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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: July 31-Aug. 6
From The Indianapolis News, Wednesday, August 4, 1926: People don’t realize what they’re drinking or else they don’t care,” Sheriff Omer Hawkins remarked as he reported on an investigation of filth found in white mule whisky and mash seized in recent raids; the results are nauseating. One prize pint taken … Read More
100 Years Ago: July 24-30
From The Indianapolis Star, Monday, July 26, 1926: The six-story Haugh Hotel will be moved one block east from its present location on Michigan St between Meridian and Pennsylvania Streets to a new site at 127 E. Michigan St. It now stands near where construction is underway on the foundation … Read More
100 Years Ago: July 17-23
From The Indianapolis Star, Tuesday, July 20, 1926: Thirty-six Indianapolis Girl Scouts from various troops participated yesterday in the opening of Camp Dellwood, the new Girl Scout camp. Located eight miles northwest of the city on Big Eagle Creek, the camp was made possible by a gift from Dorothy Dell. … Read More
100 Years Ago: July 3-9
From The Indianapolis Times, Monday, July 5, 1926: Although the Fourth of July was observed yesterday with varied festivities, the usual patriotic observances were reserved for today. Business stood still and public buildings were closed while fireworks boomed throughout the city amid sporadic rain showers which tempered the traditional Independence … Read More
Strike!
American prosperity for 250 years since the founding of the Republic has been built upon an entrepreneurial spirit and by the sweat of the brow of working men and women. Sadly, for many years enslaved and child labor also contributed to this economic success. Natural tensions between employers and free … Read More