Spring along Good Avenue--1950s

Peonies emerged on a beautiful spring day sometime in the 1950s on the side lot of 211 Good Avenue. On this site in 1890, used to stand the small McVey cottage. It burned in 1913 so the McVeys just expanded the yard so that they had a double lot for their second home next door at 211. By the 1950s, the Geren family lived on the property. In this photo, you can see the early twentieth century garage and the rear of two homes that face Berry Avenue. You can also see the Pennsylvania Railroad if you look closely. I also distinctly see two yard flamingos! This historic image is courtesy of Lori Malander and the Irvington Historical Society.

Candid Shots of the Gerens of Good Avenue

The Gerens dwelled at 211 Good Avenue from the 1920s to the late 1950s. Harry Geren (1882-1958) was a mechanic and worked with the Indianapolis Railways for years at the Traction Terminal Building in downtown Indianapolis. His house was only two city lots away from the Pennsylvania Railroad. Ruby Pearl Geren (1882-1958) stayed home and raised their children. The 1930 Census reveals that Harriet (age 12) and Robert (age 9) lived in the house with their parents. The census also reveals that the home was worth $2500 in 1930.

In the top photo, several generations of Gerens gather at 211 Good Avenue for a snapshot, likely taken in 1947. In the second photo, Harry Geren poses on the north side of the home in his snazzy suit! There is no date on the photo, but it was likely taken in the 1940s. In the third photo, the Geren women can be seen standing near the north side of the house in 1948. Behind them, you can see various outbuildings on the double lot.

You may learn more about this house by clicking on the "Good Avenue" link below. These historic images are courtesy of Lori Malander and the Irvington Historical Society.

The Gerens of Good Avenue

William McVey built 211 Good Avenue in 1901. Upon his passing in 1922, the McVeys eventually moved away. The next family to dwell in the cottage were Harry M. and Ruby Pearl Geren. Both of the Gerens were born in 1882 and both died in 1958. For over thirty years, the Gerens lived in and raised their children in the Good Avenue house. Much like the McVeys, they left some of their photos with the home. The photos depict happy family reunions and smiling grandchildren. The pictures also represent much about life in mid-century Indianapolis.

In today's photo, taken sometime in the 1940s, the Gerens are seen working in their kitchen. It appears that someone has broken a few dishes so there is likely a story to go along with this photo. Notice that Mrs. Geren is washing bowls. The water still runs in the sink behind her. The kitchen has clearly been updated as the cabinets look new for that time period. More will be forthcoming on this longtime Irvington family. This historic image is courtesy of Lori Malander and the Irvington Historical Society.

By joining the Irvington Historical Society, you will help to preserve wonderful photos like this. Go to irvingtonhistorical.org.