Posted in: Mailbag HI Mailbag: The Sidewalks of Randolph Street

Reader’s Question: I lived all my childhood in the 2400 block of S. Randolph St.   On every corner was the name of the street in the sidewalk.  But on our street it said Nelson.  I know there is...

Read More 11 Comments

Posted in: Then & Now Indianapolis Then and Now: Woodruff Place Gazebo, 800 block West Drive

“Woodruff Place ! … The whole addition is surrounded by a massive, artistically carved stone fence; all the streets laid with Nicolson pavement; all the sidewalks with stone; gas and water pipes to each lot;...

Read More 2 Comments

Posted in: Sunday Ads Sunday Adverts: Norways for Nerves

Advertisement: eBay Concierge Doctoring… In the second half of the 19th century, organic and psychological causes of mental illness began to be identified. This led to an increase, nationwide, in the number of institutions dedicated...

Read More 3 Comments

Posted in: Indianapolis Collected Indianapolis Collected: The Fall of the House of Fletcher

When the youngest son of pioneer leader Calvin Fletcher graduated from Phillips Academy in 1865, he asked his classmates to sign an autograph book. “Dear Al,” one faded inscription reads, “As we hope to meet at...

Read More 17 Comments

Posted in: Then & Now Indianapolis Then and Now: The Payne House, 783 Middle Drive, Woodruff Place

The Indiana Album: Glass negative loaned by the Woodruff Place Civic League Woodruffian is a  tongue-in-cheek moniker used to denote one as a resident of Woodruff Place neighborhood. A ruffian (defined as “a strong and...

Read More 5 Comments

Posted in: Friday Favorites Friday Favorite: Woodruff Place Home Tour

One week from tomorrow, one of Indy’s keystone historic neighborhoods throws open many a door of hospitality, showcasing the beauty and variety of Woodruff Place. Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30 from 12-5, see...

Read More 8 Comments

Posted in: Mailbag HI Mailbag: The Henderson Motor Car Company

Reader’s Question: Do you have any information, URLs, or other references that might assist me in obtaining some ‘history’ on my Grandfather Charles P. Henderson’s short-lived auto manufacturing company, the Henderson Motor Car Co.,  around...

Read More 13 Comments

Posted in: Building Language Building Language: Dormer Windows

Dormer windows on the Ovid Butler House (1306 N Park Avenue) Dormer Windows. A dormer window is a window that projects out from a sloping roof, vertically placed, featuring its own structure with sides and...

Read More 2 Comments

Posted in: Building Language Building Language: Bay Window

Bay Window. The bay window is a favorite feature of mine on historic buildings. A bay window is a set of windows that project out from the primary wall of the structure, creating an alcove...

Read More 1 Comments

Posted in: Building Language Building Language: Soffit

Soffit. A soffitdescribes an exposed underside of an architectural element, such as an arch, cornice, eave, staircase, balcony, or beam. The underside could be elaborately ornamented or unadorned. It’s likely you’ll find a soffit in...

Read More 2 Comments

Posted in: Building Language Building Language: Shingles

Shingles. Although this architectural term should be well-known to most, I thought I’d explore some of the quirks and attributes of shingles you may not be as familiar with. As a reminder, shingles are standard...

Read More 3 Comments

Posted in: Friday Favorites Friday Favorite: Woodruff Place Springtime

Oh the love and enthusiasm of Woodruff Place in the spring…this early (record-breaking, history-making) spring is making it hard not to be madly in love with the city–especially the historic neighborhoods. What is better than...

Read More 5 Comments

Posted in: Building Language Building Language: Turret

Turret. Today’s Building Language term should be no stranger to fans of historic architecture in Indianapolis. A turret is defined as a small tower attached to a larger structure, typically found in the corner or...

Read More 2 Comments

Posted in: Building Language Building Language: Fractable

Fractable. Want to impress your friends with your architectural lexicon? Next time you see today’s Building Language, explain to them this little known architectural term. A fractable is a raised coping on the end of...

Read More

Posted in: Then & Now Indianapolis Then and Now: Swain Sanatorium 608 Middle Drive, Woodruff Place

A research project is never finished as new materials constantly come to light. After writing about Dr. Rachel Swain’s Sanatorium last April, I found a booklet about the hospital.  The fragile, sixteen-page booklet is carefully...

Read More 14 Comments

Posted in: Historic Miscellania The “Feast of Lanterns.” 1898

Did you know “Feast of Lanterns” started in Woodruff Place during the Victorian era? Came across a little article about the event in 1898. Above, likely decorated for “Feast of Lanterns” in the 1890s or...

Read More

Posted in: Historic Miscellania Woodruff Place Statuary

From the awesome series by Anton Scherrer- May 28, 1938, Indianapolis Times. Too bad so many of the statues have been damaged or removed over the years. At least there are a few left… One...

Read More