A~R ESOE; IRVINGTON HISTORIC LAI DMARKS FOUNDATION,INC.
The Governing Board of the Irvington Historic Landmarks
Foundation, Inc*, a tax free organization, came into being
when the two sponsoring boardsf The Irvington Historical Society and the Irvington Unioa of Clubt elected 9 citizens as
board members of this f#tta£r*&ts *& t>?rern,6&& Benton House.
Others have been elected si»*&* • 'B^fcf fBifcl^awta of <&e Historical Society and The Union of Gluts are ex-officio members
of the Board.
The house was purchased by the Fotndation by money pledged and given by citizens interested in the community of Irvington for the restoration of this historic landmark. The
Benton House is recorded in the Naticnal Library of Congress
as an official landmark.
Dr. Allen R. Bentonf for whom the House was named, was
twice president of what was formerly called Butler College.
He and Mrs. Benton purchased t**.e projerty in 1875 from
Mr. Nicholas Ohmer who built the Houte in l8?3#
Additional sums of money are needed to retire the debt
incurred by the restoration program end the continuing
maintenance of the Benton House. Mr. Louis Kirkhoff and
Mr. J. Layman Schell are co-chairman of the committee formed to achieve this goal.
Members of the Foundation Board are as follows:
Roy VanArsdall, Fred E. Shick, Louis Kirkhoff, J. Layman Schell, Mrs. E. S. Hildreth, Robert Jacobi, Donald
D. Dick, Mrs* Alfred Baldwin, James J. Stewart, Howard
C. Caldwell Sr., Mrs. George Earle Owen, Ralph W. Husted
and Mrs. Elmer P. Love.
The Decorating Committee is composed of Mrs. E. S.
Hildreth, Mrs. Robert Jacobi, Mrs. Ralph W. Husted,
Mrs. Donald D. Dick and Mrs. James J. Stewart.
Gifts to the House: Chandeliers-West Room, The Richard Huggins; Middle Room, Irvington Womans Club,; East
Room, The Irvington Dramatic Club; Front Hall, Art League
of Irvington; Front Hall Wall "^amp, Mrs. Rex Huffman;
Upstairs Hall, Irvington Younn Mothers Club; East Room
(upstairs) Irvington Union of 21ubs; Tower Room, Irvington Historical Society.
Additional Gifts: Oil Painting, (West Room), Provincial Desk 8f Chair, Oriental Rug & Mirror (upstairs hall)
by Mrs. Fred B. Ropkey. Mirror over Mantel and Marble
Top Table (East Room downstairs) and two antique straight
chairs by Mr. & Mrs. John E. Kleirihenz. Coat Rack Umbrella Stand, large Walnut Bookcase (in Tower Room) and
two brass light fixtures from the late Dr. Jabus EEC&'s
home. Five piece set of furniture (upstairs), statue of
Abe Martin by Mrs. Of. D. Gise. Two clocks, one an 1840
Ingram, other a Perry Wooden Works both by Mr. 8r Mrs.
Neil D. McKinstray. Hall and East Room 3urtains made
by Mrs. Janet Levinson as gift, (Also, curtains in rest
rooms and back hall). Stair carpet cleaned and relaid
by Mr. Elbert F. Glass (Crown Laundry & Dry Cleaning Co.).
Antique straight chair in Tower Room by Mrs. Florence
Power and hO straight walnut, cane seated 1873 period
chairs by Indianapolis Llteaary Society.
Appliances: Electric range and refrigerator by
Jenn-Air (kitchen); apartment range and refrigerator by
Indianapolis Power & Light Company. Also, discounts have
been given on all contract purchases: L. S. Ayres & Co.,
Love Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., Farrell-Argast
Company, Keystone Lighting & Supply Company and Central
Supply. Also roof and parking lot discounts were obtained.
Building and Grounds: Mr. Robert H. Jacobi.
House Rental & Benton House Association: Mrs. George
Earle Owen.
