USA > Indiana > Centennial history and handbook of Indiana : the story of the state from its beginning to the close of the civil war, and a general survey of progress to the present time > Part 45
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73
War Groups, Indiana Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument.
Thoroughfares .- This city can lay claim to having some of the handsomest streets and ave- ques of any city in the country. In the original latting the streets were made broad, but some have been narrowed in recent years.
Lockerbie Street .- A little street that has be- come famous because of its association with the Hoosier poet, whose home is situated in it, is Lockerbie street. His home has been here for twenty years or more. Mr. Riley's discovery of Lockerbie street impressed him so much that he ndited a poem to it that first appeared in the Indianapolis Journal. The part he refers to is out a block long, a roadbed of gravel, greensward on the sides, fine old trees with flowers and lawns in front of the old-fashioned houses. The march
of improvement has not marred its original quaintness and beauty and it is yet as when he wrote :
"O, my Lockerbie street ! You are fair to be seen- Be it noon of the day or the rare and serene Afternoon of the night-you are one to my heart And I love you above all the phrases of art, For no language could frame and no lips could repeat My rhyme-haunted raptures of Lockerbie street !"
Churches and Charity .- Indiana has from the earliest years of its pioneer history given due at- tention to the vital matters of morals and religion. In the early French occupation the missionary priest was always the pioneer, who was on the ground long before the immigrants appeared. In the American settlement of the west the settler came first, but as soon as a small community had been formed the earnest pioneer preacher, full of fervor and zeal, would come to call the people to a realization of their spiritual needs. In the
334
CENTENNIAL HISTORY AND HANDBOOK OF INDIANA
Benjamin Harrison Monument, University Park.
autumn of 1821-the city having been laid out in April-the people of the newly incubated me- tropolis had the gospel preached to them by min- isters of three denominations. Either Rezin Hammond, a Methodist circuit rider, or John McClung, of the New Light school, can be claimed as having been the first to preach in Indi- anapolis. They came about the same time in 1821, and accounts vary as to which was the
earliest, but both came before the Rev. Ludlow G. Haines, of the Presbyterian church. The first Catholic service was held here in 1835, and the first Jewish congregation was organized in 1855.
Orphan Asylums .- Several orphan asylums are maintained in the city. The Indianapolis Orphan Asylum was incorporated in 1851; the German General Protestant Orphans' Home, which is under the supervision of the German Protestants of the city; the German Lutheran Orphans' Home, which is supervised by the Ger- man Lutherans of the city, and Home for Friend- less Colored Children.
The County Poor Asylum is located north- west of the city, and the Poor Farm covers 220 acres.
Young Men's Christian Association of Indi- anapolis was organized December 12, 1854. In the long years of its existence its influence for good has been demonstrated in thousands of in- stances. The public appreciation of the benefi- cent work of this organization was shown in a practical way by subscribing over $250,000 ir 1907 to a fund to further its work and extend its influence.
The Young Women's Christian Associatior
MÅN
Lockerbie Street, Indianapolis. Made famous by the Hoosier Poet, James Whitcomb Riley, in which his home is situated.
ENDRICK
General Henry W. Lawton Monument, now in Garfield Park.
Hendricks Monument on State-House Grounds.
336
CENTENNIAL HISTORY AND HANDBOOK OF INDIANA
Y. M. C. A. Building, Indianapolis.
.
Y. W. C. A. Building, Indianapolis.
was organized in 1870. It maintains amply sup- plied reading rooms and library, a fine gym- nasium, etc. There are also classes in German, literature, sewing, etc.
Charities .- Several charities are carried on by private contributions, some of which are con- nected with special churches, while others are nonsectarian. These include homes for orphans, home for friendless women, homes for aged poor, a summer sanatorium for the benefit of sick children, and other organizations of a benevolent character for the relief of the poor and suffering. In religious endeavor and humanitarian effort, 110 less than material progress, Indianapolis is representative of the best ideals and most useful activities.
Crown Hill Cemetery .- This is one of the most beautiful and interesting resting places of the dead in the country. The organization having control of it was founded in 1863 and the·ceme- tery was dedicated in 1864. It is located about three miles northwest from the center of the city and embraces over 540 acres. It contains the national cemetery, in which are buried the Union soldiers who died in Indianapolis and those whose bodies were brought here for inter- ment. There among the soldiers for whose wel- fare he worked so tirelessly lies the body of Governor Oliver P. Morton ; also that of Thomas A. Hendricks, Vice-President of the United States; President Benjamin Harrison and many other notable men and women.
Other Cemeteries are the Roman Catholic, Lutheran and Jewish.
Sanitary Organizations. - The Quarantine Service is under the control of the department of public health and charities. The city council appropriates a special fund for the prevention of the spread of contagious diseases.
Hospitals .- There are many hospitals in In- dianapolis, including the institutions for the in- sane, the blind and deaf and dumb, that are supported by the State. They are as finely equipped and as ably conducted as any in the country, and there is no kind of bodily suffering that may not find skilful treatment and kindly nursing in one or the other of these healing insti- tutions, where the most eminent physicians and surgeons give freely of their time and skill. The wealthy patient may command all the luxuries a
2
First Baptist Church.
SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral.
22
338
CENTENNIAL HISTORY AND HANDBOOK OF INDIANA
St. Mary's Cathedral.
fine private home could give, and the poor man may enjoy comforts and conveniences not pos- sible in his condition.
The City Hospital is under the control of a superintendent appointed by the department of public health and charities, assisted by internes who are graduates from the regular medical col- leges and are selected by a competent board of examiners appointed by the board of health. The City hospital was built in 1856, and its bene- ficiaries are the sick poor of the city. The Indi- anapolis Training School for Nurses is conducted in this institution under the charge of the hos- pital authorities.
Protestant Deaconess Home and Hospital is conducted under the auspices of the German Protestants. It is located on North Capitol ave- mitte in one of the finest hospital buildings in the city. Patients are received from any place.
The Robert W. Long Hospital, which has a total capacity of eighty-five beds and sixteen pri- vate rooms, was dedicated June 15, 1914. It is a part of the equipment of the University Medical School, and furnishes superior facilities for clin- weal teaching. The building, complete in every
particular, was erected at a cost of $250,000, and is a token of the generosity of Doctor Robert W. Long and Mrs. Long, of Indianapolis.
St. Vincent's Hospital, located on the corner of Fall Creek boulevard and Illinois street, is one of the greatest of the institutions erected and conducted under the auspices of the Catholic church in this city.
The Methodist Episcopal Hospital, which is located on Sixteenth street, between Capitol and Senate avenues, is conducted under the auspices of the Methodists of Indiana.
Central Hospital for the Insane .- The Legis- lature of 1844 enacted a law setting aside a spe- cial tax of one cent on each one hundred dollars' ($100) worth of property listed for taxation for the erection of a State Lunatic Asylum. Steps were at once taken to carry out the requirements of the law. A site on West Washington street, three miles from the center of the city of Indi- anapolis, was purchased August 29, 1845, and the erection of buildings begun, but it was not until 1848 that it was possible to receive patients. The first was admitted November 21 of that year. The name was changed first to the Indiana Hospital for the Insane and later to the Central Indiana Hospital for the Insane. This institu- - tion is one of the largest of its kind in the United States. The hospital has a pathological labora- tory completely equipped for scientific study and investigation. A lecture course for physicians and medical students is maintained.
Indiana State School for the Deaf .- "The Asylum for the Education of the Deaf and Dumb" was authorized by an act of the Legisla- ture, approved January 15, 1844. The institution was opened in a rented building on the southeast
Robert W. Long Hospital, Indianapolis.
Central Indiana Hospital for Insane-Women's Building.
Protestant Deaconess Hospital, Indianapolis.
1
St Vincent's Hospital Indianapolis
3.40
CENTENNIAL HISTORY AND HANDBOOK OF INDIANA
corner of Illinois and Maryland streets, Indian- apolis, October 1, 1844. On October 1. 1846. the school was moved to a larger building on the south side of Washington street, between Penn- sylvania and Delaware streets. The site on East Washington street was acquired in 1846, and the building erected thereon was occupied October 2, 1850. An act of the Legislature of 1903 pro- vided for the relocation of the school, and on May 12, 1905, a commission composed of the Governor, the Attorney General and the Board of Trustees of the institution purchased a tract containing 76,93 acres of land four miles north of the center of Indianapolis, where the institu- tion is now located. The name of the institu- tion was changed by the Legislature of 1907 to the Indiana State School for the Deaf. The school is open to all deaf children of suitable capacity between the ages of eight and twenty- one years. Attendance is compulsory for chil- dren from eight to sixteen years of age. All maintenance expenses are paid by the State, but the pupils must be supplied with clothing. This institution is not an asylum, but a school and a part of the State's educational system.
Indiana School for the Blind .- By an act ap- proved January 27. 1847, provision was made for the establishment of the Indiana Institute for the Education of the Blind. On October 1, 1847, the school was opened in rented property. the building contemplated by the law not being ready for occupancy until about the middle of Febru- ary, 1853. This building, located on North street. between Pennsylvania and Meridian streets, Indianapolis, is still in use. The name of the institution was changed in 1907 to the Indi- ana School for the Blind. The purpose of the school is purely educational. All the common school branches are taught and a thorough course is given in several industrial trades. Tuition, board and washing are furnished by the State ; clothing and traveling expenses by parents or gnarchans. The school is open to all blind chil- fren of suitable capacity between the ages of right and twenty one years. AAttendance is com- pulsory for children eight to sixteen years of age.
Asylum for Incurable Insane .- In May, 1900, new asylum for the incurable insane was com- plated at Julietta which has accommodations for 150 minutes The building is fireproof, two -toutes high and modern in every respect. It is
equipped with a steam heating, water and light- ing plant, and cost in construction $106,000. The farm which the institution occupies contains 148 acres and cost $8,857.
City Dispensary is under the control of a superintendent, who is appointed by the board of public health and charities, and is assisted by five internes. These internes are selected from the regular medical colleges by a board of examiners. The dispensary maintains an ambulance service and responds to emergency calls.
Bobbs' Free Dispensary, in connection with the Indiana University School of Medicine, is located on the northwest corner of Senate avenue and Market street.
Notable Private Sanatoriums .- There are several here that are sought by the afflicted and are nationally known for their efficiency in the treatment of mental, nervous and other physical ailments. Notable among these are "Neuron- hurst." "Norways" and Mt. Jackson sanatoriums.
Hotels, Clubs and Places of Amusement .- The hotel is a necessary institution in any place or settlement presenting any kind of urban pre- tensions, and Indianapolis, among its first settlers, included a tavern-keeper, Hawkins by name, who built a cabin from the abundant supply of logs which surrounded the site, and gave notice that he was prepared to furnish good entertainment for man or beast. His monopoly did not last very long, for, in 1822, a year after he estab- lished business, Thomas Carter erected a larger hostelry and furnished entertainment for immi- grants, who at that time were coming in some- what numerously, and who needed a stopping place until they could build cabins of their own. Carter's tavern was also utilized for meetings, and the first theatrical performance was held in it. The Bates House, which, until 1901, was rec- ognized as one of the city's chief hostelries, was built in 1852. It served its purpose with distinc- tion until 1901, when it was torn down to make room for the Claypool.
Clubs and Social Organizations .- Club life in Indianapolis has come to be one of its most prominent and interesting features. There are nearly 250 organizations and miscellaneous soci- eties representing club life in the city. These embrace social, political, literary, musical, dra- matic, athletic, driving clubs, etc. Some of the club-houses in point of construction and equip-
-- -
Herron Art Institute, Indianapolis.
Indiana School for the Blind, Indianapolis.
THE INDAN STATE SCHOOL FUK THE DEAF MANDAVAKLAS
HURTER ANCHTS
342
CENTENNIAL HISTORY AND HANDBOOK OF INDIANA
ment are the equal of the finest in the country and represent an investment of many thousands of dollars, affording their members a variety of luxuries and delights not possible at home.
Columbia Club .- It might be matter for aston- ishment to become aware of what our inland Hoosier State has done, not only for her sisters, but for the world at large. For out of this Judea have come prophets to all people. Statesmen, poets, novelists and artists, song and story, and men to sit in the highest place of honor have been sent out to the world from Indiana; and nowhere in the west is there a people more athirst for knowledge and beauty than in our flourishing western capital, Indianapolis. Out of this have grown clubs for the propagation of all interests- social, artistic, literary and political. The Columbia club was dedicated New Year's eve. December 31, 1900, and is an organization which has grown out of these conditions. The features and functions of this club are so unique as to call attention to it all over the country. In all its acts and influences it fosters the principles of Republicanism, and yet is never dominated by extreme partisanship. Through the extended in-
fluence of the many strong men who are among its members, it is a potent factor in all public questions of Indiana, and often in the politics of the country. There is probably no club in this country which is more widely known on account of events which have taken place within its walls affecting large national political interests. Its membership is in no sense local. Outside of Indianapolis its members are chosen by invitation from every county, important town and commu- nity in the State. Men who are so honored must be Republicans and representative in some dis- tinguished manner of the community in which they reside. As a business man's club it repre- sents eminently a large portion of the leading men of affairs in Indiana. It is the foremost social club of Indianapolis and of the State, and the only social State club in this country. The club building is situated on Monument place.
Indianapolis Maennerchor was organized in 1854, and is one of the oldest and most influential German organizations in this city. It has given in concerts and in courses of instruction the best works of German composers, and it has been potent in developing the love of music in this
Columbia Club, Indianapolis.
Severin Hotel, Indianapolis.
1
German House, Indianapolis.
Indianapolis Maennerchor.
Chounnal Tatel Indiananalie
344
CENTENNIAL HISTORY AND HANDBOOK OF INDIANA
1
Chamber of Commerce Building, Indianapolis.
community. Its membership is composed of active members who are musicians or students, and others to whom the social features of the organization appeal. In 1906 it erected its pres- ent magnificent building on the northwest corner of Michigan and Illinois streets, and it is one of the finest examples of club architecture in Amer- ica. It is sumptuously furnished and is fitted with all the conveniences necessary to modern club life. A unique feature of the building is the beautiful roof garden.
Das Deutsche Haus, one of the finest German club-houses in the country, is the result of a reso- lution passed by the Socialer Turnverein of In- dianapolis in 1891 to procure more commodious quanters. A building association was founded and incorporated with a capital stock of $100,000, which was later increased to $160,000. Before the building operations were begum it became evi- dent that the time was propitions to build a club- house of sufficient proportions to accommodate the Turnverein and other German literary, mi real and schauntic societies. The first official pretime of Hasta description was held in mirelrised in the
same year, 135 x 203 feet, at the corner of New Jersey and Michigan streets. Ground was broken in the summer of 1893, and the first of the build- ings, the eastern half, was dedicated on Washing- ton's birthday, 1894. The balance of the real es- tate, now comprising a fourth of a block, was purchased in 1896. In 1897 the building on the corner was begun and completion of the improve- ments were celebrated by a three days' festival in June, 1898. In pursuance of the plan of the builders, Der Deutsche Klub, a social club, was organized upon completion of the first building. Der Musikverein was founded in October, 1897, and in 1899 these two clubs were merged under the name of Der Deutsche Klub and Musikverein of Indianapolis. Notable features of the club are the Sunday school, a girls' industrial school and kindergarten that are maintained by indi- vidual effort. A series of choral and orchestral concerts during the winter, and band concerts in the garden, weekly, during the summer months are special attractions.
The Indianapolis Board of Trade .- This or- ganization was the successor of the old Chamber of Commerce and was organized June 12, 1882. It has, at present, a membership of over 500, among which are to be found not only the grain dealers, but many of the leading merchants, manufacturers and financiers of the city. Many prominent legal and professional men also hold membership in the organization. The objects of the association are to promote the commercial, financial, industrial and other interests of the city of Indianapolis ; to secure uniformity in com- mercial usages and customs ; to facilitate business intercourse ; to promote commercial ethics, and to adjust differences and disputes in trade. The Board of Trade is the headquarters for the grain trade in this city. The Indianapolis cash grain market is established through the medium of its grain call, which takes place each business day at noon. The fine eight-story office building at the southeast corner of Meridian and Ohio streets is the home of the Board of Trade.
Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce was or- ganized in December, 1912. It was the request of a consolidation of the Indianapolis Commer- cial Club, the Indianapolis Trade Association. the Indianapolis Freight Bureau, the Manufacturers' Association and the Adscript Club. Later the Indianapolis Convention and Tourists' Bureau
345
CENTENNIAL HISTORY AND HANDBOOK OF INDIANA
was also absorbed. The purpose of the organiza- tion is to promote the commercial, industrial and general welfare of the city of Indianapolis and vicinity. In addition to its general offices the Chamber maintains various departments or divi- sions, these being the following : Wholesale Trade Division, Manufacturers' Division, Freight and Traffic Division, Advertisers Club, Conven- tion Division and the Municipal Development Division.
The work of the Chamber is performed by nearly half a hundred different committees in whose membership are found most of the men- bers of the Chamber. In addition to working for the industrial and commercial progress of the city and taking a very lively interest in all public affairs, the Chamber maintains an attractive and commodious club. It is the owner of an eight- story building at Meridian and Pearl streets. Three and one-half stories of this building are occupied by the Chamber with its general offices, departmental offices, social rooms, reading rooms, billiard room, committee rooms and cafe.
The Indianapolis Propylaeum was incorpo- rated June 6, 1888, for the purpose of promot- ing and encouraging literary endeavors, also for erecting and maintaining a suitable building that would provide a center of higher culture for the public and particularly for the women of Indi- anapolis. It is located on North street, opposite the State School for the Blind. The membership is composed exclusively of women.
The Independent Turnverein .- This society was organized January, 1879. The present hand- some club-house is one of the most substantial contributions to club architecture in the city.
Marion Club maintains its club-house on North Meridian, opposite the site of the new federal building. It is maintained for the pur- cose of promoting the interests of Republicanism and has a very large and active membership. which embraces some of the most highly honored ind popular men in the Republican party.
The Indiana Club was organized in 1907 by prominent Democrats of the city and State for the purpose of advancing the interests of their bolitical organization in local, State and national iffairs.
The Canoe Club maintains a splendidly quipped club. It has a membership of about
Board of Trade Building, Indianapolis.
-
-.
-
-
-
--
-
--
-
-
-
-
Public Library, Indianapolis.
1.
346
CENTENNIAL HISTORY AND HANDBOOK OF INDIANA
C
View of the International Automobile Races, Speedway .- Photo by W. H. Coburn.
300 business and professional men, who enjoy boating and give encouragement to aquatic sports. Beside the club- house its members own numerous steam and electric launches, canoes and other craft, which are cared for in a well-appointed boat-house.
Other Club and Society Buildings. -Among other notable club and so- ciety buildings are the Scottish Rite building, the Elks' Club building, the University Club, the club building erected by the Knights of Pythias lodges, Highland Golf Club and many others.
The Race Track, located on the State fair grounds, is one of the best in the country.
The Speedway, which was built in 1909, is the largest track of its kind in the world built specially for motor car racing and for large outdoor events.
Indiana State Fair, which is held in Indianapolis in the fall of the year, is the great event that attracts thousands of Indianians with their families to the Hoosier capital. It is the annual ex- hibition of progress in agriculture, hor- ticulture, stock raising and the various departments of husbandry. In 1893 the State Board of Agriculture secured the beautiful tract of 214 acres north- east of the city it now has covered with convenient buildings, including the magnificent coliseum erected in 1907, which is one of the finest and largest in this country. The ground formerly occupied by the fair was sold in 1892 for $275,000, and is now one of the most attractive residential dis- tricts in the city.
Educational Institutions, Libraries, Etc .- The streets and highways of In- dianapolis had hardly been staked off by the surveyor when the few people who had gathered here at this embryo capital of the State began to look around and make some arrangements for the education of the children. At that time there was no provision for
-
Monument Place, Indianapolis, November, 1915.
Race Track, State Fair Grounds.
Photographs by W. H. Coburn.
Coliseum Building, State Fair Grounds.
348
CENTENNIAL HISTORY AND HANDBOOK OF INDIANA
public or free, schools, and the only means for (ducation were by private or "subscription" schools. The first building devoted to education in the city was erected at the intersection of Ken- tucky avenue and Washington and Illinois streets. From that little beginning has developed the great school system of Indianapolis which has made the Indiana capital take high rank in edu- cational matters among the cities of the country. The magnificently endowed school fund of the State of Indiana, and the open-handed liberality
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.