Article Archives: Building Blocks

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

Citizen Warrior

November 25, 2021 | by Steven R. Barnett

Charles Russell “Russ” Barnett was a member of what journalist Tom Brokaw called The Greatest Generation. A son of Irvington, Russ served in the best tradition as a citizen warrior — marine, sailor, and soldier. At the end of his freshman year at Butler University, Russell enlisted in the United … Read More

Hallowed Ground

October 28, 2021 | by Steven R. Barnett

‘Tis the season of witches, goblins, ghosts, and all things that go bump in the night. The wind rushes through tree branches, rustling leaves summon spirits to again visit their ancient domains — enchanted lands. An ethereal presence is felt as one walks along lonely pathways and winding lanes passing … Read More

Indiana’s Pioneer Highway

September 23, 2021 | by Steven R. Barnett

A few weeks ago, I was going out I-74 on my way to the Chicken Inn in Shelbyville when traffic slowed and came to an abrupt halt due to construction. After sitting for what my stomach thought was well past dinner time and approaching supper, the traffic began to move, … Read More

From Cottontown to Vinegar Hill – Indy’s Old Neighborhoods

August 26, 2021 | by Steven R. Barnett

The diversity of Indianapolis is represented in its neighborhoods. Some neighborhood names date back more than a century and a half, while others are relatively new and utilitarian. In the early years of Indianapolis, divisions in the city were simply practical North Side and South Side, designating the areas on … Read More

From Flying Fields to Airports

July 29, 2021 | by Steven R. Barnett

Growing up in Indianapolis in the fifties, my dad would often take me and my brothers to Weir Cook Airport to watch the planes take off and land. At that time there was an open-air observation deck that extended from the terminal, and you could leisurely walk out onto it … Read More