Patareka Korbly Crawford--An Irvington Artist

Several years ago, I acquired a beautiful painting of the Kile Oak and home by Patareka Korbly. The magnificent tree still stands although the Kile home is long gone. I had wondered about the artist for years. Who was she? I knew from cursory research that she dwelled at 425 North Audubon Road and that she had been a member of the Hoosier Salon, but I knew little else. Then, through a mutual friend, I was able to contact Pat Korbly Dwyer and Carole Korbly Scott, the daughter and niece of the talented artist.

The Kile Oak and Kile Home by Patareka Korbly (undated) hangs in the author's dining room

From these kind ladies, I began to learn the story of Patareka Korbly Crawford. Born to Henry and Hazel Elfner, Patareka was one of three daughters. She spent part of her childhood at 5845 East Michigan Street. Her father, Henry, was an engineer for the International Harvester plant on Brookville Road just south of Irvington. He actually patented a "black-out" light that companies could use during World War II. Hazel stayed home and raised the kids.

Patareka Elfner attended Howe High School. This shot was likely taken in 1941 or 1942. (photo courtesy of Pat Dwyer)

Patareka attended Howe High School and was a member of a sorority referred to as the "Subdebs." At some point, the seventeen-year-old met Bernard Korbly, a newly-practicing attorney. He was 23 years old. They surprised their friends and family by getting married at city hall by Mayor Reginald Sullivan on July 31, 1942. The couple immediately set up housekeeping in the Korbly home at 425 North Audubon Road. They would have two children, Patareka (Pat) and Bernard, Jr. (Bernie).

While she had no formal training other than a sculpture course in St. Louis, Patareka was drawn to her creative side. She loved to decorate; she held elegant dinner parties; and eventually turned to painting. Her favorite subjects included nature, portraits, birds, flowers, boats, and everyday life. In the early years, she painted with oils. Later, she worked almost exclusively with water colors. She would also paint on any surface. Today, her work can be found on canvasses, T-shirts, milk jugs, birdhouses, and even the backs of historic clocks. She loved to go "junking" with friends and family. She would take ordinary items found in thrift shops and turn these pieces into works of art. Later, she jumped in an orange van and drove around the country to paint in plein air settings. Her daughter, Pat, reports that she would sell her art at various festivals. She painted covered bridges, waterfalls, and farm scenes from her portable easel.

Patareka, Pat, and Bernard Korbly posed for this photo most likely in 1947 (courtesy of Pat Dwyer)

Patareka Korbly c1945 (courtesy of Pat Dwyer)

Patareka Korbly frequently painted in the plein air. In these two photographs, you can see her with her easel near a covered bridge in Parke County, Indiana (courtesy of Pat Dwyer)

"The Lighthouse" by Patareka Korbly (courtesy of Pat Dwyer)

Patareka Korbly painted this winter scene on the back of a clock. (photo courtesy of Chris Dwyer)

Market scene by Patareka Korbly (courtesy of Chris Dwyer)

Both the painting and the lamp shade were painted by Patareka Korbly. The subject of the painting was of the author herself as a young girl. (courtesy of Pat Dwyer)

The Korblys later divorced and both remarried. Patareka Crawford, her name after 1980, eventually moved to Florida where she continued to paint for the remainder of her life. She passed away in 2003. Her work still hangs in homes throughout the Midwest and in Florida. The beautiful scene that hangs in my dining room has more meaning now that I know story of this creative woman. I envision her orange van parked along Beechwood Avenue on a sunny day while she stood on the Kile property painting the majestic beauty that still shades a part of southern Irvington.

Artist, Patareka Elfner Korbly Crawford, painting outside. (photo courtesy of Pat Dwyer)

The Korblys of 425 North Audubon Road (1915-1973)

For fifty-eight years, a member of the Korbly dwelled in the lovely home at 425 North Audubon Road. Bernard and Margaret Crim Korbly purchased the house in 1915 from the Kendall family and lived there until their deaths in 1935 and 1942 respectively. Bernard, Jr. and his brother John were raised in the house. At least two different servants also dwelled with the Korblys including Verona Seng. Miss Sing remained with the Korblys for decades.

Upon Mrs. Korbly's passing in 1942, Bernard Jr. and John inherited the property. Bernard Jr. bought out his brother, but John did not move far away as he purchased a home at 5814 Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive.

In 1942, Bernard Korbly, Jr, a newly-practicing attorney, surprised his friends and family when he married seventeen-year-old Patareka Elfner at city hall on July 31, 1942. Indianapolis Mayor, Reginald Sullivan, conducted the service. The couple immediately set up housekeeping at 425 North Audubon Road.

Mr. Korbly was very active in the Democratic Party just like his father. In 1950, he won the Democratic primary for Superior Judge but lost during the general election. Mrs. Korbly stayed home and raised their two children, Bernard, Jr. (the third Bernard!) and Patareka also known as Pat.

Pat Korbly Dwyer and her cousin Margaret Korbly Scott have many fond memories of life at 425 North Audubon Road. Pat's Mom, Patareka, was very artistic and created beautiful tables and elegant dinners for guests. The home was decorated with antiques. Mrs. Korbly later operated an antique store near Irvington. The Korblys hosted large Christmas gatherings. On Christmas Eve, the Korbly clan gathered for a lobster dinner near a giant Christmas tree. Every room in the house was decorated or lit up with Christmas bulbs. On Christmas Day, Mrs. Korbly's family, the Elfners, would arrive.

Much of the furniture in the house had been passed down from the earlier Korblys who dwelled there. Large oriental rugs covered beautiful hardwood floors. In the winter, the home could be quite cool as not all of the windows were air-tight. One night, the family awoke to a large crash downstairs. Mr. Korbly grabbed his gun while the rest of the family stayed upstairs. He crept down and saw movement in the house so he raised his gun and fired. Upon investigation, the family was relieved to learn that a wind had blown open a door and it was the billowing curtains he had seen in the dark.

The Korblys attended Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church as did their housekeeper, Verona Seng. They were also active members of the Irvington Historical Society. In 1966, they hosted an ice cream social on their property to help raise funds for the organization.

In the next post, the artist Patareka Elfner Korbly will be featured.

Friends gathered at 425 N. Audubon on January 11, 1936: (left to right) Bernard Korbly, Jr., Tom Harrison holding "Judge," Bob Insley, John Korbly (image courtesy of Pat Dwyer)

Christmases were festive at the Korbly home at 425 North Audubon Road. In this image, snapped in 1957, Bernie, Pat, Patareka, and Bernard Korbly posed near their large Christmas tree. (image courtesy of Pat Dwyer)

Bernard and Paul Korbly inherited their family's cabin in Brown County, Indiana. They later sold it in the late 1940s. (image courtesy of Pat Dwyer)

Bernard and Patareka Elfner Korbly were married on July 31, 1942  (Indianapolis News, August 14, 1942)

Patareka and Bernard Korbly in 1966 (Image courtesy of Pat Dwyer)

In 1959, the Korblys considered selling their home at 425 North Audubon Road, but in the end they remained for another fourteen years. (Indianapolis Star, February 22, 1959)

425 North Audubon Road in 2018

Kendall Home Sold to Korbly Family in 1915

Calvin Kendall, the Superintendent of Public Schools for the city of Indianapolis, built a beautiful home on two acres of ground at 425 North Audubon Road in 1909. Within a year, he had been offered a similar position in Trenton, New Jersey so he put his beautiful property on the market. It took four years, but on May 22, 1915, the Indianapolis News announced that Bernard and Margaret Korbly had purchased the place for the hefty sum of $10,000.

Members of the Korbly family would dwell in the stucco-clad residence for much of the twentieth century. Bernard Korbly earned a comfortable income as an attorney. He first started as a partner in his father's firm. In 1919, he formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, John G. McNutt. He also served as the counsel for the Indianapolis Power and Light Company where he would serve on the board of directors. An active Democrat, Mr. Korbly involved himself in a variety of roles for that party including as the state chair in 1912, 1913, 1914, and 1916. He attempted to run for public office as a judge, but was defeated.

Mr. Korbly married Margaret Crim in 1915. Mrs. Korbly was a very beautiful woman. Her grandchildren still recall her vivid blue eyes. She stayed home and raised the couple's two sons, Bernard, Jr. and John. She was keenly interested in Indiana history and collected items related to the early history of the city and the state. Her obituary noted that she also authored several articles on Indiana history.

The beautiful property was an incredible place for Bernard Jr. and John to grow up along. Pleasant Run Creek abuts the rear of the backyard and tall trees dominated the area. This section of Audubon Road was dubbed "Lovers Lane" by the locals. It was and is a quiet oasis amidst a vibrant neighborhood.

Mr. Korbly died first in 1935. Mrs. Korbly lived until 1942 leaving the property to her two young sons. Their story will be told in the next post.

The Korbly family moved into 425 North Audubon Road in the spring of 1915. They purchased the home from the Kendall family. This image was likely snapped in 1920. 

The Korbly home at 425 North Audubon Road in the winter of 1920 (image courtesy of Pat Dwyer) 

This image was taken on in the winter of 1920. The photographer was standing on North Audubon Road facing Michigan Street. The two houses in the photograph are located at 410 North Audubon Road and 425 North Audubon Road (image courtesy of Pat Dwyer) 

Bernard Korbly was an attorney and active member of the Democratic Party in Indiana. (Image scanned from Fellow Citizens of Indianapolis, 1926) 

Margaret Crim Korbly was a writer and member of the Women's Press Club. She was also interested in Indiana History. (image courtesy of Pat Dwyer)

Bernard Korbly, Jr. posed in  his sled in front of 425 North Audubon Road on January 26, 1920 (image courtesy of Pat Dwyer)

John and Bernard Korbly grew up at 425 North Audubon Road. The image was taken on April 3, 1922. (image courtesy of Pat Dwyer) 

Sources:  Interview with Patareka (Pat) Korbly Dwyer and Carole Scott Korbly, the granddaughters of Bernard and Margaret Korbly, September 21, 2018; Newspaper articles: "Buys the Kendall Home," Indianapolis News, May 22, 1915, 16; "Bernard Korbly Dies at Irvington Home," Indianapolis Star, March 30, 1935, 11; "Mrs. Korbly Dies in Hospital Here," Indianapolis News, April 29, 1942, 22.

New Residence For Sale--1947

Throughout the summer and into the autumn of 1947, realtors advertised the sale of a brand new brick home at 6131 East Tenth Street.  Designed in the Cape Cod style, the dwelling was listed at $19, 500, a large sum for that year. Developers hoped that the post-war real estate boom in Indianapolis would continue as returning World War II veterans married, started their families, and needed proper housing. It appears that the first family to move into the lovely house was Morgan V. and Mary R. Ray. Mr. Ray was a sales manager for the F.S. Royster Fertilizer Company. They had two sons, Phillip and Morgan, Jr. The home went back on the market in 1955 and was eventually purchased by the Epping family. Several others have called the residence "home" over the years.

Little has changed in the seventy years since this attractive brick home at 6131 East 10th Street was constructed in 1947.  Ads in the summer of 1947, touted the home's proximity to the Pleasant Run Golf Course.  (image courtesy of the Indianapolis Star, July 27, 1947)

Bertram Day--A Poet and Businessman in Irvington

Bertram C. Day, a prominent businessman, and his wife, Alice Temple Day, moved into Irvington in 1905. The couple hailed from Tecumseh, Michigan and had only been married for two years. Mr. Day's talent in the business world of Indianapolis quickly materialized in both the insurance and real estate realms. The couple first rented a double at 5446 University Avenue and then at 245 South Audubon Road. By 1910, they lived in one of the most beautiful homes in Irvington, a lovely arts and craft dwelling at 251 South Audubon Road.  At the age of 35, Mr. Day purchased a large tract of land for an undisclosed price at North Audubon Road along the Pleasant Run Creek from the Beveridge family in 1916. The property came with four houses. He and his wife rented a double at 18 North Campbell Avenue while they sold and redeveloped their new real estate. The Days moved into a stunning new custom-built brick home at 46 North Audubon Road in 1923.

While he was busy making money, Mr. Day was also composing sonnets and poetry in his spare time. He traveled on a Chautauqua speaking circuit from 1916 through 1918. His writings and speeches had a Christian slant and were frequently guides for how to live a purposeful life. Some of his earliest works included Song of the Senses and The Secret of Character Building, both published before 1919. The Days traveled the world and even boasted that they had properly been around the world at least once.  Sometimes, Mr. Day gave speeches to local church groups about his travels. In 1931, a writer for the Munster Times in northern Indiana wrote that Mr. Day's speech on Venice "was so absorbingly interesting that the audience felt as if it had actually taken the Italian trip."

By 1931, Mr. Day was president of the Northern States Life Insurance Company based in Hammond, Indiana although he kept his primary residence in Irvington. In that year, he published Sonnets of a Sojourner.  His stanzas were written in the Elizabethan style and he boasted to a reporter that he had produced more sonnets than Shakespeare.

In 1934, residents of Irvington were shocked to learn that Mr. Day had been indicted on charges of fraud in his capacity as president of the Northern States Life Insurance Company. Five other men were also indicted in Chicago and arrested. The subsequent trial made national headlines as the insurance company fell into receivership. Throughout the 1920s, Mr. Day had led camps of YMCA boys on how to avoid temptations and "traps" in life. Now, he found himself in a serious trap.

As the proceedings of the trial dragged on in the winter of 1934, Mr. Day continued to write sonnets. One of his works was clearly written to appease Judge Epstein with the title, "The Honest Judge." He maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings once pleading, "how could a man who writes such beautiful sonnets and teaches Sunday School be convicted?" The jury agreed and on February 2, 1934, Bertram Day along with one other defendant was found not guilty. The Muncie Star Press reported that Mr. Day wept upon hearing the verdict.

Mr. Day never went back into the business world and retired to his home on Audubon Road where he composed more poetry and went back on the church-speaking circuit. Eventually, the childless couple moved to Florida. Mrs Day, an active clubwoman and church soloist, died in 1955. Mr. Day died in 1961 at the age of 89. The couple are buried in their hometown cemetery in Tecumseh, Michigan. Bertram Day's work has largely been forgotten today and his books are out of print and rarely found.

As early as 1910, Indiana newspapers began reporting on Bertram Day as an inspirational speaker. He later toured with a Chautauqua circuit from 1916-1918. (image courtesy of Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, February 3, 1919)

The Days dwelled in several Irvington homes before settling down at 46 North Audubon Road. In the 1910s, they rented this spacious double at 18 North Campbell Avenue. (image taken on August 23, 2018)

Bertram Day worked for at least three insurance companies. He was president of the Crescent Life Insurance Company and later the Northern States Life Insurance Company. This image was snapped of him in 1926 and appeared in Fellow Citizens of Indianapolis.

Mr. Day became quite popular throughout the state so much so that he frequently endorsed products. This ad appeared in the Indianapolis News on June 9, 1925.

An ad for "The Dawn" by Bertram Day appeared in the Indianapolis News on December 22, 1926. He wrote it as a warning for young men to stay out of crime. Ironically, he would later be involved in his own criminal suit in 1934. 

The Days moved into the beautiful home at 46 North Audubon Road in 1923. They moved away from Irvington in the early 1940s when they relocated to Florida. This photo of the house appeared in the Indianapolis Star on August 1, 1962.

46 North Audubon Road in 2018

Sources:  Bertram Day as a speaker:  "Will hear from Bertram Day This Evening," Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, February 13, 1919, 6; "Bertram Day Tells Baptists of Venice," Munster Times, March 20, 1931, 28;
     Bertram Day as an Author: "Bertram Day Pens Charming Sonnets From View Point of Sojourner," Munster Times, November 28, 1931, 5; "Bertram Day," Indiana Authors and Their Books, Crawfordsville, Indiana, 1974, 156.
       Bertram Day Biographical Information:  Federal Census records; "Beveridge Property is Bought by Bertram Day," Indianapolis News, April 17, 1916, 14; "Bertram Day Writes Poetry in Jail," Munster Times, January 26, 1934, 37; "Jurors Debate Fate of 6 Men in Fraud Trial," Munster Times, February 3, 1934, 25; "Acquitted Man Weeps," Muncie Star Press, February 4, 1934, 6.

Returning From the Front: A Joyful Christmas Reunion--1945

With World War II over in 1945, many veterans began to stream back to their families. In Irvington, the Booth family at 280 South Downey Avenue had a special reason to celebrate Christmas in 1945 as two of their sons and two of their son-in-laws made it back safely. Dr. John Booth, the Executive Secretary for the Board of Church Extension (Disciples of Christ) and his wife Corinne Schultz Booth busily prepared for the big day. Mrs. Booth kept a diary so we know that all six of the Booth children and their spouses made it home for the big day.

On Sunday, December 23, 1945, Mabel Booth Bergesen, the oldest daughter, and her family arrived  to 280 South Downey Avenue around 11:00PM. The Chicago crew would have been there earlier, but their car broke down in Dyer, Indiana and they had trouble finding a mechanic. The Bergesens were wise to have left on Sunday as a fierce storm slammed most of the Midwest on Christmas Eve. Ice and heavy rain battered the city of Indianapolis. Inside the Booth home, however, preparations were underway for the Christmas Eve dinner. Mrs. Booth likely had help from her daughters and in-laws in the kitchen. We know from her diary that she baked a turkey and several pies. As heavy rain mixed in with some ice lashed at the windows, the family sat down for a series of portraits.

The four veterans in the house that night must have breathed a sigh of relief at being home. John Booth, Jr. served as a Second Lieutenant Navigator in the Army Air Corps. George Booth served in Patton's Seventh-Armored Army Division. He saw house-to-house combat in mop-up operations in Germany. Eugene Fife, Jr, the husband to Jean Booth, was deployed as a Lieutenant JG in the Navy in both fronts of the war. Bill Watkins, the husband of Marjorie Booth, fought in the Red Bull Division (34th Infantry) in North African and Italy. All four men made it home safely and now found themselves on that stormy night surrounded by their family.

Mrs. Booth recorded in her diary that the family arose quite early on Christmas Day. They shared breakfast and then Grandpa Booth passed out presents. The weather outside continued to deteriorate with roads becoming icy. Mrs. Booth noted that the day was rather "quiet" with lunch and dinner served from the "remnants" of the feast on Christmas Eve. Oscar Bergesen, a talented illustrator and husband to Mabel Booth, began to paint a portrait of Dr. John H. Booth. It took him several days to complete it.

It wouldn't be the last gathering at 280 South Downey Avenue. In fact, it became a tradition for the family to gather at the home on Thanksgiving as well. Mac Fife, the grandson to Dr. John and Corinne Booth, remembers that his Grandmother would sit at one end of the table and his Grandfather would sit at the other end. Dr. Booth always carved the turkey. Idelle Booth Barnett, a daughter to the couple, always brought her delicious rice salad. Mac Fife noted that some of his happiest childhood memories were spent at that dining room table at 280 South Downey Avenue.

The Booth family gathered on Christmas Eve, 1945 at the home of Dr. John and Corinne Booth at 280 South Downey Avenue. Standing (left or right) John Booth, Jr., Jean Booth Fife, Idelle Booth Barnett, Mabel Booth Bergesen, Marjorie Booth Watkins, and George Booth; Seated Dr. John H. Booth and Mrs. Corinne Booth (image courtesy of Mac Fife)

Christmas Eve, 1945 at the Booth family home at 280 South Downey Avenue; Standing (left to right) Eugene Fife, Jr, Jean Booth Fife, William "Bill" Watkins holding Marjorie Grace Watkins; Oscar Bergesen, George Booth, John H. Booth, Jr; Seated on the sofa arm-Marjorie Booth Watkins: Children standing behind the couch--John Eric Bergesen, John Charles Booth, Julie Booth; Standing next to Idelle Barnett: Ann Barnett, Gwendolyn Barnett, David Barnett, and Carolyn "Dee Dee" Barnett; Seated on couch--Karen Bergesen, Mabel Booth Bergesen, Corinne Schultz Booth, Dr. John H. Booth, Dorothy "Dot" Booth (married to John, Jr.); Seated on chair--Gwynne Barnett (husband to Idelle Booth) and the kids on his lap are Cynthia Barnett, and Doug Barnett  (image courtesy of Mac Fife)

Home from World War II on Christmas Eve, 1945 at 280 South Downey Avenue (left to right) John Booth, Jr., George Booth, Jr., Bill Watkins (husband to Marjorie Booth Watkins), and Eugene "Gene" Fife, Jr. (husband to Jean Booth Fife) (image courtesy of Mac Fife)

Oscar Bergesen, the son-in-law to Dr. John and Corinne Booth began painting this portrait of Dr. John Booth on Christmas Day, 1945 at 280 South Downey Avenue. Mr. Bergesen was married to Mabel Booth, the oldest daughter of the couple. He was an illustrator.  The Bergesens dwelled in Chicago.  (image courtesy of Mac Fife)

Sources:  Diary entries from Corinne Schultz Booth; Interview with Mac Fife, the grandson of John and Corrine Booth; "Storm Ties Up Traffic," Indianapolis Star, December 25, 1945, 1.

The Marriage of Gene and Jean: A Wedding Celebration on Downey Avenue--1942

1942 had been a difficult year for the Allied powers during World War II. Many young men and some young women were heading off to various fronts. Worry gripped Irvington families as they bid good bye to their loved ones. The Germans and Japanese had gained significant ground. Under these frightful times, Eugene Fife, Jr. and Jean Booth decided to marry. The handsome couple had met at Butler University. Jean had been named Queen of the May her senior year. Eugene or Gene had deep ties to the campus because his mother Evelyn Henderson had been a professor of theater at the college. Gene had already graduated from an officer's school for the US Navy on the Notre Dame campus so the couple decided to tie the knot on September 30, 1942, before he shipped out to sea.

Jean dwelled at 280 South Downey Avenue. She was the fourth child of Dr. John and Corinne Booth. Dr. Booth was an ordained minister for the Disciples of Christ although he worked for the Board of Church Extension as the Executive Secretary. He read the vows to the couple on the day of their wedding in the Downey Avenue Christian Church. The ceremony took place at 4:00PM. It had been a gloriously sunny day. Marjorie Booth Watkins, a sister to Jean, served as her maid of honor while Roscoe Batts served as Gene's best man.  The couple hosted a small reception in the foyer of the church, a building that no longer stands in Irvington as church leaders replaced it with the current edifice in 1952.

After the ceremony, the families walked or drove down to 280 South Downey Avenue where the Booths hosted a dinner for the young couple. Mr. Fife had graduated from the Indiana University Law School in 1939 so he was able to resume his law career once the war was over. At some point in the day, the Booths and the Fifes gathered for a few photographs. In one image, the couple posed next to their parents in the front yard at 280. Behind them, you can see the brand new home at 261 South Downey Avenue. It would not be long before Gene was shipped out to sea for the war effort. Jean followed him to whichever port he was based in. Thankfully, he came home from the war and the couple settled in Indianapolis although not in Irvington. Gene later became an elected judge in Marion County. The couple had two children.

Jean Booth posed for the photograph c1940, a few years before her wedding in the front yard at 280 Downey Avenue. No houses stood across the street at that point as the Thompson/Hibben mansion had been torn down and none of the smaller homes in the 200 block had been built yet. 

Every May, Butler students crowned a Queen of the May.  Jean Booth of 280 South Downey Avenue, received this honor in 1938.

The Fifes and Booths gathered for a family photo on the day of Eugene Fife, Jr. and Jean Booth's wedding on September 30, 1942.  Behind them, you can see the newly built Cobb family home at 261 S. Downey Avenue. Pictured (left to right): Eugene Fife, Sr., Evelyn Henderson Fife, Eugene Fife, Jr, Jean Booth Fife, Corinne Schultz Booth, Dr. John H. Booth

Jean Booth Fife stood next to her sister and maid of honor, Marjorie Booth Watkins on September 30, 1942. Behind the young women you can see 261 South Downey Avenue.

The happy couple, Eugene Fife, Jr. and his new bride, Jean Booth Fife, posed in the front yard at 280 South Downey Avenue on September 30, 1942. 

Eugene Fife, Jr. and his wife, Jean Booth Fife posed in the "woods" next to the Booth home at 280 South Downey Avenue in the spring of 1943. Mr. Fife served in the Navy during World War II.  Mrs. Fife followed him from port to port throughout the war.

The historic images and stories for this post are courtesy of Mac Fife, the son of Eugene and Jean Booth Fife.