Phi Delta Theta--First Fraternity House Built in Irvington

      Theodore Kingsbury, the youngest son of James G. Kingsbury, graduated from the Winona Agricultural Institute in 1907. One year later, he enrolled at Butler University in Irvington where he played football. He also seems to have been involved with Phi Delta Theta Fraternity along with his nephew, Layman Kingsbury. His association with the fraternity came at an important time for the organization as the men had just built their first chapter house near the campus on the northwestern corner of Emerson Avenue and East Washington Street. 

     Architect, Frank B. Hunter, designed the two-story residence as a bungalow in the spring of 1908. On the first floor he placed the chapter hall and study room. He located the dining room and kitchen in the basement, and he situated the sleeping rooms on the third floor. Lt. Governor Hugh T. Miller, a legacy of the fraternity, helped to dedicate the new house on November 19, 1908. The structure cost $3500 and was the first fraternity house ever built in the neighborhood. Other fraternities generally rented existing homes. 

     With the arrival of the new Pleasant Run Parkway, the fraternity relocated west of the stream at 5020 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive in 1915. The site of the former home became a small park dedicated to the memory of Hilton U. Brown, Jr., who died in World War One. To see many more photos of the Phi Delta Theta home, including interior shots, click on the "Phi Delta Theta" link below. 

The Phi Delta Theta Fraternity House, c1908 used to be located on the northwestern corner of Emerson Avenue and East Washington Street.  It was moved in 1915 to its current location on the northwestern corner of Pleasant Run Parkway and East Washington Street. The home barely visible in the background belonged to cartoonist, Kin Hubbard, who lived at 5070 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive. (photo courtesy of the Kingsbury family)

Frank B. Hunter designed the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity House in 1908. (Indianapolis Star, May 2, 1908, p. 4)

Up Next: A Young Couple Moved to Lowell Avenue in 1912     

     I wish to thank Kathy and Dick Meyer for the use of the Kingsbury family photo collection. 

Sources:  Construction and design of house: "Building Permit," Indianapolis News, April 17, 1908, p. 20; "Butler Phi Delta Theta House Now Under Construction," Indianapolis News, May 2, 1908, p. 4; "Phi Delta Theta House," Indianapolis News, November 20, 1908, p. 7; Moving of house: "Building Permits," Indianapolis Star, August 24, 1915, p. 12. 

IPS #77 Dedication, November 14, 1951

 

     Last year the Irvington Historical Society acquired a recording of the dedication of I.P.S. #77 and then had it digitally converted so that voices from 71 years ago could now be heard again. 

Indianapolis Public School #77 c1951 (courtesy of the Indianapolis Marion County Public Library)

Indianapolis Public School #77 c1951 (courtesy of Indianapolis Marion County Public Library)

     On Wednesday evening, November 14, 1951, hundreds of families gathered for the dedication of School #77 at 6040 East Pleasant Run Parkway South Drive. Designed by Wilbur Shook, the beautiful mid-century building had not been open for very long. Residents assembled in the Delker Auditorium for the formal ceremony at 8:00PM.

The Delker Family

   Christian and Barbara Kuhner Delker lived for decades in a farmhouse that faced Pleasant Run Parkway South Drive (formerly known as Shelley Street) near Arlington Avenue. For years, the school children who attended the portable classrooms at School #77 could see the Delker home and the large red barn. The Delkers were kindly neighbors to the school and often gave the students refreshments and treats. They didn't mind if the children walked on their property. Eventually, they sold the land to the Indianapolis Public Schools, but they asked to live out the remainder of their lives in the old farmhouse. Mr. Delker passed away first in 1942. After Mrs. Delker's death in 1949, the house and barn were leveled to make room for a new school building. To honor the family, the school built an impressive auditorium that could also be used by the public. They named it the Delker Auditorium.

Cathryn Boggy Assumes the Role of Principal

Cathryn Kuemmick Boggy (Indianapolis Marion County Public Library)

     Northern Irvington residents grew weary of the four-classroom building located on Arlington Avenue north of Pleasant Run Parkway. Their children had to attend other nearby schools for fifth through the eighth grade. After some intense lobbying by local residents, the district agreed to build a new school to replace the small building and house children up to the eighth grade. The school was to be named for a beloved teacher, Miss Anna Pearl Hamilton, who passed away in 1948.  Construction started in 1950, but delays occurred over post-war shortages. 

     To lead the new school, the district appointed Cathryn Boggy (1907-1987). Mrs. Boggy had been a teacher for many years at I.P.S. and would serve as the principal for the School #77 for twenty years beginning in the 1947-48 school year.  

      Mrs. Boggy noted in an oral history, conducted in 1981, that the children in the older school became very interested in the construction of the new building. The superintendent of construction frequently informed the children on what would be happening daily on the site. Mrs. Boggy recalled that on the day that the old red barn was pulled down by tractors, the entire structure fell into a pile of dust. She thought that the children might cheer upon seeing the demolition but they stared in silence. She never forgot that moment. On another day, the contractor brought in one of the blond bricks used to clad the new structure. The teachers designed lessons around the events happening outside their windows. 

The red lines show where the new school was to be built. In the upper left hand corner, you can see the outline of the portable classroom building that faced Arlington Avenue. Below you can see the Delker house and outbuildings, including a large red barn. The house faced Pleasant Run Parkway and was torn down along with all of the other farm buildings to make way for the new school. (Courtesy of Indianapolis Marion County Public Library) 

A New School is Dedicated

     On September 12, 1951, Dr. Herman L. Shibler, the Superintendent for the Indianapolis Public Schools, informed Mrs. Boggy via a memo that she was to prepare the dedication program. He was very specific with his instructions in that students were to be part of the program and that the event would take place on Wednesday evening, November 14, 1951.  Thankfully, someone recorded the event.

     We do not know the names of the children who participated, but their voices can be heard throughout the recording so perhaps someone listening will recognize either themselves or a loved one. Parents and community members filed into the new auditorium while students who were not in the ceremony reported to their classrooms with their teachers. They would listen to the skits and speeches over the new public address system funded by the Irvington Lions Club.

     At 8:00PM an older student can be heard welcoming the guests. Another student asked the question, "What does it mean to dedicate a building?" A third student introduced the first skit which attempted to answer the question while another pupil performed the school song on the accordion. Then, a small group sang the school song a cappella. It sounds like members of the audience also joined in. In a second skit, additional kids discussed the importance of Anna Pearl Hamilton, for whom the school was named and of the kindly Delker family. 

     In the early 1950s, the United States was fighting a war in Korea and an imaginary war against communists at home. There was also very little separation of church and state in that era. After the students wrapped up their well-rehearsed skits, another child led the community into a dedication prayer culminating with an "amen." The junior high choir sang two Christian hymns, "Holy, Holy, Holy," and "Bless This House."

     Mrs. Boggy then had the task to introduce the many dignitaries on the stage and there were many! Not all of the adult speakers were as interesting as the children. Wilbur Shook, the architect of the school, presented the key to Mrs. Louis Bruck, the school board representative for Irvington. Mrs. Bruck spoke next and she reminded Mr. Shook that this was the second school key she had received from him as she had been pivotal in lobbying for Thomas Carr Howe High School, which opened in 1938.  Dr. Herman Shibler, the school superintendent, used a sports analogy in his speech. (Lean into the ball and you will have a higher batting average.) He also spoke of moral and spiritual values and good citizenship. Mrs. Robert Platte, the local P.T.A. president, had the task of introducing members of the Delker family and of the Hamilton family along with the "Survey Committee." The tape suddenly ends during her speech. To listen to these voices from the past click on the Sound Cloud link below.

Letter from Dr. Shibler to Cathryn Boggy,  September 12, 1951 (courtesy of Indianapolis Marion County Public Library)

Dedication Program for IPS #77 (courtesy of Indianapolis Marion County Public Library)

       

To listen to the dedication, click on the link below.

IPS #77 Dedication

To listen to the interview with Cathryn Boggy, click on the link below.

Interview with Cathryn Boggy, 1981

Sources: Delker Family--1900, 1910, 1920, 1930, and 1940 Federal Census, Find-a-Grave, Delker obituaries in Indianapolis newspapers, 1942, 1949; Cathryn Kuemmick Boggy--Oral History conducted by Rosemary Dilley with the Brown branch of the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library; "Cathryn Boggy Funeral Saturday," Indianapolis News, May 27, 1987, 46; Dedication of school--"Dedication of Three New Elementary School Buildings to Mark Education Week," Indianapolis Star, , November 11, 1951. 

Irvington at 150: Street Names N-R

In part four of five in our series on Irvington street names, we continue to explore the history of various avenues throughout the neighborhood. When the city annexed Irvington in 1902 officials consolidated names to reflect the nearby matching street. However, there are several unique names that began in Irvington. A California city, a constellation, a popular tree, local families, and a beloved Hoosier poet all have a home on street signs in the historic suburb.  

New York Street: Formerly called Shank Street after a prominent local family, the city of Indianapolis changed the name in 1909 to coordinate with New York Street, which originates downtown. The Shanks owned several acres at the intersection of Arlington and Washington Streets in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. 

Norway Drive: William Alexander and Flora McDonald Ketcham, who founded the Irvington neighborhood of Pleasanton, named one of their streets "Norway." Mr. Ketcham, a Civil War veteran and leader in the Grand Army of the Republic, received front page news when he passed away suddenly in 1921. In none of his lengthy biographical profiles is there mentioned a connection to the nation of Norway. Mrs. Ketcham passed away in 1938. She also appears to have no connection to Scandinavia. Since they named the other two streets after trees, perhaps Norway refers to a spruce or maple. 

Oak Avenue: The beautiful winding street known as Oak Avenue was likely named after the majestic trees still present in the 1870s when the neighborhood was platted. Some of those specimen still exist in 2020. Generations of families have resided and played under these ancient trees. East of Arlington Avenue, the city renamed Third Street as Oak Avenue as well. 

Chuck Vogt posed with his sister, Jane, and his new bike under the giant oak tree near 5733 Oak Avenue in 1947.  Behind the siblings, you can also see the residence at  5728 Oak Avenue. (photo courtesy of Chuck and Joyce Vogt)

Ohmer Avenue: Nicholas Ohmer was a very early investor in Irvington. A resident of Dayton, Ohio, Mr. Ohmer and possibly his brother George Ohmer, built 312 Downey Avenue in 1873. The beautiful Second-Empire style, a French design, was in vogue when the brothers built the elegant brick home. Mr. Ohmer was a horticulturalist and likely became involved in the neighborhood due his connection with Sylvester Johnson, a founder of Irvington. There is little evidence that Mr. Ohmer lived in the house and if he did then it was for a brief period of time. His primary residence was located at 1350 Creighton Avenue in Dayton. Both he and his brother George also operated a series of restaurants throughout the Midwest in or near train stations including one in Union Station in Indianapolis. When Ohmer's Irvington home was restored in 1966 the residents of the neighborhood decided to interpret the house from the Benton family's tenure in the home. A nearby street was named for Mr. Ohmer and local historian, Steve Barnett, has discovered that part of Julian Avenue was also named Ohmer. Both the house in Dayton and his creation in Irvington are on the National Register of Historic places. Not many Americans can claim that honor. Furthermore, Mr. Ohmer built his own suburb around his orchard in Dayton in the 1880s and it also bears his name as Ohmer Park. 

Nicholas and Susanna Spratt Ohmer of Dayton, Ohio: Mr. Ohmer built what would become known as the Benton House at 312 South Downey Avenue in Irvington in 1873. Mrs. Ohmer's brother, Thomas B. Spratt also became an early investor in Irvington. (photo courtesy of Ohmer family via Ancestry.com)

Nicholas Ohmer built this beautiful home for his very large family at 1350 Creighton Avenue in Dayton, Ohio in 1864. He also founded the suburb of Ohmer Park in Dayton. (Screenshot of home)

Some accounts note that George Ohmer, the brother to Nicholas, helped in the investment of 312 South Downey Avenue (the Benton House). He became quite wealthy as he operated numerous restaurants around train stations in the Midwest. He is given credit for helping both Thomas Taggart, an Indiana politician, and inventor Thomas Edison early in their careers. (photo courtesy of Ohmer descendants via Ancestry.com)

Named for the Benton family who dwelled here in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the house was built by Nicholas and George Ohmer in 1873.  (photo by Wm. Gulde, spring 2020)

Orion Avenue: The Irvington Town Board reached for the stars in 1898 when they renamed Nora and Water Streets after the constellation. (Indianapolis News, November 8, 1898, 12)

Pasadena Street: At about the same time that the first residents started to build houses in Irvington in the early 1870s, a different group of Hoosiers moved to southern California and founded the city of Pasadena. They wanted to name their new home the Indiana Colony, but that name was rejected by the US Post Office so they settled on the Chippewa name that literally means "crown of the valley." Nearly fifty years later when developers east of Irvington needed a new street name, they chose "Pasadena." By the late 1920s, the Stradley, Thomas, and Goodnough families lived in charming bungalows and Tudor-Revival cottages along the new street just north of Washington Street. 

Pleasant Run Parkway: Noted landscape architect, George Kessler, began his tenure with the city of Indianapolis in 1907 and worked with officials through 1915. He had already designed boulevard systems in Kansas City and Cincinnati. In 1909, he presented a bold plan to the city that linked green spaces with winding boulevards that followed streams or rivers. Irvington became part of that plan when Mr. Kessler proposed Pleasant Run Parkway along the Pleasant Run stream. Although his vision was not completed until the late 1920s, boulevards like Fall Creek Parkway, Brookside Parkway, Kessler Boulevard, and Pleasant Run Parkway are some of the most beautiful in the city of Indianapolis. 

Poplar Road: When William Alexander Ketcham and his wife Flora McDonald Ketcham platted Pleasanton in 1915, they named one of the streets after a genus containing 25-30 species--Poplar. By the early 1920s, middle class families began building along the beautifully planned street. Reflecting the modern era in which the residences were built, several of the families along Poplar had a portre cochere attached to the side of their homes. 

Evelyn Schneider posed with her doll in 1925 in front of her home at 327 Poplar Road. The Schneiders were among many families who moved into new homes in the Pleasanton neighborhood of Irvington. To see more images of this street, click on the "Poplar Road" tab below. (Photo courtesy of Bill Ferling)

Rawles Avenue: Lycurgus Rawles joined Jacob Julian and several other investors in developing southern Irvington in 1873. His death at age 38 in that year ended his brief tenure in the venture. His father, John Rawles, stepped in and served as the administrator of his estate by selling off lots. More research is needed on this family, who seemed to have more connections to Lafayette than they do to Irvington. To honor the Rawles family, early developers named a street for them connecting South Arlington Avenue to Audubon Road.  In 1903, the city renamed Trislar Avenue west of Audubon Road and east of South Ritter Avenue as Rawles Avenue as well.

John Rawles, the father of Lycurgus Rawles, sold off his son's remaining real estate after Lycurgus passed away in 1873. (Ad in The Indiana Sentinel, March 22, 1876) 

Ridgeview Drive: When the Buckeye Realty Company under the leadership of John Chilcote developed the Irvington Terrace neighborhood in 1913, they originally named this street as Kensington presumably after the palace in England. Several families sought to build their own modest "palaces" along the street. R.L. Castle erected many of the residences. In October of 1916, the city of Indianapolis changed the name to the generic Ridgeview Drive. They also changed nearby Eldridge to Kenmore Road. 

An ad in the Indianapolis News, November 15, 1914, (39) for 319 North Ridgeview Drive, formerly addressed as 95 Kensington Avenue. 

Riley Avenue: Beloved Hoosier poet, James Whitcomb Riley, would have still been alive when the Irvington Town Board honored him by naming a street Riley Avenue sometime around the turn of the century.  While the avenue today is most associated with the Emerson Heights neighborhood, it originated north of Washington Street and began life as Summit Avenue. In 1898, the Irvington Town Board considered calling it Appian Way after the famous the Roman road, but eventually Riley Avenue won the day. We do not know if Mr. Riley ever visited the stretch named for him. Further research is needed! 

James Whitcomb Riley (public domain)

Ritter Avenue: When Levi Ritter purchased over 80 acres of land in Warren Township in 1869 he had the idea of owning a Jersey cattle farm. His vision changed once he heard that Jacob Julian and Sylvester Johnson were planning to develop a suburb next to his acreage. Mr. Ritter built a large home for his family on the southwest corner of East Washington Street and what was to become "Ritter Avenue." According to a 1903 Indianapolis Journal article, old growth trees, iron weed, and "red-topped" thistle dominated the landscape around the family. On September 16, 1871, Mr. Ritter platted the first addition to the new suburb of Irvington. He kept the original plan in place with winding streets. Although it is difficult to imagine today, Mr. Ritter, Mr. Julian, and Mr. Johnson kept a fully-stocked horse stagecoach barn on the northeast corner of East Washington Street and Ritter Avenue. After Mr. Ritter's death in 1893, his widow, Caroline Ritter continued to live on the site until she sold the property to the Indianapolis Public Schools in 1903. IPS #57 has operated continuously on the Ritter land since 1904. 

Sources:  Larry Muncie, Three Windows on Irvington History, 1989; George Kessler--Paul Diebold, Greater Irvington II, 2020; Rawles--"Administrator's Sale, Indianapolis News, March 22, 1876, 2; Ridgview Drive--""Taxi Men Oppose Rate Ordinance," Indianapolis News, October 3, 1916, 11; Riley Avenue--"Call it Audubon Road," Indianapolis News, January 17, 1903, 2; Ritter Avenue--"Old Ritter Homestead: First House Built After Establishment of Irvington," Indianapolis Journal, June 28, 1903, 8.

Daily Life at Pleasant Run Home

The Doran children, who used to live at 737 North Campbell Avenue, suddenly had plenty of room in which to play or work on cars after they moved into 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive. Wilbur and Julia Cooper Doran commissioned a local architect, Orlando Little, to design their new home on the parkway in 1949. It was completed in the summer of 1950. In the images below, Jim and Phil Doran and a friend named Dick Foley can be seen working on Jim's 1937 Opel in 1954. In a stunning color slide photograph, a very young Miriam Doran, enjoyed a day out on her bike in front of the family home in 1951.

Jim Doran and Dick Foley worked on the engine of his 1954 Opel while Phil Doran assisted with the ignition next to the family garage at 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive. (photo courtesy of Kevin Yamafuji)

Backyard Scene: Jim and Phil Doran and Dick Foley worked on a 1937 Opel on the driveway at 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive in 1954. What Hoosier driveway would be complete without a basketball goalpost and net? (photo courtesy of Kevin Yamafuji)

Miriam Doran enjoys a day out on her bike in 1951 in front of the family home at 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive. (photo courtesy of Kevin Yamafuji)

5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway was built for the Doran family in 1950. (photo courtesy of Kevin Yamafuji)

I wish to thank Miriam Lash, Jennifer Lash, Susan Boyle, Jim Doran, Alicia Schwering, and Kevin Yamafuji for making this post possible. 

Construction Photos of Pleasant Run Parkway Home

Throughout the summer of 1950, construction workers busily erected a brand new home at 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive for the Doran family. Incredible photographs still exist of the house under construction in the family's collection. Wilbur and Julia Cooper Doran commissioned architect Orlando Little to assist them with the design. The plan is based upon a builder's catalog design called "The Collingwood." Mr. Little modified the design for his clients. The images show the house under various phases of construction and family members can be seen excitedly examining their new environment.

Miriam Doran stood in her new front yard at 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive in the summer of 1950.
(photo courtesy of Kevin Yamafuji) 

Julia Cooper Doran stood in her future home at 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive in the summer of 1950 while her daughter, Miriam, posed next to the bricks that would be used for the exterior of the residence. (photo courtesy of Kevin Yamafuji) 

5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive under construction in 1950 (photo courtesy of Kevin Yamafuji) 

Taking Shape: Children dashed about the new house under construction at 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive in the summer of 1950. (photo courtesy of Kevin Yamafuji) 

An unidentified construction worker examined plans in the new living room at 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive in 1950 (photo courtesy of Kevin Yamafuji) 

5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive in 1950 (photo courtesy of Kevin Yamafuji) 

The tub had been installed at 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive in the summer of 1950 (photo courtesy of Kevin Yamafuji) 

5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive in 1950 (photo courtesy of Kevin Yamafuji) 

5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive in 1950 (photo courtesy of Kevin Yamafuji) 

The home at 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway Drive is a modified version of the "The Collingwood"

Notice the bike tracks in the snow in this artistic shot of 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive taken in the winter of 1951 by the Doran family. (photo courtesy of Kevin Yamafuji) 

A special thanks to the following people for making this post possible: Miriam Lash, James Doran, Jennifer Lash, Susan Boyle, and Kevin Yamafuji. 

Orlando Little Designed Irvington Home

Wilbur and Julia Cooper Doran had been living in Irvington since their marriage in 1934. They resided along both Burgess and Campbell Avenues. As their family grew, the couple knew that they wanted a bigger house. In the 1940s, the Dorans lived in a small two-bedroom house at 737 North Campbell Avenue with three small children. Mr. Doran earned a comfortable salary as a chemist for the Eli Lilly Company so they had options. After World War II ended, veterans flooded home and houses were hard to find. Many folks began to build ranch houses in new subdivisions in the far parts of the county, but the Dorans were not interested in leaving Irvington. By the late 1940s, there were few available lots in Irvington, but around the corner from their home they noticed an old apple orchard on a single lot in the 5700 block of Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive and purchased it.

5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive in 2019 (photo courtesy of Alicia Schwering) 

Sometime in 1949, the Dorans commissioned an architect named Orlando B. Little to design their new home. Miriam Doran Lash, the daughter of Wilbur and Julia Doran, remembers sitting in Mr. Little's office and playing with the model of the house that he had prepared for the family. While more research is needed on this interesting architect, it is known that some of his religious and state-owned structures are still around today. In the 1920s, he designed the barracks for the Indiana Boys School in Plainfield. In 1931, he received the commission to draw up the plans for structures at the Indiana School for the Feeble Minded in Butlerville, Indiana. It is also known that he designed the West Michigan Methodist Episcopal Church at 2132 West Michigan Street in 1924 and the Ray Street Nazarene Church at 1242 West Ray Street in 1952 in Indianapolis.

Orlando B. Little, an architect, designed 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive. (photo Indianapolis News, January 21, 1958, 9)

Orlando B. Little designed the West Michigan Street Methodist Episcopal Church in 1924. It still stands at 2132 West Michigan Street in Indianapolis in 2019. 

Orlando B. Little also designed the Ray Street Nazarene Church in 1952. It still stands at 1242 West Ray Street in Indianapolis in 2019. 

Wilbur and Julia Cooper Doran purchased this lot at 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive in 1949. They hired Orlando B. Little to design a home for them on the site. (historic photo courtesy of Miriam Lash, Jennifer Lash, and Alicia Schwering) 

In the autumn of 1950, the Dorans moved into their brand new house at 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive. The two-story brick home was ample for their family. With a long living room with a fireplace in the middle of it, the Dorans would have plenty of room to host gatherings in their residence. Mrs. Doran was very active in various clubs and associations and held several meetings in her home. For instance, on February 4, 1952, she invited the local chapter of the American Association of University Women to gather in her home. The purpose of the meeting was to examine the local school system. Several women spoke at the event including Olma Bruck, a former Indianapolis School Board Member.

While Mrs. Doran stayed home to raise their three children, Mr. Doran was a very busy person at Eli Lilly.  He was an important research chemist who not only authored articles on barbiturates for the American Chemical Society, but his research on hypnotics led to a patent for Seconal. A publication put out by Eli Lilly revealed that Mr. Doran actually obtained several patents on hypnotics. He was considered one of the leading authorities in the world on barbituric-acid chemistry.

For the Doran children, the new home was a perfect place in which to find areas to play. Across the street, the boys used a small field next to Pleasant Run for all kinds of ball games. The stream itself was also an inviting place for the children to explore nature.

David Lash, the son-in-law of Wilbur and Julia Doran, attempted to dig out the family driveway at 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive c 1965.  (photo courtesy of Miriam Lash and Alicia Schwering)

Family dinner, January 1954:  Wilbur, Miriam, Julia, and James Doran gathered for a meal in their dining room at 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive.  Philip Doran likely took the photo. 

The Doran family dog reclined next the fireplace at 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive in 1967. (photo courtesy of Miriam Lash and Alicia Schwering) 

Julia Cooper Doran, who had deep roots in Irvington, posed next to her Christmas tree c1966 (photo courtesy of Miriam Lash and Alicia Schwering)

Happy Day: Miriam Doran married David Lash of 47 North Layman Avenue at the Irvington Methodist Church on August 6, 1965. After the wedding, the Dorans hosted a reception. In this photo, the newlyweds departed out a back door of her childhood home at 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive. Judy and Barbara Doran can also be seen in the image. (photo courtesy of Miriam Lash and Alicia Schwering)

House for sale c1982: The Dorans had lived in their home for over 30 years when they put it on the market. Harold Papiska was the next resident of the house. (photo courtesy of Miriam Lash and Alicia Schwering)

Today, the home at 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive looks much the same as it did in 1950. The pin oak planted by Mr. Doran in the front yard now towers over the house. The Dorans sold the dwelling in the early 1980s. Later residents altered a few things on the back of the house, but the residence is largely as Mr. Little designed it.

Sources:  About Orlando Little:  "Orlando Little, Architect, Dies," Indianapolis News, January 21, 1958, 9; "Notice to Bidders," Indianapolis Star, October 21, 1925; "West Michigan M.E. Church Work Started," Indianapolis Star, September 8, 1924, 17; "Sealed Proposals," Indianapolis Star, May 21, 1931, 8; "New Ray Street Nazarene Church to be Dedicated," Indianapolis Star, April 21, 1954, 8; The Doran family:  "AAUW Study Groups Schedule 6 Meetings," Indianapolis Star, February 3, 1952, 65; "Lash-Doran," Indianapolis Star, January 6, 1965, 98; "Irvington Mother's Club," Indianapolis Star, January 12, 1964, 73. Clipping from Eli Lilly Company Promotional, "Wilbur Doran Scores Scientific 1st in Synthesizing New Anesthetic," Undated. (collection of Miriam Lash)

I am indebted to Miriam Doran Lash for her stories and information about the photos. I would also like to thank Alicia Schwering who introduced me to the Doran/Lash family. Jennifer Lash, the daughter of Miriam and David Lash has also assisted with the post. Thank you to all three of these ladies!

Caldwells Move to Pleasant Run Parkway Home

In 1958, Howard and Elsie Felt Caldwell listed their home at 81 North Hawthorne Lane with the Spann Realty Company. They had made the decision to move into a beautiful ranch home at 6530 East Pleasant Run Parkway South Drive due to Elsie Felt Caldwell's health. She could now move about easier without having to climb a staircase.They were not the first residents of that home as the Meyers and Huffers preceded them. Situated on a corner, the backyard sloped down to the Pleasant Run stream. Although he could have retired long ago, Howard Caldwell, Sr. continued to work at his advertising firm downtown.

6530 East Pleasant Run Parkway c1968 (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

Ad Man: Howard Caldwell, Sr. at his desk in his downtown office in the Merchant's Building in July of 1964 (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

Tragically, not long after the Caldwells moved into their new home, Elsie Felt Caldwell became sick. Their daughter, Martha Virginia, moved in to help take care of her mother. After a long illness, Mrs. Caldwell passed away in the house in 1961. Mr. Caldwell continued to live on in the dwelling and likely surprised his family in 1968 when he announced that he was marrying Bertha Lugar, the mother of Mayor Richard Lugar. The happy couple honeymooned in Florida and South America.

Not all was perfect in the new house. Sometime in June of 1969 while the Caldwells were gone, thieves broke into the residence and stole many items including the couple's color television set, silverware, jewelry, and their 1963 Buick LeSabre. Of course, the new Mrs. Caldwell was the mother of the mayor of the city so the police eventually tracked down the culprits. All four connected with the burglary were captured and shepherded to jail.

Howard Caldwell, Sr. married Bertha Lugar in 1968. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

Howard Caldwell Jr. and his wife Lynn Gruenholz Caldwell and their daughters, Tracy, Ginny, and Susan, visited Howard Caldwell Sr. at his home at 6530 Pleasant Run Parkway South Drive c1966 (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

Howard Caldwell Sr. relaxed in his home at 6530 East Pleasant Run Parkway South Drive in 1972. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

6530 East Pleasant Run Parkway South Drive c1958 (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

Howard Caldwell, Sr. passed away at the age of 80 in 1973. Bertha Lugar Caldwell continued to reside in the house until 1975. She would live many more years and long enough to see her son become a Senator. She died in 1999 at the age 92.

Sources:  "Mrs. Caldwell Dies in Home," Indianapolis Star, September 17, 1961, 12; "Burglars Make $10,000 Haul in Eastside Home," Indianapolis News, June 21, 1969, 16; "Howard Caldwell, Sr. Rites to be Saturday," Indianapolis Star, December 27, 1973, 37.

I am indebted to Ginny Hingst for her stories and photos of the Caldwell family.

Caldwells of Hawthorne Lane

For Howard and Elsie Felt Caldwell, a dream finally came true when they purchased their first home in 1937 at 81 North Hawthorne Lane. Prior to that, the couple had rented an apartment and lived with both their families at different times along Bosart or Irvington Avenues. Despite the Great Depression, Mr. Caldwell's savvy business practices allowed the couple to save enough money to purchase the beautiful home. They were not the first family to dwell in the house as the Reidenbachs, Camps, and Clarks had also lived here.

Howard and Elsie Felt Caldwell moved into 81 North Hawthorne along with their two children, Martha Virginia and Howard, Jr. in 1937  (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst) 

The Caldwell posed in their backyard at 81 North Hawthorne Lane in 1944 as their son Howard, Jr. had just enlisted into the US Navy. Behind the family, you can see the rear of the Wheeler home at 5317 Lowell Avenue and other Lowell Avenue neighbors. (left to right) Howard Caldwell, Sr., Elsie Felt Caldwell, Howard Caldwell, Jr., Martha Virginia Caldwell (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

Mr. Caldwell founded an advertising agency that eventually became the biggest in the city of Indianapolis. A profile done of him by a reporter for the Indianapolis News in 1958 noted that Mr. Caldwell was not a typical ad man as he "had no ulcers, dropped few cliches, and enjoys Shakespeare." His big break came in 1928 with a successful campaign involving tomato juice, a new product that few Americans had sampled at the time. Mr. Caldwell generally reported to his office on the 11th floor of the Merchants Building by 8:00AM and remained working until 6:30 or 7:00PM.

Elsie Felt Caldwell stayed home and raised the couple's two children, Martha Virginia and Howard, Jr. She was an active club woman and member of the Butler University Alumni Association. Society notes in both the Indianapolis Star and News indicate that Mrs. Caldwell was a member of the Katherine Merrill Graydon Club (Butler University professor), the Irvington Coterie, and the Irvington Union of Clubs. A graduate of the class 1917, Elsie frequently attended Butler class reunions. The Caldwells even hosted one at their home on Hawthorne Lane on June 9, 1946.

Martha Virginia and Howard, Jr. were both excellent students. Martha Virginia graduated from Shortridge High School and Howard Jr. graduated from Thomas Carr Howe High School. Both later went on to graduate from Butler University. Martha Virginia eventually moved to Chicago and became an advertising agent like her father. Howard Jr., joined the Navy in 1944 as World War II still occupied the nation. His father had also been in the navy in World War One. Howard finished his college degree after the war was over and went into journalism as both a radio and later television broadcaster. He married Lynn Gruenholz in 1955.

Martha Virginia Caldwell received her AB from Butler University in 1940. In this photo, she posed in front of her childhood home at 81 North Hawthorne Lane. The residence most visible in the image is of 75 North Hawthorne Lane. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

Howard Caldwell Jr. posed with Jean Carrollton in this photo taken in 1943 at Howe High School for the yearbook. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

As soon as he graduated from high school, Howard Caldwell Jr. enlisted in the US Navy in 1944. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

With worried looks on their faces, Howard Caldwell Jr. posed with his sister, Martha Virginia, in their backyard at 81 North Hawthorne Lane in 1944. World War II still raged at the time so the family was likely anxious about Howard's future and safety.  (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst) 

Martha Virginia Caldwell a talented ad woman who had a great sense of humor, posed in her backyard at 81 North Hawthorne Lane in 1944. Her niece, Ginny Hingst, is currently producing a biography of her. Behind her, you can see the garage belonging to 85 North Hawthorne Lane and the back of the Wheeler home at 5317 Lowell Avenue. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

Howard Caldwell Sr. who also served in the US Navy during World War I posed with his son, Howard Jr. in 1944 in the backyard of 81 North Hawthorne Lane. Behind the men, you can see the rear of the Wheeler home at 5317 Lowell Avenue. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

Howard Caldwell Jr. posed in 1944 in the front yard of his home at 81 North Hawthorne Lane. Behind him, you can see the neighbor's house at 85 North Hawthorne Lane. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

Howard Caldwell, Jr. posed with Jean Carrollton in front of his home at 81 North Hawthorne Lane in 1944. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

Howard Caldwell, Jr and Jean Carrollton stood in the front yard at 81 North Hawthorne Lane in 1944. Behind the couple you can see the homes located at 58 and 82 North Hawthorne Lane. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst) 

Sisters Reunited: Elsie Felt Caldwell welcomed Mable Felt Browder to her home at 81 North Hawthorne Lane c1955.  Left to right: Howard Caldwell, Jr., Elsie Felt Caldwell, Mable Felt Browder, David Browder, top row: Martha Virginia Caldwell, Clifford Browder, Jr. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

Elsie Felt posed with a grandchild in the backyard at 81 North Hawthorne Lane c1956 (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

Howard Caldwell Jr., would later become a prominent newscaster in Indianapolis. He began his broadcasting career in Terre Haute. In this photo, he stood in the backyard of his childhood home at 81 North Hawthorne Lane. The home most visible in the image is that of 85 North Hawthorne Lane. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst) 

Howard Caldwell, Jr. married Lynn Gruenholz in 1955. In this photo, they posed in the front yard of the Caldwell family home at 81 North Hawthorne Lane. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst) 

A beautiful snow blanketed the backyard belonging to the Caldwell family at 81 North Hawthorne Lane c1940 (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

81 N Hawthorne Lane after a snowstorm c1940 (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst) 

The Caldwells would live in the Hawthorne Lane home for twenty one years. In 1958, the couple moved into brand new ranch style home at 6530 Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive.

Sources:  Bart Grabow, "Howard Caldwell is Ulcer-Free Ad Agency Head," Indianapolis News, June 16, 1958, 25; Article about Howard Caldwell Sr. attending the the enlistment ceremony for Howard Caldwell, Jr., Indianapolis Star, February 17, 1944, 14.

I am indebted to Ginny Hingst for her stories and photos about the Caldwell and Felt families.