Phi Delta Theta--First Fraternity House Built in Irvington

      Theodore Kingsbury, the youngest son of James G. Kingsbury, graduated from the Winona Agricultural Institute in 1907. One year later, he enrolled at Butler University in Irvington where he played football. He also seems to have been involved with Phi Delta Theta Fraternity along with his nephew, Layman Kingsbury. His association with the fraternity came at an important time for the organization as the men had just built their first chapter house near the campus on the northwestern corner of Emerson Avenue and East Washington Street. 

     Architect, Frank B. Hunter, designed the two-story residence as a bungalow in the spring of 1908. On the first floor he placed the chapter hall and study room. He located the dining room and kitchen in the basement, and he situated the sleeping rooms on the third floor. Lt. Governor Hugh T. Miller, a legacy of the fraternity, helped to dedicate the new house on November 19, 1908. The structure cost $3500 and was the first fraternity house ever built in the neighborhood. Other fraternities generally rented existing homes. 

     With the arrival of the new Pleasant Run Parkway, the fraternity relocated west of the stream at 5020 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive in 1915. The site of the former home became a small park dedicated to the memory of Hilton U. Brown, Jr., who died in World War One. To see many more photos of the Phi Delta Theta home, including interior shots, click on the "Phi Delta Theta" link below. 

The Phi Delta Theta Fraternity House, c1908 used to be located on the northwestern corner of Emerson Avenue and East Washington Street.  It was moved in 1915 to its current location on the northwestern corner of Pleasant Run Parkway and East Washington Street. The home barely visible in the background belonged to cartoonist, Kin Hubbard, who lived at 5070 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive. (photo courtesy of the Kingsbury family)

Frank B. Hunter designed the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity House in 1908. (Indianapolis Star, May 2, 1908, p. 4)

Up Next: A Young Couple Moved to Lowell Avenue in 1912     

     I wish to thank Kathy and Dick Meyer for the use of the Kingsbury family photo collection. 

Sources:  Construction and design of house: "Building Permit," Indianapolis News, April 17, 1908, p. 20; "Butler Phi Delta Theta House Now Under Construction," Indianapolis News, May 2, 1908, p. 4; "Phi Delta Theta House," Indianapolis News, November 20, 1908, p. 7; Moving of house: "Building Permits," Indianapolis Star, August 24, 1915, p. 12. 

Sigma Chi Fraternity Images 1913-1915

The Sigma Chi Rho Chapter has been a part of Butler University's three campuses since 1865. When the college moved to Irvington in 1875, the fraternity followed. By 1913, the club had eleven active members and several pledges. They lived in a variety of houses throughout Irvington. Howard Caldwell, Sr, for instance, resided at his family's home at 30 North Bosart Avenue. The club leased  a room at Moore's Hall, formerly located at 130 South Audubon Road, for their chapter meetings. Both the Butler Collegian and Indianapolis News reported in 1913 that the men of Sigma Chi had the highest GPA of any of the fraternities on campus with an average of 73.04%. Of course, the campus average was 75.5% and the Delta Pi Omega Sorority had an average of 82%.

Each year the club sponsored a dance. In 1913, a Sigma Chi alum managed to secure the Columbia Club in downtown Indianapolis for the event. In 1914, they held the dance at the Propylaeum on North Delaware Street. A formal photo from 1913 shows the men in standard pose while other photos reveal the more candid and playful side of the group.

Sigma Chi Rho Chapter Butler University 1913, front row: Joseph Ostrander, Robert Buck, Murray Matthews, Dan Trone, Robert J. Masters; second row: Howard C. Caldwell, Sr., Carlos Bonham, Halsey R. Keeling,  Bruce Robison, Carbs Harrison,  Kenneth Barr (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

Members of the Sigma Chi fraternity at gathered at the north end of Butler's campus in1913 near the Pennsylvania Railroad. Behind the men you, can see the residence at 143 South Butler and the double at 137-39 South Butler Avenue. We only know the names of a few of the young men. Seated in front: ?; Second row: ?, ?; Third Row:  ?,?, Robert J. Masters; Fourth row: ?, Dan Trone, Howard C. Caldwell, Sr,; Top row: ?, Halsey Keeling, ? (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

The members of Sigma Chi gathered for this photo most likely in 1913. The building next to the young men was possibly the Butler Observatory located at the northern end of the campus near the Pennsylvania Railroad. Howard C. Caldwell, Sr. is standing next to the building. Looking up to him is Halsey Keeling. We do not know the names of the other in the men in the photo yet. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst) 

Howard Caldwell, Sr. lived at 30 North Bosart Avenue with his parents although tragedy struck the family when his father, Benjamin Caldwell, died in 1913 at the 47. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

Howard Caldwell, Sr. graduated from Butler University in 1915. He was a writer and would later run his own advertising agency. (photo courtesy of Ginny Hingst)

Sources:  "Sigma Chi Plan Luncheon," Indianapolis Star, November 28, 1913, 13; "Ella Weaver Heads Honors List at Butler," Indianapolis News, April 17, 1913, 4

I am indebted to Ginny Hingst, the granddaughter Howard C. Caldwell, Sr., for these images.

A New Address--A Moving Experience

Many of Irvington homes along East Washington Street have been moved.  As the desire for commercial development expanded, homeowners had an opportunity to make some money.  Unfortunately, several houses fell to the wrecking ball over the years to filling stations, pharmacies, and parking lots.  Some neighbors saw another option of moving the house to the back of the lot or another location entirely.  In 1918, Mary A. Black, a widow, lived in a very large Victorian home on the northeast corner of East Washington Street and North Hawthorne Lane.  She had been renting rooms to people over the years and at some point she must have been approached by a speculator who saw her corner as an opportunity.  In 1919, the large home was moved from its location at 5318 East Washington Street to 15 North Hawthorne Lane.  While it was not a far move, I can only imagine how difficult it must have been to raise the home off of its foundation and turn it to face Hawthorne.  Mrs. Black continued to rent rooms.

15 North Hawthorne Lane used to face East Washington Street (shown here in 1924)

Phi Delta Theta Home at 15 North Hawthorne Lane in 1924

Throughout the 1920s, Phi Delta Theta fraternity members lived in the house.  After Butler moved out of Irvington in 1928, the home reverted to being a private residence. In 2012, the current homeowners fell victim to a damaging fire.  The home is currently being repaired from that event.  The vacated corner on East Washington Street hosted a filling station for several decades.  In the 1990s, the lot became the site for medical offices.

Lost Irvington--15 South Ritter Avenue

Some Irvington houses have been lost over the decades because of the proximity to commercial businesses along East Washington Street. With the proliferation of the automobile, the need for parking rose exponentially. This lovely early twentieth-century home used to sit at 15 South Ritter Avenue behind a bank and the Irving Theater, but it was removed for a parking lot.

Butler fraternity members called the dwelling home throughout the 1920s. The following set of photos, taken in 1920, shows the home when it housed many local Butler students. In the top photo, you can not only see the house, but the Masonic Lodge and some homes along Johnson Avenue behind it. In the bottom photos, members of the fraternity pose for photos. Notice the wonderful woodwork, hardwood floors, and fireplace. You will also likely enjoy the interesting furnishings including the phonograph machine in the second photo. These photos are reminders that we must do better in our generation of preserving this wonderful neighborhood so that structures like this are never again demolished. The historic images are courtesy of Amy Friedly.

Lost Irvington--222 Ohmer Avenue

This lovely American Four Square used to sit at 222 Ohmer Avenue across from the Christian Women's Board of Missions. The intended object of this photo was not the house, but rather Don Ward (238 Ohmer Avenue), who was playing ball next door at 230 Ohmer Avenue at the Pflueger home in 1945. Behind him looms the ghost of the house not seen in Irvington in over thirty years.

The house used to sit along the alley connecting Butler Avenue and essentially Butler University. In 1909, Harry Wilfred Ballard and his family dwelled here. He was the president of the Indianapolis Engraving Company. Curiously, three other engravers lived in the neighborhood during this time including Harry Simpson (5743 Oak Avenue), S.Turney Downs (5803 Oak Avenue), and Charles Hackleman (34 North Ritter Avenue).

By 1912, the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity moved in and remained in the house until 1919. The home's location next to campus undoubtedly made it highly desirable for Butler students. The dwelling's position across the street from the Missions Building also made it attractive to the Reverend Oscar W. Wiley and his wife Ida. The Wileys set up housekeeping here in 1921 and remained well into the 1940s. In the 1950s, Ada M. Mosher, a librarian, lived at 222. By the early 1960s, another minister named Spencer P. Austin and his wife Margaret called the place home. The house remained listed in both the 1970 and 1980 directory, but vanished from record shortly thereafter. Perhaps some of our astute readers will be able to tell us what became of the house. In more recent times, a small home has been constructed on the site.

Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity Photos c.1921

The Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity brothers lived in a large rambling Queen Anne styled home at 5342 East Washington Street. This large late-nineteenth-century house had been a private residence for years and made a perfect home for numerous Butler University students. It would later be demolished to make way for a funeral home in the mid-20th century. These exterior and interior photos reveal much about life in the house in the 1920s and you can also see the Victorian fireplaces, woodwork, and staircase still remaining at that time. I especially like the dining scene. You may learn more about this house by clicking the "Newlin Family" link below. These historic images are courtesy of Amy Friedly.

209 Downey Avenue--1919

Previous posts have revealed some interesting historic shots of 209 Downey Avenue, but today you shall have an opportunity to see a few incredible interior shots taken in 1919. The home, although built as a private residence, served as a fraternity house for Butler University throughout the 1920s. These interesting photos reveal so many details about the house and the young men who dwelled here.

In the top photo, the Betas gather in the entryway around a piano. I wondered if they wheeled the instrument into the room or whether it always rested there. One young man sings while he is playing the banjo. Seated on the piano, one member plays the violin while two others sing. I presume the rest are to supposed to be singing, but some are and some are not. Note the beautiful late-nineteenth century newell post on the staircase and the stained glass window above them. I also like the wall paper and the the light fixture.

In the second photo, the same group of young men gather in the home's parlor. Dog lovers will immediately note the two pooches resting on the rug. The members have hung important symbols around the room and they have a winning cup resting on the gorgeous mantel piece. Notice the lovely tile surrounding the fireplace. This canned photo also reveals that the parlor appears to be spartanly furnished, but some large heavy pieces of furniture managed to provide a seat for most of the men. Note the wonderful light fixture and the stained glass window.

In the final shot, members gather on the front porch for a group photo. You may learn more about this house by clicking on the "fraternity" or "Downey Avenue" link below. These wonderful images are courtesy of Amy Friedly.

Homecoming at Butler fraternity house--1920

This fraternity house located at 5020 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive looks very festive for the Butler University Homecoming Football game in 1920. Notice the mock tombstones for the opposing team and the large American flag nailed over the fireplace chimney. A young sycamore tree is still leafed out along Pleasant Run Parkway and is starting to tower over the wonderful street light. This image is courtesy of Amy Friedly. You may learn more about this house by clicking on the "fraternity" tab below.

5020 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive-1920

These stunning photos show a Butler University fraternity house and its members in 1920. A previous post of this home may be seen by clicking on the label "Butler." There are so many things I love about these photos. Notice the woodwork, the furniture, the fireplace mantel, and the clothing on the young men. In the bottom photo, a young man appears to be pontificating to the members. Notice the animal hide on the table in front of him and the animal head hanging above the woodwork. One person leans against a Victrola. These wonderful photos are courtesy of Amy Friedly, the great great granddaughter of Hilton U. Brown, Jr.

Hibben Avenue in Irvington

Hibben Avenue, named for a prominent Irvington family, is one of the "newer" streets in the neighborhood. The avenue is filled with modest homes built after 1917. The first resident of the block was Jesse Lowes and his family. They dwelled at 5442 Hibben. By 1922 contractors had built seven more homes. In 1923 George Bell lived at 5423 Hibben. Throughout the mid-1920s that home served as the headquarters for the Butler fraternity Tau Kappa Tau. In the late 1920s and early 1930s, a manufacturing agent, Paul G. Craver and his family lived in the small bungalow.

The images reveal Hibben Avenue today and in 1924. The picture of the oldest house on the block was taken in the summer of 2011. (5442 Hibben Avenue) It is the first image of a home in the series. Another contemporary shot shows the south side of the street. The historic image, taken in 1924, shows the Tau Kappa Tau house, and the contemporary photo reveals the structure today. More research is needed on this interesting street.

Phi Delta Theta House--1908/1925/2011

Most Butler University fraternity and sororities bought or leased existing homes throughout Irvington. Sometimes they would only stay in a house for one or two years before moving on to a larger home. Phi Delta Theta Fraternity is one of those rare exceptions as they actually built a house in the neighborhood. Founded in 1859 at the downtown campus, the organization was one of the most active while at Irvington. They originally met above Moore's Hall (demolished) on South Aududon Road. In 1908, they constructed a house at the intersection of what was then Emerson Avenue and East Washington Street. The home sat in a beautiful location and was a lovely site for campus dances and parties. However, within two years the structure sat in the way of a planned boulevard called Pleasant Run Parkway designed by George Kessler. The chapter lost most of their real estate and the house was moved to the back of the lot.

You will note that on the facade of the fireplace, the Phi Delts placed part of their crest, a sword shaped like a cross. In the top photo, you can see the home shortly after it was built in 1908. Some features look like they were changed when it was moved to its present location in 1910 or 11. In the second photo you can see the Phi Delta Theta crest. In the third picture you can see the home as it appeared in 1924. By this point, members of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity moved into the home as the Phi Delts needed a larger house and they moved to 15 North Hawthorne Lane. In the bottom photos you can see what the home looks like in 2011. The home has had a variety of addresses as the city struggled to decide what street it was really on. For many years it was known as 6 North Pleasant Run Parkway, but today it is numbered at 5020 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive. After Butler moved out of Irvington in 1928, the home served as private residence for many families.

Underneath that vinyl siding is dark stained wood just waiting to emerge. You will note that the porch has also been enclosed. Perhaps someday this home shall return to its original craftsman era design.

Fraternity--209 Downey Avenue

This wonderful photo taken in 1923 shows the home of the Sigma Chi House for Butler University. The house still stands (see previous post) and although it can not be seen, it was located next to the former Pennsylvania Railroad. Sited on a large lot, the young men who dwelled here had plenty of yard to display their "props" and signs. I do not know why they had a horse in the front yard, but perhaps it had something to do with a football game against Bethany College.

209 Downey Avenue--Then and Now

This beautiful Queen Anne-styled home located at 209 Downey Avenue has graced Irvington for well over a century. In the early twentieth century, the Johnson family lived here. The 1910 city directory lists Albert Johnson as a banker and Arthur A. Johnson (perhaps a son) as a civil engineer. Dozens of families have dwelled in this house. In the 1920s it served as the Sigma Chi Fraternity house for Butler University.

The historic image shows the house in 1924. Since it was a Butler fraternity, many other photos exist of the house. The bottom photo was taken in the winter of 2011. As you can see, the home has been beautifully restored.

Then and Now

Carrie Baus, the widow of Louis D. Baus dwelled in this home at 5536 University Avenue in 1910. It was likely built just a few years earlier. By the 1920s the house hosted the Tau Kappa Tau Fraternity for Butler. The older photo was taken in 1925 and the newer one in 2010. You will note that the porch has been changed and that the house is now covered in aluminum siding. The dwelling is one of many American Four Squares located within Irvington.