Early Color Photograph of Layman Avenue--Circa 1950

This early color photograph of Layman Avenue might have been taken in the late 1940s or early 1950s. The Zoercher girls (52 North Layman Avenue) and their friends were the subject of the photographer. Behind them, you can see the east side of Layman Avenue looking north. It must have been a cold day perhaps in late autumn as there were still yellow leaves on the ground, but all of the trees remained bare. Someone has leaned a bike against the brick apartment building. The American Four Square visible behind the girls is 65 North Layman. Notice the wonderful street light long gone from the block. I am not good at identifying cars so if anyone knows the make or models of these automobiles please drop me a note. I have included a photo of the block today, but a giant evergreen obscures the apartment building. You will note that 65 North Layman Avenue has been restored. The historic image is courtesy of Andrea de Mink.

Thanks to an astute reader, we now know that the girl standing in the rear and closest to the car has been identified as Barbara Schulmeyer Near.

A Wedding Celebration on Layman Avenue

The Zoercher family dwelled in a beautiful American Four Square at 52 North Layman Avenue from 1934 to 1955. In the early 1950s, the family joyously celebrated the wedding of a daughter in the home. These photos show the wedding party and happy bride. Many Irvington homes served as lovely places for such ceremonies. These wonderful historic images are courtesy of Andrea de Mink.

Dates and Dances

The Zoercher family dwelled for many years at 52 North Layman. By the early 1950s, the Zoercher daughters began to enter high school. In these two wonderful photos, you get a snippet of life for an Indianapolis teenager. In the top photo, it appears that the young man has just given his date a lovely corsage. They are both smartly dressed and ready for a fun night out.

In the second photo, a Zoercher daughter poses in the foyer of her home. We are searching for her name so if anyone reading this post recognizes her, please drop me a note. You can imagine how wonderful it must have been for the current homeowners to receive this early color photograph. My eyes are drawn to several items in this picture including the Gone With the Wind inspired wallpaper, the classic 1950s orange furniture, the beautiful clock, and the original light fixture. In her lovely gown, she might be going to the prom or some other special dance. You may see exterior photos of this home by clicking on the "Zoercher Family" link below. These historic images are courtesy of Andrea de Mink.

The Zoerchers of 52 N. Layman Avenue

The Zoercher family dwelled at 52 North Layman from 1934 to 1955. Like many Irvington families of this era, they took the time to document their lives. Most of the photos in today's post show the Zoercher children outside playing or going to school. Mrs. Zoercher and one of the grandparents appear as well. All of these photos were taken outside either in the backyard or along the side of the house. These snapshots were likely shot from the mid-1930s and into the late 1940s.

The Zoerchers were not the first to live in the home, which was likely constructed in 1906. Other early families include the Wiggins and Walkers. The Griffins moved in after the Zoerchers.

The historic images are courtesy of Andrea de Mink.

The Zoercher Family of Layman Avenue

Finding historic photos of one's house can be difficult and for some of us, elusive. For others, it is as easy as a knock on the door. How many of us have longed to go into a childhood home or the former house of a grandparent? That is exactly what happened when members of the Zoercher family returned to 52 North Layman over fifty years after leaving the beautiful American Four Square.

James Zoercher (1909-1965) grew up in Irvington at 68 N. Whittier Place. His father was a prominent attorney. On January 24, 1931, James, married Eleanor Hadd (1908-1982) and began working for Indianapolis Power and Light. Mrs. Zoercher lived in both Boston and Baltimore prior to moving to Indianapolis. The young couple eventually set up housekeeping at 52 North Layman Avenue in 1934 and remained until 1955. They raised their children in the home and thankfully took many photos of their beloved family and of the Layman Avenue area. These photos are now treasured by the current homeowners.

In the top photo, you can see an image of the house taken around 1940. A contemporary shot of the same side of the dwelling was shot on March 19, 2012. In the other historic photos, you will see various members of the Zoercher family gathered on the front steps. Most of the shots are of the children although you can see Mrs. Zoercher in a few of them. You will note that most of the photos date from the late 1930s throughout the 1940s. The Zoerchers were clearly fashionable people based upon their stylish clothes. Mrs. Zoercher eventually worked as a therapist at the La Rue Carter Hospital. More photos of this interesting family will be forthcoming. The historic images are courtesy of Andrea de Mink.

Layman and Lowell--Then and Now

Sometime in the mid-1940s, a member of the Zoercher family went for a walk after a winter snowfall and took this photo. In the picture, you can see North Layman Avenue as it intersects with Lowell Avenue. Diligent residents had already cleared the sidewalks, but several inches of snow remained on the lawns and trees along Layman. The Zoerchers lived at 52 North Layman. More information on this family will be forthcoming. The contemporary image shows the same intersection on March 15, 2012. The historic image is courtesy of Andrea De Mink.