Article Archives: Building Blocks

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

When Greeks Came to Irvington

June 23, 2022 | by Steven R. Barnett

Greeks came to Irvington in 1875. No, not those from the classical lands of Socrates and Plato, but the collegiate Greek lettered secret societies of North Western Christian University (Butler University) when that school relocated to Irvington from its near northside Indianapolis campus. The oldest of these societies was Gamma … Read More

Lest We Forget

May 26, 2022 | by Steven R. Barnett

It began as a day near the end of May, the 30th to be exact, and over a century later it was designated the last Monday of May, creating a three-day holiday weekend. Memorial Day, or as it was known to earlier generations, Decoration Day, is a day set aside … Read More

Pedal Power

April 21, 2022 | by Steven R. Barnett

Despite the cold, a large crowd gathered on the Circle the morning of Thursday, January 7, 1869 to witness the first public test of the velocipede, a two-wheel pedaled vehicle, that the hatter, John C. McIver, had brought to Indianapolis the preceding month. Believing that he had learned “to manage … Read More

Indy’s Rosies

March 24, 2022 | by Steven R. Barnett

Of all the months that could have been designated Women’s History Month, it may seem ironic that March, named for Mars the Roman god of war, was selected. However, it is in some ways a fitting recognition of the important contributions that women have made to our country in times … Read More

Ideals Betrayed

February 24, 2022 | by Steven R. Barnett

At a time when teaching a black person to read was a crime in some parts of the United States, and African American access to public education was virtually non-existent in Indiana, North Western Christian University (Butler University) was founded on the principle that admission was open to all on … Read More