2nd Quarter event: The Game Is Afoot

The Hoosier Chapter, Victorian Society in America's event "The Game is Afoot," an architectural treasure hunt of Victorian Indianapolis, was a great success. Over 50 people participated in the HVSA's second quarter event on June 19th. Families, couples, friends and 'Bigs & Littles' all received sleuthing packets with questions that sent them scouring greater downtown for remnants of Victorian Indianapolis on the eve of the 173rd anniversary of Queen Victoria's ascension to the throne. Participants competed to win one of the two grand prizes--a free night's stay at the Columbia Club for those over age 18 and a large basket of chocolates and free museum tickets for Morris-Butler House and the President Harrison Home for those under 18.

In order to reach a younger audience, HVSA partnered for the first time with Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Central Indiana. Perhaps youth and Victorian history seem at odds, but HVSA President, Tiffany Benedict Berkson explained the rationale: "to inspire the next generation of historians and preservationists." The majority of Indianapolis' early fabric was woven within the time period highlighted by the HVSA (1837-1917).

Sponsors included: The Columbia Club, Indiana Historical Society, South Bend Chocolate Company, President Benjamin Harrison Home, Indiana Landmarks, Stout's Shoes, O'Malia's, Bioscrip Pharmacy and Rhea Cain.

HVSA President, Tiffany Benedict Berkson and HVSA Board Member, Leah Orr welcomed 50 participants to the Morris-Butler House Museum as the first of 23 locations for 'The Game Is Afoot'

The winner of the basket of chocolates from South Bend Chocolate Company was Robby Kile, age 15, who completed the hunt with his parents and brother. Robby's mother, Mrs. Linda Kile found out about the event from last weekend's Indianapolis Star. The Kiles had to forgo their usual summer vacation this year and were eager to participate in this event, saying it was wonderful to find a family oriented activity that would be fun, educational and free. "Free is my favorite word," she mused, "especially in this economy!" Since Robby's gift basket also included 2 free tickets for the Morris-Butler House Museum and the President Benjamin Harrison Home, the family have two more events the whole family can do together--with half the admission already paid for. Mrs. Kile felt she learned something new about Indianapolis--she was surprised to know there was so much Victorian history left downtown and "loved that those iron facades were moved," referencing the Vajen Block, for one, that was rescued by Indiana Landmarks and relocated and worked into the exterior of Circle Center Mall. The winner of the free night at Columbia Club is Corey Dalton, resident of Fletcher Place Historic neighborhood.