Who Lived Here? A Politician Along South Arlington Avenue

In their middle years, Cassius and Jane Hogle, both 53, built a home at 30 South Arlington Avenue in 1913. They had lived in many Irvington resdiences before constructing the two-story Arts and Crafts-era home. Jane Buchel, who hailed from New Palestine, briefly taught in schoolhouses in Hancock County before marrying Cassius Hogle on October 26, 1882. They had one son named Frederick William Hogle. Mrs. Hogle could play both the organ and the piano and was very active with the Irvington Methodist Church.

Cassius Hogle, an avid Republican, founded the Irvington G.O.P. in 1918 and held a variety of offices including justice of the peace, Marion County Councilor, and as a Marion County Commissioner. Read any Indianapolis newspaper in the 1920s and you will see his name. In December of 1925, Commissioner Hogle tried to close the Julietta Hospital for the Insane on Brookville Road and turn the site into an orphanage or delinquent's home. Others in the county did not agree. In 1926, he had to defend the conditions of the Marion County Jail after a critical report from the Board of Charities. He publicly announced that there was nothing wrong with the jail and that no changes would be necessary. Much of the publicity surrounding Mr. Hogle's tenure in office surrounded conflicts of interest. In July of 1926, an Indianapolis News reporter pointed out that a new bridge along East 11th Street over the Pleasant Run Stream would benefit the property value of Mr. Hogle's son. In another case, Mr. Hogle approved the bid of new voting machine designed and built by another family member.

In 1928, Mr. Hogle announced that he would not seek reelection as a Marion County Commissioner. Two years later, he was subpoenaed to account for missing records that brought about a pay increase for county commissioners.

The Hogles continued to dwell at 30 South Arlington Avenue. Mr. Hogle remained active with the Irvington Republicans. A nearby neighbor, Arthur Robinson, would become a U.S. Senator. Mrs. Hogle became ill in 1932 and moved in with Effie McGrew, her sister, at 69 Whittier Place. She died on March 8, 1933. Mr. Hogle moved out of his Arlington Avenue home and lived with his son for much of the remainder of his life.

Cassius Hogle in 1926

30 South Arlington Avenue was built in 1913 by Cassius and Jane Hogle. (Photo: 2016)

   Sources: For Julietta Hospital--Indianapolis Star, December 25, 1925; Conflict of Interest--Indianapolis News, July 26, 1926; Jail--Indianapolis Star, January 16, 1926; Mrs. Hogle's death--Indianapolis Star, March 9, 1933

Wonderful Restoration Work

Two historic homes have been or are currently being renovated in Irvington. In both cases, homeowners have beautifully returned the dwellings to their original appearance. The American Four Square at 76 North Layman Avenue was likely built around 1908 and was first occupied by the Thomas family who resided there for years.  The current owners have removed vinyl siding and have restored the lovely clapboards hidden underneath for a few decades. They have also restored the beautiful porch. It will be exciting to see the final results on this grand home.

76 North Layman Avenue (c1908) is undergoing a significant renovation in 2016

5360 East Washington Street has also been extensively renovated. The home, likely built around 1909, has had its stucco and wood clapboard siding restored as well as several features inside the house. The front porch, which had been enclosed in the mid-twentieth century, has been reopened although the 1950s-era stone remains.  Kudos to both homeowners for these beautiful restorations.

5360 East Washington Street in 2016