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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: Jan. 11-18
From The Indianapolis Star, Wednesday, January 15: At a meeting yesterday evening at the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, 200 Indiana manufacturers were assured by L. C. Harrison, chief of the Cincinnati production district, that properly filed claims for canceled war contracts would be given immediate attention. The approximately $50,000,000 (2018: … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: Jan. 4-10
From The Indianapolis Star, Thursday, January 9: “The city should provide, at a cost which would be within the reach of even the humblest, the best things in music, art, and drama. The [parks] department is coming to feel that there is incumbent upon the city a responsibility for public … Read More
World War I 100 Years Ago: Jan. 4-10
From The Indianapolis News, Friday, January 10: Patriotic decorations hung from buildings in downtown Indianapolis today as cheering thousands lined the parade route to welcome the first gallant sons of Indiana to return from France. The 2,780 soldiers of the 137th and 139th field artillery regiments received a tremendous ovation … Read More
“O Tannenbaum…”
The fragrance of pine and candle wax. The warm glow of a fire flickering on the hearth. The peaceful calm of moonlight sparkling across the crystals of a fresh snowfall. These are among the memorable images of Christmas past with the center of all being the tree — a brightly … Read More
100 Years Ago: Dec. 21-Jan. 3
From The Indianapolis Star, Thursday, December 26: The heavy demand for candy this Christmas has exceeded any preceding holiday season in Indiana. Because of this desire to satisfy the sweet tooth, some Indianapolis candy makers were unable to supply retailers with all the stock they requested, and some manufacturers were … Read More