Article Archives: Building Blocks

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

Blue Ribbons & Cotton Candy

June 20, 2019 | by Steven R. Barnett

It’s county fair time and let your senses take it all in! The dazzling kaleidoscope of color — striped pavilions topped with pennants waving, garish neon lighting concourses, and whirling rides against the darkened sky. The taste of cotton candy and candy apples, a pork chop sandwich or a roasted … Read More

Adventures in Good Eating

May 23, 2019 | by Steven R. Barnett

Growing up, I often went with my mother on the street car downtown to shop. After a morning of wandering through department store aisles, we would go to the Russet Cafeteria, on south Meridian St. across from Ayres, for lunch. I can’t recall the entrée, but I’ll always remember the … Read More

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