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Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v05n13)
Right in my Own Backyard - Time for a History Lesson - by Brandt Carter
posted: Jun. 20, 2008

Right in my Own Backyard header

Time for a History Lesson

Whether you are a "lifer" or a visitor to Broad Ripple, you'll find this small community with a unique personality has a long and diverse history. Here are some quick facts that can be checked out more completely:

• www.broadripplehistory.com
• www2.indystar.com/articles/9/030947-1869-121.html
• www.polis.iupui.edu/RUC/Neighborhoods/BroadRipple/BRNarrative.htm

  • 1821-37 Pioneers begin settling near the area marked by "the ripple in the river"
  • 1836-37 Construction begins on the Central Canal to connect the Wabash and Erie Canal; it was never completed
  • 1837 Jacob Coil plats 48 plots for a settlement north of the canal. His will contains the first written reference to "Broad Ripple." Nelson's plat defines the settlement of Wellington south of the canal. The two settlements were accessed by a toll road, "Range-line," later named "Westfield Road"
  • 1867 Indianapolis Water Company purchases the canal
  • 1875 White River floods town; levee built
  • 1883 Railroad tracks are laid through Broad Ripple
  • 1884 Broad Ripple and Wellington incorporate under the name Broad Ripple with 150 residents; flood breaks levee
  • 1886 Broad Ripple High School is established
  • 1896 Broad Ripple High School burns
  • Early 1900s - Resort for "city people" doubles the population in the summer months
  • 1903 Severe flooding
  • 1904 Construction of Broad Ripple Park begins
  • 1907 Park becomes White City amusement center
  • 1913 New Broad Ripple High School opens
  • 1917 German-made carousel (now at Children's Museum) is installed in Broad Ripple Park
  • 1922 Town of Broad Ripple annexed by Indianapolis
  • 1958 Glendale Mall opens causing decline in area commerce.
  • 1961 Parking deck built over the canal
  • 1971 Broad Ripple Art Fair begins
  • 1980-90s Community revitalization converts many residences to small businesses and night clubs
  • 1996 - Monon Trail opens from Broad Ripple to Nora
  • 2004 - Broad Ripple Gazette first issue

To me, being part of the history that makes Broad Ripple what it is today has been amazing. In my lifetime, I have seen the area go from vibrant into decline - and then reinvent itself. It is as if this ground has a life of its own and will sustain us long into the years to come. I wish I could look ahead 100 years to see what the future holds. Hopefully Broad Ripple will continue to be a spot on the map where people enjoy living as well as finding entertainment and food to refresh the soul.


Brandt Carter, artist, herbalist, and naturalist, owns Backyard Birds at 2374 E. 54th Street. Visit her web site www.feedbackyardbirds.com. Email your bird questions to Brandt@BroadRippleGazette.com



brandt@broadripplegazette.com
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