Posted in: Then & Now Guaranty Building, 20 N. Meridian Street

Guaranty Building, 20 N. Meridian Street (southwest quadrant of Monument Circle), under construction in 1922. Image: Bass Photo Co. Collection, Indiana Historical Society   “The great fire of Chicago—the earthquake of San Francisco—gave both of...

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Posted in: Mailbag HI Mailbag: Christmas, A Century Ago

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...

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Posted in: Historic Miscellania When the Man Who Inspired Dracula Caused Blood to Boil in Gilded Age Indy

When the Irish author Bram Stoker penned his popular novel Dracula in the mid-1890s, he drew on many sources of inspiration — from Transylvanian folklore and the real-life figures of Vlad the Impaler and Countess...

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Posted in: Historic Miscellania The Scientific Scrapper Who Played Uncle Tom

If you’re into sports history, you’re probably familiar with the great cyclist “Major” Taylor, who was all but exiled from his hometown of Indianapolis, where he helped spark a craze for bicycles.  Coming up against...

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Posted in: At Your Leisure At Your Leisure: A Night on the Circle

Monument Circle is always a pleasant place to take a stroll on a summer evening. The center of the city is always bustling with people enjoying the picturesque surroundings. Despite the great location, there isn’t...

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Posted in: Then & Now Indianapolis Then and Now: Circle Park and Meridian Street

  Although faded and discolored, this extremely rare stereoview shows Meridian Street looking south from the middle of Circle Park (now Monument Circle) prior to 1870. Photographers and stereoview publishers Salter and Judd worked together...

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Posted in: At Your Leisure At Your Leisure: More than a Night at the Symphony

On September 14, 2014,  The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra will hold its opening night gala at the Hilbert Circle Theater. It looks to be a fantastic evening as renowned Polish conductor Maestro Krzysztof Urbański takes the...

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Posted in: Mailbag HI Mailbag: Ovid Butler Jameson House

Reader’s Question: I recall having come across a photo of a mansion on either Meridian or Pennsylvania Street that belonged to a member of the Jameson or Tarkington family.  If you are familiar with the...

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Posted in: Mailbag HI Mailbag: Celtic Federal Savings and Loan Association

Reader’s Question: I am trying to find info on what happened to Celtic Saving and Loan Association.  My grandmother had this certificate from 1936 (pictured below).  Thanks, Tom D.    HI’s Answer: Celtic Saving and Loan Association was the first institution in...

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Posted in: Mailbag HI Mailbag: Canary Cottage Restaurant and Cafe

Reader’s Question: I was wondering if in your research you’ve come across a restaurant or tea room called the Canary Cafe?  My grandmother lived on the west side and worked downtown in the Aetna Building from the late-1930s to...

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Posted in: Mailbag HI Mailbag: R. R. 9 in Five Points

Reader’s Question: Can you tell me where R. R. 9 was in Five Points?  Thanks, Gregory Cummings HI’s Answer: The area known as Five Points is approximately seven miles southeast of Indianapolis’s Monument Circle.  The name...

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Posted in: Mailbag HI Mailbag: Early Religious Congregations in Indianapolis

Reader’s Question: Which is the oldest congregation in Indianapolis, where was the first church located, and what is the oldest church structure still in use? ~ Erin F., Indianapolis HI’s Answer:  A number of groups are...

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Posted in: A Room with a View A Room with a View – Indiana’s Tallest Building, The Chase Tower

Monument Circle from the 38th floor of the Chase Tower – photo by Ryan Hamlett Today, a view of a snowy monument circle from the 38th floor of the Chase Tower and a short history...

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Posted in: A Room with a View A Room With A View – Circle Tower from the Soldiers and Sailors Monument

Circle Tower From the Observation Deck of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument One of the things I’ve taken away from the few weeks that I’ve been manning this feature, is how intertwined the origins of...

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Posted in: Then & Now Indianapolis Then and Now: Christ Church Cathedral, 125 Monument Circle

Perhaps because June makes my mouth water for strawberry shortcake from the Christ Church Strawberry Festival, I’m focusing this week on Christ Church Cathedral. Tiffany recently wrote about the lesser known facts about Christ Church,...

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