Heslar Naval Armory facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Heslar Naval Armory
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Heslar Naval Armory
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 Location in Indiana
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| Location | Indianapolis, Indiana |
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| Built | 1938 |
| Architect | Ben H. Bacon |
| Architectural style | Art Moderne |
| Part of | Indianapolis Park and Boulevard System (ID03000149) |
| Added to NRHP | March 28, 2003 |
The Heslar Naval Armory, once called the Indianapolis Naval Reserve Armory, was built in 1936 in Indianapolis, Indiana. It sits by the White River and was a project of the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Architect Ben H. Bacon designed it in a cool style called Art Moderne.
For many years, the Armory was a key place for the United States Navy Reserve and the United States Marine Corps Reserve. It also hosted groups like the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps and the Central Indiana Young Marines. In 2008, the Indiana Wing Civil Air Patrol also moved its main office here.
The State of Indiana owns the building, but it was leased to the federal government for military use until 2015. After that, it was turned into a school. Renovations cost $10 million and were finished in June 2018. Today, it is home to Riverside High School.
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Building the Armory: A Look Back
Construction on this important building started in February 1936. It cost about US$550,000 to build. The Armory was officially opened on October 29, 1938, as the Indianapolis Naval Reserve Armory. Many important people attended the dedication ceremony. This included Indiana's Lieutenant-Governor Henry F. Schricker and Indianapolis Mayor Walter C. Boetcher.
The building was made from strong concrete with steel supports for the roof. When it was finished, the four-story building had many features. These included a navigation bridge, a swimming pool, a gym, and classrooms. It even had special rooms for officers and staff. The dining hall and gym were decorated with large murals. These paintings showed famous naval battles and events.
Around the main rotunda and on the outside walls, you can see names of important naval heroes. These include George Dewey, Oliver Hazard Perry, and David Glasgow Farragut.
Captain Heslar's Role and World War II
On November 20, 1939, Captain O. F. Heslar took charge of the Armory. He also commanded the USS Sacramento, a gunboat used for training on Lake Michigan. Captain Heslar led the Armory until November 1940. His ship, the USS Sacramento, was later at Pearl Harbor when it was attacked in 1941. The ship survived and helped rescue people.
During World War II, the Armory's location away from the coasts was very useful. Generals and admirals met there to plan important campaigns. This included parts of the famous Battle of Normandy in 1944. The Indianapolis Naval Reserve Armory was a key training center. Recruits learned to be radiomen and yeomen (clerks) before going to sea. After the war, it went back to training reserve forces.
Renaming the Armory
On December 12, 1964, the Armory was renamed the Heslar Naval Armory. This was done to honor Captain Ola Fred Heslar. He was the first and longest-serving commanding officer. Many important guests attended the ceremony. A special plaque was revealed, which is now on the outside of the building.
The plaque reads:
Heslar Naval Armory
in honor of
Captain Ola Fred Heslar, USNR (Ret.)
Commanding Officer of the Naval Reserve
State of Indiana 1921-1940
A dedicated Naval officer and true hoosier, Captain Heslar has given unselfishly of his time, knowledge, and efforts to further the Naval Reserve and the Indiana Naval Forces.
Held in the highest esteem by his fellow officers and fellow hoosiers, it is altogether fitting that this armory be dedicated and so named.
Matthew E. Welsh
Governor, State of Indiana
1964
In 1978, the Armory was renovated to also house Marine Reserve units. A large parking lot was added where the Riverside Amusement Park used to be. In early 2015, the Navy and Marine Corps stopped using the facility. It was then renovated to become Riverside High School, opening in June 2018.
The Heslar Naval Armory is part of the Indianapolis Park and Boulevard System. This system is a Historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2003.
Captain Ola F. Heslar (1891-1970)
Ola Fred Heslar was born on October 5, 1891, in Brazil, Indiana. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1907. He served on a submarine in the Philippine Islands and later as a radioman. In 1916, he became an officer and served in the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. He also led a transatlantic radio station.
From 1919 to 1922, Heslar worked as a staff officer for important admirals. In 1922, he retired from active duty but joined the U.S. Navy Reserve. He became the Area Commander for Indiana. In this role, he helped create the Indiana Naval Forces. He also oversaw the building of Naval Armories in Indianapolis and Michigan City. Captain Heslar set a high standard for naval training across the country.
Captain Heslar had one child, Fred Gasaway Heslar, born in 1938. During World War II, he returned to duty. He served as Director of Training for a naval district. In 1943, he received an honorary doctorate degree. He also studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Columbia University.
In 1944, Captain Heslar was going to be promoted to rear admiral. However, due to health issues, he had to retire from naval service. In 1959, he received the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for his excellent service. After returning to Indianapolis, he became the Indiana State Purchasing Director in 1945. He was also a member of several clubs and the Methodist Church.
The Heslar Naval Armory has been home to several interesting items from naval history:
- A bell from the USS Indiana, made in 1942.
- A bell from the USS Indianapolis, made in 1932.
- A damaged flag from the USS Indianapolis. This flag was given to the city of Indianapolis in 1960.
- A memorial for the USS Grayback. This memorial has since been moved to a new location.
- A flag from the USS Fechteler, displayed in the officers' wardroom.
- A logbook from the USS Indiana from 1943.
- Original blueprints for the USS Indiana.
Understanding the NOSC Indianapolis Logo
The logo for NOSC Indianapolis (which was then called NMCRC Indianapolis) was designed in 1980. It was created by QM1 Jerome (Jerry) Bennett. The logo has several symbols:
- The eagle represents the United States.
- The outline of Indiana shows the "Hoosier homeland."
- The unique building shape represents the Armory itself.
- The ship's wheel stands for guidance.
- The anchor represents stability.
These symbols show the important values of Navy Reserve training.
