Article Archives: Building Blocks

Building Blocks is a monthly feature by historian Steve Barnett about historic properties on the east side of Indianapolis.

Gold Star Heroes

May 21, 2026 | by Steven R. Barnett

While young schoolchildren are awarded a “gold star” for their achievements, a more poignant “gold star” holds a hallowed place on banners marking the loss and sacrifice of soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen in service to our country. Since America’s entry into World War I, over 1,800 sons and daughters … Read More

Proclaim Liberty

April 23, 2026 | by Steven R. Barnett

“Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof” are the ancient words of scripture inscribed on the bell that once hung in the tower of the Pennsylvania State House. For almost a quarter of a century, the tocsin summoned legislators into session and alerted Philadelphians to public … Read More

Sunnyside

March 26, 2026 | by Steven R. Barnett

While smallpox was a feared disease, tuberculosis — consumption, wasting disease, white plague, whatever it was called — was once the major killer, particularly of young people. This insidious contagion, spread from person to person through the air by a sneeze, cough, or spit, was no respecter of class. Prevention … Read More

An Old Landmark

February 26, 2026 | by Steven R. Barnett

An old Irvington landmark is gone. On the cold snowy evening of Sunday, January 18, 2026, a fire, probably started by squatters, swept through the vacant commercial building at 5235-39 E. Washington St. By the time firefighters from Station House 25 arrived on the scene, dense smoke and flames were … Read More

The Classic Suburb…And Note

February 5, 2026 | by Steven R. Barnett

Every day the sound of music rings out across Irvington as the chimes of the Methodist Church proclaims the hour and on Saturday summer evenings at Irving Circle Park the sweet sounds of Audio Diner and other local musicians waft across a crowd of gentle listeners. Every October, Irvingtonians look … Read More