Article Archives: Building Blocks

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

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

Naughty and Nice . . .

December 14, 2017 | by Steven R. Barnett

‘Tis the Season…frosty morns and ebony nights illuminated by bright multicolored lights — reflected and shimmering on moist pavement — and the scent of pine and candle wax everywhere. Shoppers scurry amid the tinkling of Salvation Army bells and children’s eyes are full of wonderful delights. A special treat might … Read More

“Everybody Comes to Rick’s”

November 23, 2017 | by Steven R. Barnett

“Festive haunts of pleasure seekers” date to at least the fifteenth century (or maybe earlier to the Cavern on the Green frequented by the Flintstones and Rubbles) when Parisians sought drink and food — no song and dance — at the Suckling Calf, the Valley of Misery, and the Pomme … Read More

WHO’S IN – WHO’S OUT

October 26, 2017 | by Steven R. Barnett

Nearly fifty years ago Indianapolis and Marion County government changed with “Unigov,” as the unified government for the Consolidated City of Indianapolis was called. The city limits became coterminous with the county lines and the mayor of Indianapolis became the county executive. The county assessor, auditor, and treasurer became the … Read More