Herm Gruenholz, and Helen Gruenholz of Terre Haute, Indiana. Notice the turkey and all of the food on the tray next to Mr. Caldwell's chair.  (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

81 North Hawthorne Lane in the winter of 1943  (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

A special thanks to Ginny Hingst, the granddaughter of Howard and Elsie Felt Caldwell, for the use of the photos and the stories.

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.

Children Along Irvington Avenue

On June 5, 1926, Judge Edward Felt was attempting to repair screens on the second story of his tall house at 64 North Irvington Avenue, when he fell from a ladder and on to the driveway below. His neighbor, Dr. John Kingsbury at 72 North Irvington Avenue, rushed to the scene, but tragically the judge passed away from his injuries later at Methodist Hospital.  Tributes and eulogies poured fourth from all over the state as Mr. Felt had served on the Indiana Court of Appeals. He was only 66 years old.

With her children grown and out of the house and with families of their own, Martha Thomas Felt, was now all alone in the large house. One of her children, Elsie Felt Caldwell, lived nearby at 30 North Bosart Avenue with her husband Howard Caldwell, Sr. and two children, Martha Virginia and Howard, Jr.  Mr. Caldwell's mother, Martha Caldwell still owned the Bosart Avenue home so Howard and Elsie made the decision to move in with Mrs. Felt in the larger Irvington Avenue home in 1926. They would remain with her for two years.

Photos from the mid-1920s and later show that the family concentrated on the children and grandchildren.  Snowstorms proved to be perfect opportunities to capture the kids at play. Even after the Caldwells moved out of 64 North Irvington Avenue, they still came back to visit Grandma Felt who remained in the home for many years.

David Browder posed with his cousins Howard and Martha Virginia Caldwell in their Grandmother's backyard at 64 North Irvington Avenue in 1927.  Behind the kids, you can see the Kingsbury home at 72 North Irvington Avenue. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

Martha Virginia Caldwell pulled David Browder, her cousin, and Howard Caldwell, Jr., her brother, on a sled through some snow in the winter of 1927. The kids were playing in the backyard that belonged to Martha Thomas Felt at 64 North Irvington Avenue. Behind the kids, you can see the rear of 72 North Irvington Avenue. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

Baby Boom:  Elsie Felt Caldwell, in the middle posed with her baby Martha Virginia Caldwell in 1918 along with two unidentified women and their babies in the front yard of the Felt home at 64 North Irvington Avenue. The second story and roofline of 63 North Irvington Avenue can be seen above the women. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

We are not certain at this time as to the names of the children in the photo, but behind the kids you can 63 North Irvington Avenue c1925. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

David Browder and Howard Caldwell, Jr. play in the front yard at 64 North Irvington Avenue c1927. Sadly, we do not know the name of the woman who took care of the boys. We believe her first name might be Lola. Behind the group, you can see the Kingsbury home at 72 North Irvington Avenue (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

Howard Caldwell Jr. on the front walk of 64 North Irvington Avenue in 1928 (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

"Edward" pushes Howard Caldwell, Jr. while a neighborhood girl looked on. The kids were in front of the Stone family home at 60 North Irvington Avenue. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

64 North Irvington Avenue in 2019

Sources:  "Judge Edward Felt Injured," Hancock Democrat, Jun19, 1926, 2; "Judge Edward Felt Fatally Injured," Hancock Democrat, June 10, 1926, 2;  Indiana Judicial Branch, ind.gov.org;

I am indebted to Ginny Hingst, the great granddaughter of Edward and Martha Felt.

A Beautiful Wedding in a Time of War

Preparing to depart for the Great Lakes Naval Base in 1918, Howard Caldwell came home to see his fiancee, Elsie Felt, at her home at 64 North Irvington Avenue. The couple had first met at Butler University (then called Butler College). Howard graduated from the school in 1915 and Elsie in 1917. For a brief stint, Howard worked in Kokomo, Indiana for the Haynes Auto Company. When the United States entered World War I, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He wanted to be an officer but his eyesight was poor so he memorized the eye chart and managed to get into officer's training school at the Great Lakes Training Station.

Happy Couple: Howard Caldwell and a beaming Elsie Felt posed on her porch at 64 North Irvington Avenue. The couple married on March 23 of that year. 

Elsie Felt was the daughter of Judge Edward and Martha Felt. Her father served as a justice on the Indiana Court of Appeals. The family had previously lived in Greenfield, but moved to Irvington 1910 so that Judge Felt could be nearer to his office in downtown Indianapolis and so that the Felt children could attend Butler University. The Felts lived in a large home on Irvington Avenue and the residence would serve as perfect place for a marriage.

The Felt family lived in Greenfield, Indiana for many years before moving to 64 North Irvington Avenue in 1910. Mr. Felt served as a judge on the Indiana Court of Appeals. Their oldest son, Edward, Jr., died in 1909. 

Elsie Felt dressed for cooler weather in 1918. In this photo, she stood in her backyard at 64 North Avenue. 

Dashing Howard Caldwell smiles for the photographer in 1918 in the front yard of the Felt home at 64 North Irvington Avenue. 

Howard and Elsie selected March 23, 1918, as their wedding date. It was a cool day with a high temperature of only 43 degrees, but at least there was no rain. Headlines in the Indianapolis News likely worried the family as the slaughter of the Great War continued in Europe. Truman Felt, the brother of Elsie, was stationed in France and could not be home for the big event.

Howard Caldwell married Elsie Felt on March 23, 1918 at the Felt home at 64 North Irvington Avenue. In this incredible photograph, the happy couple posed in the front yard of the Felt home. Behind them, you can see several houses along North Irvington Avenue. 

The Felts filled the residence with fragrant flowers. Sweet peas and pink tapers greeted the guests as they walked into the home.  The wedding was held in the early evening so the house was lit by candle light. A harpist strummed as people found their seats in the living and music rooms. Mable Felt, the sister of Elsie served as her maid of honor. Howard, an only child, chose a fraternity brother, Robert Masters, as his best man. The Reverend W.B. Farmer of the Irvington Methodist Church performed the ceremony as the Felts were very active participants in the Methodist church. In fact, Judge Felt led an adult Sunday school course at the church for many years. Several of the guests were Butler University graduates.

The ceremony began when three children walked down the aisle while Mrs. Mansur Oaks sang three songs, including "A Birthday," "At Dawning," and "Adoration." The little maid of honor, Elizabeth Carr, held a french basket filled with roses. The Felts had placed an altar in the music room where the ceremony was to be conducted. They rented an electric fountain and surrounded it with pink and white lilies. The groom and his best man waited while Mable Felt, the maid of honor, walked down the aisle wearing a pale green chiffon dress and holding a bouquet of sweet peas. At the appropriate moment, Elsie Felt appeared and walked down the aisle flanked by a garland of smilax vines. Her beautiful white gown was in the georgette fashion, from France. She wore a tulle over her hair fastened with a silver head band.

Elsie Felt Caldwell on her wedding day on March 23, 1918

After the ceremony, the guests gathered in the dining room for a reception although they likely could not all fit in that room. Judge Felt was a strict believer in temperance so it is unlikely that alcohol of any kind would have been allowed at the reception. Howard and Elsie went off on their honeymoon and then moved to Kokomo although Elsie moved back in with her parents while Howard was away for officer training. Fortunately, the war ended before he could be shipped overseas. Truman Felt survived the war but was injured. Mable Felt, an active member of the YWCA, traveled to Europe in 1919 to assist with the French chapter.

Mable Felt, the daughter of Edward and Martha Felt, traveled to Europe just as World War I ended to assist with YWCA activities. 

64 North Irvington Avenue is still just as beautiful in 2019 as when the Felts dwelled there. 

Howard and Elsie would not live in Kokomo for very long and soon they welcomed their first child, Martha Virginia in 1919. They took up residence with his mother, Martha Caldwell, at 30 North Bosart Avenue.

   To listen to a rendition of the song "At Dawning" performed at the wedding, click on the link below:

"At Dawning"

Sources:  Wedding:  "Caldwell-Felt," Indianapolis News, March 25, 1918, 7; "Marriage of Former Greenfield Girl," Hancock Democrat, March 28, 1918, 1; Truman and Mable Felt: "Boys in France Enjoy Thrills, Indianapolis Star, August 28, 1918, 16; "Truman Felt, Son of Judge, Injured," The Times (Munster, Indiana), December 27, 1918; "Indianapolis Girl Returns After 19 Months Overseas," Indianapolis Star, November 12, 1920, 11.

I am indebted to Ginny Hingst, the granddaughter of Howard and Elsie Felt Caldwell, for her stories and photographs.

The Caldwells Move to Bosart Avenue

Benjamin and Martha Caldwell and their talented son, Howard, moved away from their home in Lewisville, Indiana to a brand new house at 30 North Bosart Avenue in 1911. Mr. Caldwell, a carpenter, built the Bosart Avenue home in the Dutch Colonial style. Howard had just graduated from the Spiceland Academy and enrolled at Butler University where he once again excelled. The east side of Indianapolis was booming in construction so Mr. Caldwell likely found plenty of work. The home remained an important part of the Caldwell family for over twenty five years.

30 North Bosart Avenue in 2019

In December of 1913 tragedy struck the Caldwell family when Benjamin took a job in Lewisville building a barn for A. R. McIlvaine. He developed a deep chest cold but kept on working. Eventually, the cold turned into pneumonia. The 47-year-old carpenter was not able to make it back to his Bosart Avenue home as he died on the family farm near Lewisville. Somehow, Martha Freeman Caldwell, his widow, was able to keep the Indianapolis home. Howard was a sophomore at Butler University at the time.

Benjamin Caldwell's obituary was carried in the National Road Traveler (Cambridge City) shortly after his death on December 17, 1913. His obituary stated that he "was a man of few words and attended strictly to his own business. The family and friends feel that they can truthfully say that no man could be more devoted to his family, could have no more love for the partner of his joys and sorrows, and could have no greater interest in the welfare of his home...His sympathy was always with those in distress and was manifested by acts of kindness and deeds of charity and benevolence." His funeral was described as the one the largest ever held in Lewisville, Indiana.  (obituary courtesy of Ginny Hingst) 

Bosart Avenue was actually not very far from the western edge of Butler University's campus on Emerson Avenue so Howard could easily walk or ride a bike to his classes. He joined the Sigma Chi fraternity and remained active with that organization for much of his life. At college, he was the sports editor for the Butler Collegian. Butler President, Thomas Carr Howe, threatened to expel him after the journalist exposed that the football team's partying the night before an important game contributed to a loss. Thankfully, cooler heads prevailed and Howard remained on campus. While at Butler University, he met Elsie Felt, who was the daughter of a prominent judge. Their courtship would eventually lead to marriage.

Martha Caldwell as a young widow likely focused her attentions on making sure that Howard graduated from Butler University. After his graduation in 1915, Howard continued to live in the Bosart Avenue home as he worked for a variety of publications including the Marion County Mail which he helped to publish along with his fellow classmate and fraternity brother, Joseph Ostrander.

Howard and Elsie married in 1918 and lived in Kokomo, Indiana where Mr. Caldwell had been working since 1917 for the Haynes Auto Company in the advertising department. His fraternity brother Halsey Keeling also worked there. Martha Caldwell seems to have rented out rooms or perhaps the entire Bosart Avenue home to James Hallet in 1919. By 1920, Howard and Elsie and their new baby, Martha Virginia, moved back to Indianapolis and lived with Mrs. Caldwell on Bosart Avenue.

While living with Mrs. Caldwell, Howard formed the Caldwell-Baker Advertising Agency in the 1920s. They also welcomed a second child in their lives, Howard Caldwell, Jr. in 1925.  Their Bosart Avenue days were numbered for the moment as the family moved to the Felt family residence at 64 North Irvington in 1926. Judge Edward Felt, the father of Elsie Felt Caldwell, died in a tragic accident at the house when he fell from a ladder. The Caldwells moved into the larger large home with Mrs. Felt and remained until 1930.

In 1930, the Caldwells dwelled in the Audubon Court Apartments, but the Great Depression had taken a toll on the country and Mr. Caldwell's advertising agency so they moved back into the Bosart Avenue home with Mrs. Caldwell in 1932. This allowed the family to save money for a down payment on their very own home at 81 N. Hawthorne Lane. Today, 30 North Bosart Avenue looks much like it did in 1911.

Elsie Felt Caldwell posed with her daughter Martha Virginia Caldwell in the backyard of 30 North Bosart Avenue c1919. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

Little Howard Caldwell, Jr. posed in his backyard at 30 North Bosart Avenue in 1926. Behind him, you can see the rear of 34 North Bosart Avenue. The Binford family lived there at the time and became close friends with the Caldwells.  (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

Howard Caldwell, Jr. in 1926 in the backyard of 30 North Bosart Avenue. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

The Caldwell family posed for this snapshot in 1932 in the backyard of 30 North Bosart Avenue. Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell had just moved from the Audubon Court Apartments back into his mother's home to help save money during the Great Depression. Behind the family, you can see the home at 26 North Bosart Avenue. Onias and Hattie Alford lived in that house at the time. Pictured:  Howard Caldwell, Sr, Martha Virginia Caldwell, Elsie Felt Caldwell and Howard Caldwell, Jr. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

Howard Caldwell, Jr. on the left posed with "Edward" in the front yard of 30 North Bosart Avenue in 1934. The fire hydrant behind the boys is still located in the same spot in 2019. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst) 

Sources:  On Benjamin Caldwell: Obituary, Knightstown Banner, December 19, 1913, 13; "Recalling School 57 and 'Schoolboy Crush,'" Indianapolis Prime Times, September 2003, 5; Early years of Howard Caldwell, Sr.: "Caldwell's Contribution Valuable to Profession," Indianapolis Prime Times, April 2003, 5; "Caldwell with Haynes," Indianapolis Star, August 12, 1917, 18

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