Historical structures on the Michigan Road in northwest Indianapolis

On my recent bike ride up the Michigan Road pedestrian trail in northwest Indianapolis, I passed a number of historical structures that I photographed when I surveyed the Michigan Road in 2008. Surprisingly, they have changed very little! Here are some then-and-now photos where the then and the now are pretty similar.

While the old Crooked Creek School building was demolished in the 1980s, the entrance arch remains allegedly on its original spot just north of Kessler Boulevard. Here it is in 2008.

School No. 7 / Crooked Creek Elementary School

And here it is in 2017. Sadly, the top of the structure is a little damaged. How does damage like that even happen?

Arch at Crooked Creek School

This 1840s farmhouse at 6358 Michigan Road was vacant and for sale in 2008.

1840s farmhouse, 64th and Michigan

It remained vacant for a long time before someone finally bought it and lived in it. I think it’s been sold one more time since then. I live around the corner from this house and drive by frequently. I’ve watched many exterior improvements be made — all faithful, thanks to protective covenants Indiana Landmarks placed on the house.

1840s farmhouse

A you-pick blueberry patch went in next door. It is kind of startling to find such a thing within the city limits! I’m pretty sure it’s run by the people in this old farmhouse.

Blueberry patch

The Aston Inn at 6620 Michigan Road was built in 1852 and, for a time, served as an inn for travelers. In those days, it was still a full day’s journey from here to downtown Indianapolis! Here are my 2008 photos.

Aston Inn
Aston Inn

Little has changed in 2017, except that the trees and shrubs in front of the house have grown to block the house. I’m sure the owners hope the greenery will turn down the volume on the traffic noise from always-busy Michigan Road. But it’s a shame not to be able to fully see this great old house.

Aston Inn
Aston Inn

In Augusta, the 1832 Boardman House, at 7716 Michigan Road (right), stands next to this block house that looks to be from the early 20th century. I photographed it in 2008 both before and after the owner de-ivied it.

Augusta
Augusta - Bordman House
Boardman House de-ivied
Boardman House

I met the owner of this house once and he said that it is an extremely sturdily built structure, with walls a foot thick (I think) on the bottom story and hand-hewn exposed beams overhead in the cellar. He has since sold the house. The new owner has cleaned the place up nicely. The block house has been de-ivied, as well.

House in Augusta
The Boardman House
The Boardman House

Across the street, at 7711 Michigan Road, stands this little structure that I feel certain is a log cabin beneath that siding, which looks from a distance to be aluminum. The shape of the house suggests it strongly. The center door is flanked by windows. There’s a large space above the door and windows before the roof begins, suggesting a typical loft above the ground floor. The sloping-roof addition is a classic way to expand a log cabin. I first photographed this house in 2010.

Log cabin?

In 2017, the siding is dirty and the gutter is hanging low — time for a little basic maintenance. But the house still stands. And I’m still dying to know whether I’m right. I hope the owner stumbles upon this post and leaves a comment.

Possible log cabin

Here’s hoping that I can come back with my camera in another nine years and find all of these structures still in good condition.

I’ve documented Indiana’s historic Michigan Road extensively. To read all about it, click here.

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Comments

6 responses to “Historical structures on the Michigan Road in northwest Indianapolis”

  1. Christopher J. May Avatar

    The old school entry has probably just seen a few too many freeze/thaw cycles. Sadly, the more that such cycles occur, the more they will continue to occur as moisture has more and more places to hide in the cracked and spalled surface.

    1. Jim Grey Avatar

      Ah, makes sense. I hope they seal the cracks then.

  2. Les Avatar

    Always like Historic structures. Interesting, Jim.

    1. Jim Grey Avatar

      Thank you!

  3. Dick Jenkins Avatar
    Dick Jenkins

    Nice piece, Jim. glad to see some people taking care of these old structures. I’d suggest you send this to Indiana Landmarks – they might get involved in the saving process and restorations.
    I was doing some work at the new school when they saved and restored the old entry arch. It needs a protective cap on top to keep the water out. I doubt whether the school system would do anything (spend money) to preserve it , bu tit might be worth sending this to them, too.

    1. Jim Grey Avatar

      Thanks Dick. Landmarks has protective covenants on the white farmhouse already, thank goodness. I don’t know about the other structures. I do hope the school takes steps to protect that arch.

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