100 Years Ago This Week: Sept. 23-29

From The Indianapolis Star, Thursday, September 28, 1916: Fires swept by high winds destroyed four new houses on North Sheridan Avenue in Irvington yesterday, and nine other houses were destroyed by fire on North Elder Avenue in Haughville. By the time the Irvington fire company responded to the Sheridan Avenue fire, the house at 46 N. Sheridan Av was engulfed in flames that were spreading to three additional houses at 54, 56, and 58 N. Sheridan Av. A second alarm was given, but fire-fighting apparatus was already concentrated at the west side fire. So rapidly did the flames spread that neighbors were unable to enter the homes to save furniture. While at least one Irvington home was covered by insurance, a public fund was established to help the destitute. The total loss was estimated at $35,000 (2015: $769,093).