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Author Biography
Steven R. Barnett is Executive Director at the Irvington Historical Society.
Steve Barnett was raised in Irvington. Steve attended School #57, Howe High School (’63), and received a degree from Purdue University (’70). He served in the Indiana National Guard. After a brief hiatus from Irvington, Steve returned to his home town in 1977 with his wife Sue so their three children could grow up in a family friendly environment.
Steve had the good fortune of working with U. S. Representative Andy Jacobs, Jr. and U. S. Representative Julia Carson in the Indianapolis Congressional District Office helping constituents.
After his retirement, Steve became the executive director of the Irvington Historical Society and curator of the Bona Thompson Memorial Center until 2025. Steve was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel by Gov. Wallace G. Wilkinson for service to veterans, and he was appointed a Sagamore of the Wabash by Gov. Joseph Kernan for service to Indiana. In 2016, Steve was named Marion County Historian.
Steven R. Barnett’s Story Archive
100 Years Ago: Jan. 5-11
From The Indianapolis News, Thursday, January 10: Boozeless dance halls will be in vogue in Indianapolis in the future after Chief of Police George V. Coffin made good his word to deny a police permit to dance halls connected to barrooms. Yesterday, saloon keeper John L. Donavan failed to get … Read More
World War I 100 Years Ago: Jan. 4-11
From The Indianapolis Star, Friday, January 11: The German House is looking for a new name. Since war was declared last April, the probability of a name change has been discussed among the Socialer Turnverein Society members. The situation became tense since news that the Independent Turnverein violated government food … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: Dec. 22-28 and Dec. 29-Jan. 4
From The Indianapolis News, Tuesday, December 25: Christmas Day dawned cold and gray in Indianapolis. Many home circles were happy with family members returning to the scenes of their youth to once again greet Santa Claus. Prominent among those who came back were the boys in khaki on furlough from … Read More
World War 1 100 Years Ago: Dec. 22-28 & Dec. 29-Jan. 4
From The Indianapolis Star, Wednesday, December 26: William Fortune, Indianapolis Red Cross Chapter president, censured recent reports of disloyalty among the local chapter’s directors. In his statement, Fortune said, “…The Red Cross is trying to help to win the war by doing everything within its power for those who are … Read More
Naughty and Nice . . .
‘Tis the Season…frosty morns and ebony nights illuminated by bright multicolored lights — reflected and shimmering on moist pavement — and the scent of pine and candle wax everywhere. Shoppers scurry amid the tinkling of Salvation Army bells and children’s eyes are full of wonderful delights. A special treat might … Read More