Grandkids visit the Meek Family

Homer G. and Ruth Bonner Meek dwelled at 5809 Lowell Avenue for many years. The 1930 Census reveals that their home was valued at $7500. The Meeks hailed from Greensburg and moved to Indianapolis in the 1920s. Mr. Meek worked for the London Assurances Corporation as an insurance salesman. They raised their daughters Ruth and Marilois in the two-story stuccoed home. Marilois eventually married the boy next door or at least a block away. The Bowman and Meek families joined together in 1936 when Marilois married Deforrest Bowman.

The Bowmans had two children, Michael and Susan, who frequently visited both sets of grandparents. In these photos taken in the late 1930s and 1940s in the backyard of 5809 Lowell Avenue, the Bowman children played with each other or with their parents. I have also included photos of Homer and Ruth Meek when they were young and still living in Greensburg, Indiana.

Michael and Susan Bowman play in the backyard of 5809 Lowell Avenue in August of 1949

Deforrest Bowman plays with his son Michael in the backyard of 5809 Lowell Avenue in 1938

Marilois Bowman proudly poses with her son Michael in the backyard of 5809 Lowell Avenue in 1938

Michael plays in the beautiful backyard belonging to the Meek family at 5809 Lowell Avenue in 1938. Note that Mrs. Meek has planted nasturtium, gladiolus, and zinnias next to her stylish birdbath.  

Homer Meek c.1905

Ruth Bonner in 1905

5809 E. Lowell Avenue in 2012

The historic images are courtesy of the Bowman family.  The contemporary image shows the front of 5809 Lowell Avenue in 2012.

Lowell Avenue Scenes c.1948

Michael and Susan Bowman loved to visit their grandparents, the Meeks, who lived on Lowell Avenue and the Bowmans, who lived on East New York Street.  In these two photos, the Bowmans gathered on the front yard of the Meek home at 5809 Lowell Avenue.  The home behind the family in the photo is actually 5816 Lowell Avenue.  You can also see the rear of the Dutch Colonial homes along North Bolton Avenue.  Today that view is not possible because a small house has been built obscuring the views of 1948.  In the top photo, Marilois Bowman posed with her two children.   Little Susie Bowman stood upon a landscaping rock.  In the second photo, Michael Bowman showed off his new bike while a neighbor girl (in the scarf) and his sister admired the gift.  The contemporary images, taken in 2012, shows the same views sans the cute children.

Marilois Bowman and her two children, Susan and Michael, c1948 in the front yard of 5809 Lowell Avenue

Susan and Michael Bowman (left) and a neighbor girl standing in the front yard of 5809 Lowell Avenue c1948

5816 Lowell Avenue in October of 2012

Lowell Avenue looking towards North Bolton in 2012 

The historic images are courtesy of the Bowman family.

A Walk on North Ritter Avenue c1948

Mike and Susan Bowman, who lived on Walnut Street, walked along North Ritter Avenue around 1948. Perhaps they were going to school or just out visiting friends or family. They are bundled up and the leaves are gone from the trees. Behind them, you can see 71 and 75-77 North Ritter Avenue and beyond. More wonderful photos will be forthcoming from this interesting Irvington family. The contemporary image of the same view was taken in the autumn of 2012.

Mike and Susan Bowman on North Ritter Avenue c.1948

North Ritter Avenue 2012

The historic image is courtesy of the Bowman family.

Meek Family--49 N. Bolton Avenue

Marie and William Meek pose with their grandchildren Marty Book and Mary Meek in 1936. The Meeks are standing in the backyard of 49-51 (a double) North Bolton Avenue. You can also see the rear of 53 and 59 North Bolton Avenue. This image is courtesy of Marty Book Powell.