Old Town of Broad Ripple Meeting Minutes #230
posted: May 01, 2025
This historic serial has run on and off in the last 21 years of the Broad Ripple Gazette. The intention is to share the history of Broad Ripple, help people find their ancestors in the text, and to complete the transcriptions of these important early documents.
The Town of Broad Ripple was incorporated in 1894, and started holding regular meetings at that time. In each issue, I will print my transcription of the old Town of Broad Ripple meeting minutes. These are taken from the original, hand-written minutes that contain many spelling errors. I have transcribed all the records as they were entered, including errors. I will make some corrections to the text in brackets [ ]. I will try to include street name changes, such as: Shelby Street became 63rd, then Broad Ripple Avenue, Morgan Street is now Guilford, North is now 64th, Hancock is now Westfield, Light Ave is College. See more of our street name research at
BroadRippleHistory.org - Alan
The original minutes books are at the Indiana State Archives at 6440 E. 30th St.
Here is the two-hundred-thirtieth installment
Discussion of new fire truck.
Broad Ripple, Ind
March 18th 1908
Board met in special session. Roll called as follows
Millard Eaton 1st ward absent
J.D. Sullivan 2nd " Present
B.F. Osborn 3rd " Present
On motion of B.F. Osborn J.D. Sullivan was elected to act as President of Board Pro Tem. Meeting called to order for the purpose of paying Jos. Ferguson $25.00/100 for services superintending putting down 10 fire wells + 13.75/100 for money advanced to pay laborers in putting down wells making a total of $38.75/100
No further business before the board it adjourned.
JD Sullivan Pres'd pro tem JO Brenneman
"Town Clerk"
President of Board
Broad Ripple Ind
April 7th 1908
Board met in regular session
Roll called as follows
Millard Eaton 1st ward absent
J.D. Sullivan 2nd " Present
B.F. Osborn 3rd " Present
JD Sullivan was elected to act as president Pro Tem.
The minutes of the previous meetings were read and approved.
Bills were allowed as follows:
Knight and Jillson supplies for fire wells as per bills $176.26
Thomas Metsger 1 mo salary as marshall $30.00
" " lamp flues + bell rope 45
Total = $30.45
Broad Ripple Cash Grocery Co for pipe and supplies = 8.00
Mr Herve attend the meeting + discussed the qualities of a new fire engine the Town Board are anticipating buying.
No further business before the Board it adjourned
JO Brenneman
MF Eaton President of Board Town Clerk
{next issue: new fire truck to be ordered }
alan@broadripplegazette.com