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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
Irvington October Tales
Many consider Irvington to be the most haunted place in central Indiana. Certainly, during the month of October the Classic Suburb may live up to that reputation with its over-the-top celebration of Halloween. Homes are decorated, spooky stories are told, hundreds go on the ghost walk tours, and thousands attend … Read More
100 Years Ago: Oct. 27-Nov. 2
From The Indianapolis Times, Wednesday, October 31, 1923: Tonight, goblins, black cats, ghosts, witches, and fun-seekers will rule for it is Halloween. Youngsters will don masquerade costumes and funny faces and make their merry rounds. In the days leading up to Halloween, junior high teachers and students in many schools … Read More
100 Years Ago: Oct. 20-26
From The Indianapolis News, Monday, October 22, 1923: David Lloyd George, Britain’s World War Premier, received a warm Hoosier welcome by enthusiastic throngs that gathered at Pennsylvania Railroad stations along the route from Louisville to Indianapolis today. Rousing cheers greeted the train as it pulled into Union Station and shortly … Read More
100 Years Ago: Oct. 13-19
From The Indianapolis News, Wednesday, October 17, 1923: Fewer crimes have been committed in Indianapolis in the first nine months of 1923 than in any similar period in recent years despite a large increase in the city’s population according to Police Chief Herman Rikhoff. The decrease in crime may be … Read More
100 Years Ago: Oct. 6-12
From The Indianapolis Star, Monday, October 8, 1923: The Indianapolis Fire Department, working with the Chamber of Commerce, civic clubs, churches, and schools, launched “Fire Prevention Week” yesterday in an effort to reduce city fires. The fire prevention campaign began with pleas from pulpits urging congregations to assist in the … Read More