The Altenheim of Indianapolis

Founded in 1909 by the Indianapolis German community, the German Home for the Aged of Indianapolis (Deutsches Altenheim von Indianapolis), this home was primarily for childless widows and widowers. The organization briefly changed its name to the Old-Folks’ Home during World War I, in response to anti-German sentiment, but soon after changed it to the Altenheim.

In 1975, they moved to the south side of Indianapolis, in the Beech Grove area, where it still operates today. There are 53 burials in the two lots for the Altenheim.

The Indianapolis News ran an article in 1909 about the new “Altenheim” being founded in Indianapolis. Photo courtesy of Newspapers.com.
Born in Germany, Rose Erlich moved to Indianapolis after she was widowed. She worked as a maid and is buried in the Altenheim lots at Crown Hill Cemetery.