Historic Indianapolis is a free online media channel connecting readers to places, people and other pieces of the city’s past. Our stories tend to focus geographically within the 465 loop, and with time stamps of at least 50 years ago. We are an independently run business offering registered users free access to our content library, which contains over 2000 articles. We endeavor to inspire you and to help you fall in love with the city you thought you knew, or one you never knew.
Ardmore Block, 1936. Image courtesy: Bass Photo Co. Collection, Indiana Historical Society Preservation month may be over, but on this website, its a point of passionate advocacy at all times. Another one of Indy's long-forgotten corner buildings-- that seems like it...
"Our profession, as an entirety is not fitted for women," an anonymous male architect proclaimed in an August 1900 Indianapolis article. The same anonymous architect expounded further on the topic of architecture + women: "A young woman studied for a year or two under...
Anyone who has ever gotten anywhere in life has had help. Whether family, friends, teachers, community members-- no one is completely self-made. What a noble endeavor to provide a leg up to those whose circumstances are more challenged. Providing community, shelter...
Are you one of those people who turns lemons into lemonade? One time Indianapolis resident and dentist, Dr. S. B. Friedland sure was. It was the end of 1948, and the wrecking balls were looming. One of the most beloved structures to ever stand in Indianapolis was...
While many people consider Indiana Avenue the epicenter of early black culture in Indianapolis, few may realize how far from "The Avenue" it stretched. Bordering the Cultural Trail at Walnut Street and Senate Avenue is a mysterious old brick building, yet to be...
"Cheery" is a word I would use to describe a front-yard flower garden, not an abandoned building. But when it comes to the property at the corner of 10th and Dearborn, it’s hard to attach another description. The plywood boards—which stretch across some two dozen...
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