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Posted in: Historic Miscellania Christ Church Cathedral – Lesser Known Facts

It’s the oldest structure on the Circle, everyone knows that. Right? So let’s look at some other highlights you may not know: There used to be four churches on the Circle: Christ Church Episcopal, First...

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Posted in: Heritage Steward Heritage Steward: Lorraine Phillips Vavul

*As a side note, this week we wanted to showcase a devoted volunteer who works at this job in addition to a daytime career; there are so many ways to make a difference to history...

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Posted in: Friday Favorites Friday Favorite: Horace Mann School, School 13

Every once in a while, you’ll be wandering around a part of the city that isn’t in your regular regimen and stumble across or rediscover a building, park, site, marker, or some other bright ray...

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Posted in: Then & Now Indianapolis Then and Now: Rivoli Theater- 3155 E. Tenth Street

With all of the attention focused on the near eastside during the Super Bowl Legacy Project, one building is near the top of everyone’s list of restoration: the Rivoli Theater at 3155 E. Tenth Street....

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Posted in: Heritage Steward History Steward: Jennifer Capps

Jennifer Capps, on a recent trip to Rome, Italy NAME: Jennifer Elaine Capps TITLE: VP of Curatorship & Exhibition FOR: Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site SINCE: I have been Curator since 1993. I have worked at...

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Posted in: IndyView Revisited IndyView Revisited: Traction Terminal Shed and Capitol

There are still those of you who remember this one: Traction Terminal. Got any stories or memories to share of travels through here? (Capitol and Market Streets)....

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Posted in: Then & Now Indianapolis Then and Now: Ritz Theatre 3430 N. Illinois Street

Sometimes these “then and now” columns get frustrating. When I discover a great old photograph of an unknown building, I check out the location on old maps and in aerial photos, then search the address...

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Posted in: IndyView Revisited IndyView Revisited: The Circle, 1942

A blustery rainstorm blew through Indianapolis in January, 1942. Photographer John Vachon was in Indy on assignment for the Farm Security Administration, and he chose to document street scenes with his small rangefinder Leica as...

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Posted in: Historic Miscellania 18 Seldom Recalled Facts about Crown Hill Cemetery

This morning, I’ll be back on WISH-tv to share some highlights of a recent tour of the Crown Hill Cemetery Waiting Station and as a companion, thought you might enjoy 18 fun facts about Crown...

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Posted in: Heritage Steward Heritage Steward: Tina Connor

Today we introduce a new (but long-dreamed of) weekly series that will acquaint you with local ‘stewards of history.’ From a wide variety of backgrounds, titles, and services performed, the goal is to inspire and...

Posted in: Friday Favorites Friday Favorite: Woodruff Place Springtime

Oh the love and enthusiasm of Woodruff Place in the spring…this early (record-breaking, history-making) spring is making it hard not to be madly in love with the city–especially the historic neighborhoods. What is better than...

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Posted in: Sunday Ads Sunday Adverts: Frank H. Smith Printing

Hadn’t heard of this one before, but a cursory search shows this company was active in the 1880’s and 1890’s at least. Was he put out of business by Bobbs-Merrill? Did he move on elsewhere?...

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Posted in: Then & Now Indianapolis Then and Now: Swain Sanatorium 608 Middle Drive, Woodruff Place

A research project is never finished as new materials constantly come to light. After writing about Dr. Rachel Swain’s Sanatorium last April, I found a booklet about the hospital. The fragile, sixteen-page booklet is carefully...

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Posted in: Historic Miscellania Been There, Done That – 12 Indy Conversation-Starter Spots To Visit

So, you’ve ziplined, experienced the NFL in every possible way and hoofed it around the gorgeous Monument at the epicenter of our city. Well, we’re pretty sure you haven’t visited these photo–opp/ cocktail conversation starters....

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Posted in: Friday Favorites Friday Favorite: Georgia Street Addition

Not only is it thrilling that Georgia Street has retained it’s original name (whew!), but the best addition to the street for this gal: the sidewalk inserts with a bit of history–year, building name and...

Thousands of Super Bowl Village zip line riders will get a rare, bird’s-eye view of the Saint John the Evangelist Church as they whiz by this week. Saint John’s was the first Catholic parish in...

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Posted in: Friday Favorites Friday Favorite: South Meridian Queen Anne- 3 blocks from Stadium

Hard to believe there is real estate like this within easy walking distance/ view of Indy’s biggest stadium, but indeed, there is! I am a big fan of Queen Anne Victorians–especially with a turret! This...

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Posted in: Indianapolis Collected Indianapolis Collected: What goes around, comes around – the oval road to the Super Bowl.

Celluloid pin promoting the 1898 League of American Wheelmen National Meet. There’ll be plenty of credit to go around when Indianapolis hosts the Super Bowl next month. The entrepreneurs who put a racetrack in a...

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Posted in: Then & Now Then and Now: The Jefferson Apartments, 2207-11 East Tenth Street

Yesterday, the Super Bowl Legacy Project made the New York Times and east-side neighbors are rightfully proud of the recent momentum toward revitalizing this down-and-out area hit heavily by home foreclosures and crime. One of...

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Posted in: Ladies Lounge Ladies Lounge: Dr. Mary Spink, one of our earliest doctors

Dr. Mary Spink, Indiana Medical College Graduate of 1886 One of the first female doctors of Indianapolis was Dr. Mary Spink. Despite the strenuous opposition of her immediate family and being frowned upon by the...

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