Irvington Historic District
Encyclopedia
The neighborhood of Irvington overlaps Irvington Historic District, a historic district
in Indianapolis, Indiana. Both are in Indianapolis, Indiana
. The historic district is a 545 acres (220.6 ha) area that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places
in 1987. That year, the district included 2,373 contributing buildings, 5 other contributing structures, and 2 contributing sites.
. It formed along winding roads of dirt and brick that reflected landscape design in the Romantic era. The town was built as a quiet suburb where artists, politicians, military generals, academics, and heads of local industry resided. In 1902 Irvington was annexed by Indianapolis.
Irvington is located five miles (8 km) east of downtown Indianapolis
on the western edge of Warren Township
. The neighborhood is situated on Washington Street
, which is the route of the historic National Road
, a National Scenic Byway
. US 40 was formerly routed along the road. Through the early 1900s, a commuter rail/trolley system ran from Irvington to downtown Indianapolis along US 40.
Currently, Irvington is the largest locally protected historic district in Indianapolis - Marion County. The district includes roughly 2,800 buildings and about 1,600 parcels of land.
. Butler transformed Irvington into a college community. The campus grew in the southwest corner of Irvington, between the Pennsylvania Railroad
and the B&O Railroad tracks. Buildings at the campus eventually included the Main Building (1875), Science Building (1892), Women’s Dorm (1880s), Bona Thompson Memorial Library (1903, today known as Bona Thompson Memorial Center), and a WWI era gymnasium. The Christian Women’s Board of Missions built a Missionary Training School in 1909 adjacent to the campus. By the 1910s, the university had over one thousand students. All the Butler buildings have since been demolished except for the Bona Thompson Memorial Library and the President's Home (which is now Irvington United Methodist Church, locally called the "Church on the Circle"). Built in 1903, the Bona Thompson Memorial Center is the current home of the Irvington Historical Society. It houses the Irvington Historical Society's art collection and historical documents. The Society's art collection can be viewed in the rehabed gallery space. Also on display are various art shows, including a yearly juried show. Events from meetings to weddings and receptions are held at the Center.
For over 10 years, the Irvington Historical Society has hosted an ice cream social at the Bona Thompson Memorial Library. Free ice cream, displayed art, and music attract neighbors to the event so they can learn more about the history of Irvington and tour the library.
The Irvington Garden Club presents annual events to show local gardens, homes, and art. The Irvington Home Tour also allows the public to tour several historic homes.
Our Lady of Lourdes holds an annual carnival on their property to raise money for the church. The carnival features rides, games, and neighborhood information.
festival.
The festival encompasses the week leading up to October 31st, culminating in a street festival on the final Saturday. East Washington Street
is closed through downtown Irvington to hold the street festival. Events include a 5 mile run, a pageant, musicians, contests, Halloween-themed movies, storytelling, ghost tours, live theater, roller derby, a haunted puppet show and dozens of other events.
The Irving Theatre has recently re-opened as a concert venue for bands. The theatre has held events that have attracted over 700 patrons.
The Irvington Lodge, Bona Thompson Memorial Library, and The Studio School & Gallery are public venues where arts are currently taught and displayed throughout the Irvington neighborhood.
One of the oldest is an African-American congregation, Irvington Baptist Church. Formed in 1887, it is one of the oldest African-American congregations in Marion County. Additional churches like Downey Avenue Christian Church first met in the Butler University Main Building, and later built a church in the 1890s.
Presbyterians gathered to form a church in the early 1900s, as the Methodists had done in the decades before.
Catholics petitioned for a parish in 1909, which became Our Lady of Lourdes. All of these denominations maintain beautiful historic houses of worship today. http://society.historicirvington.com/a_brief_history_of_irvington.htm
and George Washington Julian
elementary school #57 are both part of the Indianapolis Public Schools
. There are also two Charter schools. Irvington Community School
is for grades K-8,and the other is the Irvington Preparatory Academy, serving grades 9-12. Together, these schools offer public education for grades K-12. Irvington is also home to the Roman Catholic school Our Lady of Lourdes, available for grades K-8.
Irvington has a long history of libraries. In 1903 the Bona Thompson Library was open to Butler students and the public. Since then, a local Irvington library has always been open to residents in different locations ranging from homes to particular structures. In 1956, the Hilton U. Brown Library, named in honor of the Irvington resident, opened on East Washington Street. In 2001, a brand new, state-of-the-art Irvington Branch Library of the Indianapolis – Marion County Public Library opened at 5625 East Washington Street. The former Brown Library building is now used for early education by Indianapolis Public Schools
.
Irvington was also home to the Children's Guardian Home on University Avenue, before being converted to a new high school for the Irvington Preparatory Academy.
, Colonial Revival and Tudor Revival. However, Irvington is perhaps best known for its fine collection of Arts & Crafts architecture, including the only known example of a Gustav Stickley
designed house in Indiana.
Washington Street is home to several historic business buildings including the old bank (now Jack and Jill's Antique Shop) and the Irving Theatre.
in Irvington. The Irvington Historic Landmarks Foundation was formed in 1966 to oversee the purchase and restoration of the Benton House. It now serves as a meeting place for the foundation and can be rented for private parties. All proceeds from events go toward the maintenance of the Benton House and future renovations. In 1973 the home was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Benton House is also listed as an Indiana Museum. It is the only house on the National Register on the Indianapolis East Side listed in the Historic Register that is available to the public.
as the William H. H. Graham House in 1982. The home was built in 1889 for William H. H. Graham, who was associated with the Benjamin Harrison administration. It also served as a sorority home for Kappa Kappa Gamma
students at Butler University in 1923. D. C. Stephenson
acquired the home in 1923 and remodeled it to resemble a Civil War-era plantation home. D.C. Stephenson was the Grand Dragon (state leader) of the Ku Klux Klan
in Indiana and 22 other northern states. There were an estimated 400,000 members of the Indiana Klan
in 1925. D.C. Stephenson was a powerful political man who considered a run for governor of Indiana in 1924, as a Republican. In 1925, Stephenson was convicted for the abduction and murder of Madge Oberholtzer
, an Irvington resident. Stephenson reportedly raped her aboard a train to Hammond, Indiana, in April 1925. Oberholtzer poisoned herself with bichloride of mercury tablets in Hammond. The tablets, when diluted in water made a powerful disinfectant. Taken as pills, they are corrosive, causing death. Instead of taking her for medical help, Stephenson took her to the mansions' carriage house overnight, while he plotted his next move. He took her home the following morning. She died a month later. Stephenson was later convicted of second degree murder because he did not seek medical help for Madge. The conviction of Stephenson resulted in the deconstruction of the Klan in Indiana. In 1928, Stephenson created a stir when he released papers showing that politicians had promised to let Stephenson influence the government in exchange for Klan backing. Indianapolis Mayor Duvall went to jail, and Governor Jackson escaped prosecution, because the statute of limitations had run out. The Indianapolis Times won a Pulitzer Prize
in 1928 for investigating the Klan and Stephenson. The Stephenson Mansion has since been the scene of other deaths and murders. The home is interesting to people who believe in haunted houses.
developed this park and Pleasant Run Parkway in the early 1900s. In 1930, the park added a pool, and in 1962 an ice rink was installed, which was later closed in 2009. The park also includes two playgrounds, eight tennis courts, a baseball diamond, softball diamond, football field, fitness trail, beach volleyball court, and a hill perfect for winter sports such as sledding and snowboarding. Ellenberger Park hosts outdoor movie screenings in the summer. In recent years, the City of Indianapolis has finished constructing the Pleasant Run Trail
greenway. The trail currently runs 6.9 miles (11.1 km) and connects Ellenberger Park with Garfield Park
, the oldest park in the city (est. 1873, renamed in 1881), on the old Southside of Indianapolis; significant northern and southern expansions are planned for the trail.
At the center of Irvington is a small circular park surrounded by a round-about street intersection. The park includes a fountain, a bust of Washington Irving
, and personalized brick paths. Band concerts are often held on the circle throughout the summer season.
, CVS
), auto shops, doctor's offices, coffee houses (Dufour's, Lazy Daze, Starbucks
), hair salons (Snips, GENEVA Hair Studio), a piercing studio (Aesthetics), banks, antique shops, gift shops ( Homespun: Modern Homeade), and several other small businesses. The Irvington Plaza, located in east Irvington, has several businesses such as: a Marsh Supermarket, furniture stores, barbershop, Dairy Queen
, Taco Bell
, Pizza Hut
, La Hacienda and Flea Market.
The Irving is one of the city's largest all-ages music venues. With a capacity of over 700 people, the theatre hopes to attract bands that would otherwise pass on an Indianapolis visit. http://www.intakeweekly.com/articles/8/025669-8068-154.html
Historic district (United States)
In the United States, a historic district is a group of buildings, properties, or sites that have been designated by one of several entities on different levels as historically or architecturally significant. Buildings, structures, objects and sites within a historic district are normally divided...
in Indianapolis, Indiana. Both are in Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
. The historic district is a 545 acres (220.6 ha) area that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
in 1987. That year, the district included 2,373 contributing buildings, 5 other contributing structures, and 2 contributing sites.
Historic Irvington
Founded in 1870 by Sylvester Johnson and Jacob Julian, Irvington was originally created as a suburban town of IndianapolisIndianapolis
Indianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
. It formed along winding roads of dirt and brick that reflected landscape design in the Romantic era. The town was built as a quiet suburb where artists, politicians, military generals, academics, and heads of local industry resided. In 1902 Irvington was annexed by Indianapolis.
Irvington is located five miles (8 km) east of downtown Indianapolis
Downtown Indianapolis
The term Downtown Indianapolis refers to the central business district of Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. The boundaries of downtown Indianapolis have varied over time as the city has grown. The city's original platted area, the Mile Square, is sometimes used to denote the downtown area...
on the western edge of Warren Township
Warren Township, Marion County, Indiana
Warren Township is one of nine townships in Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 93,941.-External links:* *...
. The neighborhood is situated on Washington Street
Washington Street (Indianapolis)
Washington Street is the primary east-west street in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. The street follows the route of the National Road for almost all of its length in the city of Indianapolis. For a time, its entire length was designated as U.S...
, which is the route of the historic National Road
National Road
The National Road or Cumberland Road was the first major improved highway in the United States to be built by the federal government. Construction began heading west in 1811 at Cumberland, Maryland, on the Potomac River. It crossed the Allegheny Mountains and southwestern Pennsylvania, reaching...
, a National Scenic Byway
National Scenic Byway
A National Scenic Byway is a road recognized by the United States Department of Transportation for its archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational, and/or scenic qualities. The program was established by Congress in 1991 to preserve and protect the nation's scenic but often...
. US 40 was formerly routed along the road. Through the early 1900s, a commuter rail/trolley system ran from Irvington to downtown Indianapolis along US 40.
Currently, Irvington is the largest locally protected historic district in Indianapolis - Marion County. The district includes roughly 2,800 buildings and about 1,600 parcels of land.
Butler University
From 1875-1928, Irvington was the home of Butler UniversityButler University
Butler University is a private university located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Founded in 1855 and named after founder Ovid Butler, the university offers 60 degree programs to 4,400 students through six colleges: business, communication, education, liberal Arts and sciences, pharmacy and health...
. Butler transformed Irvington into a college community. The campus grew in the southwest corner of Irvington, between the Pennsylvania Railroad
Pennsylvania Railroad
The Pennsylvania Railroad was an American Class I railroad, founded in 1846. Commonly referred to as the "Pennsy", the PRR was headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania....
and the B&O Railroad tracks. Buildings at the campus eventually included the Main Building (1875), Science Building (1892), Women’s Dorm (1880s), Bona Thompson Memorial Library (1903, today known as Bona Thompson Memorial Center), and a WWI era gymnasium. The Christian Women’s Board of Missions built a Missionary Training School in 1909 adjacent to the campus. By the 1910s, the university had over one thousand students. All the Butler buildings have since been demolished except for the Bona Thompson Memorial Library and the President's Home (which is now Irvington United Methodist Church, locally called the "Church on the Circle"). Built in 1903, the Bona Thompson Memorial Center is the current home of the Irvington Historical Society. It houses the Irvington Historical Society's art collection and historical documents. The Society's art collection can be viewed in the rehabed gallery space. Also on display are various art shows, including a yearly juried show. Events from meetings to weddings and receptions are held at the Center.
Events
Irvington is a family-friendly neighborhood. Throughout the year, several festivals are held in the community that allow friends and neighbors to come together and learn more about Irvington.For over 10 years, the Irvington Historical Society has hosted an ice cream social at the Bona Thompson Memorial Library. Free ice cream, displayed art, and music attract neighbors to the event so they can learn more about the history of Irvington and tour the library.
The Irvington Garden Club presents annual events to show local gardens, homes, and art. The Irvington Home Tour also allows the public to tour several historic homes.
Our Lady of Lourdes holds an annual carnival on their property to raise money for the church. The carnival features rides, games, and neighborhood information.
Historic Irvington Halloween Festival
The Historic Irvington Halloween Festival is a non-profit event founded in 1947 by the Historic Irvington Community Council in an effort to bring together residents, neighborhood organizations, and businesses in Irvington for a celebration of heritage and community. The festival is currently the nation's oldest and largest HalloweenHalloween
Hallowe'en , also known as Halloween or All Hallows' Eve, is a yearly holiday observed around the world on October 31, the night before All Saints' Day...
festival.
The festival encompasses the week leading up to October 31st, culminating in a street festival on the final Saturday. East Washington Street
Washington Street (Indianapolis)
Washington Street is the primary east-west street in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. The street follows the route of the National Road for almost all of its length in the city of Indianapolis. For a time, its entire length was designated as U.S...
is closed through downtown Irvington to hold the street festival. Events include a 5 mile run, a pageant, musicians, contests, Halloween-themed movies, storytelling, ghost tours, live theater, roller derby, a haunted puppet show and dozens of other events.
The arts
Irvington was the birthplace and home to the only historic art movement in Central Indiana named for a specific place, the Irvington Group. In the early 1900s, this group of artists lived, met, practiced and exhibited art in Irvington. Today, many of the artists homes and studios remain standing throughout the community.The Irving Theatre has recently re-opened as a concert venue for bands. The theatre has held events that have attracted over 700 patrons.
The Irvington Lodge, Bona Thompson Memorial Library, and The Studio School & Gallery are public venues where arts are currently taught and displayed throughout the Irvington neighborhood.
Churches
Church congregations came with the new families.One of the oldest is an African-American congregation, Irvington Baptist Church. Formed in 1887, it is one of the oldest African-American congregations in Marion County. Additional churches like Downey Avenue Christian Church first met in the Butler University Main Building, and later built a church in the 1890s.
Presbyterians gathered to form a church in the early 1900s, as the Methodists had done in the decades before.
Catholics petitioned for a parish in 1909, which became Our Lady of Lourdes. All of these denominations maintain beautiful historic houses of worship today. http://society.historicirvington.com/a_brief_history_of_irvington.htm
Schools and libraries
Irvington is home to local schools and a branch of the Indianapolis – Marion County Public Library. Thomas Carr Howe AcademyThomas Carr Howe Community High School
Thomas Carr Howe Community High School is a secondary school in Indianapolis that serves grades 7-12. It is operated by Indianapolis Public Schools.-History:...
and George Washington Julian
George Washington Julian
George Washington Julian was a nineteenth century politician, lawyer and writer who served in Congress from Indiana. He was the son-in-law of Joshua Reed Giddings.-Biography:...
elementary school #57 are both part of the Indianapolis Public Schools
Indianapolis Public Schools
Indianapolis Public Schools, abbreviated locally as IPS, is the largest school district in Indianapolis as well as in the state of Indiana with 33,372 students enrolled in 2009-2010...
. There are also two Charter schools. Irvington Community School
Irvington Community School
Irvington Community School is a K-10 charter school located in the Irvington Historic District of Indianapolis, Indiana. Ball State University is the charter sponsor for the school....
is for grades K-8,and the other is the Irvington Preparatory Academy, serving grades 9-12. Together, these schools offer public education for grades K-12. Irvington is also home to the Roman Catholic school Our Lady of Lourdes, available for grades K-8.
Irvington has a long history of libraries. In 1903 the Bona Thompson Library was open to Butler students and the public. Since then, a local Irvington library has always been open to residents in different locations ranging from homes to particular structures. In 1956, the Hilton U. Brown Library, named in honor of the Irvington resident, opened on East Washington Street. In 2001, a brand new, state-of-the-art Irvington Branch Library of the Indianapolis – Marion County Public Library opened at 5625 East Washington Street. The former Brown Library building is now used for early education by Indianapolis Public Schools
Indianapolis Public Schools
Indianapolis Public Schools, abbreviated locally as IPS, is the largest school district in Indianapolis as well as in the state of Indiana with 33,372 students enrolled in 2009-2010...
.
Irvington was also home to the Children's Guardian Home on University Avenue, before being converted to a new high school for the Irvington Preparatory Academy.
Historic structures
Irvington is both architecturally and culturally significant to Indianapolis – Marion County. The area contains excellent examples of every major American architectural style from 1870–1950, including Italianate, French Second Empire, Victorian Gothic, Queen AnneQueen Anne Style architecture
The Queen Anne Style in Britain means either the English Baroque architectural style roughly of the reign of Queen Anne , or a revived form that was popular in the last quarter of the 19th century and the early decades of the 20th century...
, Colonial Revival and Tudor Revival. However, Irvington is perhaps best known for its fine collection of Arts & Crafts architecture, including the only known example of a Gustav Stickley
Gustav Stickley
Gustav Stickley was a manufacturer of furniture and the leading proselytizer for the American Arts and Crafts movement, an extension of the British Arts and Crafts movement.-Biography:...
designed house in Indiana.
Washington Street is home to several historic business buildings including the old bank (now Jack and Jill's Antique Shop) and the Irving Theatre.
Benton House
The Benton house is a symbol of Irvington. Built in 1873, the home housed Allen R. Benton, a former president of Butler UniversityButler University
Butler University is a private university located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Founded in 1855 and named after founder Ovid Butler, the university offers 60 degree programs to 4,400 students through six colleges: business, communication, education, liberal Arts and sciences, pharmacy and health...
in Irvington. The Irvington Historic Landmarks Foundation was formed in 1966 to oversee the purchase and restoration of the Benton House. It now serves as a meeting place for the foundation and can be rented for private parties. All proceeds from events go toward the maintenance of the Benton House and future renovations. In 1973 the home was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Benton House is also listed as an Indiana Museum. It is the only house on the National Register on the Indianapolis East Side listed in the Historic Register that is available to the public.
Stephenson Mansion
Perhaps the home with the most interesting history in Irvington is Graham-Stephenson Home. The home was listed on The National Register of Historic PlacesNational Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
as the William H. H. Graham House in 1982. The home was built in 1889 for William H. H. Graham, who was associated with the Benjamin Harrison administration. It also served as a sorority home for Kappa Kappa Gamma
Kappa Kappa Gamma
Kappa Kappa Gamma is a collegiate women's fraternity, founded at Monmouth College, in Monmouth, Illinois, USA. Although the groundwork of the organization was developed as early as 1869, the 1876 Convention voted that October 13, 1870 should be recognized at the official Founders Day, because no...
students at Butler University in 1923. D. C. Stephenson
D. C. Stephenson
David Curtiss "Steve" Stephenson was an American Grand Dragon of the Ku Klux Klan in the U.S. state of Indiana and 22 other Northern states. He is considered to have been one of the most successful Klan leaders up until his downfall after his conviction for murder...
acquired the home in 1923 and remodeled it to resemble a Civil War-era plantation home. D.C. Stephenson was the Grand Dragon (state leader) of the Ku Klux Klan
Ku Klux Klan
Ku Klux Klan, often abbreviated KKK and informally known as the Klan, is the name of three distinct past and present far-right organizations in the United States, which have advocated extremist reactionary currents such as white supremacy, white nationalism, and anti-immigration, historically...
in Indiana and 22 other northern states. There were an estimated 400,000 members of the Indiana Klan
Indiana Klan
The Indiana Klan was a branch of the Ku Klux Klan, a secret society in the United States that practiced racism and terrorism against minority ethnic and religious groups. The Indiana Klan rose to prominence beginning in the years after World War I when rising levels of eastern and southern European...
in 1925. D.C. Stephenson was a powerful political man who considered a run for governor of Indiana in 1924, as a Republican. In 1925, Stephenson was convicted for the abduction and murder of Madge Oberholtzer
Madge Oberholtzer
Madge Augustine Oberholtzer was an American schoolteacher who worked and lived in Indianapolis. Kidnapped and raped by D.C. Stephenson, Grand Dragon of the Indiana Ku Klux Klan, she died of a staph infection from wounds inflicted upon her by Stephenson...
, an Irvington resident. Stephenson reportedly raped her aboard a train to Hammond, Indiana, in April 1925. Oberholtzer poisoned herself with bichloride of mercury tablets in Hammond. The tablets, when diluted in water made a powerful disinfectant. Taken as pills, they are corrosive, causing death. Instead of taking her for medical help, Stephenson took her to the mansions' carriage house overnight, while he plotted his next move. He took her home the following morning. She died a month later. Stephenson was later convicted of second degree murder because he did not seek medical help for Madge. The conviction of Stephenson resulted in the deconstruction of the Klan in Indiana. In 1928, Stephenson created a stir when he released papers showing that politicians had promised to let Stephenson influence the government in exchange for Klan backing. Indianapolis Mayor Duvall went to jail, and Governor Jackson escaped prosecution, because the statute of limitations had run out. The Indianapolis Times won a Pulitzer Prize
Pulitzer Prize
The Pulitzer Prize is a U.S. award for achievements in newspaper and online journalism, literature and musical composition. It was established by American publisher Joseph Pulitzer and is administered by Columbia University in New York City...
in 1928 for investigating the Klan and Stephenson. The Stephenson Mansion has since been the scene of other deaths and murders. The home is interesting to people who believe in haunted houses.
Parks
Ellenberger Park (est. 1903, one time known as Jameson Park) is located in northern Irvington. Landscape architect and urban planner George KesslerGeorge Kessler
George Edward Kessler was a German American pioneer city planner and landscape architect.Over the course of his forty-one year career, George E. Kessler completed over 200 projects and prepared plans for 26 communities, 26 park and boulevard systems, 49 parks, 46 estates & residents, and 26 schools...
developed this park and Pleasant Run Parkway in the early 1900s. In 1930, the park added a pool, and in 1962 an ice rink was installed, which was later closed in 2009. The park also includes two playgrounds, eight tennis courts, a baseball diamond, softball diamond, football field, fitness trail, beach volleyball court, and a hill perfect for winter sports such as sledding and snowboarding. Ellenberger Park hosts outdoor movie screenings in the summer. In recent years, the City of Indianapolis has finished constructing the Pleasant Run Trail
Pleasant Run Trail
The Pleasant Run Trail, also known as the Pleasant Run Greenway, is a pedestrian and bicycle trail in Indianapolis, Indiana. It runs for from Ellenberger Pack, through Christian Park, to Garfield Park. It follows the general course of Pleasant Run Creek as it flows to the south and west...
greenway. The trail currently runs 6.9 miles (11.1 km) and connects Ellenberger Park with Garfield Park
Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Gardens
Garfield Park is a regional city park in Indianapolis, Indiana. Established in the late 19th century, it is the oldest city park in Indianapolis and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The park is located at the confluence of Pleasant Run and Bean Creeks on the near Southside of...
, the oldest park in the city (est. 1873, renamed in 1881), on the old Southside of Indianapolis; significant northern and southern expansions are planned for the trail.
At the center of Irvington is a small circular park surrounded by a round-about street intersection. The park includes a fountain, a bust of Washington Irving
Washington Irving
Washington Irving was an American author, essayist, biographer and historian of the early 19th century. He was best known for his short stories "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle", both of which appear in his book The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. His historical works...
, and personalized brick paths. Band concerts are often held on the circle throughout the summer season.
Businesses
There are many businesses in Irvington, including: eateries (The Legend Cafe, Jockamo Upper Crust Pizza), drug stores (WalgreensWalgreens
Walgreen Co. , doing business as Walgreens , is the largest drugstore chain in the United States of America. As of August 31st, the company operates 8,210 locations across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Founded in Chicago, Illinois in 1901, and has since expanded...
, CVS
CVS Corporation
CVS Pharmacy, or simply CVS, is the second largest pharmacy chain in the United States , with over 7,000 stores in 41 states and Puerto Rico...
), auto shops, doctor's offices, coffee houses (Dufour's, Lazy Daze, Starbucks
Starbucks
Starbucks Corporation is an international coffee and coffeehouse chain based in Seattle, Washington. Starbucks is the largest coffeehouse company in the world, with 17,009 stores in 55 countries, including over 11,000 in the United States, over 1,000 in Canada, over 700 in the United Kingdom, and...
), hair salons (Snips, GENEVA Hair Studio), a piercing studio (Aesthetics), banks, antique shops, gift shops ( Homespun: Modern Homeade), and several other small businesses. The Irvington Plaza, located in east Irvington, has several businesses such as: a Marsh Supermarket, furniture stores, barbershop, Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen, often abbreviated DQ, is a chain of soft serve and fast food restaurants owned by International Dairy Queen, Inc, who also owns Orange Julius and Karmelkorn. The name "Dairy Queen" is taken from the name of their soft serve product, which the company refers to as "Dairy Queen" or...
, Taco Bell
Taco Bell
Taco Bell is an American chain of fast-food restaurants based in Irvine, California. A subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc., which serves American-adapted Mexican food. Taco Bell serves tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, other specialty items, and a variety of "Value Menu" items...
, Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut is an American restaurant chain and international franchise that offers different styles of pizza along with side dishes including pasta, buffalo wings, breadsticks, and garlic bread....
, La Hacienda and Flea Market.
The Irving Theatre
Built in 1913, the Irving Theatre was originally used for a nickelodeon. In 1926, the theatre went under major renovations; adding six rental units, a second story, and lengthening the theatre. Throughout the decades, the theatre's uses differed until it closed in the mid-1990s. It sat unoccupied until 2005, when it was reopened, and has been looking for funds to be renovated since then. The theatre is a hub for live music, films, and art, community, and private events. The Lazy Daze Coffee House is located on the east end of the structure and three apartment units are on the second floor.The Irving is one of the city's largest all-ages music venues. With a capacity of over 700 people, the theatre hopes to attract bands that would otherwise pass on an Indianapolis visit. http://www.intakeweekly.com/articles/8/025669-8068-154.html
Interesting facts
- The Abraham LincolnAbraham LincolnAbraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, serving from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. He successfully led his country through a great constitutional, military and moral crisis – the American Civil War – preserving the Union, while ending slavery, and...
funeral train procession, which traveled from Washington to Illinois, passed through what is now historic Irvington.
- 78.1% of Irvington homes were built before 1960.
See also
- Historic Irvington Halloween FestivalHistoric Irvington Halloween FestivalThe Historic Irvington Halloween Festival is a non-profit event founded in 1947 by the Historic Irvington Community Council in an effort to bring together residents, neighborhood organizations, and businesses in the Irvington Historic District of Indianapolis, Indiana for a celebration of heritage...
- North Irvington Gardens Historic DistrictNorth Irvington Gardens Historic DistrictThe North Irvington Gardens Historic District is a place on the National Register of Historic Places in Indianapolis, Indiana. It was placed on the Register on June 27, 2008...
- Hoosier GroupHoosier GroupThe Hoosier Group was a group of Indiana Impressionist painters working in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They are primarily known for their renditions of the Indiana landscape. Artists considered members of this group include T. C. Steele, Richard Gruelle, William Forsyth, J. Ottis...
- Washington IrvingWashington IrvingWashington Irving was an American author, essayist, biographer and historian of the early 19th century. He was best known for his short stories "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle", both of which appear in his book The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. His historical works...
- The Legend of Sleepy HollowThe Legend of Sleepy Hollow"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" is a short story by Washington Irving contained in his collection The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent., written while he was living in Birmingham, England, and first published in 1820...
External links
- Historic Irvington Halloween Festival
- Historic Irvington Community Council
- Irvington Historic District from Indianapolis, a National Park Service Discover Our Shared Heritage Travel Itinerary
- Irvington - Narrative
- Historic Preservation - Irvington
- Historic Irvington
- Ellenberger Park
- Irvington Development Organization (IDO)