The Indiana War Memorial is one of the crown jewels of Indianapolis, but much like the soldiers it stands for, it came at a heavy cost--in this case, to the city's history and architecture. Some extraordinary buildings were demolished to create an unencumbered view of...
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Mrs. John N. Carey was attending a convention of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) in Washington, D. C. when she noticed something: many states' delegates represented within the organization had banners displayed in the NSDAR...
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Hi Indianapolis History Lovers! First of all, we want to wish all our readers safe and happy holidays! Next: we have had issues with a few components of the website (map, log-in) and the elves are hard at work to improve the user experience as soon as possible. Our...
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It's hard to imagine today, but Delaware Street just north of downtown, was not always the one-way superhighway it is today, flanked on both sides by large apartment buildings, commercial operations and a smattering of remaining mansions. There was a time when it was...
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Of all the famed authors to have visited Victorian era Indianapolis, who would you most want to see? A top contender would have to be Mark Twain, who stopped in Indianapolis in January and February 1885 to delight the locals with oratory of his popular writings....
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Image: Lexington Flats, 1906. Bass Photo Co. Collection, Indiana Historical Society Ever noticed how very few large apartment buildings are built in parts to face into each other, with a courtyard centerpiece? To this day, few multi-dwelling structures in...
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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...
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If you like a spot of shopping or just window wishing at a high end retailer, this one's for you. Saks Fifth Avenue is home to some of the most luxury items available in Indiana's capital city today. You just have to schlep from wherever you are to the concrete jungle...
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Christian women, that is. And white. At least in the beginning. It was getting close to 1900 and many young ladies were making their way to the big city of Indianapolis in search of employment. When the first meeting to establish a Young Women's Christian Association...
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If you're the type to contemplate the stories behind buildings and locations, this may be of interest to you. If you've done so from the vantage point of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument looking northeast, this is specifically for you. On the north side of Market...
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Reader's Question: Could you provide some details about the ways in which Christmas was celebrated in Indianapolis, a century ago? ~ Mary A., Indianapolis HI's Answer: Many of the facets of Christmas as it is celebrated today existed a century ago. Although the...
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Courtesy of the Indiana Historical Society, L. S. Ayres and Company Records, 22 November 1947 The L. S. Ayres cherub, one of the city’s most beloved little sculptures, makes its appearance every Thanksgiving eve and looks out over shoppers until Christmas. The...
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