Posted in: Then & Now Indianapolis Then & Now: 10th & Delaware

With deepest thanks to Jeff Congdon for the generous donation of a scanner. Without the immense contributions of the Jewish community throughout Indianapolis history, the city would not have become the place we currently know,...

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Posted in: Editorial Community Involvement? The New Year’s Resolution Starter Kit

Today’s question/ prompt is: How do you want get involved in your community this year? Sure, we can rattle off all the exciting things in the HI pipeline…but let’s just summarize it by saying: We’re...

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Posted in: Then & Now Indianapolis Then & Now: Von Spreckelsen Cottage/Cottage Home Community Space 722 N. Highland Avenue

This charming Folk Victorian cottage was built at 722 N. Highland Avenue in the 1880s by carpenter John Amandus von Spreckelsen (1859-1933). The German-born carpenter came from a family of plaster workers, carpenters, and contractors....

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Posted in: Heritage Steward Heritage Steward: Lorraine Phillips Vavul

*As a side note, this week we wanted to showcase a devoted volunteer who works at this job in addition to a daytime career; there are so many ways to make a difference to history...

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Posted in: Sunday Prayers Sunday Prayers: Commercial Building at Alabama & 19th

Due to the surprise unearthed in today’s Sunday Advert–knowing Taggart Bread formerly had a shop where this little gem sits–it seemed the perfect time to bring up something that ruffles my inner Polyanna a bit....

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Posted in: Then & Now Indianapolis Then and Now: Fletcher Triangle Park Brookside and Arsenal Avenues

“Placemaking” is a popular word among planning types these days. The word originated in the 1960s and refers to the philosophy and process of creating places where people will want to gather. As expressed in...

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Posted in: Then & Now Indianapolis Then and Now: IOOF Capital Lodge 2102 E. Washington Street

In May 1927 a tornado slammed into the east side of Indianapolis destroying dozens of buildings. This photo, looking east on East Washington Street toward the intersection of Hamilton Avenue, shows some of the damage...

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Posted in: Historic Miscellania Visit the Oldest Public Library Branch in the City, Englewood’s East Washington Branch

2822 East Washington Street library, “Indianapolis Public Library” “Branch No. 3” claims the distinction of being the oldest Indianapolis public library building still being used for its original purpose. The building is one of the...

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Posted in: Historic Miscellania Deep rooted history in Mapleton-Fall Creek

Usually, I gravitate towards the neighborhoods nearest to the Mile Square–the older, the better for this gal; and I assumed all of the longest inhabited areas in the city are only centered around that original...

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