Article Archives: Building Blocks

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

A Column of Newsprint

January 26, 2023 | by Steven R. Barnett

For decades alongside the columns of news in Indianapolis papers readers could find stories of human interest and opinion written by a variety of nationally syndicated columnists. In 1928, the Indianapolis Times introduced journalist Heywood Broun whose daily column “It Seems to Me” took readers “behind the scenes of every … Read More

Let There Be Light

December 22, 2022 | by Steven R. Barnett

One of the great pleasures of the holiday season is driving around the city and seeing all the joyful outdoor lights. From the few gleaming strands of multi-colored bulbs suspended beneath the eaves of a house to the soaring brilliance of incandescent globes hanging on cables of the “world’s tallest … Read More

Ummmmm Good; A Sweet Story

November 23, 2022 | by Steven R. Barnett

For decades a popular office treat was an alligator. No, not the antediluvian reptile from the Southern swamps, but a coffeecake pastry filled with almond paste and iced with toasted almonds on the outside that was easily purchased with a quick stop at one of the many Roselyn Bakery stores. … Read More

Nicknames & Mascots

October 27, 2022 | by Steven R. Barnett

Collegiate and high school nicknames bring a sense of romance and chivalry to the gridiron and gymnasium floor as competing teams in vibrant school colors do battle. Adorable mascots, wearing exaggerated costumes representing some anthropomorphic version of the team’s nickname, bring cheering onlooking fans to their feet in support of … Read More

Down to the Depot

September 29, 2022 | by Steven R. Barnett

Today, IndyGo, the Indianapolis bus system, is the only mass transit in the city. A century ago, that was not the case. Trolleys ran on the street railway in the city, which at that time was only a part of Marion County. Interurbans and steam railroads served outlying areas bringing … Read More