Article Archives: Building Blocks

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

Geysers and Sprays

April 25, 2019 | by Steven R. Barnett

I grew up in Irvington and Ellenberger Park was my summer playground. After hours of vigorous adventures along the trails and among the trees of the old woods, my friends and I would slake our thirst at the fountain by the tennis courts. The well water was pleasantly cool and … Read More

Home of the Good Shepherd

March 28, 2019 | by Steven R. Barnett

Last fall NPR aired a series of investigative stories about the treatment of incarcerated women in prisons across the United States. The report found that female inmates are “disciplined more often and more harshly than men for low-level violations.” The report also found that some institutions rationed “basic hygienic supplies,” … Read More

The Market Street Art Colony

February 21, 2019 | by Steven R. Barnett

Fifteen years ago, Indianapolis artists and gallery owners organized a free bus tour of a few studios and galleries around downtown and Fountain Square. This quickly grew into the First Fridays “for people to make a night of enjoying art.” Today these monthly visits to city galleries and artists’ studios, … Read More

Marking the Way

January 24, 2019 | by Steven R. Barnett

The unseasonably warm weather and dry streets on New Year’s Eve 2018 gave revelers an opportunity to safely party with friends in homes and nightspots. However, my co-ed granddaughter marked the passing of the old year in a more relaxed and peaceful way by taking a drive eastward to Richmond … Read More

“O Tannenbaum…”

December 20, 2018 | by Steven R. Barnett

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