IRVINGTON — The Irvington Historical Society will hold its annual Ice Cream Social on Sunday, August 3rd, 1-4 p.m. at the Bona Thompson Memorial Center, 5350 University Ave. Enjoy cake and ice cream (furnished by Wyliepalooza), and listen to music from the White River Jazz Band.
This year is extra-special — it is the 50th anniversary of the Irvington Historical Society’s founding. Started with just a few residents who wanted to preserve Irvington’s landmarks, the organization grew to over 236 members in the first year. The first community event the Society sponsored was the Ice Cream Social, which has been held every year since, rain or shine.
The IHS has been instrumental in preserving the architectural gems in Irvington, including the Bona Thompson Memorial Center and the Benton House. The organization also focuses on collecting and preserving the works of Hoosier School artists, especially those who lived or worked in Irvington. As a result, the IHS has gathered one of the best collections of Hoosier School art in Central Indiana.
The Society is also gearing up to help celebrate the upcoming 2016 Bicentennial of Indiana Statehood by hosting a series of events. The first one will be on Aug. 2 from 2-4 p.m. at the Bona, with a Warren Township Pioneer Day. The descendants of the Warren Township pioneer families are invited to attend and participate in a program recalling their families’ contributions to the settlement of the east side. They are encouraged to bring photos and artifacts to help tell their family story.
The IHS headquarters in the Bona Thompson boasts of many interesting exhibits, including a scale model of Butler University when it was located in Irvington. Downstairs, the Angels of West Baden are on permanent display. Upstairs in the building, there are exhibits of many aspects of Irvington’s past. Downstairs is an exceptional collection of art, and rotating exhibits.
Go inside the Bona to see their latest exhibit featuring unique and bizarre things Irvington residents have found in their attics, basements, yards and crawl spaces. Visitors can take a peek at everything from erectile dysfunction medicine from the 1930s to mummified animals found within the boundaries of Irvington.
Admission to the Bona is free; donations are encouraged.