Burck Family Moves Near Golf Course

George and Clara Burck along with their two sons, Richard and James, moved into their beautiful Tudor-Revival home at 6120 East Ninth Street in 1937. Previous owners had struggled to sell the residence as it was at the height of the Great Depression. Perhaps the Burcks had attended one of the many realtor open houses held in the home throughout 1935. The entire family had a wonderful view of the Pleasant Run Golf Course from their front porch once they settled into their new life in the house.

The 1940 Federal Census reveals that the Burck family home was worth $9000 in that year. Both Mr. and Mrs. Burck were 39 years old while Richard was five and James was three. The couple had previously lived in a cottage on Villa Avenue near Mrs. Burck's family, the Bades.

Mr. Burck had become quite successful after going into business with his brothers. They first opened the Grand Central Garage, an auto repair shop on Central Avenue. By the 1920s, the Burck brothers formed the Tempest Manufacturing Company, a small factory that offered die-making, metal stamping along with screw machine parts and pumps. He was still involved in the business until May 18, 1962, when at age 62 he fell down the stairs in his home. His untimely death was followed shortly thereafter by Mrs. Burck's death at age 65 in 1965.

To see images of the Bade family home on Villa Avenue or images of the garage or the factory, click on the Indiana Album links below.

6120 East 9th Street in 2020

Arthur Lockwood, a golf enthusiast who managed many of the city courses, was perhaps the first to live at 6120 East 9th Street. The house sat on the open market for at least two years during the Great Depression. (ad courtesy of the Indianapolis Star, August 25, 1935)

Jim Burck shoveled his driveway at 6120 East 9th Street in the winter of 1943. Behind him, you can see the Oliver Perry and Elnora Ghere residence at 6126 East 9th Street. Mr. Ghere collected antique music boxes from all over the world, so the Ghere home was constantly filled with unusual sounds! (photo courtesy of Christina Burck) 

To see an image of Mrs. Burck's childhood home on Villa Avenue, click on the Indiana Album link below:
https://indianaalbum.pastperfectonline.com/photo/4513E432-97F4-4AF2-9D2D-742324439035

To see an image of the Grand Central Garage on Central Avenue, click on the Indiana Album link below:
https://indianaalbum.pastperfectonline.com/photo/3F1ABCF2-E6E5-4AFD-A380-164921214573

To see an image of the Tempest Manufacturing Company, click on the Indiana Album link below:
https://indianaalbum.pastperfectonline.com/photo/98BA68CE-60D6-452B-B5CF-642877634941

I wish to thank Christina L. Burck for stories and photos about her family. 

Sources:  Obituary of George Burck, Indianapolis Star, May 27, 1962, 53; Information on the Ghere family:  "Oliver Ghere Made Hobby of Music Boxes," Indianapolis News, March 191, 1954, 13.

The Wilkens Family Move into 9th Street Cottage--1958

Pharmacist, Harold Wilkens and his wife, Ellen, purchased their first home in 1958. For years they leased doubles in the Emerson Heights and Irvington neighborhoods.  Late in life, they managed to save up enough money to purchase a beautiful Tudor-Revival brick cottage at 5260 East 9th Street. Their only child, Diana, dwelled in New York City at the time although she later returned upon learning the news that her Mother was dying.  Mrs. Wilkens passed away in 1964, but Mr. Wilkens continued to dwell in the house.  Diana later inherited the property. Photos from the late 1950s and early 1960s reveal joyful times in the house.

Ellen and Harold Wilkens proudly stand in front of their home at 5260 East 9th Street in the summer of 1958.

5260 East 9th Street in July of 1958

Ellen Wilkens decorated the Christmas tree in the living room at 5260 East 9th Street in 1958.

Harold and Ellen Wilkens on Christmas Day, 1958 in their home at 5260 East 9th Street

Ellen and Harold Wilkens in their dining room on Christmas Day, 1958

Christmas Day, 1959 at 5260 East 9th Street

Christmas Tree at 5260 East 9th Street in 1958

Ellen Wilkens on Christmas Day in 1958 at 5260 East 9th Street

Harold and Ellen Wilkens working in the kitchen at 5260 East 9th Street in 1958.  

The historic images are courtesy of Diana Wilkens.