History: Stringtown, Indiana

Joseph Baunoch speaks about the history of Stringtown, community relations, and violence in the community.

Sharlotte Brown, Evalyn Kranig, born 1927, Jack Kranig, born 1926, and Tom Kranig, born 1954, speak about living in the neighborhood of Stringtown. They describe some of the differences that make their neighborhood unique, such as home ownership and the willingness of residents to help each other. They discuss the lack of government funding and policing of crime. They express their belief that the neighborhood rarely sees government involvement unless it stems from something negative such as Systematic Code Enforcement.

Danny Collins and Don Samples grew up in Stringtown, Indiana. They describe the activities of the younger community members, which includes such things as busting windows, stealing, and fighting. They say this has always been done, but has changed lately with the increase of scared people calling the police. They believe these activities, and the fact the community members are all related, help keep the community together.

Charles Dix, born 1925, grew up in Stringtown, Indiana. He speaks about how the community has changed, particularly in regard to transients, the decline of homes, crime, and the parental neglect of children.

Kelso Eckart has been a pastor at the Pilgrim Holiness Church in Stringtown, Indiana since 1961. He speaks about the decline of the community, particularly the lack of new housing, then discusses the lack of recreational activities that lead to the children of the community turning to crime for something to do.

Stephen Grubbs, born 1945, works as a city planner in Indianapolis, Indiana. He outlines the boundaries of the Stringtown neighborhood, and describes the area as unique, because it is still a socially stable population. The housing is deteriorating, but otherwise he sees the neighborhood as strong. He also discusses concerns that IUPUI or IU Medical Center plan on developing the area. He says it is possible, but highly unlikely in the foreseeable future due to the repressed economy and the long-term plans of the university.

Alice Hurst, born 1893, and Lena McKinney, born 1902 and died 1992, speak about their life in Stringtown, Indiana. They believe the town is aesthetically more improved than when they moved in during the early twentieth century. They also describe the increased crime, and tend to associate that with the rise of child neglect from both parents working and a lack of neighborhood activities. They also talk about the neighborhood's closeness during hard times.

Cleora Korn, born 1898, moved to Stringtown in 1919. She raised her children in the neighborhood, and worked for the Republican wards from 1940 until 1966. She speaks about the increase of crime and gangs, and the religious indifference of the youths.

Nannie Lewis, born 1894, and Mary Willoughby, born 1913, talk about the changes in the neighborhood from the early nineteen fifties. They describe the last five to six years as especially bad. The biggest change they speak about is increased crime in the community, which they relate to the lack of child discipline. They also discuss the decrease in helping and friendliness of neighbors in need.

Anne Malott was a teacher at School 16 in Stringtown, Indiana until its closing. She speaks about the community in terms of stability, racial tension, and the community as a family. She also discusses the importance of the school and the effects on the community when it was closed.

Flossie Morgan, born 1908, has lived in Stringtown all her life. She speaks about past events, such as the 1913 Flood, and describes some of the changes that have taken place since then. She relates how friendly and helpful the neighborhood is by describing the vast amounts of food they gave her upon her husband's death, and the eagerness of the kids to help her carry groceries. Despite their helpfulness, she feels children are neglected and are not supervised properly as they used to be.

Richard Phelps, born 1954, was interviewer for the Stringtown Project. He speaks about how he decided to research Stringtown, and describes the neighborhood's boundaries, social background, and history. Then he briefly discusses each interview, describing the interviewee and commenting on their candidness in divulging information.

Mary, born 1920 and died 1993, and Scott Pickett, born 1916 and died 1982, lived in Stringtown most of their lives. They compare the community with the way it was when they first moved in. They speak about crime, including thefts and drug use, as well as reduced police enforcement. They also discuss the changes in child care and the neglect World War II created by forcing wives to work. They speak about the neighborhood school and their belief that the racial integration was the main reason it closed.

Barney Samples, born 1899 and died 1982, lived in Stringtown since the nineteen thirties when he bought several homes in the area. He describes the coal mine and stables that were present when he moved in, and how they were torn down to build more houses. He also speaks about the lack of education in the children, and the trouble they get into, such as glue sniffing and stealing. Despite the roughness of the area, he loves Stringtown and feels it is no worse than any other neighborhood.

Barbara, born 1952, and Michael Tapp, born 1953, have lived most of their lives in Stringtown, Indiana. They briefly moved out when they were married, but returned to buy a home. They profess their dislike of the neighborhood and desire to leave again, because of the problems in the community. They speak about a lack of ambition in the residents, disrespect for property, and the frequent crimes that go unpunished, such as home break-ins, and hit and run accidents. They discuss the decline in the neighborhood from their youth, and believe the neighborhood will eventually disappear.

Geraldine Tapp, born 1925, discusses the history of Stringtown, the problems with youths, and the binding force of the community.