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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
East Side Field of Dreams
“Don’t forget the batteries,” was probably among the parting remarks from Mrs. Claus to Santa before he made his recent magical yearly trip. For five decades many of the batteries that powered mechanical toy wonders beneath the Christmas tree and ran the cameras that captured memorable holiday moments came from … Read More
100 Years Ago: Dec. 25-Jan. 7
From The Indianapolis News, Monday, December 27, 1915: Sweet voices of children singing Christmas carols filled Irvington last night as carolers, little flaxen-haired tots and big Boy Scouts, went from house to house along North Audubon Road and adjacent avenues summoning households with the ring of a doorbell to gather … Read More
World War I 100 Years Ago: Dec. 25-Jan. 7
From The Indianapolis Times, Monday, December 27, 1915: Rev. Albert Hurlstone, in his sermon at Roberts Park Methodist Episcopal Church last night, made a plea for preparedness. “As time slips from us in the year’s passing, preparedness is the duty for the individual, the church and the nation. A nation … Read More
World War I 100 Years Ago: Dec. 18-25
From The Indianapolis News, Monday, December 20, 1915: The low ebb of the militia spirit and absenteeism are the cardinal defects with the Indiana militia according to the inspection report issued by the chief of the militia division of the War Department which gave the Indiana National Guard poor ratings. … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: Dec. 18-25
From The Indianapolis Star, Sunday, December 19, 1915: Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 5317 E. Washington St, will be dedicated today by Bishop Joseph Chartrand, with unusually impressive ceremonies. The Rev. James J. Wade, pastor of Holy Cross Church, will be the celebrant at a solemn high mass with … Read More