Family Moved Into Layman Avenue Home

      In the late summer of 1940, neighbors in the 300 block of North Layman Avenue likely noticed a new family moving into 312. Of course, if they looked closely, they would have seen someone who looked familiar. Marjorie Jones Peters had grown up in 312 North Layman Avenue. Her parents, Morris and Lillian Jones, had purchased the house in 1923. Mr. Jones worked as an insurance agent and received a job opportunity in Chicago so the older couple sold the house to Orville and Marjorie Peters. A member of the Jones-Peters family would reside in the home for nearly 70 years. 

     Orville and Marjorie Peters had been renting a small double nearby at 740 North Bancroft Street. Their new home on Layman Avenue had two stories and three bedrooms. Their sons, Donald and David, soon welcomed a sister, Susan, in 1943. Images from scrapbooks from the family show that the three children had the entire area as their playground. Like many neighborhood kids, they attended School #57 and Howe High School. 

     Shortly after moving into their Layman Avenue home, Mr. Peters left his position as an auditor for Standard Oil Company and transferred into a similar position for the Barbasol Shaving Cream Company. He would also later work for Jones and Laughlin Steel Company. When he wasn't working, he could generally be found on a golf course so it was likely no surprise to his family that after he retired, he helped to take care of the Pleasant Run Golf Course. 

     One by one, Mr. and Mrs. Peters watched as their children graduated from high school, attended college, and got married. Then, they received a shock with the arrival of a fourth child, Douglas Peters, in 1958. Doug recalled in an interview that he lived a happy and adventurous childhood with good friends from the neighborhood. Like his siblings, he attended School #57 and Howe High School. 

Next Up: Layman Avenue Scenes

Orville and Marjorie Peters posed with their third child, Susan Peters, in the summer of 1944 along the front sidewalk leading up to 312 North Layman Avenue. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

Marjorie Jones Peters had grown up in 312 North Layman Avenue. She moved back into her childhood home in 1940 and remained for the rest of her life. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

Family reunion: Marjorie Jones Peters hosted her sister's family at 312 North Layman Avenue c1950. Like Marjorie, Betty Jones Fox had grown up in the house. Top: David Peters (in cap), Walter Fox (brother-in-law to Marjorie Jones Peters), Orville Peters in white t-shirt; Betty Fox, sister of Marjorie Fox; smaller children--Marjorie Fox, Tom Fox, and Susan Peters. Donald Peters stood in the front. You can also see 316 North Layman Avenue behind the group. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

Donald, David, and Susan Peters posed for this photograph at 312 Layman Avenue in 1946. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

Marjorie Peters held her niece, Marjorie Fox c1948 in front of 312 North Layman Avenue. Her son Donald helped little Marjorie look at the camera by pointing at the photographer. David Peters is at the right and Susan Peters is in the front. (photo courtesy of the Peters Family)

Susan and David Peters in the side yard of 312 North Layman Avenue in the summer of 1944; (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

Susan Peters played with a cat in the backyard of 312 North Layman Avenue in the summer of 1944. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

Susan and David Peters in the backyard of 312 North Layman Avenue in the summer of 1944 (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

Susan Peters rode her bike and posed for this photograph in front of her home at 312 North Layman Avenue, c1950. (photo courtesy of Doug Peters)

Grandmothers, Lillian Jones and Carolyn Peters, gathered on the front porch at 312 North Layman Avenue with Donald Peters and Bob Jones in 1951. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

Doug Peters (right) was the fourth and final child of Orville and Marjorie Peters. In this photo, he posed with nephew, Mark Peters, in the front yard of 312 North Layman Avenue in 1961. Behind the kids, you can see the home located at 315 North Layman Avenue. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

Lillian and Morris Jones sold their home at 312 North Layman Avenue to their daughter, Marjorie Jones Peters and their son-in-law, Orville Peters, in 1940. They were pictured in front of their home in 1935. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

     I wish to thank Doug Peters for the use of the family photos and stories.

Sources:  Interviews with Douglas Peters, 2024; US Federal Census, 1950; Polk's City Directory: Indianapolis, 1940, 1941. 

Couple Moved into Emerson Heights Double During the Great Depression

      On December 9, 1933, Orville Peters and Marjorie Jones wed at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Irvington. With the nation still firmly in a major economic depression, the newlyweds started their lives together. Mr. Peters had grown up in Crothersville, Indiana and had only recently moved to Indianapolis. He enrolled in the Sanderson Business School and excelled, so much so that the college published his portrait and boasted of him in an advertisement. He used his knowledge and skills from that school to get hired by Standard Oil as an auditor. 

     In the summer of 1935, the couple likely saw an ad in the Indianapolis News that a double at 740 North Bancroft Street was available for rent. The home turned out to be a good decision on their part as it was close to Marjorie's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jones, who lived at 312 North Layman Avenue. Soon, the pair welcomed two children, Donald and David Peters. 

     The young couple became very involved in the community. Mr. Peters was an avid golfer and frequently organized company tournaments. Mrs. Peters, who also golfed, formed the very first Mothers' Club for St. Matthew's Episcopal Church where she served as the Vice President. She conducted meetings in her Bancroft Avenue dwelling. As many of her friends also married, she hosted bridal showers in the residence as well. In the summer of 1938, she decorated her place in red and white colors for Jean McHatton who would soon marry Robert Behr. She asked attendees to gift kitchen items for the future Mrs. Behr. 

     On April 15, 1940, census taker, Beatrice Bleich, knocked on the door at 740 North Bancroft Street. Ms. Bleich recorded that Orville Peters was 29 years old and an auditor for Standard Oil Company. He earned a comfortable salary of $2000 a year. Marjorie Peters was 27 years old. Ms. Bleich noted that little Donald was three years old while David was only five months old. She further revealed that the couple paid $33 a month in rent. What she likely didn't know was that the family would soon move from the small two-bedroom double and into Marjorie Peters' childhood home at 312 North Layman Avenue. They would need the larger house as two more children would later arrive. Upon completing her survey, Ms. Bleich walked across the front porch to the other side of the double at 738 North Bancroft Street to interview Harry and Mary Beese. 

Next Up: Life Along Layman Avenue

Marjorie and Orville Peters resided at 740 North Bancroft Street from 1935 until 1940. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

Orville Peters excelled at the Sanderson Business School. He served as an auditor and accountant for the remainder of his working life. (ad from unknown publication courtesy of the Peters family)

Orville Peters worked for Standard Oil in 1938 when this photo was snapped at 740 North Bancroft Street. He was later employed at Barbasol, Jones & Laughlin Steel, and other companies. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

Marjorie Jones Peters grew up in Irvington. She posed with her first of four children, Donald, in 1938.  (photo courtesy of the Peters family) 

Orville Peters posed with his son, Donald, in 1938 along the sidewalk leading up to 740 North Bancroft Street. Behind the pair, you can see the bungalows at 741 and 739 North Bancroft Street. (photo courtesy of the Peters family) 

Little Donald Peters played with his blocks in 1938 in front of his home at 740 North Bancroft Street. You can also see the front porch of the home next door at 742 North Bancroft Street. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

Donald Peters (right) walked up the sidewalk at 740 North Bancroft Street with an unidentified little girl in 1938. Behind the pair, you can see several houses in the 700 block of North Bancroft Street. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

A group of children gathered in front of 739 North Bancroft Street in 1938. Bert and Clara Marston resided in the home at the time. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

Donald Peters, the son of Orville and Marjorie Peters, walked along the sidewalk leading up to 740 North Bancroft Street in February of 1938. Behind him, you can see houses in the 700 block of North Bancroft Street. (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

By 1939, Orville and Marjorie Peters welcomed their second child, David. In this portrait: Orville (holding David), Donald and Marjorie Peters (photo courtesy of the Peters family)

     I wish to thank Doug Peters who generously loaned family scrapbooks and stories. 

Sources:  Interviews with Doug Peters, Summer, 2024; Wedding--"Miss Jones and Orville Peters Wed," Indianapolis Times, December 9, 1933, p. 5; Ad for 740 N. Bancroft--"For Rent," Indianapolis News, June 29, 1935, p. 13; Mothers' Club--"Mothers Club Founded at St. Matthews Church," Indianapolis News, August 20, 1939, p. 8; Wedding shower--"Kitchen Shower Tonight to Honor Jean McHatton," Indianapolis Star, July 8, 1938, p. 7; Polk's City Directory (Marion County, IN), City Directory, 1938; US Federal Census, 1940.

Building for Sale East of Irvington--1958

After World War II, many families began to move further east of Irvington and into the rural parts of Warren Township. Entrepreneurs developed housing subdivisions while others built Eastgate Shopping Mall and other commercial endeavors along East Washington Street.

In 1946, Frank E. Adams opened the Golden Pheasant Restaurant at 7803 East Washington Street. Mr. Andrews already owned a restaurant at 1606 North Illinois Street so he might have overextended himself as he soon ran into financial trouble. Although the restaurant was located just a few miles east of Irvington, it was largely still out in the country. Within a year, Mr. Andrews ran into another road block when he applied for a liquor license as he wanted to open the Flamingo Bar in the basement of the new structure, but residents of Warren Township fought him due to the proximity of a school that used to sit along East Washington Street and Franklin Road. By 1948, he was out of business and out of money.

In 1948, Marvin L. Jones purchased the site and opened Jones Restaurant and Drive-In. Local east side organizations frequently rented out rooms in the facility for banquets or meetings. The restaurant remained opened for ten years. Mr. Jones placed the building and grounds on the market in December of 1958. Postcards of 7803 East Washington Street were mailed out to several realtors including Van's Realty Company located at 1333 North College Avenue. Potential buyers just needed to ring up Fleetwood 6-5544 to get information.

In 1959, the site became home to a Rambler automobile dealership which last until the 1970s when the entire property was redeveloped for what would become Service Merchandise. There is a building on the site of the former Art Modern structure, but it is unclear if any of the original structure remains.

In December of 1958, cards advertising the sale of 7803 East Washington Street were sent out to various realtors in the city of Indianapolis. (card courtesy of Glory June Greiff) 

Van's Realty Co. received the card advertising the sale of 7803 East Washington Street in December of 1958. (card courtesy of Glory June Greiff) 

Frank Andrews opened the Golden Pheasant Restaurant at 7803 East Washington Street in December of 1946. (courtesy of Indianapolis Star)

The Golden Pheasant Restaurant at 7803 East Washington Street, operated by Frank Andrews, reflected the racial codes of the day. African-Americans who wanted a job at the restaurant could only apply for certain positions. (courtesy of Indianapolis Star)

In 1948, Marvin Jones opened Jones Restaurant and Drive-In at 7803 East Washington Street and remained in business for ten years. (courtesy of Indianapolis Star)

In 1959, the property became the site of Rambler auto dealership. (courtesy of Indianapolis Star)

Bill Grawemeyer operated the Rambler auto dealership at 7803 East Washington Street in 1959. Mr. Graweyer's map is not quite accurate, but he wanted to show how close the business was to the new Eastgate Mall. (courtesy of Indianapolis Star)

Ramblers were for sale at 7803 East Washington Street in 1959. (courtesy of Indianapolis Star)

A Warren Township School, formerly located at 7935 East Washington Street, can be seen in this newspaper photo from 1959. (courtesy of Indianapolis Star)

Sources: "Club Drops Liquor Plea," Indianapolis Star, November 11, 1947, 10; "Restaurant Owner Broke, Suit Says," November 15, 1947, 15; "Jones Interests Plan Restaurant," Indianapolis Star, April 29, 1948, 4;

Who Lived Here? The Whitney Family of Lowell Avenue

Karl G. and Ella "Gertrude" Potter Whitney moved into 5869 Lowell Avenue in 1920. They were not the first to dwell in the house as at least two other families predated them. Mr. Whitney was a business partner in the Irvington Hardware Store first located at 5505 East Washington Street and later at 5539 East Washington Street. The business was quite successful as the Indianapolis Star reported in 1925 that the partnership had assets of $20,000. In 1926, the forty-year-old businessman sat for a portrait for a book called Fellow Citizens of Indianapolis.  He and his partners eventually got out of the hardware business and by 1929 they sold life insurance. Mrs. Whitney stayed home and raised the couple's two children, Marian and Neil.  The couple continued to dwell in the house for the next thirty years. Their daughter, Marian and her husband John Church, resided in the abode well into the 1960s.

A member of the Whitney family dwelled at 5869 Lowell Avenue from 1920 until 1964.

In the late 1910s, Karl and Gertrude Whitney resided at 5866 Lowell Avenue. 

The Whitneys had been quite a fixture along Lowell Avenue as they first rented at 5866 Lowell Avenue in the late 1910s. Controversy enveloped the area in the spring of 1936 when a widow, Olive M. Ellis, petitioned the city of Indianapolis to remodel the small home at 60 North Campbell Avenue into a multi-unit apartment building. The Campbell Avenue home was just behind the Whitney property and the couple could not fathom the thought of so many people along the already crowded Campbell Avenue. In April of 1936, the Whitneys along with their neighbors, the Siegesmunds of 61 North Campbell Avenue; the Iversons of 44 North Campbell Avenue; the Johnsons of 5871 Lowell Avenue; the Schoens of 5901 Lowell Avenue, and the Jones family of 5865 Lowell Avenue filed a lawsuit with the Board of Zoning to stop Ms. Ellis from getting a variance. The neighbors' fears soon came to pass as Ms. Ellis did not follow through with her plan. She did not live in the neighborhood and later passed away in 1943. ( Indianapolis Star, January 28, 1936, 3; Indianapolis Star April 15, 1936, 24; Indianapolis Star, January 28, 1943, 3)

Scene of Controversy: In 1936, Olive Ellis sought to obtain a variance to expand the house at 60 North Campbell Avenue into a four-story apartment building. Neighbors fought her in court. 

East Washington Street Then and Now

Sometime in the spring of 1941, Barbara Jones who dwelled at 273 South Ritter Avenue, snapped this photo of her friends Louise and Carol.  We do not know their last names so if anyone recognizes these young ladies then drop me a note. Behind the girls, you can see the doubles at 5132-34 and 5136-38 East Washington Street.  Beyond the doubles, you can get a view of the Victoria Apartments located at 5124 East Washington Street. Little has changed with the two doubles seventy-five years after this photo was snapped. Louise and Carol would have no difficulty recognizing their former neighborhood.

Young ladies identified as "Louise" and "Carol" stand in the 5100 block of East Washington Street in 1941.  

The doubles at 5132-34 and 5136-38 East Washington Street in 2016  

The historic image is courtesy of the Jones Family collection.  

Color Polaroid Shows Ritter Avenue Home

Hess and Josephine Jones first moved into 273 South Ritter Avenue in 1937. They would stay for another forty years and raise their children here.  Sometime in 1970, a member of the family grabbed a Polaroid camera and took an exterior photograph of the Queen Anne styled cottage. It had been painted bluish gray for decades.  Later residents would encase the dwelling with blue vinyl siding.

The Jones family dwelled at 273 South Ritter Avenue when this Polaroid image was snapped.

273 South Ritter Avenue in 2014

The historic image is courtesy of the Jones Family Collection.  

Irving Circle Park in 1941

Over the decades, the small Irving Circle Park has served as a lovely spot for taking photos of friends and family. As a nearby resident, I can assure you that in 2016 it happens weekly. In the spring of 1941, Donna Garland and Barbara Jones brought their camera and a beloved pet to document their friendship. In the photos, you will see that the girls are mainly in the western part of the park with their camera pointing east. Behind the young ladies, you can see the doubles at 237-39 and 245-47 South Audubon Road as well as 251 South Audubon Road.  Dr. Walter Kelly owned the large double at 237-39. In 1941, he rented the other half of his residence to the DeHaven family.  Next door the Bowmans and Myers resided in the large American Four Square double. The Johnston family lived in the beautiful arts and crafts home located at 251 South Audubon Road. You will also note that there was not much of a fountain in the park during those years. You can see a small concrete base that contained a pipe that shot out water during the warmer months.

Donna Garland posed for Barbara Jones in the spring of 1941 in the Irving Circle Park. Behind her, you can see the double at 245-47 South Audubon Road and the house at 251 South Audubon Road. 

Barbara Jones posed with a beloved pet in the Irving Circle Park in the spring of 1941. Behind her you can see Dr. Walter Kelly's darkly stained double at 237-39 South Audubon Road and the large green American Four Square double at 245-47 South Audubon Road.

Donna Garland posed in the Irving Circle Park in the spring of 1941. Behind her, you can see the small concrete base that housed a water spout. Barbara Jones, the photographer, aimed her camera east towards University Avenue.  

Pennsylvania Railway Line Then and Now

In the spring of 1941, Barbara Jones and Donna Garland grabbed a camera and walked around Irvington to pose for different shots. The young women inadvertently documented various sites around the neighborhood including this image of the Pennsylvania Railway. You will note that in 1941, the crossing guard used to be located in the middle of the street! One has to wonder how many cars plowed into that concrete base. Behind Miss Garland, you can clearly see the lovely cottage located at 108 South Audubon Road.

Dr. John R. Scherer (1891-1977) and his wife Rosa Youngling Scherer (1892-1971) dwelled in the house at the time of the photo. The Scherers along with their three children had resided there since 1932. Dr. Scherer purchased the home from Dr. John Anderson.  The Scherers moved out of the city in 1944.  Eventually the home was enlarged into a double in 1952 or 1953.

The Pennsylvania Railway has now been converted into a beautiful walking and biking path in 2016.

Donna Garland, photographed by Barbara Jones, posed in the middle of South Audubon Road near the Pennsylvania Railway in the spring of 1941. Note that the railroad crossing used to be on a concrete pedestal in the middle of the street. Behind her, you can see the lovely nineteenth-century cottage at 108 South Audubon Road. 

In 2016, the Pennsylvania Railway is now a bike and walking path. 

108 South Audubon Road in 2016

The historic image is courtesy of the Jones Family Collection.  

South Kitley Avenue Then and Now

In 1941, Donna Garland and Barbara Jones walked around Irvington and posed for photographs in various locations. Sometime in the early spring of 1941, the pair sauntered over to the far eastern edge of the neighborhood and took this photograph on the southwest corner of East Washington Street and South Kitley Avenue. Donna Garland stood on the vacant lot next to the for sale sign put up by the developer. Behind her, you can see 43 and 83 South Kitley Avenue.

The Phelps family dwelled at 43 South Kitley Avenue for decades and might have been in the house on the day of this photo. Raymond Phelps owned and operated the Phelps Coal Company at 5543 Bonna Avenue. His ad in the city directory claimed that he sold "coal, coke, concrete blocks, cement, lime, sand, and gravel."  In 1949, the company touted in another ad, "Phone Phelps for Fuel."  Violet Phelps stayed home and raised the couple's three children.

Next door at 83 South Kitley Avenue resided the Fultz Family.  William Fultz was a carpenter and built houses. Perhaps it was he who remodeled the simple farmhouse. Martha Fultz, his wife, worked for a press clipping service.  Her mother, Katherine Mollenkamp, also lived with the couple. A 1933 Indianapolis Star article reveals that Mr. Fultz was arrested for drinking and driving after an automobile crash on the near east side.

Eventually, the site upon where Donna Garland stood was developed.  In 2016, the corner is occupied by a hauling company.  Both homes in the historic image are still standing.

Donna Garland posed for this photo at the southwest corner of East Washington Street and South Kitley Avenue in 1941.

6525 East Washington Street in 2016

The Phelps family dwelled at 43 South Kitley Avenue for decades. Raymond Phelps ran the Phelps Coal Company on Bonna Avenue.  (Photo 2016)

The Fultz family dwelled at 83 South Kitley Avenue in the 1930s and 40s.  (Photo in 2016)

The historic image is courtesy of the Jones Family Collection.  

Best Friends Posed Near School #57

Barbara Jones and Donna Garland posed for this candid portrait most likely in 1941 or 42 on the lawn of IPS #57. Other photographs from the Jones family collection reveal that the girls had been friends for several years. Miss Jones grew up at 273 South Ritter Avenue and it is not known at this time where Miss Garland dwelled.

Barbara Jones (left) and Donna Garland (right) posed on the grounds of IPS #57 c1941.

The historic photograph is courtesy of the Jones Family Collection.