Irvington Intersection Then and Now

     Renowned artist, William Forsyth, and his family used to live on the southeast corner of East Washington Street and Emerson Avenue with an address of 15 South Emerson Avenue. Over the many decades that the family lived there, they created a beautiful oasis with tall trees and gorgeous flower gardens. Mr. Forsyth often painted in his studio at the house. A few months after his death in 1935, Frank Hohenberger, a highly respected photographer, visited Alice Forsyth, the widow of Mr. Forsyth. He or perhaps the family likely wanted to document the place just as the great artist would have known it. He snapped at least twelve images soon after an early summer rain. In the top photo, you can see puddles on the shimmering sun-lit bricks. You can also see the streetcar line. Members of the Forsyth family continued to live on in the rambling house for over 30 years. After Dorothy Forsyth, a retired English teacher died, the two living sisters, Constance and Evelyn, who had made lives elsewhere, held an auction of the remaining paintings and sold the property. In a decision that still shocks, a developer snapped up the property along with the neighboring house at 5115 East Washington and razed both residences to put in a filling station. In 1967, ads appeared in Indianapolis newspapers that a new service station was open on the corner of East Washington Street and Emerson Avenue. A beautiful corner of Irvington was gone. 

Intersection of East Washington Street and South Emerson Avenue showing the Forsyth family property at 15 South Emerson Avenue in 1935. Photo by Frank Hohenberger (courtesy of Susan Selby Sklar)

The Speedway Gas Station located at 5103 East Washington Street on August 17, 2026; This service station replaced the Forsyth home and a nearby house in 1967.

Other Hohenberger Images of the Forsyth Property--1935

Photographer by Frank Hohenberger captured a path leading to the East Washington Street front porch at the Forsyth home on the southeast corner of East Washington Street and South Emerson Avenue, 1935 (courtesy of Susan Selby Sklar)

Lush gardens in the backyard of the Forsyth property as documented by photographer Frank Hohenberger in the early summer of 1935. (courtesy of Susan Selby Sklar)

Studio and house of William Forsyth snapped by Frank Hohenberger in the early summer of 1935 (courtesy of Susan Selby Sklar)

Small porch facing South Emerson Avenue at the William and Alice Forsyth home on the southeast corner of East Washington Street and South Emerson Avenue. Photo by Frank Hohenberger, 1935 (courtesy of Susan Selby Sklar)

Side yard respite complete with an arbor and many flowers at the Forsyth home at 15 South Emerson Avenue, 1935. Photo by Frank Hohenberger (courtesy of Susan Selby Sklar) 

Earlier Images of the Forsyth Home and Studio

The multi-gabled Forsyth family home c1910 at 15 South Emerson Avenue; The girls in the photo are Dorothy, Constance, and Evelyn Forsyth. (courtesy of Susan Selby Sklar)

William Forsyth often painted at home in his studio attached to the house located at 15 South Emerson Avenue. (courtesy of Susan Selby Sklar)

The House Lost Next Door--5115 East Washington Street

The neighboring house at 5115 East Washington Street was also razed by a developer to put in a gas station on the southeast corner of East Washington Street and Emerson Avenue. 

     I wish to thank Susan Selby Sklar, the granddaughter of William and Alice Forsyth, who donated these photos to the Irvington Historical Society. For more information on the great artist be sure to read a biography written by Rachel Berenson Perry called William J. Forsyth: The Life and Work of an Indiana Artist (Indiana University Press, 2014)

A Christmas Card From Emerson Heights

Irvington's western neighbor, Emerson Heights, is loaded with wonderful homes from the Arts and Crafts-era.  Sometime around 1950, Carl C. and Elsie Hartman, mailed this gem out to friends and family.  The couple had lived at 525 North DeQuincy Street for decades and would dwell in the house from the 1920s and into the 1960s.  Mr. Hartman was an artist so it is very possible that he created this card.  The home still retains so many wonderful features including the wood clapboard siding and knee braces along the roofline.

Carl C. and Elsie Hartman dwelled at 525 North DeQuincy Street from the 1920s to the 1960s.

525 North DeQuincy Street on December 22, 2013

The historic image is courtesy of Marilyn Jacobs via Ancestry.com

   

An Artist Moves Into the Johnson Home--1974

When Carol Kappel moved into the "Castle House," as it was affectionately called by the locals, she and her then husband, Jerry, had their work cut out for them.  The beautiful but drafty home had not been updated in years and time had not been kind to the house. Besides restoring the home, the Kappels would also have to furnish the place.  Ms. Kappel reported that she had moved into the home from a small apartment and would spend the next seventeen years adding period furniture and other antiques, some of which came from a beloved grandmother's home in New Albany, Indiana.

Maintaining and restoring such a home required an income so during the day the talented artist worked for an ad agency.  She noted that most of her best personal art came after she moved out of the house in 1991.  She had little time to create while living in the Johnson Home because she was busy raising a family and restoring the place.

In the summer of 1975, Pegg Kennedy, a journalist for the Indianapolis News, along with photographer Bob Doeppers visited the Kappels for a story.  They took several shots of the young couple.  In the top photo, Carol Kappel sat in the formal parlor surrounded by 1970s-era furniture that had been in her previous apartment.  She would later transfer this room back into a beautiful Victorian gathering place.  In the second photo, Jerry Kappel stands in the formal entryway.  At some point, previous owners added arches, a popular architectural feature from the 1920s through the 1940s.  A future owner, Toni James, removed the arches and replaced them with historic squared bays and transoms.

Carol Kappel (5631 University Avenue) posed for this photo in the summer of 1975 for the Indianapolis News. Photo credit:  Bob Doeppers

Jerry Kappel stood in the entryway of 5631 University Avenue in the summer of 1975, Photo Credit:  Bob Doeppers

5631 University Avenue in the summer of 1975, photo credit:  Bob Doeppers

As for Carol Kappel, she later went on to become an award-winning artist.  She won a Clio and has been featured in various art publications and exhibitions.  Two of her pieces included the Johnson Home.  They can be seen below.  She notes, "I have always seen life as a seamless mural of vibrance and sadness, great beauty and sordid ugliness, tragedy and comedy."

Exit From "Ugly Gables," mixed media by Carol Kappel

Johnson Home by Carol Kappel, 1991

The historic images and art are courtesy of Carol Kappel.  More information for this post came from: Pegg Kennedy, "Johnson House Challenge to Young Married Couple," Indianapolis News, August 13, 1975.

Home of Noted Art Critic--Lucille E. Morehouse

Read any art history books on local artists from the early to mid-twentieth century and you will read the name of Lucille E. Morehouse.  For several decades, beginning in the 1910s, Miss Morehouse wrote a weekly column on art for the Indianapolis Star.  She personally knew all of the greats including T.C. Steele, Marie Goth, Simon Baus, Clifton Wheeler, and many others.  Her name graces the bibliographies of dozens of books and journal articles about the Indiana artist movement, including the Irvington Group.  She lived in several homes around Irvington in the early 1900s before finally moving into her new bungalow at 5958 Beechwood Avenue around 1916.  Upon her death in the early 1960s, her home was filled with local art that she had personally collected.  The Cavanaughs, who next moved into house, reported that the dwelling was filled with items, but the art was gone by the time they set up housekeeping.  More scholarship is needed on this interesting Irvington woman.  Her columns have been absolutely critical for documenting important eras of Indiana's art history.

In this photo, taken in 1959, the subject is clearly the beautiful car in a driveway; however, across the street you can see the home of Miss Morehouse.  She would only live a few years after this photo was taken.  Today, the home looks very different as it has been wrapped in aluminum siding and the porch has been enclosed.

The Lucille E. Morehouse stands across the street and behind the car at 5958 Beechwood Avenue in 1959. You can also see the  side of 5959 Beechwood Avenue.

The Lucille E. Morehouse Home in 2013

  The historic image is courtesy of Chuck McCleery.

Clifton Wheeler--Noted Artist, Muralist, Teacher

For the past several days, we have been celebrating the centennial anniversary of 5317 Lowell Avenue.  Clifton and Hilah Drake Wheeler built their dream home in 1912.  For decades the couple, created inspiring art pieces in the gallery room designed into the plan of the house.  Newspaper accounts from the early twentieth century describe the room bulging with art from floor to ceiling.

Spring by Clifton Wheeler

Clifton Wheeler (1883-1953) grew up in Mooresville, Indiana.  His father had planned for him to take over the family flour mill business, but he had other dreams.  An inspirational aunt invited him to live with her in Indianapolis on the weekends during his teen years so that he could take classes from noted artist and Irvingtonian, William Forsyth.  The young man generally sat for lessons on Saturdays.  Eventually, he made his way to New York City to study under Robert Henri and Kenneth Hayes Miller, and finally to Europe where he painted under the direction of William Merritt Chase.  While in Europe, he observed, critiqued, and recreated the classics.  He also developed his own style.  In 1910, William Merritt Chase gave young Wheeler the award for being his best student.  In that same year, while touring Europe, he met fellow art student Hilah Drake.  He would earn his second prize when she said yes to his proposal of marriage.

Mural at Shortridge High School, Indianapolis, c.1914

Clifton Wheeler murals restored in 2006 at School Number 54 (3150 East 10th, Indianapolis), 1921

Once settled in Indiana, the couple moved to Irvington in 1912 to be near other artists and to enjoy the beauty of Pleasant Run stream and Ellenberger Woods.  Many of Mr. Wheeler's works feature Indiana scenes.  He was frequently called upon to paint murals around the state.  Several of his works are still in existence including those in several schools, universities, hospitals, and at the Circle Theater.

He earned a living by teaching in his private studio on Lowell Avenue; at the John Herron Art Institute; and at Shortridge High School.  The Wheelers traveled the country for inspiration and spent time painting in the Catskills and Rockies.  Mr. Wheeler exhibited all over the state and country as well.  He was renown during his lifetime.  Hundreds of his paintings and sketches remain in private and public collections all over the United States.

Young Leaves by Clifton Wheeler

Winter Woodland by Clifton Wheeler

Up Fall Creek by Clifton Wheeler

It appears that the Wheelers remained close throughout their lifetime.  They had one child named Hilah Mary.  Mr. Wheeler continued to paint until his cancer would not allow him to do so.  He died at the age of 69 in 1953.  His companion, wife, and fellow artist, Hilah Drake Wheeler, outlived him by several years.  She passed away at the age of 92 in 1970.

Clifton and Hilah Drake Wheeler Home, May, 1913

One hundred years later, the home has been proudly restored.  The Wheelers would be happy to know that their shady lot and stuccoed home looks much as it did in 1912.  To learn more about the Wheelers click on the link below.   The historic images are courtesy of Michele and Bruce Oertel.

The Talented Wheeler Women of Lowell Avenue

I ask you to remember the ladies...
               Abigail Adams to her husband, John Adams

Two very talented ladies dwelled at 5317 Lowell Avenue along with their very accomplished husband and father.

Hilah Drake (1878-1970) met her future husband, Clifton Wheeler, while studying art in Europe.  The daughter of Alexander Drake, an art critic for The Century magazine, the young woman was a talented watercolorist.  In 1910, the couple married and briefly lived in his hometown of Mooresville, Indiana.  She gave birth to Hilah Mary Wheeler in 1911.

Hilah Drake Wheeler and daughter, Hilah Mary--1912

By 1912, they were building their dream home at 5317 Lowell Avenue in Irvington.  The Wheelers had their architect, George Hoagland, design a beautiful studio with a tall ceiling and a fireplace as part of the home.  Both of the Wheelers tended to paint landscapes and portraits although Mrs. Wheeler also specialized in still lifes and silhouettes.

Clifton and Hilah Drake Wheeler Home--1913

Flower Stall, Indianapolis City Market by Hilah Drake Wheeler 1925, Courtesy of Indianapolis Museum of Art

Hibben Home, Pleasant Run Parkway by Hilah Drake Wheeler

Still Life by Hilah Drake Wheeler

Their daughter, Hilah Mary Wheeler (1911-2002) was also a talented artist in her own right.  She married George Remaily (1912-2004) and moved to Hammondsport, New York.  Mr. Remaily became renown as a viticulturist.  His grapes were used in wines throughout the US.

Hilah Mary Wheeler Remaily with her daughter, Hilah Katrina Remaily--1939 at 5317 Lowell Ave

Portrait by Hilah Mary Remaily

The elder Mrs. Wheeler remained at Lowell Avenue for much of her life.  Upon Clifton Wheeler's passing in 1953, she painted this scene in 1954 to capture what the room looked like upon his sad death at the age 69.  She later moved from the home to be near her daughter.  The historic images are courtesy of Bruce and Michele Oertel.  The scene below is only a partial view of the painting. You may learn more about the Wheelers by clicking on the link below.

Wheeler Studio by Hilah Drake Wheeler, 1954, courtesy of Bruce and Michele Oertel

The Wheeler Home Celebrates 100 Years!

One hundred years ago this summer, builders broke ground for a beautiful home at 5317 Lowell Avenue in 1912.   George E. Hoagland (1872-1959) designed the house for Clifton and Hilah Drake Wheeler, both renown local artists.  The Wheelers actually purchased the large lot from Fred O. Ritter on July 29, 1911.  The couple, both in their late twenties in 1912, just welcomed a child into this world.  Mr. Wheeler (1883-1953) at the time taught at the John Herron Institute of Art under the direction of another Irvingtonian, William Forsyth (15 South Emerson Avenue.)

Both Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler studied in Europe under some of the most eminent artists of their day.  They actually met and fell in love in Europe while taking a class instructed by William Merritt Chase.  Mrs. Wheeler (1878-1970) came from the prominent Drake family, who were also artists and art critics living in New York City.  Mr. Wheeler worried about his new wife's reaction of moving to Indiana, but the couple sited their new home on a hill overlooking nearby Pleasant Run stream and Ellenberger Woods.  Both used the bucolic settings for their art.  The following photo, taken in May of 1913,  is the oldest known of the dwelling.

Wheeler Home, May 1913

Architectural plans for the home--May, 1912

In early September 1913, Lucille Morehouse, a local art critic for the Indianapolis Star, visited the Wheeler home and spent time in the gallery room.  The Wheelers asked their architect to design a large space to serve as a studio and classroom.  Mr. Hoagland placed a tall door on the westside of the house so that large canvases could be easily moved in or out.  He also placed four tall windows facing Lowell Avenue so that the artists could receive light from the north.   Ms. Morehouse wrote of the gallery on September 7 (page 36):

     One could spend a week there taking barely enough time to eat and sleep and still not be able to see everything in it.  

Side gallery door

     She also reported  that there are color studies and paintings large and small.  The journalist noted and gushed about the large collection of Japanese prints, the small sketchbooks filled with ideas, and the plethora of paintbrushes and tubes of oils.  Ms. Morehouse seemed completely enchanted by not only the studio, but also of Mr. Wheeler.  He is not yet 30 years old!  Mrs. Wheeler gets little mention in the lengthy biopic.

     The Wheelers would have no trouble recognizing their former home.  The house has been lovingly and superbly restored to its former grandeur.  The historic photos, architectural plans, and historical information are courtesy of Bruce and Michele Oertel.  More information will be forthcoming on this interesting dwelling and of the families who have called it home.  Stay tuned!

Wheeler Home in Summer of 2012

Chester Stokesberry Painting Survives Hurricane Katrina

Sometimes we receive notes from folks from all over the country. Recently, I received a query from Michael Hyde, who had questions about Chester Stokesberry, an Irvington artist who dwelled at 352 Burgess Avenue. Mr. Stokesberry was a prolific artist who specialized in oils of natural scenes although he also painted portraits.

When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in 2005, Mr. Hyde reports that the storm struck a family member's home and the house went underwater as they lived twenty miles from the eye. Unfortunately, a painting by Chester Stokesberry titled "October" went under with the deluge. Thankfully, the family was able to save the painting.

The provenance of the painting is quite interesting. It appears to have been exhibited at a John Herron art show in 1955. Almost twenty years after its creation, the painting surfaced in a Michigan antique shop which is where Mr. Hyde's family found it in the early 1970s. After learning of the Vintage Irvington blog, he kindly took out his phone and snapped these two shots of the lovely painting. The images and stories are courtesy of Michael Hyde. You may learn more about the artist Chester Stokesberry by clicking on the family link below.

C.L. Stokesberry Painting

Chester L. Stokesberry (1895-1984) dwelled at 352 Burgess Avenue for decades. Mr. Stokesberry was one of the many talented artists to call Irvington home. While he specialized in landscapes, he also painted portraits. Relatives of Mr. Stokesberry have confirmed that the woman in the portrait is not his first or second wife. Much like the Mona Lisa, we shall just have speculate as to whom she might be. This painting was completed in 1933. You may learn more about the Stokesberry family by clicking on the link below.

William Forsyth--Irvington artist

William Forsyth (1854-1935) was one of Irvington's most talented residents. A prominent local artist, Forsyth and his family dwelled at 15 South Emerson Avenue in a rambling Queen Anne style home. He won numerous prizes over the years for his impressionistic work and he taught at the Herron Art Institute for twenty-seven years. The top photo captures Forsyth in his younger years perhaps after he returned after having studied in Munich, Germany. In the bottom photo, Evelyn Forsyth, a daughter, poses with several of her friends in 1925. You can see a similar photo in a previous post. The girls are standing along Emerson Avenue in front of the Forsyth Home. (demolished) The girls featured are: bottom row--Margaret Cook, Margaret Elrod; middle row--Dotty Canfield, Evelyn Forsyth; top row--Isabelle Layman. This image is courtesy of Isabelle Layman Troyer.

Girlfriends at Forsyth Home

Artist and director of the Herron Art School, William Forsyth (1854-1935), lived at 15 South Emerson Avenue. He maintained a studio at his home at the southeast corner of East Washington Street and South Emerson Avenue. Constance Forsyth, a daughter, went on to become a prominent artist as well. Shown here are a group of Irvington girls gathered in front of the Forsyth home in 1925. They are from left to right: Margaret Cook, Margaret Elrod, Dotty Canfield, Evelyn Forsyth, and Isabelle Layman. This photo is courtesy of Isabelle Layman. The home was demolished in the mid-twentieth century for a gas station.