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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: Nov. 17-22
From The Indianapolis Star, Thursday, November 22, 1923: Plans have been made for interceptor sewer extensions on Fall Creek and Pleasant Run. Under present conditions only 80 percent of the daily sewage flow will be drained into the disposal plant with the remainder continuing to pour into White River without … Read More
100 Years Ago: Nov. 10-16
From The Indianapolis Star, Sunday, November 11, 1923: Lady traffic cops took to the corner of Meridian and Washington Street yesterday as a fitting climax to “No Accident Week” demonstrating once more that the weaker sex is edging into pastures heretofore reserved to men. The accident prevention bureau, aided by … Read More
100 Years Ago: Nov. 3-9
From The Indianapolis Star, Friday, November 9, 1923: D. C. Stephenson, known as “Steve” or the “Old Man,” who recently resigned as Ku Klux Klan grand dragon for Indiana and Ohio due to ill health brought on by overwork on behalf of the Klan, has purchased a home in Irvington … Read More
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