Article Archives: Building Blocks

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

Can the Kaiser

June 21, 2018 | by Steven R. Barnett

Today’s passion for urban gardening began in the months leading up to America’s entry into World War I when preparedness was the watchword and various measures were being taken for food conservation. One was “promoting the general cultivation of vacant lots,” and locally the Indianapolis News editorially recognized “the city … Read More

Ah-ooga-ooga!

May 24, 2018 | by Steven R. Barnett

The automobile has played an important part in my life; in fact, I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the automobile. If your mind is wondering, no, I don’t mean that. In the summer of 1940 while Nazi tanks were racing across France, my mom to be, Henrietta Dickinson, … Read More

A Little Teed Off

April 26, 2018 | by Steven R. Barnett

I’m a father of two daughters, and like most fathers I thought that it would be OK if they began dating at age thirty. My practical and wise spouse had a better plan; she bought Putt-Putt miniature golf season passes so when the question, “Well, what do you want to … Read More

Teed Off

March 22, 2018 | by Steven R. Barnett

I am not a golfer, but I enjoy viewing the vast, well-maintained green and tree-lined courses that provide a comforting ease to urban eyes. As a boy, I often walked several Indianapolis links (yes, one used to walk the fairways) as my father’s “caddie” while he and his buddies enjoyed … Read More

Ante Up

February 22, 2018 | by Steven R. Barnett

Happily tossing three coins in a Roman fountain may be romantic and putting another nickel in the nickelodeon, as the old song says, may bring love and “music, music, music,” but grudgingly travelers ante up for the daily privilege of driving many of the roadways across the good ol’ U. … Read More