Indianapolis Neighborhoods

Once a Town, Now a Campus: History of Shooters Hill

Exploring the history of the small town of Shooters Hill which is now part of the Butler University campus.

Jun 16, 20255 min read

Gus Barthel and the Little Deutsche House in Broad Ripple

Exploring the story of Gus Barthel of Broad Ripple and his roadhouse named the Little Deutsche Haus.

Apr 30, 20258 min read

Huffman Cemetery: Tracking Down a Graveyard in the Heart of Broad Ripple

Exploring the history of the Huffman Cemetery in the Broad Ripple neighborhood of Indianapolis.

Jun 20, 20247 min read

South Indianapolis: A Tale of Two Suburbs

Exploring the history of two towns which both bore the name South Indianapolis.

Feb 14, 20248 min read

Meet Me at the Vu: The History of the Ron-D-Vu drive-in restaurant in Butler-Tarkington

Exploring the history of a popular drive-in restaurant which was once located in Butler-Tarkington at 52nd and Westfield Blvd.

Aug 22, 20236 min read

Fishing, Dancing, and Drinking: The History of Shannon’s Lake

Exploring the history of Shannon's Lake, one of the few natural lakes in Marion County, and a scene of recreation and frivolities.

Jul 15, 202310 min read

The Chase Bank Building at Westfield Blvd. and Illinois St.: A Long History of Being a Bank

Exploring the rather straightforward history of the Chase bank building at Illinois and Westfield Boulevard in Butler-Tarkington.

Jun 19, 20234 min read

Gambling, Baseball, Beer and Fast Times: The History of Brighton Beach in Indianapolis

Exploring the history of the Brighton Beach area of Indianapolis, the site of saloons, gambling, and baseball at the turn of the century.

Apr 18, 202314 min read

The History of the Mutual Service Association Camp in Butler-Tarkington

A post about the history of the Mutual Service Association camp in Butler-Tarkington revealed a tragic event associated with the camp.

Mar 10, 20236 min read

The Founding and Early History of Rocky Ripple, 1910(ish)-1940

Exploring the founding and early history of the town of Rocky Ripple in Indianapolis.

Sep 21, 202211 min read

Then and Now: 19th Street and the Monon Trail

A quick Then & Now and history of the intersection of 19th and Monon Trail in Indianapolis.

Aug 8, 20225 min read

The Past and Uncertain Future of the former IPS School #86

The School 86 building has been a part of the history of Butler-Tarkington since the late 1920's, although its future is now in doubt.

May 25, 20229 min read

Early Integration and Segregation in the Butler-Tarkington Neighborhood

First in a series of posts about the history of Butler-Tarkington, here we look at the racial integration of the area in 1920-1940.

May 6, 20228 min read

Then and Now: The Intersection of Senate Avenue and Washington Street

Taking a look at the history of downtown Indianapolis using a 'then and now' scene from the sketches of Christian Schrader.

Apr 28, 20228 min read

Indianapolis Fire Department and the 1973 Grant Fire: “The finest moment this department ever had.”

Examining one of the largest fires in the history of Indianapolis, and the efforts of the Indianapolis Fire Department in fighting the fire.

Feb 12, 202216 min read

Uncovering the Remains of the Shortridge High School Athletic Field

Examining the remains of the former Shortridge High School football field which was once located in Butler-Tarkington.

Nov 22, 20217 min read

A Residential Island In the Valley Neighborhood

Exploring the history of a remnant of the larger residential neighborhood which used to make up The Valley area of West Indianapolis

Oct 18, 20215 min read

eBay Find: Nathaniel West and the Purchase of Land in Indianapolis

Exploring the history behind a historical document found on eBay which details the sale of land early in the history of Indianapolis.

Oct 2, 20219 min read

Remembering the 12th Street and Canal Crossing Through the Photography of O. James Fox

Exploring the history of the neighborhood around 12th Street and the Canal in Indianapolis through the photography of O. James Fox.

Aug 27, 20219 min read

Constructing a Neighborhood Landmark: Meridian Street Methodist Church

Exploring the history of the Meridian Street Methodist Church's location in Butler-Tarkington.

Jul 24, 20215 min read