From The Indianapolis Star, Thursday, July 30, 1914: Patriotism is running higher and higher among members of the Indianapolis Serbian colony with every fresh bulletin from the war zone. At the Foreigners’ House, 617 W. Pearl St, a crashing, clashing conglomeration of sound could be heard as the Serbian tamburica orchestra and the Hungarian orchestra of viols, violins and flutes played national tunes across the hall from one another in a subtle declaration of rivalry. In “Little Serbia” along West Washington Street, little knots of men gather on every corner and in every doorway eagerly reading papers printed in strange lettering, talking and gesticulating. “Rata” — “War” — is frequently heard. A dozen young Serbian men left for New York determined to take the first boat back to their homeland and take up arms in its defense.
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.