Butler Tennis Match and a Lost House--1924

The tennis courts for Butler University used to sit on the southwest corner of University and Ohmer Avenues.  In this shot, taken in 1924, a member of the team prepares to return a serve.  He is facing north.  Near him, you can see 5317-19 University Avenue.  That home is still standing.  Across the street, however, like a ghostly image, you can see the former home that used to sit on the northeast corner of University and Ohmer Avenues. (5326 University Avenue)  It has been missing for at least sixty years.  The Disciples of Christ purchased the corner and removed the house to add a wing on to the College Board of Missions sometime in the 1950s.  The house appears to have been a large Queen-Anne styled home.  More research is needed to determine who dwelled in it.  Pictured in this photo is Julius Sagalowsky, who was the star player for the team in 1924.

5317-19 University Ave--Asbestos Siding

5317-19 is one of the oldest doubles in Irvington. Built in the late nineteenth or early twentieth century, the structure had many Queen Anne styled features including a porch with a balustrade railing and ornamental spindles. Many families connected with Butler or the Board of Missions lived in the duplex because of its close proximity to both institutions. In 1910, journalist Charles Fuller lived on one side and the Murphy Family lived on the other side. John H. Murphy was a molder while his daughter Mallie J. attended Butler.

In 1940, Mrs. Anna Finch owned the double and hired Ralph R. Reeder & Sons to put on asbestos siding. Mrs. Finch was looking for a way to avoid painting her wood clapboard siding and asbestos tiles were in vogue in Indianapolis between 1920 and 1950. She chose "White Thatch" to spruce up this home. Of course, Mrs. Finch was unaware of the dangers of asbestos. Many homeowners sheathed their houses in this material as it was the "vinyl" of its day.

Although the top image is in poor shape, you can faintly see how the home looked prior to being sided. It used to have a really beautiful porch. It looks like the Victorian features were removed when the asbestos siding was added. Mrs. Finch's home was featured in the Indianapolis Star on February 5, 1940 (page 16) as promotion for the siding.

I have also included a contemporary photo of the house (January, 2011). You will note that the asbestos siding remains seventy-one years later.