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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
Kiddie Matinee Afternoons
Across Indianapolis from the late 1930s through the 1960s, thousands of kids could be found every Saturday afternoon at their neighborhood movie theater enjoying a special “kiddie matinee.” After paying an admission from 10ȼ to 35ȼ, the next stop was the concession stand — a box of popcorn, a cup … Read More
World War I 100 Years Ago: Feb. 24, March 2
From The Indianapolis News, Thursday, March 1: This morning’s news of Germany’s proposed alliance with Mexico and Japan to make war on the United States if this country should enter the European War saw only a slight increase in enlistments at the local U. S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: Feb. 24-March 2
From The Indianapolis News, Wednesday, February 28: The Indianapolis Dental Society petitioned the Indianapolis board of school commissioners for permission to examine the teeth of all children in the city’s public schools. This is the first tangible offer for dental inspection in the schools. The examinations would be made by … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: Feb. 17-23
From The Indianapolis Star, Wednesday, February 21: In preparation for “Bird House Day,” school children in the Indianapolis public schools are building 1,600 bird houses according to Harry E. Wood, director of manual training for the schools. The city park department has been advocating for the conservation of Indiana native … Read More
World War I 100 Years Ago: Feb. 17-23
From The Indianapolis News, Monday, February 19: At a special meeting of the directors the Indianapolis Chapter of the American Red Cross, Josiah K. Lilly offered $25,000 (2016: $476,495), on behalf of Eli Lilly & Co, for a base hospital of 500 beds in the event the United States is … Read More