Charles Yoke Home - 869 Southern Avenue

Year Built: 1865

Architecture Style: Neoclassical

Key Features:

• Large Double Porch Supported by Brick Columns
• Large Central Bay Window
• Fish Scale Siding on Dormer

The Yoke family farm property stretched from the north Southern Avenue, east to Shelby, south to Troy Avenue and west to East St. Richardson Yoke bought the property from Thomas Moore who pioneered into the area in the 1830’s, because the property reminded him of the land he left in County Armaugh, Ireland. On two occasions Yoke took bags of gold to the Moore home in Illinois, where the 1820’s purchaser lived, to pay for the land. The Yoke family sold part of the property to the railroad in the mid 1840’s.

Eventually, the Yoke children inherited the property and began building their homes in the 1860’s. This includes the 1865 Charles Yoke home that the family built at 869 Southern Avenue, now owned by Page and Russ Clemens.

Interesting fact: Georgiana Yoke, a granddaughter of Richardson and Isabel Yoke, is a direct descendant of the Yoke family and became the wife of well-known serial murderer Henry H. Holmes (The Devil in the White City).

West on Southern is the first rail line to enter the city of Indianapolis, the Madison and Indianapolis Railroad.

Streetcars traveled south on Shelby St and turned west onto Southern Ave, the southernmost destination. This was the mode of transportation to the park used by many visitors of the time. It also spurred interest in buying property for a home as lots could be purchased at the time for $25 and could be paid for at $1/week. Partial brick pillars still stand marking the path of the streetcar turnaround in the park.

This is the last home on our tour!

Historic Urban Neighborhoods of Indianapolis and Indiana Landmarks thank you for joining us! Consider taking one of the other free and informative tours on PocketSights!

If you have yet to tour the Garfield Park Sunken Gardens and Conservatory, we encourage you to take the opportunity today!