North Irvington Gardens Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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North Irvington Gardens Historic District
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Harold's Steer-In, a fixture of the District
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 Location in Indianapolis
Location in Indiana
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly bounded by 11th St., 10th St., Arlington Ave., Pleasant Run Pkwy N. Dr., Ritter Ave., St. Clair St., and Emerson Ave., Indianapolis, Indiana |
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| Area | 2,660 acres (1,080 ha) |
| Built | 1910-1955 |
| Architect | Multiple |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals, Bungalow/Craftsman, American Four Square |
| NRHP reference No. | 08000557 |
| Added to NRHP | June 27, 2008 |
The North Irvington Gardens Historic District is a special neighborhood in Indianapolis, Indiana. It's known for its history and unique homes. This area was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 27, 2008. Being on this list means the neighborhood is important to American history and should be protected.
This district is just north of another historic area called the Irvington Historic District. They share the same east and west borders, which are Arlington Avenue and Emerson Avenue. The North Irvington Gardens area stretches north to 10th and 11th streets. Most of the buildings here are homes built between 1910 and 1950. There isn't one main style of architecture, but many different ones. The district includes 843 houses and 551 garages that help tell its story.
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Why is it a Historic District?
The North Irvington Gardens area became a historic district for three main reasons. These reasons show how important the neighborhood is.
How Does it Show Development?
First, the district shows how neighborhoods grew and changed over time. The homes built here between 1910 and 1950 reflect the popular building styles of that era. It's like a living museum of how people lived and built houses back then.
Who Lived There?
Second, a famous author named Margaret Weymouth Jackson lived in this district. She was a well-known writer between World War I and World War II. Her connection adds to the district's historical importance.
What About the Architecture?
Finally, the district is like a "textbook" example of different house styles. You can see many types of homes, especially "small houses," built during its important time period. This makes it a great place to learn about architecture.
Harold's Steer-In: A Local Favorite
One of the most famous buildings in the district is Harold's Steer-In. It was built in 1951 and is still an important part of the neighborhood's history.
What's the History of Harold's Steer-In?
When it first opened in 1951, it was called Northways Restaurant. Later, in the mid-1950s, it became Laughner's Cafeteria. In 1964, it got its current name, Harold's Steer-In. This restaurant has been open almost continuously since then. In 2004, it looked like it might close for good. But two employees stepped in, invested their own money, and reopened it. They even hosted a special Thanksgiving Day meal for their loyal customers.
Why is it Special?
Harold's Steer-In is one of the few real drive-in restaurants left in Indianapolis. It's a classic spot where people could eat in their cars. Famous football player Peyton Manning even filmed a commercial for MasterCard there in 2005!
How it Became Historic
The Irvington Development Organization worked hard to get the North Irvington Gardens Historic District listed on the National Register. They received money from a Preserve America grant to help with this important project. This grant helped them research and prepare the application to make the district officially historic.
