Factory Workers Gift a Bust of Washington Irving

      There are many busts of Washington Irving, but most of them are located in his home state of New York. He died in 1859 and eleven years later, a group of investors near Indianapolis decided to name their new suburb after the beloved writer. For years there had been talk of erecting a monument to the man in the neighborhood. After the city annexed Irvington in 1902, local officials promised a monument that never came. In 1936, Grace Julian Clarke, whose father was a founder of the community, called for park officials to erect a bust for the Irving Circle Park. Silas Carr, a city councilman, successfully petitioned for WPA funds and in the summer of that year sculptor William Kriner put the finishing touches on the limestone bust of the author. Perched atop a limestone pillar, the sculpture became the target of vandalism. Finally, the city moved the bust to a more protected place in 1943 in front of School #57 where it has been for 80 years. 

     By the early 1970s, the Irving Circle Park looked quite forlorn without its original fountain or a bust of Washington Irving. John Readle, a local policeman, decided that the small green space needed a facelift. He successfully lobbied the city and helped to raise funds to recreate the fountain.  (later replaced in the 1990s) He also worked with his contacts at the International Harvester plant on Brookville Road to recreate the bust.  The factory had been a major employer for the city since 1938. Hundreds of workers and executives lived in Irvington and on the east side for decades.

     Hollie E. Cox first began working for the factory in 1939 as a pattern maker.  The young man was just getting started in life. During World War II, he left the plant and served overseas in the European theater of the war. In fact, he fought at the Battle of Bulge during the brutal winter of 1944. He survived the war and returned home where his job still awaited him at International Harvester. He married Leona Boyle in 1948 and they later had two children, Katy and Russell. We are not exactly sure how Mr. Cox became involved, but he helped to recreate the new bust of Washington Irving in 1971. It was cast in iron and coated in copper. They used the Kriner bust as the model for the new Irving. Instead of a stone pillar, Mr. Cox and others welded the head upon a metal pole. And while the factory and the workers are now gone, the bust serves as an enduring legacy of their time on the eastside of Indianapolis.  

   

The new iron bust of Washington Irving is in the center of the photo while the older limestone bust is at the right in 1971. (photo courtesy of Katy Smith)

Hollie E. Cox (left) and another International Harvester employee work on the new Washington Irving bust in 1971. You can also see the original mold in the photo. (courtesy of Katy Smith)

Pattern maker, Hollie E. Cox, used the historic limestone bust as the model for the new iron bust in 1971. William Kriner, who sculpted figures on the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Indianapolis, created this bust of Washington Irving in 1936. You can see the historic vandalism on Irving's neck. Local officials eventually moved the bust to the grounds of IPS #57. (Photo courtesy of Katy Smith)

Hollie E. Cox added a copper coating on the bust of Washington Irving in 1971 at the International Harvester plant on Brookville Road. (photo courtesy of Katy Smith)

The beautiful new copper-coated iron bust of Washington Irving in 1971 at the International Harvester plant on Brookville Road. (photo courtesy of Katy Smith)

Washington Irving still watches over the Irving Circle Park. He has suffered from the effects of weather and vandalism. Most recently, someone has drawn all over his face with a permanent marker. (photo taken on April 9, 2023)

William Kriner's limestone bust rests on a stone pillar in front of IPS #57. The ravages of weather have removed some of the features of his face. A previous act of vandalism in the 1940s is still visible on his neck. (photo taken on April 9, 2023)

  Photo provenance:  On February 11, 2023, I attended a reading by local poet Angela Barnes. While standing in line for her to sign my book, I met Katy Cox Smith, who was standing behind me. Her father helped to create the iron bust of Washington Irving in 1971. She generously sent scans of these historic family photographs.

Sources:  William Kriner bust--"Irvington Looks to Dedication of Life-Size Bust of Namesake," Indianapolis News, July 6, 1936, 20; "Washington Irving Bust to be Dedicated on Sept. 11," Indianapolis News, August 7, 1936, 15; Iron bust--Michael P. Tarpey, "Policeman's Pride in His Irvington to Restore Fountain," Indianapolis Star, September 22, 1971; "Indiana Rose Festival Selects City Policeman for Environment Award," Indianapolis Star, October 4, 1971; For more information on sculpture in Indiana--Glory June Greiff, Remembrance, Faith, and Fancy: Outdoor Public Sculpture in Indiana, Indiana Historical Press, 2000. 

An Early Snowstorm--1938

Temperatures began to drop in Indiana on Tuesday, November 22, 1938. By nightfall the wind picked up and the snow arrived in Indianapolis.  By the morning of November 23, city residents awoke to four inches of snow. The Indianapolis Star reported that the snow had caught the state off guard. Dozens of residents flocked to service stations to place anti-freeze in their vehicles.  Slick roads made last minute preparations for Thanksgiving that week very difficult.  A giant car show at the Fair Grounds still went on and plenty of folks attended the event. Most travelers still made it to their Thanksgiving destinations. One Irvington family did suffer a tragedy that week. Vigil McDermid of 5376 Burgess Avenue died after sliding off a road in northern Marion County. The fifty-four-year-old man, was a father of three and worked as a salesman for the Pearson Piano Company.

On Julian Avenue, Edward and Georgia May Lollis welcomed Malcolm Benjamin Campbell and his wife Bessie Fields Campbell from Yakima, Washington. Georgia May Lollis was the niece to the elderly couple who were in town to celebrate Thanksgiving with the Lollises'. Mr. Campbell was 81 and Mrs. Campbell was 69. Excited by the new morning snowfall, the families left the warmth of 5919 Julian Avenue to document the early snow.

Photos from the snowy day, show not only the Lollis and Campbell families, but also some of the nearby properties.

Georgia May Campbell Lollis beamed as she held up her baby, Ted, and stood next to her aunt and uncle, Malcolm and Bessie Campbell on November 23, 1938.  The car belonged to the Campbells, who were most likely either in route or coming back from Nova Scotia to visit relatives. The most visible home in the photo (behind the Campbells) was that of 5884 Julian Avenue. Emil and Esther Bjorklund dwelled in that house in 1938.

Edward Lollis had to shovel the sidewalks before going to work on November 23, 1938. Mr. Lollis took the streetcar to his office. He generally left his car in the garage. Behind him, you can see the bungalow at at 5922 Julian Avenue. George and Jessie Thompson lived at that address. Mr. Thompson ran a grocery store at 3116 East Michigan Street.  

Georgia May Lollis and Ted Lollis stood outside on a cold and snowy morning on November 23, 1938.  Behind them you can see Bernard home at 5925 Julian (soon-to-be-Seaton home) and a temporarily vacant house at 5929 Julian Avenue.  

The historic images are courtesy of Ted Lollis.  To see more images from this block click on the Lawton or Readle family links below.  

Sources: "Skidding Mercury Brings Snowfall," Indianapolis Star, November 23, 1938, 1; "City to Keep Snow Coating Over Holiday," Indianapolis Star, November 24, 1938; "Virgil McDermid Salesman, Dies," Indianapolis Star, November 25, 1938.

Julian Avenue During World War II

In the summer of 1942, American troops fought an intense battle at Midway Island in the Pacific Ocean.  That small island struggle turned out to be one of the most important in the war. Earlier that spring, thousands of American and Filipino soldiers had suffered and many had died during the Bataan Death March in the Philippines.  Meanwhile, Adolph Hitler continued to dominate in Europe and instituted the Final Solution leading to the deaths of millions of victims of the Holocaust.

For Irvington parents, it must have been a very difficult time. What do you tell the children? How can you maintain a sense of normalcy while such horrible deeds are taking place on the planet? Children would have certainly noticed the rationing that had begun in the country. They may have listened to reports from the fronts on their family's radios. They might have glanced at the Indianapolis Star whose headlines shocked readers daily.  Some would have said goodbye to their fathers and uncles who left for far away lands.

While the adults struggled, most children continued to have somewhat of a typical childhood. They played along the avenues and under the trees and in the parks of Irvington.  Along Julian Avenue, there were many kids and as a result...many adventures!  The Lawton boys dwelled in a small brick home at 5915 Julian Avenue, while the Seaton twin sisters lived at 5925 Julian Avenue.  Ted Lollis, an only child, lived at 5866 Julian Avenue in 1942.

Photos from the Lawton family reveal that kids enjoyed the warmer days by riding their tricycles, swinging, playing with the family dog, and staying out until their Moms called them home for dinner.

Jean and Jane Seaton dwelled at 5925 Julian Avenue in 1942. They can be seen here in their front yard with "Spitz."The twins were the daughters of Wendell and Lil Seaton. Mr. Seaton worked for Schlosser Brothers Creamery. 

Bill Lawton, Jean Seaton, Ted Lollis, and Jane Seaton "glided" in the backyard of the Seaton home at 5925 Julian Avenue in 1943 or 44. 

Little Steve Lawton sat upon a stump for this photo in 1944. Behind him, you can see the columns of the front porch at 5919 Julian Avenue.  

Jane Seaton, Jean Seaton, and Bill Lawton posed with "Patches" in 1942. Behind them, you can see the garage and the rear of the Conn home at 48 South Arlington Avenue.  

The Seaton twins, Jean and Jane, of 5925 Julian Avenue posed with Bill Lawton of 5915 Julian Avenue in 1942.  Behind them you can see the bungalow at 48 South Arlington Avenue and in the distance you can see 109 South Arlington Avenue.  Morris and Lula Conn dwelled at 48 South Arlington Avenue while Harold and Bernice Harley owned 109 South Arlington Avenue.   

Jane Seaton, Bill Lawton, and Jean Seaton posed under a tree in front of the Seaton home at 5925 Julian Avenue in 1942. Behind the trio, you can see the home of Morris and Lulu Conn at 48 South Arlington Avenue.  

The garage and rear 48 South Arlington Avenue in 2015:  Morris and Lulu Conn dwelled in the bungalow in the 1930s and 1940s. You can also see the Harley home at 109 South Arlington Avenue.  

Wendell and Lil Seaton and their twin daughters, Jane and Jean, lived at 5925 Julian Avenue in the 1940s. The Readle family purchased the house in 1950.  (photo taken in 2012)  

The historic photos are courtesy of Steve Lawton.  

Halloween Festival--1973

The neighborhood just concluded the 66th annual Halloween Festival (October 27, 2012). The very first festival occurred in 1946 although it waned dramatically by the late 1960s. Then, the local citizens under the leadership of John Readle, resurrected the event and it has been going strong for over forty years.

Members of the Thompson family prepare to paint the windows along East Washington Street in 1973

In the top photo, taken in 1973, Sue Thompson helps her son prepare to paint the windows along East Washington Street.  The subsequent undated newspaper articles discuss the the revival of the festival.  I will try to pin down the date of those articles.

Undated newspaper articles dealing with the revival of the festival perhaps in the late 1960s or early 1970s

There was much to celebrate at the festival in 2012 with a new streetscape and several vibrant businesses along the corridor. The historic photo is courtesy of the Thompson family.

Quadruplets or at Least Cousins: Four Similar Irvington Homes

Sometimes walking around Irvington is like connecting the dots.  You will find variations of an architectural theme from many different eras.  By 1926, there were few lots upon which to build in central and southern Irvington, and those who did find a lot were usually constructing smaller bungalows.  I am not sure if they are related, but four homes in the area are remarkably similar and may have been purchased from a catalog.

In the summer of 1926, the Indianapolis Star ran a small ad in the real estate section for a:  New three bedroom, Dutch Colonial and garage; arranged beautifully; handsomely decorated; near Irvington Golf Club.  That home was 347 North Graham Avenue.  South of Washington Street three similar homes went up during the same time period.  Although you will note slight differences between the homes, 5715 Oak Avenue, 5925 Julian Avenue, and 57 South Bolton Avenue look remarkably similar to the Graham Avenue home.  The Oak, Julian and Bolton Dutch Colonials went up at the same time as the "handsomely decorated" home on Graham.  It appears that the homes were specifically designed for a narrow city lot.  Both the Graham and Julian addresses are in a densely populated area while the Oak home sits on a much larger lot.  It would be interesting to know if the same contractor built all four.

The Mikesell Home at 347 N. Graham Avenue in 2012  (1926)

The Hestle Home at 5717 Oak Avenue in 2012 (1926)

Moore-Readle Home at 5925 Julian Avenue in 2012 (1926)

The Weers Home at 57 South Bolton Avenue in 2012  (1927)

Forty-two-year-old Lacey V. and forty-one-year-old Ida May Mikesell were the first owners of 347 North Graham.  Mr. Mikesell was both a plumber and electrician and operated a shop at 205 South Audubon Road.  Their two sons, Clarence and Claude both lived in the dwelling as well. The home was valued at $7,000 in 1930.  William H. and Luella J. Hestle moved into their Dutch Colonial on Oak Avenue in 1927.  Little is known about this couple.  Mr. Hestle was a dentist, but Mrs. Hestle is listed as a widow by 1930 and no longer living in the house.  Edward H. and Mary Moore, both thirty years old in 1927, were the first to call 5925 Julian Avenue home.  Their daughter Rosemary and Grandmother Mary Menefee lived with them.  They also had a boarder named Lois Hornacker, a private servant for a nearby family.  Mr. Moore was a city detective.  The home was valued at $8,000 in 1930.  Harry T. Weers (1882-1949) and Phoebe Weers (1878-1928) dwelled at 57 South Bolton with their two adult daughters, Gladys and Bernice.  Both young ladies were in their early twenties and employed.  Mr. Weers was a salesman.  The family only stayed in the house a short time before relocating to Ohio.

Sears Catalog

Sears Catalog

Standard Catalog 

I have included three separate ads that have similar plans and features to these four homes.  You can be the judge to see if they match.  Homeowners often upgraded, downgraded, flipped the plans, and added to the plans.  More work is needed on these four modest yet charming homes.

Family Reunion--Julian Avenue 1950

Members of the Rea family gathered in the backyard of the Readle home at 5925 Julian Avenue in 1950.  The Reas were the parents of Della Rea Readle.  In the top photo, Willard Rea, scopes out the new home recently purchased by his son-in-law and daughter.  The ladies, in their patterned dresses, take a moment to look up at the photographer.  Behind them children play in a sandbox under a tall apple tree.  Both of the garages in this historic photo are no longer standing.  The structure on the right served as the garage for 5919 Julian Avenue.  That building has since been replaced by a newer garage.

If you did not know any better, you would think the second photo was taken in the country and not in the backyards of a densely built street.  Most of the homes in the 5900 block of Julian Avenue were built in the 1910s and 1920s.  Tall trees provided nice shade for the backyards all along the alley.  Notice a mop is hanging on the clothesline to dry. These historic images are courtesy of John Readle.

A contemporary image shows the front of the home in 2012.

The Readles of Julian Avenue

Hayes and Della Rea Readle moved into their charming Dutch Colonial home at 5925 Julian Avenue in 1950.  The family would remain there until the late 1980s.  Both of the Readles hailed from Rush County, Indiana and stayed connected to those families back in Rushville, Manilla, and Arlington for years.  The couple had one son named John, who actually grew up in Irvington.  Mr. Readle supported the family as a furniture salesman while Mrs. Readle eventually went to work as an insurance agent.

In these two historic images, the Readles pose for family photographs.  In the top image, you can also see the family dog, "Snookie." Mrs. Readle is wearing an apron so perhaps she paused from preparing the family meal for this picture. This image was taken on November 11, 1951.  In the second photo, the Readles stand on their front porch.  You can barely see 5929 Julian Avenue behind them.  John looks slightly older in this shot so it was probably taken in 1952 or 53.

The contemporary image, taken on July 9, 2012, shows that little has changed about this modest home over the years.  The dwelling has been painted white since at least 1950. It was likely built in the 1920s.  The historic images are courtesy of John Readle.  More on this family will be forthcoming.