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1920-30 South Wood Park lots
1920-30 South Wood Park lots

New South Wood Park - South Wood Park New Sections, Hilgeman & Schaaf, surveyor: Hofer, A.K. 1920-1930 Description: Plat map of the new sections in the South Wood Park subdivision of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Not dated. The back side of the map shows additional developments by Hilgeman & Schaaf. Plat and surveyed by A.K. Hofer, C.E., Fort Wayne. At the History Center Digital Collection on the mDON mastodon Digital Object Network.

1920-30s South Wood Park lots

South Wood Park, Harrison Hill Alternative Title Harrison Hill, South Wood Park, Hilgeman & Schaaf, surveyor Hofer, A.K., 1920-1930, Description: Plat maps of Harrison Hill subdivision, Fort Wayne, Indiana is on one side of the sheet and South Wood Park subdivision, Fort Wayne, Indiana is on the other side of the sheet. Both subdivisions were developed by Hilgeman & Schaaf. Maps prepared by A.K. Hofer, C.E. of Fort Wayne. Not dated. At the History Center Digital Collection on the mDON mastodon Digital Object Network.

1920-30s South Wood Park few lots remain

South Wood Park, Hilgeman & Schaaf, surveyor Hofer, A.K., Description: Plat map of South Wood Park subdivision's remaining lots in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Also advertised a contest for giving away a $9,000 home in South Wood Park. "The house is being built in accord with the plans and specifications awarded first prize by McCall's Magazine in a nation-wide contest." Map surveyed by A.K. Hofer, C.E. Map not dated.

An important step in any Historic Preservation effort is identifying the historic resources that exist. Our National...

Posted by Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Friday, May 3, 2024

Friday, May 3, 2024 post by Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Facebook:

An important step in any Historic Preservation effort is identifying the historic resources that exist.

Our National Register of Historic Places nomination was the biggest effort to identify what is significant about Southwood Park. Our neighbor Angie Quinn completed our nomination when she was Executive Director of ARCH, Inc. The nomination was paid through a grant administered by City of Fort Wayne Historic Preservation.

If you want to take a "deep dive" into Southwood Park history, during National Historic Preservation month, this nomination is a must read. There is so much information!

Southwood Park Historic District 003-215-49000 166-page National Register of Historic Places Registration Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) OMB No. 1024-0018 Nove 13, 2009 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service.

 

[ See our Historic Places and National Register of Historic Places pages. ]

  1. Southwood Park Neighborhood http://www.southwoodpark.org website.
  2. Plat of Southwood ParkAugust 25, 1918 plat map in The News-Sentinel newspaper from April 15, 2014 discussion on the original Great Memories and History of Fort Wayne, Indiana page on Facebook. September 2, 1918 Fort Wayne News and Sentinel newspaper.

     

    Same image in a May 4, 2024post by Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Facebook: National Historic Preservation Month continues: Here's a 1918 newspaper ad that shows the names of the persons who purchased lots in Section A and Section B.

  3. Throwback Thursday: A.K. Hofer prepared the Plat of Southwood Park Section "C" and it was recorded on April 12, 1918. Here is a picture he took of a steam shovel digging for the sewers later that year.

    Posted by Hofer and Davis,Inc. LAND SURVEYORS on Thursday, April 3, 2014

    Thursday, April 3, 2014 post by Hofer and Davis,Inc. LAND SURVEYORS on Facebook:

    Throwback Thursday: A.K. Hofer prepared the Plat of Southwood Park Section "C" and it was recorded on April 12, 1918. Here is a picture he took of a steam shovel digging for the sewers later that year.

    TBT Here is another picture of the sewer being built in Southwood Park Section "C". We estimate the picture was taken...

    Posted by Hofer and Davis,Inc. LAND SURVEYORS on Thursday, April 10, 2014

    Thursday, April 10, 2014 post by Hofer and Davis,Inc. LAND SURVEYORS on Facebook::

    TBT Here is another picture of the sewer being built in Southwood Park Section "C". We estimate the picture was taken around 1919. History shows the more things change, the more they stay the same. We count 7 people standing outside the trench watching 1 guy in the mud working!

  4. Do you have plans for Halloween tomorrow night? A house in Southwood Park has elaborate skeleton displays, live actors, and more, all open to the public from 6-10 p.m.

    Posted by Input Fort Wayne on Tuesday, October 30, 2018

    Tuesday, October 30, 2018 post by Input Fort Wayne on Facebook:

    Do you have plans for Halloween tomorrow night? A house in Southwood Park has elaborate skeleton displays, live actors, and more, all open to the public from 6-10 p.m.

    Love Halloween? Visit 'Skeletown' in Southwood Park

  5. "A flag can be a great way to share your community pride. I would say try to draw inspiration for your flag from what your neighborhood means to you and your neighbors, and go for it!"

    Posted by Input Fort Wayne on Sunday, November 6, 2022

    Sunday, November 6, 2022 post by Input Fort Wayne on Facebook:

    "A flag can be a great way to share your community pride. I would say try to draw inspiration for your flag from what your neighborhood means to you and your neighbors, and go for it!"

    Does your neighborhood need a flag? Southwood Park fills us in on placemaking efforts

  6. Thanks Input Fort Wayne for featuring us in today's story about Southwood Park's tree canopy! “A lot of people have...

    Posted by Tree Canopy Growth Fund on Wednesday, November 2, 2022

    Wednesday, November 2, 2022 post by Tree Canopy Growth Fund on Facebook:

    Thanks Input Fort Wayne for featuring us in today's story about Southwood Park's tree canopy!

    “A lot of people have never planted a tree in their life, so they don’t know how to do it,” says Derek Veit, Tree Canopy Growth Fund Co-Founder, “We hope more groups get involved to make the process more approachable.”

    Read more about how we're helping grow Fort Wayne's tree canopy in the Input article here: Love the fall trees in Southwood Park? This neighborhood's tree canopy is not a coincidence

    Historic Southwood Park Board President Steve McCord ... is the defacto local historian of Southwood Park. He explains that the neighborhood’s roots go back about a century to its developers, Frank H. Hilgeman and Albert H. Schaaf, who purchased much of the land in the 1910s. They referred to the area as a “forest primeval” and incorporated a variety of deed restrictions into its development, specifically forbidding the removal of trees, “except as may be necessary for the construction of a dwelling house and its appurtenances.” “Some of the goofy curves of the sidewalks and streets in our neighborhood were laid out specifically to accommodate our big trees,” McCord says. “Even so, many trees still came down as houses were built, and many others have died over the last century.”

  7. May 4, 2023 post by ARCH, Inc.on Facebook:

    This little house in Southwood Park is a unique example of Colonial Revival architecture. First listed in the 1949 City Directory as owned by Gerard G. Herber of Herber and Green Contracting, it was sold to Maurice Rothberg, of Rothberg S. Furniture Company Inc., in 1950. Its windows feature some of the classic elements that define this style of architecture. The structure has an asymmetrical façade, with a cross gabled slate roof. Decorative brick patterned lintels are over the bay window, porch windows, and front porch entrance. The staggered brick exterior walls also have random-colored accent brick. Its neighborhood, the Historic Southwood Park area, was developed between 1906 and 1965 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009. Its development was influenced by the City Beautiful movement. ARCH is proud to present this edition of Throwback Thursday, part of its service as the historic preservation organization serving the greater Fort Wayne area made possible by ARCH members and donors. Thank you.

    National Register of Historic Places November 13, 2009 OMB No. 1024-0018 is National Register Information 09001126on the NATIONAL REGISTER DIGITAL ASSETS of the National Park Service.

  8. May is National Historic Preservation Month. To appreciate what we have today, let's take it back to the very beginning - 1917!

    Posted by Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Wednesday, May 1, 2024

    Wednesday, May 1, 2024 post by the Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Facebook:

    May is National Historic Preservation Month.

    To appreciate what we have today, let's take it back to the very beginning - 1917!

  9. We are going to highlight some of the houses that are featured in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure for...

    Posted by Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Sunday, May 5, 2024

    Sunday, May 5, 2024 post by Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Facebook:

    We are going to highlight some of the houses that are featured in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure for National Historic Preservation month!

    Ralph & Esther Thompson House (original owners) - a Sears House called “The Barrington” - 4718 Arlington Avenue
    Tudor Revival, c. 1929

    It makes sense that a foreman at Sears, Roebuck & Co. would order his home from the Sears Catalog. You could purchase this complete home kit for about $2,600 in 1929. The steep, brick entry gable, arched door, and irregular shingle siding are features that give this home its Tudor style.

    Number 4 of 51 houses in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure

    1929 Sears Modern Homes

    The Barrington $2,531.000 Daily Bungalow 1929 Sears Modern Homes Barrington uploaded February 16, 2019 one of the 149 photos of the 1929 Sears Modern Homes 1929 Sears Roebuck Catalog of Homes on flickr.com.

    The Antiquehome.org link in the image takes you to Old Houses For Sale which has a Vintage Home Plans page.

    The Barrington (Model No. C3260); ($2,329 to $2,606) is on the Sears Homes 1927-1932 page at the Sears Archives.

    We are highlighting some of the houses that are featured in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure for...

    Posted by Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Tuesday, May 7, 2024

    Tuesday, May 7, 2024 post by Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Facebook:

    We are highlighting some of the houses that are featured in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure for National Historic Preservation month!

    Lawrence & Nellie Zollinger House (original owners)
    4234 Tacoma Avenue [ ONE JUNE 2013 AWARD HOME WAS AN ORIGINAL KIT HOUSE ]
    Craftsman, c.1927

    Harris Home No. M-1526

    Like Sears, the Harris Brothers Company in Chicago, Illinois offered a variety of house plans that could be purchased along with all the ready cut materials to build them. The catalog refers to this house as a Colonial Semi-Bungalow and notes the attractive exterior lines and pergola-like porch. Zollinger was the Captain of Engine Co. #4.

    Number 11 of 51 houses in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure

    Harris Ready Cut Home || Colonial Semi Bungalow

    Harris Home No. M-1526 Daily Bungalow post Harris Ready Cut Home || Colonial Semi Bungalow uploaded May 17, 2008 on flickr.com 

    We continue to highlight some houses that are featured in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure for...

    Posted by Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Thursday, May 9, 2024

    Thursday, May 9, 2024 post by the Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Facebook:

    We continue to highlight some houses that are featured in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure for National Historic Preservation month!

    Winterrowd-Whitacre House
    (Leighton Bowers, architect)
    3917 Indiana Avenue
    Colonial Revival, c. 1922

    A native of Fort Wayne, Leighton Bowers practiced here until moving to Indianapolis in 1933 to become an architect for the state. This balanced home features pedimented dormers, pairs of modillions under the eaves, a porch with a roof balustrade and paired columns, French doors, and an entry flanked by multipane sidelights.

    Number 1 of 51 houses in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure

    We continue to highlight some houses that are featured in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure for...

    Posted by Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Friday, May 10, 2024

    Friday, May 10, 2024 post by the Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Facebook:

    We continue to highlight some houses that are featured in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure for National Historic Preservation month!

    Nelson & Estella Richey House (original owners)
    4101 Indiana Avenue
    Craftsman Bungalow, c. 1925 [ What Makes a Craftsman Bungalow? History, Color and Furniture Choices - ModernBungalow.com ]

    The low-pitched roof with wide vergeboards, deep eaves and brackets of this little bungalow are common to the Craftsman style. The very low, wide shed dormer, open pergola covering the front porch, and sets of French doors with shutters are distinctive. Nelson Richey was employed as an electrical engineer at the General Electric Works.

    Number 14 of 51 houses in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure

  10. We continue to highlight some houses that are featured in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure for...

    Posted by Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Sunday, May 12, 2024

    Sunday, May 12, 2024 post by Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Facebook:

    We continue to highlight some houses that are featured in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure for National Historic Preservation month!

    Henry & Bertha Bruns House (original owners)
    4207 Indiana Avenue
    Tudor Revival Cottage, c. 1925

    This little cottage features a roofline constructed to imitate a thatch roof. The knee braces in the gable ends, arched entry hood, shingle siding and porch with large columns add to the cottage feel. Henry Bruns was one of the owners of Henry's Shoe Store at 1208 East Creighton Avenue.

    Number 15 of 51 houses in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure

  11. "Hilgeman & Schaaf Subdivisions Always Develop Rapidly Into Beautiful Home Places" More than a century later, we still...

    Posted by Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Tuesday, May 14, 2024

    Tuesday, May 14, 2024 post by Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Facebook:

    "Hilgeman & Schaaf Subdivisions Always Develop Rapidly Into Beautiful Home Places"

    More than a century later, we still agree with that!

    For this National Historic Preservation Month post, what is YOUR favorite detail in this photo? Let us know in the comments.

    This view is taken from the current location of the Roundabout (which didn't exist until 1998), looking east toward Beaver Avenue. If you look closely, you can see May's Award Home that was featured on our website and social media yesterday. Tip of the Hat to former neighbor Bill Decker for sharing this portion of an original advertisement.

    You might think this photo was taken in England... but it's right here in Fort Wayne. We continue to highlight some...

    Posted by Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Wednesday, May 15, 2024

    Wednesday, May 15, 2024 post by the Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Facebook:

    You might think this photo was taken in England... but it's right here in Fort Wayne. We continue to highlight some houses that are featured in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure for National Historic Preservation month!

    Kenneth & Elizabeth Bechtel House (original owners)
    4319 Indiana Avenue
    Tudor Revival, c. 1925

    Only a small percentage of Tudor houses have stucco as the primary wall surface. The steep roof, prominent stone chimney, half-timbering and casement windows are classic Tudor features. The stone foundation and entry arch are nice details. Bechtel was employed at S.F. Bowser Company, manufacturer of gasoline pumps.

    Number 16 of 51 houses in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure

  12. We continue to highlight some houses that are featured in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure for...

    Posted by Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Thursday, May 16, 2024

    Thursday, May 16, 2024 post by the Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Facebook:

    We continue to highlight some houses that are featured in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure for National Historic Preservation month!

    LaVerne & Mary Slagle House (original owners)
    4419 Indiana Avenue
    Craftsman Bungalow, c.1925

    With its low-pitched gables, wide overhangs with exposed rafters and decorative brackets, this home is a classic bungalow. The porch railing and clustered porch supports on high, sloping piers are distinctive. LaVerne Slagle was president/treasurer of Slagle Radio Co, radio manufacturers.

    Number 17 of 51 houses in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure

  13. We continue to highlight some houses that are featured in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure for...

    Posted by Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Friday, May 17, 2024

    Friday, May 17, 2024 post by the Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Facebook:

    We continue to highlight some houses that are featured in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure for National Historic Preservation month!

    Richard & Leone Butler House (original owners)

    4636 Indiana Avenue

    Tudor Revival, c. 1930

    This small Tudor style house with its rustic slate roof and brick holds many surprises. A close look reveals animals, flowers, and decorative symbols like lightning bolts and diamonds scattered throughout the brick and stonework of the walls. Mr. Butler was vice-president of Suedhoff & Butler mens clothing at 1101 S. Calhoun Street.

    Number 18 of 51 houses in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure

    Saturday, May 18, 2024 post by the Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Facebook:

    Joseph & Margaret Baltes House
    4816 Beaver Avenue
    Garrison Colonial, c.1940
    Popular from the 1930s through the 1950s, Garrison Colonials are defined by the second floor slightly overhanging the first. This home shows the classic symmetry of the style. The shutters, decorative moldings at the overhang, and fluted pilasters flanking the recessed front door add special interest. Baltes was a physician.

    Number 19 of 51 houses in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure

  14. We continue to highlight some houses that are featured in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure for...

    Posted by Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Monday, May 20, 2024

    Monday, May 20, 2024 post by the Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Facebook:

    We continue to highlight some houses that are featured in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure for National Historic Preservation month!

    John & Edna McMeen House
    4601 Beaver Avenue
    Tudor Revival, c.1930

    The steep gables with wood finials, massive chimney, Tudor arched entry and bands of multiple windows are classic elements of the Tudor Revival style. The masonry walls, featuring two sizes of brick and irregular stone are very unusual. McMeen was the manager at Thomson & McKinnon — stocks, bonds, grain, and cotton. 

    Number 20 of 51 houses in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure

  15. We continue to highlight some houses that are featured in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure for...

    Posted by Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Tuesday, May 21, 2024

    Tuesday, May 21, 2024 post by the Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Facebook:

    We continue to highlight some houses that are featured in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure for National Historic Preservation month!

    Harry & Zelda Soshea House (original owners)
    John Worthman, designer/builder
    930 Prange Drive
    Art Deco/French Eclectic, 1936

    This home is a streamlined, modern version of the French Eclectic style. Stepped brick banding is located under the eaves. Rostone, a simulated stone material first displayed at the 1933 Century of Progress, is used to accent the projecting corners. Worthman based the design on a 1935 cover sketch from American Builder magazine.

    We tracked down an image of the magazine cover mentioned! There's one for sale currently on Amazon. 

    Number 2 of 51 houses in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure

  16. We continue to highlight some houses that are featured in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure for...

    Posted by Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Wednesday, May 22, 2024

    Wednesday, May 22, 2024 post by Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Facebook:

    We continue to highlight some houses that are featured in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure for National Historic Preservation month!

    Thomas & Irma Merrill House
    1021 Pasadena Drive
    Colonial Revival/Bungalow, c.1927

    The gentle curve at the ends of the steep gabled roof, square porch columns, multi-pane windows and entry flanked by long sidelights define the character of this house. The decorative shutters and arched trellis panels are great details. Merrill was the secretary/treasurer of The Merrill Co., outdoor advertising.

    Number 22 of 51 houses in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure

  17. Historic Southwood Park can do mid-century, too! We continue to highlight some houses that are featured in the 2008...

    Posted by Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Thursday, May 23, 2024

    Thursday, May 23, 2024 post by the Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Facebook:

    Historic Southwood Park can do mid-century, too! We continue to highlight some houses that are featured in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure for National Historic Preservation month.

    Robert & Dorthea Matsinger House
    4505 Beaver Avenue
    Ranch, c.1950

    This home illustrates many characteristics of the Ranch style: asymmetrical one-story shape; low-pitched roof; horizontal emphasis; attached garage; and large picture window. The design is enhanced by the horizontal and vertical wood siding, limestone cladding and large chimney. Robert Matsinger was an engineer at Magnavox.

    Number 23 of 51 houses in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure

  18. In 2024, a "model home" today shows off a builder's abilities on a particular house "model". One might see 5 or 6...

    Posted by Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Friday, May 24, 2024

    Friday, May 24, 2024 post by the Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Facebook:

    In 2024, a "model home" today shows off a builder's abilities on a particular house "model". One might see 5 or 6 copies of a "model home" pop up in a tract of new houses. Or worse yet, a whole street of the same house.

    It was different in 1920. The developers of South Wood Park knew their great work was creating a "model neighborhood" by combining a beautiful natural setting with all the modern conveniences of the day. And a "model" neighborhood needed a "Model Home" to show the possibilities to the real estate market of the Roaring '20s. This featured home is "The Model Home". It is a UNIQUE home. You won't find another one like it.

    And you won't find another Historic Southwood Park, either. There isn't another neighborhood like it.

    Because of that, we think it is time to become a Local Historic District to help maintain the character of our model neighborhood. We will be sharing information about what Local Historic District status means in the coming weeks, why it would be good for Historic Southwood Park, why it would be good for your property values, and why we hope you will choose to support the effort.

    Celebrating National Historic Preservation Month, here is what was written about 1032 Westover Road in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure. In addition to the paragraph from the brochure, we found some newspaper articles for you to enjoy.

    Southwood Park Prize House
    1132 Westover Road
    Craftsman, c.1920

    In 1920, developers Hilgeman and Schaaf held a drawing and gave away this house as a promotion for the Southwood Park development. With its unusual roofline and form the house has a distinctive style. The wide bands of windows overlook one of the landscaped public green spaces that are characteristic of the neighborhood design.

    1920 - Many Will Visit South Wood Park Today To See "The Model House"

    Article from Oct 24, 1920 The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1920, South wood park, Model home

    1920 - Many Will Visit South Wood Park Today To See "The Model House" The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Sunday, October 24, 1920, Page 3

    1921 - Regarded As Model Home

    Article from Aug 27, 1921 The Fort Wayne Sentinel (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1921, Model home, South wood park

    1921 - Regarded As Model Home The Fort Wayne Sentinel, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Saturday, August 27, 1921, Page 2

  19. We continue to highlight some houses that are featured in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure for...

    Posted by Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Tuesday, May 28, 2024

    Tuesday, May 28, 2024 post by the Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Facebook:

    We continue to highlight some houses that are featured in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure for National Historic Preservation month.

    P. Cornell & Evelyn Morganthaler House
    4437 Pembroke Lane
    Eclectic, c.1927

    This house illustrates the imaginative mixing of styles popular in the 1920s: symmetrical, sidegabled Colonial Revival form, Spanish tile roof, and Tudor Revival wing walls and arched entry with decorative brick tabs. Morganthaler was an assistant general manager at General Electric. 

    Number 25 of 51 houses in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure

    We continue to highlight some houses that are featured in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure for...

    Posted by Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Wednesday, May 29, 2024

    Wednesday, May 29, 2024post by the Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Facebook:

    We continue to highlight some houses that are featured in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure for National Historic Preservation month.

    George & Anna Frohnapfel House
    4414 Pembroke Lane
    Colonial Revival, c.1927

    The classic side-gable roof and symmetrical façade of this Colonial Revival house are enhanced by the eyebrow dormer and the arched, leaded glass fanlights over the first-floor windows and entry. The entry also features sidelights and a portico with Tuscan columns. Frohnapfel’s Drug Store was at 1836 S. Calhoun Street.

    Number 26 of 51 houses in the 2008 Southwood Park Historic District brochure

    Today's post is courtesy of Mitch Harper, who found this ad from 1917! (Thank you!) We're borrowing the "South Wood...

    Posted by Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Thursday, May 30, 2024

    Thursday, May 30, 2024 post by Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Facebook:

    Today's post is courtesy of Mitch Harper, who found this ad from 1917! (Thank you!)

    We're borrowing the "South Wood Park" logo as out temporary Facebook logo. It isn't often those details are 107 years old...

    There are lots of interesting changes in street names, street routings, and other map details. Which one is a surprise to you? Discuss!

    [ One comment: The Wiebke farm was later purchased by the Fort Wayne Bible College but not until the 1940’s, the beautiful old farmhouse was there until about 20 years ago. I’m not sure exactly when it was torn down though, it was a beautiful house until Taylor University let it fall into disrepair. The other farm was the Prange farm which would have been right behind my house on Pasadena Dr. ]

    1917 - Many Will See South Wood Park This Afternoon - $100,000 Worth Sold in Three Weeks

    Article from Sep 3, 1917 Fort Wayne Daily News (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1917, South wood park

    1917 - Many Will See South Wood Park This Afternoon - $100,000 Worth Sold in Three Weeks Fort Wayne Daily News, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Monday, September 3, 1917, Page 11

    Caption: Map Showing South Wood Park and the Best Routes by Which to Reach it.

    Many famlies will doubtless arrange to visit South Wood Park today. Hilgemand & Schaaf extend a glad welcome to all to come-and bring the children. The woods are delightful and all are welcome to enjoy them. All who have been reading int he Daily New about the remarkable lot sales will wish to see just where these properties are located. It is suggested that the above map be cut out and taken along for reference.

  20. THROWBACK THURSDAY - We found this full page ad that appeared 104 years ago on June 6, 1920 in the Sunday Journal...

    Posted by Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Thursday, June 6, 2024

    Thursday, June 6, 2024 post by the Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Facebook:

    THROWBACK THURSDAY - We found this full page ad that appeared 104 years ago on June 6, 1920 in the Sunday Journal Gazette.

    Enjoy looking at how things have evolved with these homes in that timespan. It's interesting to see how a few houses look nearly identical to when they were new. Others have added fireplaces or changed rooflines and porches. Some yards have fewer trees - and some have more.

    One thing we know is all these homes are just as loved today as they were when they were new! We will share 1920 closeups of the homes and some tidbits about the 1920s owners in future posts. If you're wanting to learn how to research your own home's history, we will be sharing information on that in upcoming posts, too.

    [ Read the full page 1920 - They-re Building in South Wood Park! - Hilgeman & Schaaf The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Sunday, June 6, 1920, Page 6A ]

    1920 - "They're Building in South Wood Park" - Hilgeman & Schaaf

    Article from Jun 6, 1920 The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1920, South wood park, Hilgeman & schaaf

    1920 - "They're Building in South Wood Park" - Hilgeman & Schaaf The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Sunday, June 6, 1920, Page 2

  21. Spongy Moth is now in Fort Wayne and could wreck havoc on all trees, especially oaks. Read this presentation to get...

    Posted by Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Friday, June 7, 2024

    Friday, June 7, 2024 post by Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Facebook:

    Spongy Moth is now in Fort Wayne and could wreck havoc on all trees, especially oaks.

    Read this presentation to get informed on what you need to know to preserve the trees in our neighborhood! 

    Slowing the Spread of Spongy Moth in Indiana at Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

    [ See Spongy Moth on Invasive Species page. ]

  22. A few years ago, 4429 Pembroke Lane was forlorn and neglected by its landlord. Neighbors talked about the idea of...

    Posted by Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Thursday, June 27, 2024

    Thursday, June 27, 2024 post by Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Facebook:

    A few years ago, 4429 Pembroke Lane was forlorn and neglected by its landlord. Neighbors talked about the idea of buying the property and tearing it down...

    Mark Everetts saw the potential and purchased it and turned it into a beautiful home. The gardens are spectacular and the home is vibrant, full of life, and creative. Rather than empty lot, this neighborly block is even more cheerful than before - and the Association has a great Board Member.

    This is definitely a preservation save. ❤ Thank you, Mark!

    The house is one of the oldest in Section B. We hope you enjoy the newspaper clipping from 1920 that talks about the original owner. Here is the text: "HAROLD B. CHANEY'S HOME IN BEAUTIFUL SOUTH WOOD PARK

    The residence of Harold B. Chaney, of the drafting department of S. F. Bowser & Co. was built in the latter part of 1919. It is situated on Pembroke Lane in South Wood Park, overlooking the wooded section, and near the double boulevard that heads to the old mill road. Mr. Chaney showed his profound belief in the beauties and future of South Wood Park by buying one lot as an investment and another as a site for the bungalow shown above.

    This house is furnished in old ivory and mahogany throughout, with hard wood floors, the latest bath room fixtures, and all that goes into the construction of a modern and ideal home. It is reached by way of the beautiful ornamental entrance to South Wood park at Rudisill and Indiana avenues, and then south through the wooded section to Pembroke Lane."

    1920, Harold B. Chaney's Home in Beautiful South Wood Park

    Article from May 23, 1920 The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1920, South wood park, Harold b. chaney

    1920, Harold B. Chaney's Home in Beautiful South Wood Park The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Sunday, May 23, 1920, Page 17

    July 10, 2024 post by Mark Everetts on Facebook.

  23. Read all about Roundabout updates on our website. A nationally known artist is involved! ...

    Posted by Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Monday, October 21, 2024

    Monday, October 21, 2024 post by Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association on Facebook:

    Read all about Roundabout updates on our website. A nationally known artist is involved! What’s in the Roundabout?

    To make these big things happen, the intersection will be closed for 10-14 days beginning October 22-23.

Newspaper Articles

There are many historic newspaper articles promoting the Southwood Park development. More will be added when time permits.

1917 - South Wood Park Fort Wayne's Supreme South Side Development

Article from Aug 13, 1917 The Fort Wayne Sentinel (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1917, South wood park
1917 - South Wood Park Fort Wayne's Supreme South Side Development The Fort Wayne Sentinel, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Monday, August 13, 1917, Page 7 on Newspapers.com.

1917 - South Wood Park preserve hundreds of finest specimens of the forest

Article from Aug 13, 1917 The Fort Wayne Sentinel (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1917, South wood park

1917 - South Wood Park preserve hundreds of finest specimens of the forest The Fort Wayne Sentinel, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Monday, August 13, 1917, Page 7

In cutting the streets and boulevards through the forest in South Wood Park, the landscape architect has been guided by the desire to preserve hundreds of the finest specimens of the forest. The photograph is a typical view in the broad wooded seetion of South Wood Park.

1917 - A Fine Place Fort Wayne Children - Big Trees are Characteristic of South Wood Park

Article from Aug 24, 1917 The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1917, South wood park

1917 - A Fine Place Fort Wayne Children - Big Trees are Characteristic of South Wood Park The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Friday, August 24, 1917, Page 9

Probably no place in Fort Wayne offers attractive natural playgrounds for children to surpass the broad park ways in South wood Park, the new Hilgeman Schaaf development on the south side. Big trees and broad open areas have proved irresistible for many who have already seen the place. Most of the lot purchasers announce, that they will build homes this summer or fall. The work of paving and laying of sidewalks as well as the placing of sewers and water mains, is now engaging attention, ,The yast work has been going forward since midsummer.

1917 - A Fine Place Fort Wayne Children - Big Trees Characteristic of South Wood Park

Article from Aug 24, 1917 Fort Wayne Daily News (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1917, South wood park
1917 - A Fine Place for Fort Wayne Children - Big Trees Are Characteristic of South Wood Park Fort Wayne Daily News, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Friday, August 24, 1917, Page 7 on Newspapers.com.

1920 - One Big Reason Why These People Have Bought Homes Sites in South Wood Park

Article from Aug 17, 1920 The Fort Wayne Sentinel (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1920, South wood park, Hilgeman & schaaf
1920 - One Big Reason Why These People Have Bought Homes Sites in South Wood Park The Fort Wayne Sentinel, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Tuesday, Aug 17, 1920, Page 16

1920 - Why I Joined Hilgeman & Schaaf - South Wood Park

Article from Oct 26, 1920 The Fort Wayne Sentinel (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1920, South wood park, Hilgeman & schaaf
1920 - Why I Joined Hilgeman & Schaaf - South Wood Park The Fort Wayne Sentinel, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Tuesday, October 26, 1920, Page 19

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