Ed Fujawa
@edfujawa.bsky.social
Indianapolis history nerd, author, attorney. Indianapolis history blog: http://class900indy.com.
Yesterday’s Indianapolis Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yesterdays-indianapolis/id1801086459
Yesterday’s Indianapolis Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yesterdays-indianapolis/id1801086459
For no particular reason, I think it’s time for a review of some of the roadhouses of Indianapolis. First up is the Bellevue Resort at Michigan Rd and White River where drinking and other vices were the order of the day. (1/3) www.class900indy.com/post/a-histo...
A History of Wild Times at the Bellevue Roadhouse and Resort on Michigan Road
Exploring the history of wild times at the Bellevue Resort and Roadhouse on Michigan Road on the northside of Indianapolis.
www.class900indy.com
November 22, 2025 at 3:36 AM
For no particular reason, I think it’s time for a review of some of the roadhouses of Indianapolis. First up is the Bellevue Resort at Michigan Rd and White River where drinking and other vices were the order of the day. (1/3) www.class900indy.com/post/a-histo...
One hundred years ago today, at 5:21 pm, a Hamilton County jury (courthouse shown below) returned a guilty verdict against D.C. Stephenson, Grand Dragon of the Indiana KKK, for the murder of Madge Oberholtzer, leading to the decline in the Klan’s power in Indiana. 1/2
November 14, 2025 at 10:28 AM
One hundred years ago today, at 5:21 pm, a Hamilton County jury (courthouse shown below) returned a guilty verdict against D.C. Stephenson, Grand Dragon of the Indiana KKK, for the murder of Madge Oberholtzer, leading to the decline in the Klan’s power in Indiana. 1/2
A few images of the Northern Lights from the campus of Butler University. Aircraft trail is a United flight from Chicago to Indy.
November 12, 2025 at 3:43 AM
A few images of the Northern Lights from the campus of Butler University. Aircraft trail is a United flight from Chicago to Indy.
Reports on the ground indicate that this post is once again relevant. www.class900indy.com/post/the-del...
The Delaware Jog: History of the Intersection of 16th and Delaware in Indianapolis
Examining the history of one of the strangest, and most notorious, intersections in Indianapolis.
www.class900indy.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Reports on the ground indicate that this post is once again relevant. www.class900indy.com/post/the-del...
Thanks to everyone who came out on Saturday for the historic tour of the old Indianapolis Zoo site. We had a great turnout and great weather. And thanks to @kmr.me for the photos!
Yesterday we had a great walking tour around Washington Park by @edfujawa.bsky.social on the history of the old Indianapolis Zoo. /1
November 10, 2025 at 1:12 PM
Thanks to everyone who came out on Saturday for the historic tour of the old Indianapolis Zoo site. We had a great turnout and great weather. And thanks to @kmr.me for the photos!
On this day 52 years ago, the Indianapolis Fire Dept. fought the largest fire in the history of Indianapolis at that time, when the Grant Building on Washington Street, between Meridian and Pennsylvania, caught fire and spread to surrounding structures. www.class900indy.com/post/50th-an...
50th Anniversary: IFD and the Grant Fire - “The Finest Moment this Department Ever Had."
Note: This post was originally published on February 12, 2022. November 5, 2023, marks the 50th anniversary of the Grant Fire and this post is being republished to recognize that anniversary and the e...
www.class900indy.com
November 5, 2025 at 11:45 AM
On this day 52 years ago, the Indianapolis Fire Dept. fought the largest fire in the history of Indianapolis at that time, when the Grant Building on Washington Street, between Meridian and Pennsylvania, caught fire and spread to surrounding structures. www.class900indy.com/post/50th-an...
Doing some prep work last weekend for a Nov. 8 historical tour of the old Indianapolis Zoo site at Washington Park in partnership with Indiana Humanities and Indy Parks. Check out the link in the comments for more info and to RSVP.
November 3, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Doing some prep work last weekend for a Nov. 8 historical tour of the old Indianapolis Zoo site at Washington Park in partnership with Indiana Humanities and Indy Parks. Check out the link in the comments for more info and to RSVP.
Exploring the history of the Washington Street water pumping station, one of the older buildings in the downtown area, and the original piece of the city’s modern water system. www.class900indy.com/post/a-circl...
A Circle City Original: The Washington Street Water Pumping Station
A look at the history of the Indiana Water Company's Washington Street pumping station in White River State Park.
www.class900indy.com
October 29, 2025 at 10:45 AM
Exploring the history of the Washington Street water pumping station, one of the older buildings in the downtown area, and the original piece of the city’s modern water system. www.class900indy.com/post/a-circl...
Lots of archives and history related articles this week. This column discusses the importance of our local and state archives and highlights the work being done by @jordanryan.bsky.social at the City County Archives. www.indystar.com/story/opinio...
Indiana's archives preserve more than history — they protect the truth | Opinion
Every family does something important. No history is insignificant. Our archives make sure we remember that.
www.indystar.com
October 24, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Lots of archives and history related articles this week. This column discusses the importance of our local and state archives and highlights the work being done by @jordanryan.bsky.social at the City County Archives. www.indystar.com/story/opinio...
Nice article about the great efforts of Deedee Davis and the Irvington Historical Society in exploring the history of Osbert Sumner’s found photos. The exhibit of photos runs until November 30. mirrorindy.org/historic-pho...
The lost photographs of Osbert Sumner
Historian Deedee Davis’ research began seven years ago to tell a different story of life in Indianapolis from 1898-1903.
mirrorindy.org
October 24, 2025 at 11:52 AM
Nice article about the great efforts of Deedee Davis and the Irvington Historical Society in exploring the history of Osbert Sumner’s found photos. The exhibit of photos runs until November 30. mirrorindy.org/historic-pho...
New podcast on Yesterday’s Indianapolis, this one looks at Karl Schoen, a World War I fighter pilot from Indianapolis who was killed in combat over the Western Front. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/y...
The Final Flight of Karl Schoen on the Western Front
Podcast Episode · Yesterday's Indianapolis · 10/20/2025 · 16m
podcasts.apple.com
October 20, 2025 at 4:46 PM
New podcast on Yesterday’s Indianapolis, this one looks at Karl Schoen, a World War I fighter pilot from Indianapolis who was killed in combat over the Western Front. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/y...
Ran across a former National Guard armory on the south side back in July thanks to some exterior stonework which survives today. www.class900indy.com/post/explori...
Exploring the Southside Artillery Armory
Exploring the history of a former National Guard armory site on the Southside of Indianapolis.
www.class900indy.com
October 13, 2025 at 9:47 PM
Ran across a former National Guard armory on the south side back in July thanks to some exterior stonework which survives today. www.class900indy.com/post/explori...
A few comets have been identified of late although they may not be as visible in Indianapolis as Tsuchinshan-ATLAS which arrived last fall. Nevertheless, here is a throwback to a post from 2024 which looks at the arrival of the Great Comet of 1858. www.class900indy.com/post/the-gre...
The Great Comet of 1858 and its Visit to Indianapolis
Examining the Great Comet of 1858 and its visit to the skies over Indianapolis.
www.class900indy.com
October 5, 2025 at 7:06 PM
A few comets have been identified of late although they may not be as visible in Indianapolis as Tsuchinshan-ATLAS which arrived last fall. Nevertheless, here is a throwback to a post from 2024 which looks at the arrival of the Great Comet of 1858. www.class900indy.com/post/the-gre...
With the upcoming completion of the Dig Indy project by Citizens Energy, I decided to take a quick look (honestly, this post could have been 5,000words) back at the city's long history with pollution in the White River and other local waterways.
www.class900indy.com/post/dirty-s...
www.class900indy.com/post/dirty-s...
Dirty Streams: The History of Water Pollution in Indianapolis
A quick look at the history of water pollution in Indianapolis, and the efforts over the years to combat the problem.
www.class900indy.com
September 30, 2025 at 9:55 AM
With the upcoming completion of the Dig Indy project by Citizens Energy, I decided to take a quick look (honestly, this post could have been 5,000words) back at the city's long history with pollution in the White River and other local waterways.
www.class900indy.com/post/dirty-s...
www.class900indy.com/post/dirty-s...
A then and now of the northwest corner of Delaware and Washington Streets in downtown Indianapolis. The ‘then’ image is from 1961, which at one point didn’t seem all that long ago, but is now more than 60 years in the past.
September 27, 2025 at 10:57 AM
A then and now of the northwest corner of Delaware and Washington Streets in downtown Indianapolis. The ‘then’ image is from 1961, which at one point didn’t seem all that long ago, but is now more than 60 years in the past.
The recent news of delays with the Indianapolis City Market redevelopment project reminded me that there used to be two City Markets in Indianapolis. This blog post explores the history of the western market house. www.class900indy.com/post/the-oth...
The Other Indianapolis City Market
Indianapolis once had two official city markets. This post explores the history of the now long-gone Western Market House.
www.class900indy.com
September 24, 2025 at 10:08 PM
The recent news of delays with the Indianapolis City Market redevelopment project reminded me that there used to be two City Markets in Indianapolis. This blog post explores the history of the western market house. www.class900indy.com/post/the-oth...
After spending a week in Ireland, a country with no lack of castles and towers, I thought I would re-up this post from last September about a stone tower constructed here in Indianapolis.
www.class900indy.com/post/the-mer...
www.class900indy.com/post/the-mer...
The Meridian Street Tower at the top of Meridian Heights
Confirming the existence of a stone tower which was to be the center piece of the Meridian Heights residential development.
www.class900indy.com
September 10, 2025 at 3:05 PM
After spending a week in Ireland, a country with no lack of castles and towers, I thought I would re-up this post from last September about a stone tower constructed here in Indianapolis.
www.class900indy.com/post/the-mer...
www.class900indy.com/post/the-mer...
A quick post before vacation begins, here is a bit of history behind the 'Maple Road' name for what we know today as 38th Street.
www.class900indy.com/post/from-38...
www.class900indy.com/post/from-38...
From 38th Street to Maple Road and Back Again
Exploring the history behind 38th Street being renamed Maple Road in 1911.
www.class900indy.com
September 3, 2025 at 12:41 PM
A quick post before vacation begins, here is a bit of history behind the 'Maple Road' name for what we know today as 38th Street.
www.class900indy.com/post/from-38...
www.class900indy.com/post/from-38...
Another one of my Retro Indy columns is in the Indianapolis Star. This one looks at how the Butler University (n/k/a Hinkle) Fieldhouse was once used for bicycle races.
www.indystar.com/story/news/h...
www.indystar.com/story/news/h...
Retro Indy: Butler (now Hinkle) Fieldhouse once hosted indoor bike races on a track
Hinkle Fieldhouse is now known as a temple for basketball. But in the 1930s, shortly after it opened, it briefly hosted indoor bicycle races.
www.indystar.com
August 29, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Another one of my Retro Indy columns is in the Indianapolis Star. This one looks at how the Butler University (n/k/a Hinkle) Fieldhouse was once used for bicycle races.
www.indystar.com/story/news/h...
www.indystar.com/story/news/h...
Happy to announce that last Friday I finalized a contract for a new book with The History Press. This title will branch out from my usual Indianapolis centric focus, and explore the history of lesser-known events, places, and people around all of Indiana.
August 27, 2025 at 12:59 AM
Happy to announce that last Friday I finalized a contract for a new book with The History Press. This title will branch out from my usual Indianapolis centric focus, and explore the history of lesser-known events, places, and people around all of Indiana.
Perfect weather this week for some time in our local parks, including White River State Park downtown. This post takes a detailed look at a 1981 panoramic photo of the land that what would become @WhiteRiverStPrk.
www.class900indy.com/post/panoram...
www.class900indy.com/post/panoram...
Panorama of White River State Park: A Closer Look
Exploring several highlights contained within a 1981 panoramic photo taken of Indianapolis from a vantage point in White River State Park.
www.class900indy.com
August 25, 2025 at 9:20 PM
Perfect weather this week for some time in our local parks, including White River State Park downtown. This post takes a detailed look at a 1981 panoramic photo of the land that what would become @WhiteRiverStPrk.
www.class900indy.com/post/panoram...
www.class900indy.com/post/panoram...
A food related ‘then and now’ on this Friday, here is the Steak n’ Shake restaurant location at 5360 North Keystone in Indianapolis. ‘Then’ image is from 1958, and a lot has changed with that corner, and the restaurant in 60 years. 1/2
August 22, 2025 at 11:43 AM
A food related ‘then and now’ on this Friday, here is the Steak n’ Shake restaurant location at 5360 North Keystone in Indianapolis. ‘Then’ image is from 1958, and a lot has changed with that corner, and the restaurant in 60 years. 1/2
The newest episode of Yesterday’s Indianapolis features a chat with historian Deedee Davis about her work on the amazing Osbert Sumner photo collection at the Irvington Historical Society. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/y...
Exploring the Historical Photos of Osbert Sumner with DeeDee Davis
Podcast Episode · Yesterday's Indianapolis · 08/18/2025 · 28m
podcasts.apple.com
August 18, 2025 at 11:08 AM
The newest episode of Yesterday’s Indianapolis features a chat with historian Deedee Davis about her work on the amazing Osbert Sumner photo collection at the Irvington Historical Society. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/y...
With all the hot weather of late, let’s review the history of one of the major, albeit indirect, water sources for Indianapolis: Morse Reservoir. www.class900indy.com/post/once-ag...
The History of Morse Reservoir: Born of a Need
Exploring the history of Geist Reservoir, a major component in the race to secure water sources for Indianapolis in the mid-20th century.
www.class900indy.com
August 17, 2025 at 10:42 PM
With all the hot weather of late, let’s review the history of one of the major, albeit indirect, water sources for Indianapolis: Morse Reservoir. www.class900indy.com/post/once-ag...
Have you ever wondered about the history of this statue of Henry Lawton at Garfield Park? Or perhaps, you never knew about this statue. Either way, wonder no more. www.class900indy.com/post/guardin...
www.class900indy.com
August 15, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Have you ever wondered about the history of this statue of Henry Lawton at Garfield Park? Or perhaps, you never knew about this statue. Either way, wonder no more. www.class900indy.com/post/guardin...