Old Town of Broad Ripple Meeting Minutes #238
posted: Aug. 28, 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-eighth installment
Town Board reorganized
Broad Ripple, Ind
Jan. 5th 1909
Board met in regular session
Roll called as follows
Millard Eaton 1st ward Present
Geo W. Sheets 2nd " "
B. F. Osborn 3rd " "
All members present.
The minutes of the previous meeting was read + approved.
The 1st order of business was the organization of the new new board for the year 1901
B.F. Osborn of the 3rd ward was elected as president of the board for the year 1909.
Vote was as follows } Millard Eaton yes
On roll call } Geo W Sheets yes
} BF Osborn no
{Over}
Bills were allowed as follows
T.F. Metsger 1 mo salary as marshall 30.00
+ 50c for one road receipt book .50
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Total $30.50
Walter Johnson for 85 loads gravel @10c per load 8.50
O.B. Boardman " 250 " " " 10c " " 25.00
Broad Ripple Lumber Co material for repairing engine house + 24.63
Mel Kail 20 ½ hours work on engine house + town hall at 30c 6.15
Joe Ferguson for labor on " " + " " 3.50
" " " 2200 lbs coal for " " + " " 5.30
Standard Oil Co for 20 gal oil furnished 1.80
Oscar Barthel for labor + material for fire engine repairs 17.30
Frank E Watts for gasoline furnished as per bill 3.72
Richardson Kothe + Uhl - premium for Ins. On town hall + contents 30.00
Wm/ Bosson 1 years salary as town atty 50.00
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Total $236.90
Attest JO Brenneman
Town Clerk
Benj F Osborn President of Board
{next issue: fire hose tested }
alan@broadripplegazette.com