honorable work for the benefit of us all

Honorable Work for the Benefit of Us AllRemembering Farms in the Carmel Clay Area of Hamilton County, Indiana

Compiled and Edited by John F. Graves

11/28/13

© 2013 by John F. Graves

Table of ContentsPurposeIntroductionContributorsGeographyDirectory of Clay Township Farmers in ‘60’sIndex of Included Farms (72)Farms

PurposeThe purpose of this research has been to document many of the farms that existed in the Carmel Clay area in the early- to mid-1900’s. In order to avoid turning this whole project into a two dimensional exercise, one critierion was used to select which farms to include: someone living in 2013 had to remember the farm (directly or indirectly) and provide some information about it.

IntroductionThe content of the Farms section of this research is arranged similarly for all of the farms included. The first type of information presented is textual and includes where the subject farm is/was located, the size of the farm, who farmed the land, and any other information that has been gleaned from the contributors. Subsequently, information is presented from the available Hamilton County plat maps as to who owned each farm and at what time. The land ownership information presented was chosen to complement the other information known about each farm. Lastly, a brief listing of what is on each farm now is often presented. Sometimes it’s still a farm!

Locations are given using primarily present road names.

The textual information is sometimes followed by one or more photos. These photos may be of the farm itself or of the families who farmed the land. These photos may be historical or contemporary.

Following any photos is a topographical map segment that shows where the farm is/was located. Often several farms are shown on the same topo map segment so as to re-create the farm neighborhood that existed back in the day. The original topo maps from which these segments were cropped are all from the early 1950’s.

Following the topo map segment is a Google map segment that has been scaled the same as the topo map segment to show the location of each farm in relation to what is there today. Somewhere on the Google map segment is a red GPS waypoint star so a person with a GPS system can find that particular location near each farm using the data given. The waypoint stars are all located on public roads. The GPS latitude and longitude coordinates are located right after the Location information.

ContributorsI did not grow up on a farm. In the preparation of this work, I am exceedingly grateful for the help and information provided by the following individuals (listed in alphabetical order):

Steve Anderson, CHS ‘63Joan Weikal Ball, CHS ‘54John Bellinger, CHS ‘63Diane Haston Carter, CHS ‘63Jay Cotton, CHS ‘45Katherine DillJohn Fish, CHS ‘63Charlie Foster, CHS ‘49Bob Graves, Jr., CHS ‘59Paul Hannah, CHS ‘63Terry Haskett, CHS ‘63Ernie Hawk, CHS ‘63Bob Hendren, CHS ‘63Helen Hoffman, CHS ‘43Redick Horton, CHS ‘63Bob Huber, CHS ‘56Judy Ferrin Huber, CHS ‘56Tom Kirk, CHS ‘64Vicki Ogle Maddox, CHS ‘63Deb Haskett May, CHS ‘78Dick McNamaraEd Michael, CHS ‘59Eleanor Stuckey Moffitt, CHS ‘46Terry Prather, CHS ‘64Kathy Bowen Richter, CHS ‘63Bill Shelburn, CHS ‘59Nancy Bayless Smith, CHS ‘63Sunday Tyner, CHS ‘71

GeographyMohawk Road in Carmel is 126th Street. Main Street in Carmel is 131st Street (and used to be Indiana SR 234). Indiana SR 234 no longer exists in Hamilton County, but still exists in both eastern and western Indiana. Smokey Row Rd. in Carmel is 136st St. There were two Gray Roads back in the day: an East-West Gray Road and a North-South Gray Road. The two Gray Roads intersected at the Gray Friends Church northeast of Carmel. East-West Gray Road in Carmel is now 146th St. North-South Gray Road in Carmel is now Gray Rd. Range Line Road (aka Westfield Boulevard) was once U.S. 31 and is now IN SR 431, but the State designation may soon be withdrawn.

As can be seen on several of the topo map segments, land boundaries rarely passed through a woods unless it was very large.

Some of the remains of the interurban track bed can still be seen on the Noblesville Township topo map in Sections 16 and 15 and on the Google Earth website. See the Randall Family Farm.

Paved roads in Clay Township in 1957:

U.S. 421U.S. 31Range Line Rd.Spring Mill Rd.North-South Gray Rd. south to East 116th St.River Rd. south to East 116th St.Main St. west to Towne Rd.116th St.

A Congressional township contains 36 sections of land each section of which is 1 mile square. A civil or political township may be larger or smaller than a Congressional township.

Clay Township contains approximately 50 square miles of land that is distributed amongst 53 sections (30 sections west of Range Line Rd. and 23 sections east of Range Line Rd.). Most of the sections that do not border White River are nominally 1 mile square.

A square section of land in Clay Township is 1 mile square = 640 acres. Therefore, a quarter section = 160 acres and a quarter of a quarter section = 40 acres.

At 38° north latitude, 1 degree of latitude = ~69.0 miles, 1 minute of latitude = 1.15 miles, and 1 second of latitude = 101 feet. Similarly, 1 degree of longitude = ~54.6 miles, 1 minute of longitude = 0.91 miles, and 1 second of longitude = 80 feet.

Directory of Clay Township Farmers in ‘60’s

Name PO of NameRR of Name

Own/Rent Farm Comments

Adams, Noel L. Carmel 1 OwnAnderson, John Carmel 1 OwnApplegate, Nell Noblesville 4 OwnBassett, Roy Carmel 1 OwnBauer, Fred Indianapolis 14 OwnBaur, Ralph Indianapolis N/A OwnBeach, Stanley Carmel 2 OwnBeaver, Bill Noblesville 5 RentBeelar, Lola Carmel 2 OwnBehney, David Carmel 1 RentBellinger, Owen P. Carmel 1 OwnBennett, Francis Carmel 1 OwnBlue, William Noblesville 4 OwnBooth, Kenneth Carmel 1 OwnBowen, William C. Carmel 1 RentBower, Oscar S. Carmel 1 OwnBracken, Robert Noblesville 4 OwnBrandenburg, N.T. Zionsville 1 OwnBrooks, Statia Carmel 1 OwnBudnick, Joe Carmel 2 OwnBurns, Catherine Carmel 2 OwnCarey, Don F. Carmel 2 OwnCarson, Cora Noblesville 4 OwnCatterlin, O.C. Indianapolis 14 OwnClampitt, Helen R. Zionsville N/A OwnClark, Virgil L. Zionsville N/A OwnClayton, Hattie Carmel 1 OwnConn, Everett Indianapolis 14 OwnCotton, Clifford Carmel 2 RentCotton, Mary L. Carmel 1 OwnCotton, Ralph Carmel 1 RentCotton, W.C. Carmel 2 OwnCox, Norman Carmel 1 OwnCruse, Chester Zionsville 1 OwnCuthbert, Marvin Carmel 2 OwnCutts, Esther Westfield 1 OwnDaubenspeck, Richard Carmel 2 RentDavis, Nelle Noblesville 1 OwnDawson, Armon Carmel 1 OwnDawson, Oliver Indianapolis 14 Rent

Dinkelaker, Margaret Carmel N/A OwnDunn, Imo Zionsville N/A OwnEddelman, A.D. Westfield 1 OwnEfroymson, C.W. Carmel 2 OwnElliott, Talbert Carmel 2 OwnEllis, Mrs. Charles Carmel N/A OwnEllis, Herschel Carmel 1 OwnEssex, Mrs. Earl Westfield N/A OwnEssex, Harry C. Westfield 1 OwnFairbanks, Adelaide Carmel N/A Own Owned Fairchild FarmFeatherston, John Carmel 2 OwnFerger, K.L. Carmel 1 OwnFenstermaker, S.E. Carmel 1 OwnFish, W.C. Carmel 2 OwnFisher, Geneva Carmel 1 OwnFlaskamp, Charles Carmel 2 OwnFrenzel, O.N. Carmel 1 Own Owned Hobby Horse FarmFrenzel, Mrs. J.P. Carmel N/A OwnGames, Arlo Westfield N/A OwnGarner, Albert Zionsville 1 OwnGould, Ellen Indianapolis 14 OwnGulley, Herschel Carmel 2 OwnHampton, Wells Carmel 2 OwnHargit, Elizabeth Carmel N/A OwnHarvey, Warren J. Carmel N/A OwnHaston, Alice M. Carmel N/A OwnHauk, Herbert Carmel 2 OwnHaverstick, Pearl Indianapolis 14 OwnHeather, Dessie Carmel 1 OwnHendren, Gilbert Zionsville N/A OwnHensel, Hiram Carmel 1 RentHensel, John Indianapolis 19 RentHerrin, Mary C. Zionsville N/A OwnHinshaw, Donald Carmel 2 OwnHinshaw, Earl Noblesville 4 OwnHinshaw, Mostyn Carmel 1 OwnHoffman, Karl Westfield 2 OwnHood, Arthur R. Carmel 1 OwnHoover, Ella Carmel N/A OwnHuber, Frank Carmel 1 RentHuffman, Ira Noblesville 4 RentHunt, Aley Carmel N/A OwnHunt, Howard Carmel N/A Own

Hunter, Ward Indianapolis 14 OwnIrvine, Don Indianapolis 14 OwnJeffries, Harriett Carmel 1 OwnJohnson, Jesse Carmel N/A OwnJustack, Raymond Carmel 2 OwnKearne, Mrs. Mae Carmel 1 OwnKelly, William Carmel 1 OwnKinzer, Dora Carmel N/A OwnKinzer, Everett Carmel 1 OwnKirby, Harvey P. Carmel N/A OwnKitchens, Herman Indianapolis 14 RentKitchens, W. Hers. Carmel 2 RentKitchens, William H. Carmel 2 OwnKlingensmith, F. Noblesville 4 OwnKlingensmith, Roy Noblesville 4 OwnKnapp, E.W. Carmel 1 OwnKnight, Robert Westfield 1 RentKnowles, Paul W. Carmel 1 OwnLanders, Aurie Zionsville 1 OwnLarson, Edward J. Carmel 1 OwnLowe, Mrs. C.W. Carmel 2 OwnMcClain, Roy Carmel 1 OwnMallery, Garrick Noblesville 4 OwnMarburger, D.K. Indianapolis 14 Own Owned Oak Hill FarmMarlow, James E. Carmel N/A OwnMartin, T.R. Carmel 2 OwnMassey, Lester Carmel 1 OwnMayo, Cecil Noblesville 4 RentMeyers, T.E. Carmel N/A OwnMichael, Eddie Carmel 2 RentMichael, Eddie L. Noblesville 1 RentMichael, Roy Carmel 2 RentMitchell, Saben Carmel 1 OwnMorrow, Bertrand Zionsville N/A OwnMunden, Hazel Carmel 1 OwnMurphy, Merritt Carmel 1 OwnMyers, Telford Noblesville 4 OwnMyers, F.S. Indianapolis 16 OwnMyers, Mabel T. Carmel N/A OwnNewby, Earl Zionsville N/A OwnNewby, Ivan Carmel 2 RentNewby, Ovid A. Carmel 1 OwnNutt, Eva C. Carmel N/A Own

Oburn, George Carmel 1 OwnOttinger, Delmar Carmel 2 OwnOwens, Paul Carmel 1 Rent Lived on and farmed Block FarmPainter, Dean Carmel 2 OwnParish, Edward New Aug. 1 RentPatton, Waldo Noblesville 4 OwnPerisho, Leland Arcadia N/A OwnPowell, Willis Atlanta 1 OwnPrice, Fred E. Noblesville 4 OwnPursel, Faye Carmel 1 RentQuick, John H. Carmel N/A OwnRandall, Frank Carmel 1 OwnRandall, Richard Indianapolis 19 OwnRichey, Albert Carmel 2 OwnRiley, Ed Carmel 1 OwnRiner, Doris Swayzee N/A OwnRoeder, Fred Carmel 1 OwnRogers, Ivan T. Zionsville 1 OwnRohrer, Grace Carmel N/A OwnRohrer, Marion Carmel 1 OwnSchwegman, Wil’m L. Carmel 2 OwnSchwitzer, L., Jr. Carmel 2 OwnSecrist, Fred Carmel 1 OwnSetters, Harold Carmel 1 OwnShelburn, Ira E. Zionsville 1 OwnShelburn, W.L. Westfield 1 OwnShoemaker, C.C. Carmel 2 OwnShoemaker, Irwin J. Carmel 2 OwnSimpson, Gladis Carmel N/A OwnSmith, A.V. Indianapolis 14 OwnSmith, Claude Carmel 1 OwnSmith, Dorothy H. Zionsville 1 OwnStuckey, Gene Carmel 1 OwnSwiggett, Paul Zionsville N/A OwnSymone, H.M. Carmel 1 OwnTaylor, F.S. Carmel 1 OwnThompson, Ben Carmel N/A OwnVandover, Zeno W. Westfield 1 OwnWachstetter, Lawrence Zionsville 2 OwnWeidlick, George Carmel N/A OwnWeikal, Sidney Carmel 1 OwnWellington, Jack Zionsville 1 RentWells, Otis Noblesville 4 Own

Whidden, Harold Carmel 2 OwnWhite, Russell Carmel 1 Own Owned White Haven FarmWicks, Barbara M. Noblesville 1 OwnWilkinson, C.E. Carmel 2 OwnWilliams, Steven Carmel 1 OwnWilliamson, Wesley Carmel 1 OwnWillmuth, John Westfield 1 OwnWilson, Taylor Carmel 2 OwnWiseman, Marvin Noblesville 4 RentWisman, Marvin Noblesville 4 RentWooldridge, Albert Carmel 2 OwnZink, Roger Indianapolis 14 Own

Index of Included Farms (71)• Acorn Farm (1) 40 acres • American Breeders Service (ABS) Farm (2) 60 acres• Bassett Farm (3) 15 acres• Bellport Farm (4) 40 acres• Block Farm (Owens, Painter) (5) 389 acres (incl. Owens Farm)• Blue Farm (6) 40 acres• Booth Farm (7) 80 acres• Bowen Farm (8) 70 acres• Casper Farm (9) 214 acres• Conner Prairie Farm (in Clay Twp.) (10) 893 acres in Clay Twp. (incl. Mayo Farm

and Warner Farm)• Cool Creek Farm (11) 120 acres• Cotton Farm (12) 80 acres• Cox Farm (13) 125 acres• Cricklewood Farm (14) 121 acres• Daubenspeck Farm (15) 255 acres• Efroymson Farm (16) 80 acres• Eichard Farm (17) 200 acres• Fairchild Farm (18) 94 acres• Fish Farm (19) 166 acres• Foster-Kendall Farm (20) 320 acres• Frank Farm (21) (see White Oak Farm)• Garner Farm (22) 80 acres• Gregg Farm (23) 160 acres• Happy T Farm (24) 143 acres• Harvey Farm (25) 60 acres• Haston Farm (26) 69 acres• Heather Farm (27) 80 acres• Hendren Farm (28) 59 acres• Hensel Farm (29) 83 acres• Hobby Horse Farm (30) 236 acres• Hoffman Farm (31) 60 acres in Clay Twp.• Hoover Farm (32) 135 acres• Huber Family Farm (33) 207 acres• Hunt Farm (34) 50 acres• Jessup Farm (35) (see Schwitzer Farm)• Katterhenry Farm (36) 207 acres• Kinzer Family Farm (37) 507 acres• Kirk Farm (38) 78 acres

• Kitchens Farm (39) 131 acres• Lamb Farm (40) 0 acres in Clay Twp.• Lynnwood Farm (41) 527 acres• Massey Farm (42) 140 acres• Mayo Farm (43) (see Conner Prairie Farm (in Clay Twp.))• Moffitt Family Farm (1) (44) 225 acres• Moffitt Family Farm (2) (45) 226 acres• Morrow Farm (46) 160 acres• Mueller Farm (47) 131 acres• Myers Family Farm (48) 612 acres• Newby Farm (49) 35 acres• Oak Hill Farm (50) 112 acres• Owens Farm (51) (see Block Farm)• Palin Farm (52) 0 acres in Clay Twp.• Powell Family Farm (53) 134 acres• Pursel Family Farm (54) 391 acres• Randall Family Farm (55) 63 acres in Clay Twp.• Riley Brothers Farm (56) 80 acres • Rolling Ridge Farm (57) 527 acres• Schwitzer Farm (58) 345 acres (incl. Jessup Farm)• Settle Farm (59) 72 acres• Sheets Farm (60) 240 acres• Shelburn Farm (61) 90 acres• Simpson Farm (62) 36 acres• Smith Farm (63) 41 acres• Starn Farm (64) 60 acres• Stuckey Farm (65) 78 acres• Two Gaits Farm (66) 280 acres in Clay Twp.• Warner Farm (67) (see Conner Prairie Farm (in Clay Twp.))• Weikal Farm (68) 80 acres• White Haven Farm (69) 181 acres• White Oak (Frank) Farm (70) 184 acres (incl. Frank Farm)• Williamson Farm (71) 240 acres

Total = 11,037 acres = 17.25 square miles = 17.25/50 = 34.5% of Clay Township

FarmsAcorn Farm (1)

Location: East of U.S. 31 and adjoining the west side of Oak Rd. about a half mile north of East 151st St. and slightly northeast of Happy T Farm.

GPS Waypoint (center of Oak Rd. at sign):

40° 00’ 48.90” N

86° 07’ 05.35” W

Information: 40 Acres. Owned and farmed by the Sweets, Herb and Dee. This was also the location of Acorn Farm Day Camp (1933-1977).

Dee Sweet hosted a local TV show for kids and also a local TV show for women from the L.S. Ayers Tea Room. (information from Terry Haskett)

Land Ownership: In 1949 and 1957 this land was owned by Herbert A. Sweet. In 1964 this land was owned by Herb Sweet.

What’s there now: Remnants of the day camp, an antique shop, the original residence, and undeveloped uncultivated land.

[GO VISIT. ASK FOR HISTORICAL PHOTO(S). PHOTOGRAPH ORIGINAL RESIDENCE.] [OPEN WEDNESDAY THRU SUNDAY, 11AM UNTIL 5PM.]

Figure 1 Acorn Farm Sign

Acorn Farm 40A

Carey Rd.

Oak Rd.

East 151st St.

Monon RR

Happy T Farm 143A in 2 parcels

East 146th St. (East-West Gray Rd.)

American Breeders Service (ABS) Farm (2)

Location: Adjoining the west side of Towne Rd. between West 106th St. and West 116th St.

GPS Waypoint (center of Towne Rd. at elementary school across road):

39° 56’ 45.62” N

86° 12’ 11.13” W

Information: 60 Acres. Managed by George Lewis and his family including CHS ’63 Larry Lewis. CHS ’63 Terry Haskett’s mom acted as the answering service for the technician who did the servicing of the dairy cattle. The technician was Casey Clark (not the CHS ’63 Casey Clark). Casey Clark lived in Northwood Hills and covered most of Hamilton County. CHS ’63 Phil Haskett’s mom worked in the ABS lab for a while. Called “the bull farm” locally. (information from Terry Haskett)

Land Ownership: In 1949 and 1957 this land was owned by R.J. Prentice. In 1964 this land was owned by Mattox-Moore, Inc.

What’s there now: Crooked Stick West neighborhood.

[RESEARCH MATTOX-MOORE, INC.]

Heather Farm 80A

Stuckey Farm 78A

Haston Farm 69A

Fish Farm 166A in 2 parcels

Ditch Rd.

ABS Farm 60A

Bassett Farm (3)

Location: Southwest corner of the “T” intersection of West 116th St. and College Ave.

GPS Waypoint (center of West 116th St. at barn):

39° 57’ 23.24” N

86° 08’ 51.23” W

Information: 15 Acres. CHS ’63 Bill Bassett and his family lived here. A large “outside” party was held here during the high school career of the CHS ’63 graduates. A game of Leap Frog was played. Another game that was played required all of the shoes to be tied together by the laces and pitched into a big pile. The pile was stirred sufficiently and the signal to “start” was given. The first person to find their shoes, untie the laces, and put them on was declared to be the winner!

Land Ownership: Ownership of this land is not clear on the 1949, 1957, or 1964 plat maps.

What’s there now: ?

Figure 2 Basse3 Farm Barn

Bassett Farm

West 116th St.

College Ave.

College Ave.

Bellport Farm (4)

Location: Northeast corner of the “T” intersection of West 116th St. and Hoover Rd.

GPS Waypoint (center of intersection of West 116th St. and Hoover Rd.):

39° 57’ 20.93” N

86° 11’ 34.75” W

Information: 40 Acres. Owned by James, Frank, and Owen Bellinger. Farmed by Dan Stuckey. In the photo below, CHS ’63 John Bellinger is the boy on the right and his mom, Roxanne Bellinger, is the lady painting high behind the columns. Owen Bellinger was John Bellinger’s great aunt. (information from John Bellinger)

Land Ownership: In 1949, 1957, and 1964 this land was owned by F.J. Bellinger.


Figure 3 Bellport Farm Home

West 131st St. (West Main St.)

Clay Center Rd.

Ditch Rd.

Hoover Rd.

Bellport Farm 40A

Cox Farm 125A

Hoover Farm 135A in 5 parcels

Newby Farm 35A

Smith Farm 41A

Towne Rd.

White Haven Farm 181A in 4 parcels

Powell Farm 134A in 2 parcels

Block Farm (Owens, Painter) (5)

Location: Southwest corner of East 126th St. (Mohawk Road) and Gray Rd. (North-South Gray Rd.)

GPS Waypoint (center of East 126th St. (Mohawk Rd.) at Cool Creek bridge):

39° 58’ 17.67” N

86° 05’ 45.70” W

Information: 389 Acres. Owned by Meier S. Block of the William H. Block department stores family. Location of the Block Mansion (long abandoned by the mid-‘50’s) complete with Gatling guns on the widow’s walk. The Mansion sat on a bluff overlooking Cool Creek and was torn down in the late 60’s or early 70’s. Farmed by Paul Owens for a while. Farmed by Dean Painter for a while.

Land Ownership: In 1949 and 1964 this land was owned by M.S. Block. In 1964 this land was owned by Meier S. Block.

What’s there now: Brookshire Golf Club, O’Malia Food Markets Stores, and Brookshire Village neighborhood.

Block Farm 389A

Weikal Farm 80A

Eichard Farm 200A

Rolling Ridge Farm 527A in 7 parcels

Owens Farm

Hensel Farm 83A

Haverstick Rd.

Blue School

North-South Gray Rd.

South Range Line Rd.

Moffitt Farm (2) (partial)

Blue Farm (6)

Location: East 131st St. (East Main St.) nearly across from the “T” intersection with Cherry Tree Rd.

GPS Waypoint (center of intersection of East 131st St. (East Main St.) and Cherry Tree Rd.):

39° 58’ 42.43” N

86° 04’ 47.94” W

Information: 40 Acres. Narrower, E-W, and longer, N-S, than a “normal” square 40-acre farm. Owned and farmed by Roy Blue. In addition to farming the land, the Blue family raised chickens and sold both eggs and meat. Back in the day, chickens in the grocery store were mostly small fryers. When the author’s mom wanted to bake a large chicken, a phone call was made and the drive was made “all the way across town” out into the country and one was purchased from Mrs. Blue.

Land Ownership: in 1949 and 1957 this land was owned by Wm. J. Blue. In 1964 this land was owned by V.H. and R. Blue.

What’s there now: Badger Fields.

Blue Farm 40AEast 131st St. (East Main St.)

East 126th St. (Mohawk Rd.)

Cherry Tree Rd.


Booth Farm (7)

Location: Southwest corner of the “T” intersection of West 131st St. (West Main St.) and Pennsylvania Ave. (in 1952).

GPS Waypoint (center of West 131st St. (West Main St.) at remnants of lane):

39° 58’ 40.28” N

86° 09’ 32.39” W

Information: 80 Acres. Owned and farmed by Kenny Booth who also farmed much of the land in this area.

Land Ownership: In 1949 and 1957 this land was owned by K. Booth. In 1964 this land was owned by Kenneth Booth.

What’s there now: U.S. 31 was re-routed and split the farm right down the middle.

Jessup Farm 85A

White Oak Farm 184A in 4 parcels

White Haven Farm 155A in 4 parcels (partial)

Hobby Horse Farm 236A in 4 parcels

Cotton Farm 80A

Morrow Farm 160A

Booth Farm 80A

Schwitzer Farm 345A in 3 parcels

Clay Center Rd.

West 116th St.


West 106th St.

Efroymson Farm 80A

Bowen Farm (8)

Location: West of Range Line Rd. between the “T” intersection with East 126th St. (Mohawk Rd.) and 116th St.

GPS Waypoint (center of intersection of Gradle Drive and Monon Trail):

39° 57’ 57.91” N

86° 07’ 46.29” W

Information: 70 Acres. The farmhouse was perched on top of quite a hill for Clay Township. This land was farmed by Bill Bowen. Bill was also a long time school bus driver in the Carmel school system. In the early ‘50’s, his daughter, CHS’63 Kathy Bowen, walked that long lane and crossed the railroad tracks twice a day by herself in order to get to/from the school bus stop. (information from Kathy Bowen)

Land Ownership: In 1949 and 1957 this land was owned by John T. Wheeler. In 1964 most of this land was owned by the Monon Railroad.

What’s there now: A Japanese Garden and Eden Religious Facilities.

Bowen Farm 70A

South Range Line Rd.

Monon RR

Casper Farm (9)

Location: North of East 96th St. on both sides of River Rd. (now Hazel Dell Pkwy. in this area) from White River to Gray Rd. (North-South Gray Rd.).

GPS Waypoint (center of intersection of Gray Rd. (North-South Gray Rd.) and East 96th St.):

39° 55’ 36.84” N

86° 05’ 19.32” W

Information: 214 Acres in 4 parcels. This land was farmed by the Casper family, Earl and Betty. Pete, Wilma, and Linda were their kids. They lived west of River Rd. opposite the lane to the Clark residence at the location indicated by the callout and managed a herd of dairy cows. C.J. “Doc” Clark was the father of “Skip” Clark, a Carmel fireman who was killed in the line of duty.

The Hannah family lived on the west side of Gray Rd. in this area. CHS ’63 Paul Hannah and his brother Dick Hannah used to earn money in the summers bailing hay for the Muellers (see Mueller Farm) and the Caspers.

Land Ownership: In 1949 and 1957 this land was owned by C.J. Clark et ux. In 1964 this land was owned by American Aggregates.

What’s there now: Gravel pits, a 200’ deep limestone quarry, and the Carmel South Sewage Treatment Plant.

Cool Creek Farm 120A

Oak Hill Farm 112A in 2 parcels

Casper Farm 214A in 4 parcels

Kitchens Farm 131A in 2 parcels

Mueller Farm 131A in 2 parcels

River Rd.

East 106th St.

East 96th St.

East 116th St.


River Rd.

Conner Prairie Farm (in Clay Twp.) (10)

Location: North of Lynnwood Farm and east of Cherry Tree Rd. from East 131st St. (East Main St.) to just north of East 146th St.

GPS Waypoint (center of intersection of East 146th St. and River Rd.):

40° 00’ 00.19” N

86° 02’ 01.80” W

Information: 893 Acres in Clay Township in several parcels including those shown on the topo map segment as Mayo Farm and Warner Farm. Overall, Conner Prairie Farm consisted of 1183 acres in 3 townships: 893 acres in present-day Clay Township, 250 acres in present-day Delaware Township, and 40 acres in Noblesville Township. This land was owned by Eli Lilly between 1934 and 1964. This land in Clay Township was donated in 1964 to Earlham College to manage along with the Conner Prairie land on the east side of White River. When Conner Prairie gained its independence, Earlham sold the farm land west of White River to developers. CHS ’63 Vicki Ogle Maddox lived here approximately 200 yards south of the home shown in the photo (the “little black square” east of River Rd. closest to the river in the row of 3 on the topo map segment). When the Ogles lived there, the farm had two horses: “Jeb Stuart,” a retired race horse and “Tex,” an old cow horse.

Land Ownership: In 1949 and 1957 this land was owned by Eli Lilly. In 1964 most of this land in Clay Township was owned by Earlham College.

What’s there now: Plum Creek North and Haverstick neighborhoods, Lawrence Inlow Park, the partially completed Legacy Towns and Flats, abandoned farm buildings, and undeveloped uncultivated land.

Figure 4 Conner Prairie Farm (in Clay Twp.) (present day) (photo provided by KD)

Figure 5 Conner Prairie Farm (in Clay Twp.) Farm Manager's Home (present day)

Conner Prairie Farm (in Clay Township) 893A in several parcels

River Rd.

East 131th St. (East Main St.)

Cherry Tree Rd.

East 146th St. (East-West Gray Rd.)

Moffitt Farm (1) 225A in 5 parcels

Warner Farm 80A

Mayo Farm 96A

Cool Creek Farm (11)

Location: South side of East 116th St., directly across from the Flowing Well.

GPS Waypoint (center of intersection of East 116th St. and Woodcreek Drive):

39° 57’ 23.98” N

86° 05’ 06.03” W

Information: 120 Acres. Owned by Robert Efroymson who lived just north of 106th St. on the west side of Spring Mill Rd. and who was a businessman in Indianapolis. Farmed by the Haskett family including CHS ’63 Terry Haskett. (information from Terry Haskett)

Land Ownership: In 1949, 1957, and 1964 this land was owned by Occidental Realty Co.

What’s there now: Ryan Homes’ Wood Creek neighborhood.

Figure 6 Loren Haske3 on Cool Creek Farm

East 131th St. (East Main St.)


East 116th St.


Williamson Farm 240A in 2 parcels

Oak Hill Farm 112A

River Rd.

1

4

2Pursel Farm 391A in 4 parcels

River Rd.

East 126th St.

East 106th St.

3


East 116th St.


Oak Hill Farm 112A

River Rd.

Cotton Farm (12)

Location: Northeast corner of the intersection of West 116th St. and Spring Mill Rd.

GPS Waypoint (center of intersection of West 116th St. and Spring Mill Rd. roundabout):

39° 57’ 21.96” N

86° 09’ 52.77” W

Information: 80 Acres. Farmed by Ralph Cotton. Mary L. Cotton and Albert Cotton were CHS ’45 Jay Cotton’s grandparents. Edgar Cotton (Jay’s father) and Ralph Cotton were their sons. Ralph’s son, Clifford Cotton, was a Carmel area school bus driver. It is believed that Clifford Cotton, Jay’s 1st cousin, farmed Myers Family Farm parcel #2 owned by Mabel Myers. (information from Jay Cotton)

Land Ownership: In 1949, 1957, and 1964 this land was owned by Mary L. Cotton.

What’s there now: N. Illinois St. and part of Indiana University Health North Hospital.

Jessup Farm 85A

White Oak Farm 184A in 4 parcels

White Haven Farm 155A in 4 parcels (partial)

Hobby Horse Farm 236A in 4 parcels

Cotton Farm 80A

Morrow Farm 160A

Booth Farm 80A

Schwitzer Farm 345A in 3 parcels

Clay Center Rd.

West 116th St.


West 106th St.

Efroymson Farm 80A

Cox Farm (13)

Location: Northeast corner of West 116th St. and Towne Rd.

GPS Waypoint (center of intersection of West 116th St. and Towne Rd.):

39° 57’ 20.60” N

86° 12’ 09.05” W

Information: 125 Acres. John Williams created the farm on this land before/during the Civil War. Williams Creek was named after this family.

Land Ownership: In 1949 and 1957 this land was owned by C.N. Williams. In 1964 this land was owned by Jesse H. Cox.

What’s there now: Coxhall Gardens.

[PHOTOGRAPH MANSION, BELL TOWER, AND SEPARATE FARM BUILDINGS.]


Clay Center Rd.

Ditch Rd.

Hoover Rd.

Bellport Farm 40A

Cox Farm 125A

Hoover Farm 135A in 5 parcels

Newby Farm 35A

Smith Farm 41A

Towne Rd.

White Haven Farm 181A in 4 parcels

Powell Farm 134A in 2 parcels

Cricklewood Farm (14)

Location: South side of East 131st St. (East Main St.) on both sides of Cool Creek.

GPS Waypoint (center of intersection of East 131st St. (East Main St.) and Cricklewood Ct.):

39° 58’ 42.15” N

86° 06’ 18.36” W

Information: 121 acres in 3 parcels. This land was farmed by the Causey brothers, Dean and Dave, and the Callahan family who lived on the farm. This farm utilized a hydroponics system by the early 60’s.

“Very interesting to get this email. [in response to photo sent] Yes, that is the old Cricklewood Farm. Dean Causey lived east of the barn and Callahan’s home. He died of cancer many years ago. His first wife Betsy Merrill was part of the Merrill family we went to CHS with. Cindy Merrill CHS ’62 and Bill Merrill CHS ’60. Betsy and Dean had six children including one set of twins. David Fairbanks Causey lives west of the barn is still living there last I heard and he and his late wife, Barbara Hinkle Causey, daughter of Butler Coach Tony Hinkle, had four children, David, Susie, Tom, and Diane. Those are the ones I took care of. David and Dean were adopted by Captain Lewis Dean Causey and Adelaide Fairbanks Causey. She was the daughter of Charles Warren Fairbanks, Vice President under [Theodore] Roosevelt. They all grew up at what is now Indianapolis Life at 30th and Meridian SW corner. The Captain Lewis Dean Causey’s adopted nine children including 3 sets of twins including Dave and Dean. Dave and Dean both drove sports cars in the SCCA Sports Car Club of America. I briefly dated Steve Weaver during the time I stayed at the Causeys as their babysitter. Steve and Dave started a car club while we were in high school. One more thing, Dave and Dean built an old Sherman tank with a VW engine in it that I got to drive to school one day.” (Excerpts from 3/6/13 email from Nena Park Ray)

“Dean lived on Vickery Lane just east of the barn. There was another barn farther south on the farm road that went to the Callahan’s house and all the way to Mohawk Rd., but it was usually un-drivable unless you had a three or four wheeler. You could get to the barn better by taking Mohawk Rd. There is an addition there now and one of the streets is named Fairbanks and I have two friends that live on that road and I believe that there is also an Adelaide that was named after Dave and Dean’s mother. Vickery Lane had three homes on it when I was out there. Dean’s house was first and the Phil Vickery family lived there. They owned the Carmel Motel and the Flying J at 465 south and 37, as you are driving to Bloomington. Several years ago I was contacted by a boy scout troop to help with a Carmel pinewood derby. Someone had told them to contact me to get a race driver to come be the starter of the race which I did. When the lady had me come to her house, she lived on Vickery Lane that has now been extended back into the field. She was married with children and was a granddaughter of Phil Vickery. That field where her house is now was where we used to fly the gyrocopter. They used the Sherman tank to get it up in the air.” (Excerpts from 3/7/13 email from Nena Park Ray)

Land Ownership: In 1949, 1957, and 1964 this land was owned by A.(Adelaide) F. Causey. In 1949 and 1957 A.F. Causey also owned Fairchild Farm closer to Carmel and on the same side of the street (see Fairchild Farm).

What’s there now: Cricklewood Estates.

[CHECK OUT MAILBOXES IN FIELD AND PHOTOGRAPH IF INTERESTING. TAKE PHOTO OF CRICKLEWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD SIGN WHEN IT ISN’T RAINING.]

Figure 7 Cricklewood Farm Land (present day)

Cricklewood Farm 121A in 3 parcels


East 131st St. (East Main St.)

Fairchild Farm 94A in 2 parcels

Foster-Kendall Farm 320A in 2 parcels

Daubenspeck Farm (15)

Location: Southeast corner of the intersection of West 106th St. and Ditch Rd.

GPS Waypoint (center of intersection of West 106th St. and Ditch Rd. roundabout):

39° 56’ 29.25” N

86° 11’ 02.62” W

Information: 255 Acres. Farmed by Don Daubenspeck. (information from John Fish)

In 1964 Richard Daubenspeck owned and farmed 40 acres of land adjoining East 146th St. (East-West Gray Rd.) on the south side of the road a short distance east of the Gray Friends Church. This land had been owned by John J. and Minnie Morris in 1949 and 1957 and may have been farmed by Richard Daubenspeck then. It is not presently known if/how Don Daubenspeck and Richard Daubenspeck are related. (information from Bob Huber)

The original Daubenspeck home is located off of Towne Rd. It was built in 1866 by Peter Daubenspeck. The property was originally 640 acres. The property left the Daubenspeck family in 1885. (information from Katherine Dill)

Land Ownership: In 1933, 1949, and 1957 this land was owned by Milton Hussey. In 1964, this land was owned by other individuals.


Figure 8 Daubenspeck Home (present day)

West 106th St.

Ditch Rd.

West 96th St.

Spring Mill Rd.

Efroymson Farm (16)

Location: Northwest corner of the intersection of West 106th St. and Spring Mill Rd.

GPS Waypoint (center of West 106th St. and Spring Mill Rd. roundabout):

39° 56’ 29.71” N

86° 09’ 54.31” W

Information: 80 acres. Owned by the Efroymson family who also owned Cool Creek Farm where the Haskett family lived and farmed. Robert Efroymson lived on this land.

The Efroymson family (Gustave) founded and owned the H.P. Wasson & Co. in Indianapolis.

Land Ownership: In 1949 and 1957 this land was owned by C.W. Efroymson. In 1964 this land was owned by Clarence Efroymson.


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