Scouts, School #82, and a Long Lost House

      Ron Huggler, who grew up at 4613 Young Avenue, participated in both Cub and Boy Scouts. Many of his friends in the neighborhood joined the same pack. They met in numerous places including at the American Legion Lodge located in the former Scot Butler home at 124 South Downey Avenue. The shots below are the first known interior images of that home which was demolished in the late 1950s. On Memorial Days, the boys marched in honor of the veterans at places like Washington Park Cemetery. They went on field trips as well. During one spring vacation from school, Cub Scout Pack #29 visited U.S. Naval Ordnance plant at Arlington Avenue and 21st. Many of the Dads who worked at the plant proudly posed for a photo with their sons. 

Cub Scout Pack #29

This photo turned out to be a remarkable find as it is the first known interior shot of the former Scot Butler home at 124 South Downey Avenue. The home later became the Irvington American Legion Post #38 before it was torn down in the 1950s. In 1949, members of Cub Scout Pack #29 gathered in the former parlor of the home for a group photograph with their "den" parents and perhaps members of the American Legion. We know some of the names of the people in the photo, but we need your help. Let us know if you recognize anyone! Front Row (l to r) Unknown Man, Possibly Mrs. Proctor, Jerry Hatcher, Unknown scout, Robert Butler, Dale May, Unknown man;  First Row on stage (l to r) Unknown man, Unknown scout, Ron Huggler, Walter Bowles, Bruce Proctor, Unknown scout, Brad Lane, Unknown scout, Unknown scout, Unknown scout, Unknown woman, Unknown woman; Top Row on stage (l to r): Unknown scout, Unknown scout, Possibly Alan Miller, Unknown scout, Unknown scout, Royce Bourne, Robert Horton (photo courtesy of Ron Huggler)

Members of Cub Scout Pack #29 performed a skit c1949 at the Irvington American Legion Post #38 at 124 South Downey Avenue (former home of Scot Butler) Scouts pictured (l to r): Unknown scout, Dale May, Robert Horton, Ron Huggler, Brad Lane, Jerry Hatcher, and Unknown Scout (photo courtesy of Ron Huggler) 

Scot Butler, the son of Ovid Butler, moved to 124 South Downey Avenue. This photo was likely snapped around 1902. The home later became the American Legion Post for Irvington. It was torn down in the late 1950s to make room for the mid-century round office structure for the Disciples of Christ. The boys in the image above were photographed in the front parlor on the first floor. (photo courtesy of the Irvington Historical Society) 

On Memorial Day 1949, members of Cub Scout Pack #29 marched in the Washington Park Cemetery to honor veterans of both World War I and World War II. (photos courtesy of Ron Huggler)

Members of a local marching band joined the cub scouts at Washington Park Cemetery in 1949 to honor veterans. (photo courtesy of Ron Huggler)

On April 11, 1949, members of Cub Scout Pack #29 toured the US Naval Ordnance plant at Arlington Avenue and 21st Street. Let us know if you recognize some of the people in this photograph. Front row (l to r): Ron Huggler, Brad Lane, Robert Lanham, Unknown scout, Robert Butler; Second row (l to r): Unknown scout, Unknown scout, Dale May, Jerry Hatcher, Unknown Scout, Alan Miller, Ronald Lisby, Unknown Scout; Third row (l to r): Bruce Proctor, Walter Bowles, Unknown Scout, Unknown Scout, Unknown Scout; Fourth row (l to r): Scoutmaster Walter Proctor, Marjorie Bourne, Unknown woman, Unknown woman, Unknown woman, Unknown woman; Top Row: Ed Harwood, John Huggler, Unknown Man, Cleo Bourne, Unknown woman, Martha Lanham, Nathan Brinson

IPS #82 (Christian Park School)

     Most children from the Christian Park Heights neighborhood attended IPS #82. They could easily walk from their homes north and south of Brookville Road. The school had a very active parent organization and even sponsored a Mother's Chorus. Helen Huggler and other Moms sang at events around the city of Indianapolis and even participated in a competition in South Bend. Throughout the 1940s, a representative from the Christian family would welcome the kids to school. Ron Huggler remembered learning about the family's history near the school's beautiful fireplace in the children's activity room. 

IPS #82 on a snowy day c1951(photo courtesy of Ron Huggler)

A classroom scene inside IPS #82 c1951 (photo courtesy of Ron Huggler)

In December of 1951 students at IPS #82 performed a Christmas pageant. The art class created the "stained glass" behind the kids. Standing (left to right): Jimmy Christian, Katherine Kollman, Ronald Nichols, Unknown, Ron Huggler; Seated (left to right); Walter Bowles, Mark Bottema, Cheenu Rassman, Judy Bechtel, Dale May (photo courtesy of Ron Huggler)

Members of the Class of 1953 from IPS #82 posed for this formal photograph. Standing (left to right): James Christian, James Simmons, Ronald Corya, Walter Hill, Charles Karr, Karl Hedges, Ronald Chappell, Jerry Hensley, Tom Barber; Seated (left to right): Bill Wheeling, Dave Stafford, Sharon Means, Judy Proctor, Janet Redman, David Probst, Ron Huggler (photo courtesy of Ron Huggler)

We do not know the occasion, but several members of the class of 1953 from IPS #82 gathered for this photograph c1953. (photo courtesy of Ron Huggler)

Judy Bechtel and Cathy Dudley posed next to the Christian Park School "float" c1952.  Behind the girls you can see 4702 Wentworth Boulevard. Drop me an e-mail if you know what this float was used for as we are still searching for that reason!  (photo courtesy of Ron Huggler)

John Pogue posed next to the Christian Park School "float" c1952 along Wentworth Boulevard. (photo courtesy of Ron Huggler)

Sources:  Ron Huggler, "The Best of Times: Random Thoughts on My Journey to Now," Unpublished memoir, 2006; Interviews with Ron Huggler, January 23, 26, February 1, 15, 20, 2023. A special thanks to Don Flick and Steve Barnett at the Irvington Historical Society. 

Who Lived Here? The Belzers of South Audubon Road

Nestled in a grove sits the charming Belzer home located at 320 South Audubon Road. Many of the tree specimens on the property were likely planted by Francis O. Belzer, an executive with the Boy Scouts organization. Mr. Belzer grew up in Lawrence Township and married Prunetta Hunter in 1892. The couple had one child, Katherine, in 1900. Mr. Belzer began his career in education as a principal in a four-room schoolhouse in Castleton in 1899. He then moved to Oaklandon and eventually down into the city of Indianapolis where he served as the principal of School #50 and others. In 1904, the couple and their daughter moved into the beautiful Queen Anne home at 320 South Audubon Road. It would remain part of the Belzer family until 1980.

The Boy Scouts of America started in 1910 and in the next year Mr. Belzer started Troop Number Nine at the Irvington Methodist Church. In 1915, he took a leave of absence from the city schools to run the Boys Scouts in Marion County.  In that same year, tragedy struck the family with the death of Prunetta Belzer. Fifteen-year-old Katherine and her father had only each other now.  She would later graduate from Butler University and become a social worker. She never married and dwelled in the family home until her death in 1980.

Mr. Belzer became a beloved member of the community. Thousands of young boys joined the scouts during his tenure as their leader. He started the Cross Roads of America Band in 1917 and he shepherded the Scouts to focusing more on the outdoors and less on athletics. In 1933, he traveled with some local boys to the World Jamboree in Budapest, Hungary.  Towards the end of his life, the Boy Scouts honored him by naming a camp after him in Lawrence Township. Later, school officials would also name the Belzer Middle School for him.

Sometime in 1926, Mr. Belzer posed for this photo for a book titled, Fellow Citizens of Indianapolis. He was a well-known figure in the city and many local leaders counted him as one of their mentors.

320 South Audubon Road in 2015

A Grand Home Along East Washington Street

Some of the most fashionable homes in Irvington sat along Washington Street. The founders of the community never envisioned that great avenue as a commercial corridor. In fact, they put in a small downtown in the 200 block of South Audubon Road. (then called Central Avenue) Over the decades, various entrepreneurs realized that opening businesses along the National Road might yield profitable results so they began buying up the grand old houses and tearing them down.  In 1927,  a local businessman, Robert E. Stevenson, sold his home and large lot at 5698 East Washington for a future Tudor-Revival commercial strip.

Built c1905, the giant home at 5698 East Washington Street had a wrap-around and curved brick porch and an uncovered balcony above.  Smaller balconies jutted out along the side and from the third story.  The Goodwin family is the earliest known family to dwell in the home and they might have built it.  Clarence Goodwin was Vice President of the Indiana Veneer and Lumber Company. He later moved his family to Greensburg, Pennsylvania in 1910.  Other families lived in the house until 1918, when Robert and Mary Stevenson purchased it.  They would remain in the dwelling for the next nine years.

The home was a way for Robert Stevenson to show the world that he had arrived. In the age of "Gatsby" and the Roaring 20s, Mr. Stevenson chased the almighty dollar.  He was always looking for the next big deal. He kept his pretty and younger wife in fur coats and at this time in his life drove fine cars. While the family seemed to enjoy living the American dream, not all was at it seemed with the Stevenson finances. The couple became the guardian of their nephew, Edward Lollis, in 1915. Young Edward noticed that the family would have good times followed by lean times and he vowed later as an adult to avoid such financial volatility.

Sensing yet again another economic opportunity, Mr. Stevenson sold the Washington Street property to developers in 1927.  Little did he know what ominous financial developments awaited Americans. Thousands of people like Robert Stevenson would lose vast sums of money after the Stock Market Crash of 1929.  The Great Depression humbled many people looking for the next big deal.  The days of fur coats and fancy cars were over for many people.

The Stevensons rented a few homes and then purchased another house at 56 South Irvington Avenue in 1932. They tried to continue to live in the same manner as they had at their grand home along East Washington Street, but the money did not come as easily.

Next post:  Life Along Irvington Avenue in the 1930s

Robert and Mary Stevenson and their ward, Edward Lollis, dwelled at 5698 East Washington Street from 1918 to 1927. The home would be torn down in 1927 and replaced with a Tudor-Revival commercial strip.  

Arthur, Robert, and Frank Stevenson stood behind their mother, Kate Stevenson in the front yard at 5698 East Washington Street c1918.  

Edward Lollis was a member of Boy Scout Troop #3. They met in the Irvington Presbyterian Church. It is possible that young Edward was not in a scout uniform, but rather in a uniform of a youth group that drilled during World War One. Edward spent a summer in Fort Knox, Kentucky. Fortunately the war ended before he became of age to serve. In this photo, he stood in front of 5698 East Washington Street in full salute c1918.  

Effie Lenore Johnson Stevenson, wife to Frank Stevenson, stood with her child in front of Robert and Mary Stevenson's home at 5698 East Washington Street c1918.  Note that the flag hanging nearby had only 48 stars on it.

An unidentified man stood in front of 5698 East Washington Street c1918.  You can see the address above his head.  

The large home at 5698 East Washington Street used to sit on the northwest corner of Washington Street and Audubon Road. It was torn down in 1927 to make way for a commercial enterprise.  The Tudor-Revival structure that replaced the home still stands in 2015 and is frequented by thousands each year who flock here for delicious food, unique gifts, and stylish clothing.  

The stories and photos for this post are courtesy of Ted Lollis.  

Irvington Boy Scouts c1907

They gathered in a large room most likely in a commercial building along South Audubon Road or perhaps East Washington Street for a photo.  This scene, of Boy Scouts affiliated with the Irvington Presbyterian Church, appears to be quite disorganized. Some of the boys were looking into the camera while others were turned away. Two boys were wearing their scouting uniforms while most were dressed in typical early twentieth-century attire complete with breeches and long socks.  Some of the boys were laughing and smiling while others seemed to be quite pensive or distracted.  Sadly, we do not know the name of one young man. This photo serves as a cautionary tale for all to label photographs so that people in the future will know your name!

Irvington Presbyterian Church Scouts c1907

This image is courtesy of Bill Ferling and the Irvington Presbyterian Church.  

These Scouts Were Prepared!

Eight scouts from Mr. Smith's Sunday School class at the Irvington Presbyterian Church went on an adventure sometime in the summer of 1910.  The young men ranged in age from 10 to 12 and dwelled in southern Irvington.  In the top row, starting at the left, John Wamsley (5718 Oak Avenue) stared pensively at the photographer.  He was one of the few boys not holding a prop.  Next to him, Walter McCoy proudly held a baseball for a future game.  In the middle, a formidable Albert Stone (5927 Rawles Avenue) grasped a gun for the hunt. Next to him, Harold Wilson (5907 Rawles Avenue) displayed an unidentifiable object, and at the end of the row sat Raymond Woods. (308 South Audubon Road) In the front row, Bud Bunnell (5919 Rawles Avenue) practiced tying knots for all to see.  Smiling Walter Porter (342 South Arlington Avenue) was ready for a game of football, while Clyde McVey (211 Good Avenue) showed off the troop knife.

It is unclear as to where the boys gathered on that lovely day.  Behind them, you can see a small cottage and a swing dangles from a high branch.  Over one hundred years ago, a group of Irvington kids sat under a tall tree...

This image is courtesy of Bill Ferling and the Irvington Presbyterian Church.

The Greatest Generation as Boy Scouts

In the summer of 1934, Boy Scouts from Troop #3 gathered in front of the Irvington Presbyterian Church for a photo.  The Great Depression had taken a toll on many families and Europe saw the first glimmers of Fascism.  It is likely that none of the folks in the photo had any idea that in just a few short years most of them would be of age to defend the United States in one of the biggest wars in history.  Nearly all of the kids in this photo would either volunteer or be sent off to battle.  Six members of Troop #3 would pay the ultimate sacrifice.

One young man who paid with his life was that of John William McPheeters. Young John dwelled at 46 South Ritter Avenue.  He rose up through the scouts to the status of Eagle Scout.  The popular and very bright young man also served as a leader for Troop #3.  In the photo below, you may see Mr. McPheeters.  He is wearing a suit and tie and is standing in the fourth row from the bottom.  He is the second person from the left in the image.

Mr. McPheeters signed up to serve in the military long before the war broke out and he was actually called up in 1940.  He was trained in artillery and his superior officers recognized his talent eventually promoting him to the status of Lieutenant Colonel. During World War II, he was ordered to lead troops in the Italian Campaign.  Word began to spread of his bravery.  In one instance before the Anzio invasion, Mr. McPheeters hiked up a hill to scout for Germans.  He was unarmed and was surprised to encounter a German sniper.  With just a heavy boulder, he managed to scare away the gunman. Beloved my his troops, the young officer began to lead his soldiers into battle.  As Americans acquired more territory, Lt. Col. McPheeters and other officers gathered under a tree to examine maps on March 25, 1944.  Out of the blue a German shell struck the men as they plotted the future. Tragically, the Irvington Eagle Scout and beloved troop leader died instantly.  His brokenhearted squadron asked that his funeral be piped through a loud speaker so they could hear it as they fought on the front.  After the war, several from his division wrote glowingly of the popular colonel, including Major E. N. Harmon who told the world about John McPheeters in the Saturday Evening Post.  In 1945, the military dedicated a building on the grounds of Fort Knox, Kentucky as McPheeters Hall.

Nearly eighty years have passed since a group of Boy Scouts proudly stood on the steps of the Irvington Presbyterian Church.  On this week when we honor the veterans of this country, let us remember Troop #3 and the many other young men and women who have defended the United States.

The historic image and information came from Bill Ferling.  We only know of one other name in this photo and that is of Leland "Lee" Dickerson. He is the shorter kid in the middle of the front row and served in the navy during World War II.  His brother, Robert, died in the Battle of the Bulge.  If you recognize anyone else in this photo, then drop me a note at sleeth28@rock.com.  For additional information on John W. McPheeters you may read the the following newspaper article:  Wayne Guthrie, "Ringside in Hoosierland," Indianapolis News, September 23, 1948, 12.

Photo of Cub Scouts Reveal Long Lost Arts and Crafts Double--c1935

Sometime in the mid-1930s, these enthusiastic members of the Cub Scout Pack #8 gathered in a lot east of the Irvington Presbyterian Church for this photo.  A baseball and bat have been dropped and one young man appears to be playing catch in the background.  Behind this hearty group, you can see a double that used to sit along Irving Court next to the church.  The Arts and Crafts duplex was part of a planned development north of Julian Avenue and west of Audubon Road.  The home had a limited life, however, because many congregants needed a place for their autos on Sunday mornings so the dwelling was eventually cleared for a parking lot.  If you recognize any of the children in this photo then drop me a note at williamfranklingulde@gmail.com so that we can document them.

Cub Scout Pack #8 just east of the Irvington Presbyterian Church on Irving Court near Julian Avenue. The home behind the scouts is no longer standing.  

This image is courtesy of Bill Ferling.

Irvington Cub Scouts--1943

Scouting for both boys and girls remained very popular in Irvington throughout the twentieth century.  Most local groups were supported by churches.  The Girl Scouts in Indianapolis actually first started in the neighborhood at the Irvington Presbyterian Church.  Local resident, Francis Belzer (320 South Audubon Road), was a major leader of the Boy Scouts.  Mr. Belzer, a teacher at Manual High School, was later honored when the Scouts named a camp for him in Lawrence Township.

In this photo, taken in 1943, members of a local Cub Scout troop (Pack 31) gathered for their formal portrait.  If you recognize anyone in this photo, then drop me a note at sleeth28@rock.com or comment below.  This historic photo is courtesy of a grown-up Cub Scout and former member of this troop, David Bailey.

Newly identified Scouts courtesy of Ann Stewart:

Front Row (left to right):  Second boy from left--Frank Robertson (before his illness)

Middle Row (left to right):  Gary Roberts, Don Ross, ?, Jim Hueston, Scout Leader, Bob Routh, Dan Meininger, Joe Messing, Jack Young,?

Top Row (left to right):  Martin Bruce (Boy Scout), Bob Craig, and  ???? Jim Boles, David Bailey, ?