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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
WHO’S IN – WHO’S OUT
Nearly fifty years ago Indianapolis and Marion County government changed with “Unigov,” as the unified government for the Consolidated City of Indianapolis was called. The city limits became coterminous with the county lines and the mayor of Indianapolis became the county executive. The county assessor, auditor, and treasurer became the … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: Oct. 27-Nov. 2
From The Indianapolis News, Saturday, October 27: A parade of several hundred used automobiles snorted and groaned and squeaked their way along the streets of downtown Indianapolis opening “Used Car Week.” Many cars of ancient vintage from the days when Elwood Haynes, Steven Duryea, the Appersons and Charles H. Black … Read More
World War I 100 Years Ago: Oct. 27-Nov. 2
From The Indianapolis News, Tuesday, October 30: This was the first meatless day in Indianapolis. Diners cheerfully perused restaurant and cafe menus containing palatable meat substitutes of chicken, turkey, goose rabbit, fish, oysters, eggs, and frog legs. Proprietors from the expensive to the lowly eateries received so many compliments that … Read More
World War I 100 Years Ago: Oct. 20-26
From The Indianapolis News, Saturday, October 20: Consumers are advised to save their sugar. The sugar supply in Indianapolis is shrinking and wholesalers are limiting retailers’ orders to 100 pounds. The European War is the primary cause of the shortage because Cuban sugar cane growers are supplying most of Europe. … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: Oct. 20-26
From The Indianapolis Star, Thursday, October 25: The concluding races for the boys city bicycle championships will be held Saturday at the State Fair Grounds half-mile dirt track. Charles Wehr, City Parks Cycle Club supervisor, announced that there will be five bicycle events – one quarter-mile race, one half-mile race, … Read More