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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
World War I 100 Years Ago This Week: July 31-Aug. 7
From The Indianapolis Times, Thursday, August 12, 1915: With the Mexican troubles boiling and bubbling again, officers and enlisted men of the Provisional Regiment, Indiana National Guard, at Ft. Benjamin Harrison when not discussing military tactics, talk of the one thing that seems uppermost in the minds of these citizen … Read More
World War I 100 Years Ago: July 24-31
From The Indianapolis Star, Monday, July 26, 1915: All records for the bottling of Pluto water have been broken this year at French Lick Springs. The output of bottled spring water is nearly double what it was a year ago owing to the domestic demand that has followed the European … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: July 24-31
From The Indianapolis Times, Thursday, July 29, 1915: Given an opportunity, women would be just as successful in business as men, is the opinion of Indianapolis business woman Miss Eldena Lauter, secretary-treasurer of the H. Lauter Furniture Manufacturing Co. She is one of two women in the country to hold … Read More
The Civil War 150th Anniversary: July 1865
Indianapolis observed THE FOURTH OF JULY with a “good deal of bunting lazily floating in the air.” The firing of the national salute and the vigorous ringing of bells “for an indefinite period of time” roused the people to celebration. A large crowd gathered in the morning on the grounds … Read More
100 Years Ago: July 17-24
From The Indianapolis News, Friday, July 23, 1915: The city health board announced this afternoon that as soon as arrangements can be completed six children’s welfare dispensaries will be established in the city. The dispensaries are to be placed in the congested districts with a view to reducing infant mortality … Read More