Phi Delta Theta--1897

The Butler University Phi Delta Theta Fraternity operated in a variety of homes in Irvington. This alumni recruitment mailing reveals that the organization attempted to keep track of its former members. There are several things I enjoy about this mailing. You can see that Irvington is still an independent community in 1897. Notice the postmark. It would not be annexed by the city of Indianapolis until 1902. The image on the cards is that of former President Grant. The card was sent to A.O. Howe in Newfane, Vermont. The Howe family lived in Irvington for decades and Thomas Carr Howe would later be in charge of Butler. This document is courtesy of Matt Starr and Sean Obermeyer.

Layman Family--1912

Members of the Layman family pose for a photo in 1912. The Laymans lived at 5731 East Washington St. (demolished) Young Isabelle Layman, with the beautiful bow in her hair, looks directly at the photographer. You may read about this family in previous posts. This image is courtesy of Isabelle Layman Troyer.

Northwest Corner of East Washington St. and Arlington Avenues--Then and Now

These four photos show the significant changes that have taken place at 5930 and 5934 East Washington Streets over the years. The tiny image from 1936 (click on it to make it a little larger) shows Hattie Jones Ruhsenberger (1872-1973) and Charles A. Ruhsenberger (1869-1959) with their granddaughter Ann Hart (Stewart). The larger photo was taken in 1957 before the two homes were demolished for a filling station. The photo reveals that 5930 was a beautiful Dutch Colonial Revival home (1906). A tall tree obscures the view of 5934, but you can click on a previous post to see a 1920s era photo the front facade.

The newer "now" photos taken in the winter of 2011 reveal that the filling station has been closed and is now a tax service business. Irvington residents know the property well because of the dancing Statue of Liberty who boogies down along the sidewalk during tax season. You may see a photo of him taking a break to chat with a friend who has pulled into the lot. The historic images are courtesy of Ann Stewart.

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

Color Photo--Backyard, 5930 E. Washington St.

Henrietta Ruhsenberger Hart (1896-1969) stands next to her daughter Ann and her niece Mary Ellen Stokesberry in 1955. The Harts lived at 5930 E. Washington Street (no longer standing) and Miss Stokesberry dwelled on Burgess Avenue. Both Ann and Mary Ellen went on to have successful careers away from Irvington.

In this photo, the ladies stand in the backyard of 5930 E. Washington St. Behind them is 20 N. Arlington Avenue. (still standing). In the 1950s, Mr. and Mrs. Solon Vial lived in the Arlington Avenue bungalow with their son Bob. You can tell it was springtime as a flowering tree buds behind the women along the property line. This lovely image is counter to the present day parking lot in 2011, but perhaps in the future this lot shall be pretty again. A special thanks to Ann Stewart for providing this photo.

Ruhsenberger Family--East Washington St.

In this rare photo taken sometime between 1921 and 1924, you can get a glimpse of the northwest corner of East Washington Street and Arlington Avenue. Three homes occupied the site where a former filling station and parking lot now stands in 2011. The Ruhsenberger family dwelled at 5930 East Washington. Charles A. Ruhsenberger was a salesman and manager of Levinson's Store on Pennsylvania Street in downtown Indianapolis. His wife Hattie was a homemaker and active clubwoman in Irvington. The Ruhsenbergers lived on this corner for at least three decades.

In this photo Hattie Ruhsenberger poses with her two children Roger A. and Esterbelle. Roger had just graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy. He would later have a long life in public service for the United States government including a stint as the Deputy Commander for NATO! A graduate of Harvard University, he also helped to build the first radio station at the Pensacola, Florida naval base. You can see a small section of the porch of 5930 East Washington, but the photo provides a wonderful view of 5934 East Washington Street. Charles and Helen Owen lived in this house for decades. This image and information is courtesy of Ann Stewart. More will be coming about this interesting corner in Irvington.

Pleasant Run Parkway--1922

Martha Scott stands in her front yard at 5435 Pleasant Run Parkway. The photographer is facing east towards Ritter Avenue. Her home had only recently been built. If you look closely, you can see two people walking down the street and a car has just turned on to the parkway. This image is courtesy of Martha Scott Baum.