Article Archives: Building Blocks

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

Indy’s Belt of Iron

July 25, 2024 | by Steven R. Barnett

Like a medieval wall encompassing an ancient city, an earthen elevation that nearly surrounds the old city of Indianapolis allows limited access through several underpasses. Atop this barrier from time to time roll freight trains over the iron rails of the old Belt Line Railroad. On Friday afternoon October 1, … Read More

Butler College Romances

June 27, 2024 | by Steven R. Barnett

In the not-so-distant past, it was a popular perception that young women went to college to get a degree in teaching or an MRS. degree. Outside of teaching, there was little women could do with a college degree. Even women with law degrees were relegated to reading abstracts at law … Read More

“O Beautiful for Heroes Proved…”

May 23, 2024 | by Steven R. Barnett

Thousands of vehicles pass through the intersection of Kessler Blvd and Keystone Av daily and only a few motorists and passengers notice the well-kept, fenced-in grassy lot on the southeast corner of the intersection with the American flag and the Indiana flag fluttering from two flagpoles above gravestones memorializing the … Read More

Starry, starry night…

April 25, 2024 | by Steven R. Barnett

Field trips are adventures grade schoolers eagerly anticipate. When I was a student at IPS No. 57, annual field trips initially included the Childrens’ Museum (the old house on N. Meridian St. crammed with stuff), the President Benjamin Harrison Home, and the James Whitcomb Riley Home. Later, the newly completed … Read More

The Angel of Norwood

March 28, 2024 | by Steven R. Barnett

Norwood, a mostly African-American neighborhood on the near southeast side of Indianapolis, bounded on the north by Prospect St., Terrace Ave. on the south, Sherman Dr. on the east and Vandeman St. on the west, takes its name from the Norwood family who farmed the area. For many years the … Read More