East Washington Street and Audubon Road in 1924

Sometime in the late fall or early winter of 1924 an unidentified Butler University sorority girl who dwelled at 5657 East Washington Street stopped to pose for this photograph. She had been sweeping the walk. Behind her you can see the grand home that used to stand at 5698 East Washington Street. The Stevenson family lived in the large house at the time. In three years, the Stevenson residence would be demolished for a commercial strip that still stands in 2016. The Kappa Kappa Gamma House where the young woman stood was also later razed.

A Kappa Kappa Gamma member posed in front of the chapter home in 1924. Behind her you can see the residence of Robert and Mary Stevenson at 5698 East Washington Street. (Photo: Butler Drift, 1924) 

Robert and Mary Stevenson purchased this home in 1918. To learn more about this history of this former Irvington dwelling click on the Stevenson link below. It was demolished in 1927.

This beautiful home at 5657 East Washington Street briefly served as the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority House in the 1920s. It was razed in 1945. (Photo: Butler Drift, 1924)

5600 block of East Washington Street in 2016

The historic image of the Stevenson home is courtesy of Ted Lollis.  

Irvington--A College Town

From 1875 until 1928, Irvington hosted Butler University. For thousands of students, the neighborhood became an important part of their lives. Butler employed women as professors from its founding and was an early leader in coeducation among U.S. colleges. The campus provided very little housing with only one dorm so most students dwelled in boarding, fraternity, or sorority houses throughout the community. Many local residents earned an extra income by leasing out a bedroom to a Butler student. In 1912, the only dorm on campus was for out-of-town women. Decorum between men and women was tightly regulated in those days although campus officials frequently had meetings with the students to review the rules and infractions.

Two of the images below show the women's dorm on campus. The photos were taken between 1912 and 1919. The third image shows the bedroom of two Butler students. It was likely taken in a private home as the young women were members of the Kappa Kappa Kappa Sorority, but it might have been taken in the dorm. Note all of the interesting items in that photo!

Women's Dorm on Butler campus c1919 (demolished)

Women's Dorm on Butler campus in 1912 (demolished)

Two Butler women study and work in their room somewhere on or near the Butler campus in 1912

The historic images are courtesy of Nancy Ostrander.  

The Becker Family Moves into Beechwood Avenue Home--1947

Wilmer Horace and Dorothy Nevins Becker moved into 5621 Beechwood Avenue in 1947. They were only the third family to dwell in the home. The house served briefly as a sorority for Butler University in the 1920s.  Mr. Becker was involved in several businesses.  He owned Studebaker and Overland auto franchises in several cities including Indianapolis. Eventually, he specialized in spare parts for various automobiles. His granddaughter, Suzette Hagan, referred to him as a resourceful "wheeler-dealer!" Mrs. Becker stayed home and raised their son Julius.  She was very active at Our Lady of Lourdes church and was an avid bridge player. Members of the Becker family have continuously owned and lived in the house since 1947. The house is currently undergoing an extensive renovation.

Wedding Cake:  Ona Pirtle (mother of the bride) and Dorothy and Wilmer Becker stand in library of their home at 5621 Beechwood Avenue on November 27, 1954. They hosted the reception for their son Julius who married Gloria Pirtle.

Indy 500 Gift:  Racing celebrities looked on as W.H. Becker, Indianapolis Studebaker dealer delivered a new ’49 truck to the Speedway City Fire Department. Left to Right: H.R. Morrissey, district manager; Mauri Rose, three-time winner of the 500 mile race; Becker; F.W. Bulmer, fire chief; Ted Horn, national racing champion; Ab Jenkins, automobile record holder; Harry Hartz, former national automobile racing champion; Lee Oldfield, chairman of the AAA technical committee 

Becker Motors used to be located at 420 North Capitol Avenue in Indianapolis. Mr. Becker owned several other dealerships all over the Midwest.  This building has been demolished. 

Ladies of the Club:  Members of Mrs. Becker's bridge club came to the wedding reception of her son on November 27, 1954 at 5621 Beechwood Avenue. Mrs. Becker is the second woman seated from the left. We do not know the names of the other ladies.  

5621 Beechwood Avenue in the early spring of 2014

The historic photos and information for this post are courtesy of Suzette Hagan. To see earlier views of this beautiful home click on the Forsythe Family link below.  

The Grahams of the Graham-Stephenson House

William H. H. Graham, a prominent attorney from Kentland, Indiana, moved to Irvington in 1889.  He and his wife Ellen McLeod Graham built their dream home in that year at 5432 University Avenue.  Mr. Graham, a Civil War veteran, was very involved with the Disciples of Christ.  The organization would later name a chapel after him at their headquarters at 222 Downey Avenue.  The Grahams had several children, all of whom would go on to successful careers.

Two tragedies struck the family within a four-year time span.  Mr. Graham passed away in 1906 leaving Mrs. Graham a widow and alone in a very large home.  Her daughter and son-in-law moved in with her shortly after Mr. Graham's death at age 65.  Then, Mrs. Graham received horrible news during the summer of 1910 that her son Ernest had died under mysterious circumstances.  The young man worked for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad as a general engineer.  He had graduated from Butler University in 1900 and had impressed his employer.  The company gave the young man the task of supervising the construction of a bridge over the Monongahela River in West Virginia.  While walking ahead of the rest of the management team, Ernest vanished from view. His brother-in-law, Luther Eldridge, immediately began looking for him and could hear him moaning down in a deep ravine. By the time rescue crews could reach him, he had fallen into a coma and later died. West Virginia authorities were unable to determine if he merely slipped or if he was pushed.  His devoted friend and brother-in-law brought the body back to University Avenue where the family held a memorial service on August 6, 1910.

Mrs. Graham continued to dwell in the large home.  She invited her sister, Sophronia, to live with her and she occasionally rented out rooms.  In 1920, a teacher by the name of Frances Darracot lodged in the mansion with the two sisters.  By the early 1920s, Mrs. Graham was in her seventies and the home became too much for her so she rented it out to a Butler University sorority and moved in with her daughter, Mary Place, at 5452 Lowell Avenue.  Although she did not want to part with the family home, she finally came to terms that she would have to sell the property. When David Curtis Stephenson approached her with a tempting offer, she sold the place to the powerful leader of the Ku Klux Klan. How much she knew about the man is unclear, but her decision to sell to Stephenson would place her beautiful house into infamy.  One can only speculate on what she must have thought of the sordid events that would unfold in her former home. Amazingly, Mrs. Graham would live to the ripe old age of 93  She passed away in 1940.

The Graham Home in 1905:  Local historian, Larry Muncie, printed this photo from the original glass negative. Notice the beautiful setting and the former porch.  

Kappa Kappa Gama rented the Graham home in the early 1920s.

Scene of the crime in 1925:  Ku Klux Klan leader, David Curtis Stephenson, removed the tasteful porch and placed pretentious columns on the front of 5432 University Avenue.  He would later be convicted of the rape and murder of local Irvingtonian, Madge Oberholtzer.  His conviction ended the reign of the Klan in Indiana and really in the US.

The historic photos are courtesy of Larry Muncie, Amy Friedly, and the Indianapolis Star.

Alpha Delta Pi Home--1925

Butler University fraternities and sororities usually looked for homes to rent in the Irvington area for their chapter houses.  In the early 1920s, the Alpha Delta Pi sorority members moved into 5356 Ohmer Avenue.  They had sixteen members in 1925 although it is unlikely that all of the young women lived in this home.  Harriet Jaehne served as the President.  The home was likely built in the early twentieth century and is sited on a large shady lot. The young women had an ideal location just two blocks from the campus.  The dwelling is still standing in 2012 although it was radically enlarged and altered in the 1990s.  This image was taken in 1925.

Craftsman Stunner on Beechwood Avenue

Irvington has an amazing diversity of housing stock.  Grand Italianate villas sit near small post-World War II cottages, and then there is 5621 Beechwood Ave.  Built in 1912, for William G. and Sadie Forsythe, the home, according to local historian Paul Diebold, "has a distinctive pattern of half timbering on its facade."  Mr. Diebold in his book Greater Irvington also commented on the Prairie influence in the design.  Possibly created by Charles H. Byfield, the dwelling stood as the only house on Beechwood Avenue from Burgess to Audubon for many years.  William Forsythe (no relation to the artist William Forsyth) was a railway clerk.  His wife Sadie stayed at home and raised their children Helen, Marjorie and William, Jr.  The couple also employed a servant.  They moved from the dwelling in 1920.  Other families to occupy the beautiful home were the Falloons, Grays, and Beckers.

5621 Beechwood in 1923

In 1923, Delta Delta Delta Sorority moved in and stayed for the remainder of the decade.  After Butler departed Irvington in 1928, the lovely structure served as a long term home for several families.

Interior shots taken in 1923--5621 Beechwood Avenue

Notice the stunning woodwork, the unusual staircase, and the beautiful fireplace.  The home used to have a porte de cochere so that visitors would not get wet upon their arrival.  Wouldn't it be great to pay the home a visit during these days?  Notice the wallpaper frieze.  I wonder what colors the walls might have been.

5621 Beechwood Avenue in 2012

The historic images are courtesy of Amy Friedly.

215 South Butler Avenue Then and Now

With its ideal location across from the Butler University campus, the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority moved into this new dwelling at 215 South Butler Avenue in 1923. It is not known at this time whether the house was built for the organization or on speculation, but the young women lived in the house until Butler moved out of Irvington in 1928. Clarence C. and Hester Finch lived in the home for a year until 1930 when Henry Schwimmer, an electrician, and his wife Rose moved in and stayed until 1933.

Beginning in 1934, Clifford E. Wagoner, an insurance agent, and his wife Jean Brown Wagoner moved in and remained in the home until the 1980s. Mrs. Wagoner received national attention as a children's book biographer. She also became a beloved figure in the neighborhood reminding children that it was "going to be a good day!" (Interview with Sherri Wood Emmons, a former resident of 234 South Butler) You may learn more about her by clicking on the Wagoner Family link below.

The historic photos show the home shortly after it was completed in 1923. Members of the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority pose both inside and outside of their home. Note the beautiful woodwork, wall sconces, and interesting staircase. The historic images are courtesy of Amy Friedly. The contemporary image was shot in the autumn of 2011.

69 North Irvington Avenue Then and Now

This stately turn-of-the-last-century home has stood in Irvington for well over one hundred years. It has served as the home for many residents as a private dwelling, a sorority house, and in 2011 as apartments. Albert Badger, a barber, and his family called the dwelling home in the 1910s. By the 1920s, a Butler sorority moved in. After World War II, the home was carved up into apartments.

The historic images, taken in 1920, show Butler University sorority women gathered in the front parlor and on the front porch. You will note from the contemporary image that the front porch has been altered since 1920. The historic images are courtesy of Amy Friedly. The color photo was taken on October 15, 2011.

Denvir House in 1920

Although this home has been featured before, these new images of 275 South Audubon Road reveal stunning interior shots. The Denvirs were the first to dwell in the house. By 1920, a Butler sorority moved in. The interior shots show the young women next to a beautiful fireplace and staircase. On the landing above the staircase, you will note the stained glass windows. Be sure to note the interesting furniture and lighting. In the exterior shot, you will see the Children Guardian's Home in the rear and the double house to the south of the home. These images are courtesy of Amy Friedly. You may learn more about this house by clicking on the "Denvir" link below.

Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority--5432 University Avenue

Before it was known as the infamous D.C. Stephenson Home (Grand Dragon of the Ku Klux Klan in the mid-1920s), 5432 University served as the private residence for the Graham Family. By the early 1920s, the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority leased the home. In these photos taken around 1920, the young ladies pause for three photos. Notice that porch used to be very tasteful. Stephenson had the porch ripped off when he purchased the dwelling and added two-story columns to resemble a plantation. You may read more about his era by clicking on "DC Stephenson" below.

In the top photo, the entire Kappa membership gathered for an exterior photo. The two remaining photos show some of the members in two of the parlors. Note the wonderful light fixtures, dark woodwork, and heavy furniture. These images are courtesy of Amy Friedly.

Hackleman Home--5438 Lowell Avenue Then and Now

This beautiful house has graced the intersection of Lowell Avenue and Whittier Place since 1903. William Edward Michael Hackleman and his wife Pearl Conner Hackleman were the first to call the place home. Mr. Hackleman made his money as a publisher of religious music. He also sang and wrote religious pieces as well. His hymnals were used in Christian (Disciples of Christ) churches throughout the US. His business became so successful that he had an office in the Majestic Building downtown.

The Hacklemans were married on September 12, 1899, and first lived along East Washington Street. By 1910, the 42-year old entrepreneur and his 34-year old wife were busy raising their four children in the Lowell Avenue home. Tragedy struck the family on December 29, 1910, when a fifth child, Herbert A. Hackleman, died after one month on this planet.

Mrs. Hackleman became an active club woman and she even gave papers. In 1912, she addressed the Irvington Coterie Club on the "Contributions to Civilization of the Ancient Oriental Countries" at the home of Mrs. J. Edward Wilson. (315 N. Layman Avenue) The Hackleman children all eventually went to college. Their oldest daughter Florence attended Miami University in Oxford Ohio while Grace and Gladys matriculated to Butler. Edwin graduated from Purdue University.

Mr. Hackleman traveled all over the US to direct music and attend Disciples' conventions. He was also involved in the Anti-Saloon League and likely celebrated the Prohibition Amendment to the US Constitution. Tragically, he was killed on October 2, 1927, in Illinois. He was preparing to attend another convention. The driver of a larger car sideswiped his and fled the scene. Mr. Hackleman was crushed and died twenty minutes after being hit. By this point, the Hacklemans had already moved out of Irvington and into a home along Alabama Street. You can still hear some of Mr. Hackleman's music on the internet if you Google his name.

In the historic photo taken in 1924, you can see this lovely home when it housed the Delta Delta Delta Sorority for Butler University. I have also provided a photo of 59-year-old Mr. Hackleman taken shortly before his death. His sudden passing elicited the top headline in the Indianapolis Star on October 4, 1927. The newer photo of the home was taken in the spring of 2011. Little has changed about the house except vinyl siding now covers the clapboard wood siding.

227 South Ritter Avenue--Then and Now

This interesting Queen Anne styled home was likely built in late nineteenth century. In 1910, the widow Lucretia Fellows and her children lived in the house. One son, Clifton D. Fellows served as a custodian. Another son, Fred worked for maintenance at Butler University. She apparently rented out a room in that year to Harry E. Krause, a brakeman for a rail yard. By 1924 the house served as the Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority.

The historic images were taken in 1924 and 1925. The contemporary photo was taken during the winter of 2011.

131 South Butler Avenue--Then and Now

This small cottage has received a few alterations over the years. Likely built in the late nineteenth or early twentieth century, the house has hosted numerous families. In 1910, plumber Claude D. Locke and his family lived here. A boarder and nurse Elizabeth A. Evans rented a room from the Lockes. Mr. Locke had a partnership with George W. Anderson (20 South Hawthorne Lane) and operated their business out of 5442 East Washington Street. In 1923 the Alpha Delta Theta Sorority of Butler University moved their young women into the house. Since it is a small home, it was unlikely that all twenty-two members of the organization dwelled here. It has remained divided into at least two apartments since World War II. South Butler Avenue still awaits a renaissance, but is still crowded with century-old homes.

The top image shows the home in 1924 while the bottom photo was taken in the winter of 2011.

152 Downey Avenue--Then and Now

This interesting home at 152 Downey Avenue has had a variety of owners and renters over the years. The 1900 census lists 53-year-old Samuel H. Richey, a manufacturer, and his wife Louisa Richey, aged 45 as living in the house. Their three children, Verna , 19; Hunter, 18 (a stenographer), and Katherine, 10 also lived in the large home. By 1910, Bloomfield Moore, Sr, 38, a bridge draftsman and his wife Lillian B. Fuqua Moore dwelled here. Others listed in the census that year included Bloomfield Moore, Jr, aged two; Mrs. Sarah Fuqua, 63, Lillian's widowed mother, and Cora Nellie Fuqua 37, Lillian's single schoolmarm sister.

Due to its proximity to Butler University, it served as a sorority house for Delta Gamma by 1928. After World War II, the large home was carved up into apartments and remains in that state in 2011. The photos on this page depict the beautiful home in 1928, and the home in its present condition in 2011. Perhaps in the future, the house will be restored to its former grandeur.

Lost Irvington

This beautiful home used to stand at 5657 E. Washington Street. The Carr family lived here in the early twentieth century. By 1924 it was the home to the Butler University sorority Kappa Kappa Gamma. Adelaide Conte also rented the home for her school named the Irvington School of Music.  You may learn more about her by clicking on the link below.

Then and Now-- University Avenue Home

Built around 1910, this large home at 5452 University Avenue served as the Pi Beta Phi Sorority House in the 1920s. It looks largely the same today except the wood siding is now covered in aluminum. The older photo was shot in 1925 and the newer one in 2010.