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.

Photo of Cub Scouts Reveal Long Lost Arts and Crafts Double--c1935

Sometime in the mid-1930s, these enthusiastic members of the Cub Scout Pack #8 gathered in a lot east of the Irvington Presbyterian Church for this photo.  A baseball and bat have been dropped and one young man appears to be playing catch in the background.  Behind this hearty group, you can see a double that used to sit along Irving Court next to the church.  The Arts and Crafts duplex was part of a planned development north of Julian Avenue and west of Audubon Road.  The home had a limited life, however, because many congregants needed a place for their autos on Sunday mornings so the dwelling was eventually cleared for a parking lot.  If you recognize any of the children in this photo then drop me a note at williamfranklingulde@gmail.com so that we can document them.

Cub Scout Pack #8 just east of the Irvington Presbyterian Church on Irving Court near Julian Avenue. The home behind the scouts is no longer standing.  

This image is courtesy of Bill Ferling.