Daily Life at Pleasant Run Home

The Doran children, who used to live at 737 North Campbell Avenue, suddenly had plenty of room in which to play or work on cars after they moved into 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive. Wilbur and Julia Cooper Doran commissioned a local architect, Orlando Little, to design their new home on the parkway in 1949. It was completed in the summer of 1950. In the images below, Jim and Phil Doran and a friend named Dick Foley can be seen working on Jim's 1937 Opel in 1954. In a stunning color slide photograph, a very young Miriam Doran, enjoyed a day out on her bike in front of the family home in 1951.

Jim Doran and Dick Foley worked on the engine of his 1954 Opel while Phil Doran assisted with the ignition next to the family garage at 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive. (photo courtesy of Kevin Yamafuji)

Backyard Scene: Jim and Phil Doran and Dick Foley worked on a 1937 Opel on the driveway at 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive in 1954. What Hoosier driveway would be complete without a basketball goalpost and net? (photo courtesy of Kevin Yamafuji)

Miriam Doran enjoys a day out on her bike in 1951 in front of the family home at 5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive. (photo courtesy of Kevin Yamafuji)

5770 East Pleasant Run Parkway was built for the Doran family in 1950. (photo courtesy of Kevin Yamafuji)

I wish to thank Miriam Lash, Jennifer Lash, Susan Boyle, Jim Doran, Alicia Schwering, and Kevin Yamafuji for making this post possible. 

A Brand New Car Along Oak Avenue--1936

Frank and Helen Olson proudly stood next to their new 1936 Plymouth sedan parked in the driveway of their home at 5966 Oak Avenue.  Mr. Olson needed a car large enough to transport his golf clubs as he was avid about the sport.  The Olsons did not dwell in the American Four Square for long as they later built a home at 322 North Audubon Road in 1940.  You can read more about the Olsons by clicking on the link below.  A contemporary photo shows the home on a cold December morning in 2014.

Frank and Helen Olson in front of new Plymouth at 5966 Oak Avenue

5966 Oak Avenue in 2014

The historic image is courtesy of Richard Olson via Ancestry.com.  

Color Photograph of Irvington Presbyterian Church--c1963

Fifty-one years ago in the early spring of 1963, a photographer took this wonderful shot of the Irvington Presbyterian Church.  The grass had just started to turn green and buds can be seen on the trees along Johnson Avenue. You can also get a look at part of the Arts and Crafts double that used to sit just east of the church along Julian Avenue.  The corner formerly hosted a U.S. postbox.  I wonder who owned those giant cars parked along Johnson Avenue?

Irvington Presbyterian Church c1963

The historic image is courtesy of Bill Ferling and the Irvington Presbyterian Church. The color was restored by Larry Muncie.

Overland Auto Dealer--Irvington

The Irvington Motor Company awaits your order. The terms sound quite reasonable. Enjoy your drive! This ad appeared in a short-lived Irvington newspaper on March 26, 1920.