From The Indianapolis News, Tuesday, February 17, 1914: It was an industrious householder who had the snow cleared from the sidewalk in front of his premises today, before the policeman on the beat appeared in the neighborhood to spread the glad news that an 1899 city ordinance requiring the removal of snow from sidewalks was going to be enforced. Young men found a profitable business in following the policemen around. On one north side beat a crowd of snow shovelers followed a policeman from house to house. The policeman would go into a house, order the snow cleaned off the sidewalk, and a few minutes later one of the shovelers would go in and apply for the job. Board of public works members insisted the ordinance be enforced after receiving many complaints about the lack of compliance.
If you would like a collection of these “100 Years Ago this Week” the Bona Thompson Memorial Center, 5350 E. University (Irvington) has the last 3 years in 3 booklets – $10 per set. They are open Wed. 1-3pm, Sat. & Sun.1-4pm. All proceeds benefit the Irvington Historical Society.