Butler Basketball Team--1905

The Indiana College Athletic Association was in its infancy when Butler College (later University) joined in 1905. Coached by Edgar Wingard, the team had two winning seasons in 1904 (9-1) and in 1905 (7-3).  The men played against both local high schools like Shortridge and Manual and against colleges like Indiana University and Wabash College.  In this photograph, the squad posed with their coach and championship trophy. The only known names at this time are Coach Wingard (black suit) and John Kaylor Kingsbury (top row upper right).  Mr. Kingsbury was a talented athlete and student. He grew up at 348 North Layman Avenue and later became a physician. He made history in 1925 when in his role as a doctor he rushed to the bedside of Madge Oberholtzer, who had been brutally attacked by D.C Stephenson, the Grand Dragon of the Indiana Ku Klux Klan. As she grew weaker, he summoned a stenographer to take what would later be her deathbed confession. Her words helped to bring down not only Stephenson, but also the power of the Klan in the United States. In 1905, however, young Kingsbury knew nothing of these events as he was merely celebrating a great winning season at Butler College. Mr. Wingard left Butler in 1906 for the University of Pittsburg.

Butler College basketball squad in 1905 was coached by Edgar Wingard (black suit). John Kaylor Kingsbury is located in the top row and at the far right. We are currently searching for the names of the other players.  

The historic photograph is courtesy of Kelly Wheat, a descendant of John Kaylor Kingsbury. 

Time for Basketball--1917

Members of the men's basketball team for Butler University posed for this photo in 1917.  The teams struggled through the 1910s and would not become a powerhouse for another ninety years.  Behind them, you can see the main classroom building, which was torn down in the late 1930s.  They played in a small gym located on the edge of the Irvington campus.  Future basketball teams would have the thrill of playing at the Hinkle Fieldhouse beginning in 1928 at the Fairview campus.  

Football Practice 1925

Victor and Richard Vollrath enjoy a game of football in the sidelot next to their home at 218 South Audubon Road in 1925.  The two houses behind them are 240 and 250 South Audubon Road. Off to the right of the boys, you can see the rear of two homes in the 5500 block of University Avenue.  This view is no longer possible as two small dwellings were constructed on the large lot in 1950.  This historic image is courtesy of Victor Vollrath.

Baseball Practice Along South Audubon--1920s

The Vollrath brothers loved baseball and spent many hours playing the game.  They practiced in a large empty lot just south of their home at 218 South Audubon Road.  Charles and Marie Vollrath did not own the lot, but the kids were allowed to play there.  In 2012, two small homes constructed in 1950 now sit on the large plot.

In the top photo, two Vollrath brothers play catch in the backyard of 218 South Audubon Road.  In the other two pictures, the brothers warm up before a big game in the side lot.  You can see the doubles, constructed in the early 1920s, across the street.  The historic images are courtesy of Dr. Victor Vollrath, who spent many hours playing baseball here as a child.