State Capitol, Indianapolis, IND.
Postmarked: Indianapolis, IND. DEC 26, 1932 6:30 PM
“This imposing limestone structure houses the governmental machinery of the State. The Indiana State Flower is the blossom of Tulip Tree.” So says the post card publisher.
Message:
Hello All –
Nice trip so far. Quite a town, arrived around 6. Staying tonight. Population around 500,000. Out window shopping – Beautiful stores.
Till later:
Bert & Floyd
Addressed to:
Mr. Mrs. Monroe Fennell
411 E. 30 St
Davenport, Iowa
A penny for your thoughts … According to the Indianapolis City Directory for 1932, the 1930 Federal Census counted the Indianapolis population at 364,161 residents. Including the surrounding “contiguous minor civil divisions,” metropolitan Indianapolis reached a total population of 417,685 – much closer to the estimate Bert reported to the Fennells. (According to the 1940 census, the city population was 386,972 and 460,926 including the whole metropolitan area.) In 1932, there were approximately 4,920 retail stores for Bert and Floyd to window shop. Of the total stores in Indianapolis, there were 2,543 single-store independents, 217 two-store multiples, and 58 three-store multiples. Local stores ruled the Indianapolis shopping landscape with 472 local chains, however according to the 1932 city directory, national chain stores numbered 396.
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