Author Archives: Ross Reller

About Ross Reller

I am pleased you have expressed interest in learning more about the historic Traders Point area in Indianapolis, Indiana. From 1980 to 1982 I was employed in the PR department at Conner Prairie Museum in Hamilton County. There I learned about William Conner, an important figure in Indiana's pioneer days. A decade later I became interested in the history of the Traders Point area and was surprised to learn that William Conner had been the first land owner in the area. In 1823 he acquired, through the Federal land office in Brookville, a patent for an 80 acre tract carved by Eagle Creek and an Indian trail that was about to be named the first toll roadway through the township (Lafayette Road). Thirty years later a village took shape within this tract. A grain mill on the creek, houses, churches, stores, restaurants, and two gas stations would take shape here in the creek valley hamlet of Traders Point. By 1962 all improvements (except a farmer's co-op) had been removed by the Indianapolis Flood Control Board to make way for Interstate 65 and a new reservoir. This blog is dedicated to preserving evidence of this historic area but I will occasionally use it to discuss related topics. To activate this follow, simply click the confirm button below. If you don't want to follow, ignore this message and we'll never bother you again. I am also a member of the Old Pleasant Hill Cemetery, a non profit association still selling burial plots for those who would like to spend all eternity in Traders Point, and I am an officer in the Pike Township Historical Society and the Traders Point Association of Neighborhoods.

New! “Old photos from Traders Point, Indiana”

Recently former Traders Point resident Mrs. Ward allowed me to photograph her collection. These photos include the pike township fire department (of which her husband was an active volunteer), 1956 flood photos, and images old and newer of the General … Continue reading

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George Wilkins

Our good friend George Wilkins has ended his heroic journey with cancer.   George was one of the youngest people I met with vivid memories of growing up near Traders Point.   His father had operated a garage and Gulf gas station … Continue reading

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1882 Census of Traders Point and Long Depression

I just received the above excerpt from the 1882 census showing several interesting facts about Traders Point at that time.   The graded school was located between Moore and Lafayette Roads at the top of the hill.  Recently I have found it … Continue reading

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How the Indianapolis Colts turned a gravel mine into a nature preserve in Traders Point

aerial nature preserve Continue reading

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Today’s melody brought to you by the cows of Traders Point Farms on Moore Road

Cow Bells of Traders Point Farms

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Post Card of Traders Point Covered Bridge

Found another Traders Point trinket on EBAY that goes in the shoebox, er website.   Photographer John Pontiere did an amazing job of traveling the midwest and snapping large format negative images of scenic significance; especially covered bridges.   He died in … Continue reading

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Historic Baseball Player from Traders Point: Jack White

You’ve probably never heard of Traders Point’s Jack White.  I came across his name years ago and thought it curious that his career was so short — but I recently learned his short career gave him a bit of national historical significance.  Born … Continue reading

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Dandy Trail Photos – 100+ years old!

Blogger Jim Grey called a few months ago with interesting news. He had purchased a few glass plate negatives on Ebay (of all places) that were entitled Dandy Trail photos. We agreed to meet at the Traders Point Loft for … Continue reading

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Bike trail push for Eagle Creek stirs controversy (HT IBJ)

Chris O’Malley May 3, 2012 With knobby tires and shock absorbers, a mountain bike peddled by a skilled rider can smite the roughest trail with a cloud of dust. Mountain bikers have salivated for years about building trails in the rolling … Continue reading

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1956 Traders Point, Indiana flood

http://youtu.be/GjcnNDdpzkw

courtesy Joe Wagle, New Augusta, Indiana

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