IRVINGTON — The Irvington Historical Society has held an annual Ice Cream Social on the first Sunday in August every year since its founding in 1964. This year’s event is Sunday, Aug. 4, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Bona Thompson Memorial Center, 5350 E. University Ave. (corner of University and Downey Aves). Since moving to the Bona Thompson Memorial Center over 20 years ago, the society has expanded the Ice Cream Social to include live music from the White River Jazz Band, and dancing encouraged. In addition, several local organizations will also be available to provide information about their work in our community. The Black Hat Society will have a bike ride through the area a little after noon. They will also have activities to keep the children entertained. Bus Stop Bistro will be back again with their famous sandwiches — meat and not — and their famous mac & cheese. Sundaes ice cream — fudge brownie, graham central station, vanilla, and pink lemonade sorbet — will be available for $4 a cup.
The museum will be open with many interesting exhibits including Before Irvington (Native Tribes in the Area), Howe High School Graduation Flags (1941-1995), Kin Hubbard (the creator of Abe Martin), Butler University, International Harvester, Angels of West Baden, and the Ghouls of Irvington. In addition, artworks created during the Irvington Garden Tour will be for sale.
The Irvington Historical Society is totally a volunteer organization, and the museum is available to the public with free admission. The building opened in October 2002 with all new heating and air conditioning units. Today these aging systems are failing (actually, have failed) and need to be upgraded to continue to make the Bona Thompson Memorial Center the safe and accessible community resource the neighborhood deserves. It is dependent on contributions — large or small — from friends and neighbors. The Irvington Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit and all donations go into a common fund. Your donations may be tax-deductible. To contribute, visit https://www.irvingtonhistory.org or mail a check to the Irvington Historical Society, Bona Thompson Memorial Center, 5350 University Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46219
The museum is open Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 p.m. and donations in cash or card can be accepted when you visit.
