
The palette for the autumn 1896 season was described as 'two shades lighter than emerald.' And wouldn't this have made a strong impression in a vibrant green?
September 1896–How tiresome and drab I find my wardrobe of late… Today: shopping. I must find a new autumn jacket–the mutton sleeves and high collar now in favor will suit me well. How smart shall I look when I take a turn about to the old Circle Park! How is our new monument coming along, I wonder? Perhaps I may stop for a cup of tea at English’s before I make my way back home to Morton Place–so serene and far removed from the incessant bustle of the city–much less smoke, and thus fresher air, I am thankful to say…
September 1968- a spry 90 year-old lady and former resident of Indianapolis reflects on her refined youth, bound into corsets–recalling one with a ‘cork protector down the front.’ The advert read “…you would scarcely know it was there.” Unless, of course, you wanted to breathe, unencumbered…
The New York Store was on East Washington Street. It competed with Ayres, Block’s, and Wasson’s but went bankrupt in 1932 and was liquidated. The building burned in a spectacular fire in 1973.
I’ve written a book about L. .S. Ayres & Co., to be published next year by the Indiana Historical Society.