Snowfall Along Julian Avenue--1937

In the winter of 1937, Mary Stevenson of 56 South Irvington Avenue peered out her window and noticed a beautiful scene as snow had just fallen. She grabbed her camera and went out onto the front porch and snapped one photo.  Then she ventured out into her yard and took another.  In the top photo, a young boy can be seen in front of 5451 Julian Avenue.  It is possible that it might have been five-year-old Harry Fox, Jr. who dwelled in that house.  His father, Harry Fox, Sr., was Vice President of Fox Optical Company.  His mother Mabel stayed home and raised his other siblings, Mary Ellen, Dorothy,  Anna, Jane, and Joan.   Next door at 5457 Julian Avenue dwelled  his elderly neighbors, Edgar and Harriett Perkins.  Mr. Perkins still served as a judge although he was old enough to retire. You can also see the rear of the homes along South Ritter Avenue.

In the second photo, Mrs. Stevenson aimed her camera at the back of IPS #57.  Were children in session on that day or did she take the photo on a weekend? The home at the far left was a double at 25-27 South Irvington Avenue.  Verner E. Sprouse lived on one side while Bernard and Mary Callon dwelled on the other.

Beautiful Snow:  Mary Stevenson snapped this photo from her home at 56 South Irvington Avenue of the 5400 block of Julian Avenue in the winter of 1937.  

The rear of IPS #57 and part of 25-27 South Irvington Avenue can be seen in this photo snapped by Mary Stevenson (56 South Irvington Avenue) in the winter of 1937.  

The historic images are courtesy of Ted Lollis.  

Emerson Heights Kindergarten 1943

The Kindergarten Movement, a German idea, had been embraced by millions of Americans by 1930 when the Emerson Heights Kindergarten first opened its doors to students at 4805 East Michigan Street. Many Hoosiers realized the value of educating children at an early age and began to send their kids to private schools to prepare them for the first grade. It appears that Helen Martin was the founder of this school and she located it in the southern section of the Emerson Heights neighborhood. Many younger families had moved into the modest bungalows and American Four Squares nearby so Mrs. Martin had a ready and willing market who had big dreams for their children. The school moved from the Michigan Street location to 1012-14 North Emerson Avenue in 1932 and remained there until 1946.

Susan Koepper Foster, who dwelled at 5263 East Tenth Street as a child, attended the kindergarten located in the commercial strip on the northwest corner of Emerson Avenue and East Tenth Street. Her teacher in 1943 was Mrs. Fields. We do not know much about Mrs. Fields yet, but she can be seen in the photo.  We also know the names of some of the children in the image. Mrs. Foster remembers that it was a lively and engaging school where she received an introduction to reading and math.  She also recalls that Mrs. Fields taught her how to skip. There was not much of a playground so the children mostly stayed inside, however, in 1943 they gathered outside for a photo at the rear of the building and along the alley that runs parallel to East Tenth Street. Sadly, this part of the structure was demolished in the summer of 2014 by a developer who did not have proper permits.  Most of the kids in this photo are now well into their retirement age and enjoying grandkids of their own!

All dressed up:  Here are the names of the kids we know at this point.  Front Row: The second girl from the left is Marsha Thomas.  The fourth girl from the left is Susan Koepper. Elaine Clayton is the second girl from the right. Middle Row:  Sandy Fotiades is the second girl from the left. Ronnie Meek is the seventh child from the left. John Kot is the third child from the right. Top Row: The boy with the head bandage is Howard Franke. Next to him is Mrs. Fields.  The boy to the right of her is Bob Hibner. Mike Corcoran is the third child from the right while Karen Group is the blond girl at the far right of the row.  The Emerson Heights Kindergarten was located at 1012-14 North Emerson Avenue.  

The historic image is courtesy of Susan Koepper Foster

IPS #58 Graduation Photo--1929

They all dressed in white.  The girls donned a bobbed style while most of the boys slicked down their hair.  In the early summer of 1929, the USA was still roaring.  In just a few months after the snapping of this photo, the stock market would plunge catapulting the nation into the Great Depression.  These fourteen-year-olds had no idea that their lives were about the change.  What became of them?  Thankfully, we do know the names of every child in this photo.  They attended the Ralph Waldo Emerson School (1907) at 321 North Linwood Avenue also known as School #58.  The building is now on the National Register of Historic Places and was recently renovated.

Indianapolis Public School #58 Graduates in 1929

Row One:  Margaret Buckles, Vivian White, Helen Murdock, Emma Elizabeth Hallett, Thelma Alvey, Virginia Tharpe, Margaret Hennis, Radonna Graham, June Sproule, Frieda Jones

Row Two: Eva Grace Hale, Violet Hohn, Martha Schwartzenbtraub, Marian Wortman, Mary Elizabeth Neese, Virginia Wickard, Ruth Engleman, Carolyn Paine, Margaret Hetherington, Alice Bobbitt, Frances Higenbotham

Row Three:  Paul Lang, Jr., Harold Cooper, Harry Madison, Ralph Wilson, Harold Bronstrup, Roland Irwin, Hugh Weber, Harry Zaklan, Raymond Rhodes

Row Four:  Richard Ricketts, Edmond Murray, Herbert Leyendecker, Jack Scearce, Charles Pringle, William Schmitz, Robert Williams, Gustav Jordan

Row Five:  Jack Bridwell, Le Roy Dusing, Harry Marshall, Donas Dischinger, Robert Seers, Charles Johnson, Howard Chandler

Indianapolis Public School #58 in 2014 after a recent renovation

School #57--1922

Several proud eighth graders gathered in the spring of 1922 for this photo.  The pupils are all wearing their coats and the boys in the front row are sitting on folded chairs so they won't get dirty. Each graduate has a ribbon pinned to their coat.  Teachers clumped at the edge of the rows.  Some are smiling and some look stern.  I wonder about the lives of so many of these children.  What became of them?  It is likely that every person in this photo is no longer with us. How can this be as the children look so vibrant?  One African-American girl stands in the top row.  What became of her?  Did the other students treat her with respect?  We know of only one name in the photo and that is of Robert Orbison, who dwelled at 51 North Irvington Avenue. If you recognize any of the students or teachers in this photo, then drop me a note at williamfranklingulde@gmail.com.

Eighth Grade Graduation Photo at School IPS #57 in 1922

This historic image is courtesy of Carol Orbison.

Sliding into a New Year

In the winter of 1933, Leland (standing) and Robert Dickerson had fun in their backyard following a big snowstorm.  The Dickersons had just moved from 5823 Beechwood Avenue to 5946 University Avenue. Jesse Earl and Esther Dickerson decided to move from one bungalow to another because the University house was closer to School #85 (pictured) and the kids could cut through the backyard and never have to go near a busy street.  If you look closely, you can see that Leland is holding the family dog, Cindy.  The Dickersons would dwell at this address until finally building a new home on North Arlington Avenue in 1937.

Leland and Robert Dickerson in the backyard of 5946 University Avenue in 1933. (Note School #85 behind them.)

An Early Snapshot of Thomas Carr Howe High School--1939

Howe High School opened its doors in September of 1938.  Built atop "Violet Hill" on land formerly owned by newspaper publisher, Hilton U. Brown, the beautiful Tudor-Revival structure dominated the landscape in western Irvington.  In 1939, Leland Dickerson, a member of the first graduating class in 1941, hiked over to the school with his camera and took this shot.  Later as more students arrived, the Indianapolis Public Schools Board would construct an addition to the southeastern part of the building so this view is no longer possible.  

Thomas Carr Howe High School in 1939

This image is courtesy of Leland Dickerson.

School #85 and Arlington Avenue Photos From 1947 and c1950

Arlington Avenue used to be a narrow two-way street.  The McCleery family dwelled at 317 South Arlington throughout the 1940s and into the 1950s.  In the top photo, Wilda Lee and her brother Chuck go for a ride on the sidewalk in front of their home in 1947.  Notice how narrow the street is behind them and that a car has just gone by.  Five years after this photo was taken, Chuck was playing very close to the street and was grazed by an auto.  He had to be rushed to the doctor to receive several stitches.  His parents Lee and Jane McCleery eventually decided to move from the busy street to Beechwood Avenue.

In the second photo, a snowstorm had struck the city c1950.  School #85 looks quite beautiful amidst the trees.  These historic images are courtesy of Chuck McCleery. Many more images from this amazing collection will be posted soon.

Wilda Lee McCleery gives her little brother a ride in 1947.  The McCleerys dwelled at 317 South Arlington Avenue. You can see IPS #85 across the street.

IPS #85 (c1950) after a snowstorm

IPS #57 Grade Eight School Photo--1934

Although it would be highly unlikely today, teachers of the graduating class of 1934 from IPS #57 directed the students down Johnson Avenue from East Washington and Ritter to the Irvington Presbyterian Church for a class photo.  The church was only six years old in 1934 so perhaps the photographer, W. Frank Jones, thought that the site made for a better setting that the older school.  Most of the students are dressed in their finest despite the fact that the Great Depression likely took a toll on many Irvington households. The girls are wearing dresses and at least two of the boys are wearing ties.  One young man in the top row has his hand over his heart.  Another young man is still donning his beret.  Sadly, most of the names are the lost to the ages now so if you recognize anyone in this photo then drop me a line at sleeth28@rock.com.  This wonderful image is courtesy of Don Rouse.  His mother, Christine Bruckman, is in the front row.

Members of the grade eight class from IPS #57 pose for their graduation photo in front of the Irvington Presbyterian Church in 1934.

Historic Postcard Scenes of Irvington--1910

Stafford Engraving, managed by Charles Hackleman (34 N. Ritter Avenue), produced several images of Irvington in the early twentieth century.  In this postcard, a photographer--perhaps Mr. Hackleman-- captured three important structures in 1910.  Both the Bona Thompson Library and School #57 had only been standing for about six years.  The Engine House used to sit on the north side of East Washington Street across from School #57 near Whittier Place.  The house visible behind the Engine House along Whittier Place was demolished many years ago.

Three Scenes of Irvington in 1910

IPS #85 Images--1948 and 1951

By the late 1920s, southern Irvington was largely developed.  With the construction of numerous homes, many younger families moved into the neighborhood necessitating the erection of School #85 in the 300 block of South Arlington.  Completed in 1928, the school was named for music teacher and author George B. Loomis.  Mr. Loomis had published music books for school students and his textbooks were widely used around the United States.  He eventually became Superintendent of Music for all of the Indianapolis Public Schools.

School #85 in the 300 block of South Arlington on April 14, 2013

Entrance to School #85 

In the third image, taken in 1948, several boys gathered at the front doors of School #85. Some of the boys have been identified as:  Duane Whipple, Bruce Stewart, Jim Kollicher, Jim Burk, Bob Reed, Jerry Semler, Wayman Acres, John Robertson, and Chuck Vogt.

Several boys from School #85 (South Arlington) gathered for a photo in 1948

The fourth image, taken in 1951, shows the eighth grade class of 1951. Pictured: Front Row--L to R-David Wright, Duane Whipple, Bill Ebert, Jim Koelliker, Jean Ann Edens, John Robertson, Bob Reed. Top Row:  Suzanne Hoffman, Chuck Vogt, Lee Koertge, ?, ?, Jim Burk, Charlene Settles.  If you recognize anyone else from this photo then drop me a note at williamfranklingulde@gmail.com.

Members of the eighth grade class of 1951 from School #85

The contemporary images show the school in 2013.  The building has been readapted for offices and is in remarkable shape.  The historic images are courtesy of Chuck and Joyce Vogt.

School #85 on April 14,  2013

Traffic Patrol Boys at School #77--1942

Arlington Avenue could be a dangerous street even in 1942 so that is why School #77 commissioned patrol boys.  They helped to assist children across the street at major intersections near the school.  This former traffic patrol boy from Rushville, Indiana took his post very seriously as I worked the intersection of East 7th and Willow Street near my school in the late 1970s.  Patrol boys had to be in good standing with the school and deemed responsible by the administration before taking their posts.  In this photo, from Joyce Mitzner Smith via Ann Stewart, several patrol boys posed for a school photo in 1942.  Thankfully, we know the names of every child in this picture.  It is hard to believe that most of them are nearly 80 or older now.

Top Row:  Charles Lohman, John Farson, George Fisher, Dan Meininger, Carl Geider, Philip Smith

Bottom Row:  Bill Cowell, Paul Coutz, Jimmie McFerran, Charles Patterson

Ann Stewart remembers several of the boys in the photos.  She sadly pointed out that Philip Smith had the unfortunate diagnosis of polio while attending the school.

A special thanks to Joyce Mitzner Smith and Ann Stewart for this image and the names of the students.

Burgess Avenue Beauty--1898 and Today

Burgess Avenue curves from South Ritter up to University Avenue.  This meandering street, formerly called Grand Avenue before Irvington's annexation in 1902, was developed in the 1880s and 1890s.  While the first Irvingtonians built solid brick Italianate villas in the 1870s, the second wave constructed tall rambling Queen Ann homes.   This unusual house, located at 289 Burgess Avenue, has been home to many families since the 1890s.  Note the irregular roofline and ornamental detailing in the gables and on the porch.  The stair-stepped attic windows were another unusual feature of the dwelling.  In the top photo, children gather on the front porch (c.1898) of the house.  If you look closely, the ghostly image of the former Irvington Public School appears on South Audubon Road!  The children are dressed in their finest.  At least two of them have removed their winter boots.  The second photo, shows the Bloomfield Moore family on a snowy day in front of their grand home.  (c1898) You will note that Burgess Avenue was little more than a dirt path in the late nineteenth century.

Children stand on the porch at 289 Burgess Avenue c1898

The Bloomfield Moore family in front of 289 Burgess Avenue c1898

289 Burgess Avenue on December 27, 2012

The contemporary image was shot on December 27, 2012, after another snowstorm.  You can still see some of the original Victorian features on the home.  The historic images are courtesy of local historian, Larry Muncie.

Early Twentieth Century Views of School #57

IPS #57 is one of the oldest continuously run school buildings in the city of Indianapolis.  The school has gone through many additions and renovations since it was first constructed on the southwest corner of East Washington Street and Ritter Avenue in 1903.  The school district commissioned local architect, Herbert Foltz, to design the substantial two-story building.  Further additions in 1914 and 1922 provided much needed classroom space as the community continued to grow.  In the early 1930s, the community petitioned that the building be named after George Washington Julian, a former US Congressman and Irvington resident.  The historic photos, courtesy of Larry Muncie, show three views of the school before officials enlarged it.  Further stories about Irvington schools may be found in Irvington Stories by Larry Muncie (1992) and Greater Irvington by Paul Diebold (1997).  Oral histories conducted in the 1980s and 1990s also contain a wealth of information about the teachers and principals who worked here.  You may now access those interviews online by going to the Indianapolis Marion County Public Library's website.

School #57 c.1910

School #57 c.1908

School #57 c.1908

Mount Zion School--1892

Recently, one of our readers inquired about a one-room schoolhouse that used to sit on the westside of what is today North Arlington Avenue (Line Rd) and south of the Pleasant Run stream.  The school predated Irvington by many years.  The building in this photo was built in 1867 and replaced an earlier log cabin.  The school originally started as a Methodist school, but later became a public school serving western Warren Township.  It became the de facto school for Irvington after the founding of the neighborhood in 1870.  Obviously, the tiny school would not suffice once the neighborhood really began to grow, however, it remained in use through the nineteenth century and even after the town fathers constructed a larger school on South Audubon Road.  In this photo, taken in 1892, you can see a dignified (or perhaps stern) looking teacher and well behaved young people.  The children are dressed up for the photo with most of the boys in their knee breaches and the girls in their pretty dresses.  For more information on this forgotten school, pick up Irvington Stories (1992) by Larry Muncie. This wonderful book is now out of print, but you may find a copy at the Irvington Public Library.  I would also like to recommend Irvington:  Three Windows On Irvington History (1989) by Larry Muncie.  This gem contains a complete timeline of the most important events in the history of the neighborhood.  The community has been blessed over the years to have folks who have taken the time to chronicle the story of Irvington. The historic image is courtesy of Larry Muncie.

School #77 Photos c1949

School #77 began on September 6, 1932, to help alleviate the crowding in nearby elementary schools.  With the development of neighborhoods north of Pleasant Run Parkway and eventually along East 10th Street, Indianapolis Public Schools officials scrambled to find classroom space.  The first building was to be temporary, but would serve as a school nearly twenty years on the northeast corner of Arlington Avenue and Pleasant Run Parkway.  The school district built a more permanent structure on the site in 1952.

In these historic photos, likely taken around 1949, school children gather on the front yard of IPS #77. In the top photo, some young women raise the American flag. You will note that they have their hands over their hearts. In the second photo, patrol boys gather on the steps. If you recognize any of these folks then drop me a note at sleeth28@rock.com. The historic images are courtesy of Larry Muncie, a local historian and author.

Girls raise the flag (c1949) at IPS #77 on Arlington Avenue

Patrol Boys (c.1949) IPS #77 on Arlington Avenue

School #77 is a charter school in 2012

Irvington School of Music

 On any given day in Irvington in the early twentieth century, music could be heard emanating from various homes.  Piano and vocal teachers abounded on several streets and on warmer days, their students' lessons drifted out of the houses under the canopy of trees and along the brick streets.

On November 6, 1918, Adelaide Conte opened the Irvington School of Music at 269 South Audubon Road.  Miss Conte first came to the US as a young girl from Italy and then went back to study voice at the Conservatory of Venice.  Her new school offered all kinds of instruction in voice, piano, organ, violin, and other instruments in the parlors of the rented home.  She lived upstairs and leased out rooms to music students including Loa Delameter.  As an accomplished operatic singer, she directed the voice students, most of whom attended Butler University or nearby high schools.  Percival Owen headed up the piano department while Florence Cardiff assisted with the choral groups. Jesse Christian Brown, who lived a few houses away at 251 South Audubon taught the beginner's French classes in the house.  Mme. Cousin, a "well known teacher of French" instructed the advanced French students.

Miss Adelaide Conte (photo courtesy of Joyce Bates)

Classes were held on Wednesday and Friday evenings in the house for the advanced students.  Beginners and young children attended classes on Saturday.  Genevieve Schmutte was one of many young teachers who conducted classes for the primary students.  Talented students who could not afford to pay Miss Conte's rates could apply for a scholarship.  Students had to audition for that reward.  Miss Conte offered her courses at 269 South Audubon from 1918 till 1921.  She eventually moved her school to another house along East Washington Street.  One can only imagine the beautiful arias and less than perfect instrumental sounds coming out of these two homes.  To see a photo of her other school, click on the Conte link below.

The historic photo shows the Irvington School of Music in 1920.  The teachers are standing on the steps.  The first document is a recital program from 1921.  It is possible that the school had already moved by this time.  Genevieve Schmutte conducted the free concert at the Irvington Presbyterian Church.  Many of the names on the list are long time Irvington families.  The last document is a piece of stationary from when the school operated along South Audubon Road.  A contemporary photo, taken on May 20, 2012, shows that little has changed on the exterior since 1920.  The home was likely constructed in 1907 as a private residence.  The Spear family dwelled in the home shortly after it was built.

Teacher, Genevieve Schmutte stands second from the left in the top row.  

Provenance of the historic photo taken in 1920 and of the documents.  On April 28, 2012, I was doing yard work at my home at 269 South Audubon Road.  I had just finished mowing the backyard when I decided to go to the front and sweep the sidewalks.  I was not supposed to be home at that hour because I had the day off from the school where I teach.  It had been an unusually mild winter so we did not use any of our "snow" days so I began to tackle the high grass.  It had been a beautiful day which is why I was doing yard work.  Unbeknownst to me, Sandy Burton was on a personal odyssey.  Her grandmother, Genevieve Schmutte had died long before Sandy was born, but she was trying to find out more about her grandmother's life.  She had just cleaned out a family home that had fallen victim to vandalism and fire. As she was removing furniture, she found a box of photographs and personal documents that had belonged to her grandmother.  The box had been wet so she was not sure if there was anything worth saving.  Then, she found a photo of an unusual looking home and some recital information on a little known school in a place called "Irvington."  

She enlisted her husband and they drove down from Fishers, Indiana to explore Irvington.  In her hands, she held onto the photo of the home .  As they pulled in front of 269 South Audubon Road, I was walking with my broom in hand to finish my task.  She decided to roll down her car window.  "Excuse me, sir, I don't want to bother you, but do you live here?"  Now, you must understand that I run a blog dedicated to finding historic photos and stories of Irvington.  Despite my best efforts, historic photos of my own home had eluded me.  I immediately sensed that something wonderful was about to come my way.  "Why, yes I do.  Did you have a relative who lived in this house?"  She then got out of her vehicle and showed me the photo.  "I have been waiting for you," I replied.  We both became very excited for different reasons.  Needless to say, I gave her a complete tour of the home and she told me as much as she could about this special woman who left this planet too soon.  Sandy was also very generous with both the documents and the photo.  "I was not going to knock on your door," she told me "because I didn't want to disturb you."  I am so glad that I happened to be in the right place at the precise moment on that day.  I am very grateful to Sandy Burton for her generous spirit and gifts.  

Irvington School Commencement--1927

This commencement program from 1927 reveals a formal celebration of the 8th grade class at School #57. Note the musical selections and the number of students who had solos. The list of pupils reads like a whose who of Irvington families.

School #57--Grade 8 in 1942

This wonderful school photo needs your attention. We are trying to identify as many people as possible so take a good look and see if you recognize anyone. The photo is an eighth grade graduation picture of the class of 1942 from School #57. John Danner is the only student identified and he is standing at the far left in the middle row. If you know any of the remaining students then drop me an e-mail at sleeth28@rock.com or comment on this page. Enjoy! This image is courtesy of the Danner family.

Graduation--School #57 in 1946

In 1946, the graduating class of School #57 gathered on a beautiful day to have their photo taken. Thankfully, most of these Irvingtonians have been identified!! The photo was taken by Fitch Studios located at 24 E. 14th Street in Indianapolis. At the bottom of the photo, it appears that some of the teachers have signed their names. (Nell Heathco, Genevieve Burns, Ruth Marshall, and Lorena B) Enjoy this treasure. This image and all of the names are courtesy of Ann Stewart. (Known as Ann Hart in this photo)

Top Row: Dorice Smith, Allan Darling, Morgan Sly, Jim Bredensteiner, Joyce Mitzner, Gail Marshall, Paul Grove, Betty Jenkins, Robert Becker, Jim Hueston, Bob Routh, Margie Little, Barbara Weesner, Martha Book, Jo Stevenson, Barbara Weil

Second Row: Judy Wear, Mary Jo Reed, Dottie Curry, Thelma Waterous, Mary Hine, John Farson, Charles Wickizer, Nancy King, Ann Moreland, Barbara Lamb, Janice Miles, Nina Dallas, Joe Mulcahy, Don Ward, Bob Hudson, Ginnie Miller, Jean Scott

Third Row: Ann Hart, Martha Bolte, Mary Jo Stultz, Nancy Jo Parr, Marlane Cook, Twyla Earle, Shirley Figg, Kathy Smith, Patty Rodman, Carole Morris, Bobbie Jo Taylor, Janice Sampson, Barbara Schulmeyer, Janie Murphy, Nancy Campbell, Elaine Reel

Front Row: George King, Phil Smith, Tom Reeder, Bob Jones, Julian Morgan, David Morgan, Don Olson, Edward Hasse, Bob Craig, Don Sherry, Frank Robertson

Irvington Kindergarten--1912

Irvington has had several kindergartens over the decades. One kindergarten was located in the Missions Building on University Avenue. In this photo dated to 1912, the class poses with their two teachers. This image is courtesy of Isabelle Layman Troyer.