USA > Indiana > Marion County > Indianapolis > Indianapolis illustrated : the capital city of Indiana : its growth, resources, commerce, manufacturing interests, financial institutions, and prospects, also sketches of the leading business concerns which contribute to the city's progress and prosperity > Part 3
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WATER SUPPLY .- The history of the water supply is not of much interest, save as demonstrating the wonderful energy displayed by its inhabitants in all their undertakings. For many years the inhabi- tants obtained their water for cooking and drinking purposes from the beds of the various creeks. The underlying stratum of these, consisting of sand and gravel, through which the surface water was filtered, being rarely more than twenty-five feet below the surface, formed an easily accessible reservoir of pure, but hard water. For fire purposes the water supply was long uncertain and inade. quate. The canal and the creek could always furnish water in abund- ance, but they were too remote from the business part of the city to
be especially valuable. Several large wells were dug, and in 1860 two 300-barrel cisterns were constructed. Others were subsequently . made, and in 1870 there were 78 cisterns of from 300 to 1,800 barrels capacity. These cisterns were filled by a steam pump. In 1869 a com- pany was organized to supply the city with water upon the Holly plan, and was granted a charter. This, the Water Works Company of Indianapolis were obliged to lay fifteen miles of pipe before the close of 1871, and were required to furnish, in addition to the requi- site supply of water for the cisterns, etc., the necessary quantity of water and power for the extinguishment of fires. This company was re-organized in 1881, and a new contract entered into with the city. This was again renewed in 1892, many miles of water mains and laterals have been constructed, and although the supply is not yet all that can be desired in so far as quantity is concerned, this defect is being rapidly remedied. The reservoir is located two miles from the city limit, at the junction of White River and Fall Creek. It is 2,000 feet in length, from 6 to 40 feet in width, and has a capacity of 15,000,000 gallons. The supply is of good potable water.
LIGHTING .- Indianapolis, as already stated, was very back- ward in the matter of street lighting. It was not until the fall of 1853 that street lamps were erected on Washington street, at private expense. In 1854 several blocks on Washington street and adjacent portions of cross streets were lighted by contract with the council. Slight additions were made from time to time until 1859, when a more liberal policy was adopted. In 1860 eight and a-half miles of streets were gas lighted. In 1870 there were forty miles of lights. The city is to-day lighted by electricity supplied by the In- dianapolis Brush Electric Light Company, also by gas. The service is good, and the cost to the city is light.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
Nothing impresses more strongly the visitor to anycity as the appearance and merits of the buildings which are devoted to public use. Indianapolis is richly endowed in this respect, and few other cities of its size can point out so many remarkably hand -
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LOMBARD BUILDING
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KALIN TAILORING GO
LOMBARD BUILDING AND FLETCHER'S BANK BUILDING.
SOME INDIANAPOLIS RESIDENCES.
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INDIANAPOLIS . ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
some and substantial structures. Here are located all the principal state buildings, the magnificent Capitol, a monument of architectural beauty, the Insane Asylum, of vast proportions, and located in spa- cious grounds; the Deaf and Dumb Asylum, the Blind Asylum, the Female Reformatory, the Marion County Court House the Union Railway Station, one of the finest in the country, and many others.
THE STATE HOUSE
occupies an entire square bounded by Ohio, Washington, Tennessee and Mississippi streets. Its erection was commenced in 1878, and was completed ten years later, the building and furnishings costing over $2,000,000. It is of Bedford stone, three stories high, 492x186 feet in dimensions, and 283 feet from east to west through the center, with a dome of solid stone from foundation to apex, 72 feet in diam- eter, and 234 feet in height. The building is heated by natural gas, and lighted by gas and electricity. In it are located the State Ar- mory, the executive and administrative offices of the state, the Legis- lative department, the Supreme Court, State Library, etc.
MARION COUNTY COURT HOUSE.
This is probably the most imposing County Court House in this and adjoining states. It is located in the square bounded by Market, New Jersey, Washington and Delaware streets, in the heart of the business district. It is of Bedford stone, and is 276x106 feet in di- mensions. The work of construction was begun in 1870, and was completed six years later at a cost of $1,600,000. The interior ap- pointments are of the finest character, and the building is used for both city and county purposes.
MASONIC TEMPLE
Is at the corner of Washington and Tennessee streets. It is of hand- some appearance, four stories high, and of stone and brick, and cost over $175,000. This is a very handsome and well appointed office building.
ODD FELLOWS' HALL
Is a landmark, and was constructed in 1854 and reconstructed twenty years later at a cost of $50,000. It is of brick, stucco ornamented, three stories high, and covers an area of 67x102 feet. Like the Ma- sonic Temple, it is used for lodge, store and office purposes.
TOMLINSON'S HALL,
At the corner of Market and Delaware streets, belongs to the city, having been erected with the proceeds of a bequest made for the pur- pose by the late Mr. Stephen Tomlinson. It is of brick, 120x195 feet in dimensions, two stories high, cost $125,000, and is used as a mar- ket and public hall. Adjoining it is a market hall, 100x195 feet in dimensions, which was erected at a cost of $30,000.
THE ARSENAL
Adjoins Woodruff Place. It is of brick, and has a frontage of 63 by a depth of 183 feet. It is the property of the state, and is used for the storage of arms, etc. Adjoining are the officers' quarters, bar- racks, storehouses, powder magazine, etc.
EXPOSITION BUILDING
Is in the northeastern section of the city. It is 150x300 feet in di- mensions, of brick, with a cupola 150 feet high. Its cost was $75,000.
YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION,
On Illinois street, is a beautiful specimen of architecture. It was built in 1887, of Indiana stone, at a cost of $24,000, and has an area of 73x120 feet.
In addition to the foregoing there are numerous other buildings of a semi-public character, which are a source of pride to the people of Indianapolis. Among these are the Grand Opera House on North Pennsylvania street, the English Opera House on the Circle, the Park Theater and Museum at the corner of Tennessee and Washing- ton streets, the magnificent Board of Trade Building, Maryland and Tennessee streets, the beautiful and imposing ยท Commercial Club
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INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
Building, the New Denison, Bates, and Grand hotels, etc. In a word, Indianapolis, in the matter of buildings of a first-class charac- ter, presents a truly metropolitan aspect.
PARKS AND STREETS.
Although there are many cities which can make a far better show- ing in the line of magnificent boulevards and driveways than can In- dianapolis, yet when everything is taken into consideration, the topo- graphical difficulties to be overcome, the early slow movement of the city's growth, followed by its rapid development within a comparatively limited number of years, and the pressing need of providing more immediate necessities for the great increase of population, Indian- apolis is to be congratulated upon the high character of its streets, avenues and parks. The city has an area of 15.05 miles or 9, 630 square acres, and is divided into four district quarters by four great avenues which center at a common point in the heart of the city, " The Circle." These are Indiana, Virginia, Massachusetts and Ken- tucky avenues. The larger number of other avenues, and the streets all run at right angles, thus cutting up the buildings inte almost equal squares. There are 287 miles of streets within the city limits. All these thoroughfares are broad and well paved with asphaltum, vul- canite brick, cedar block or macadam stone, and the alleys have brick pavements. The first plat of street grades was made in 1841, and was not a success, as it proceded upon the assumption that the whole town must be drained off at the south-west corner into the creek or river, thus making it an inclined plane. The effect of this has been felt in the increased expense of all street improvements subsequently made. In 1846, when the Madison railway selected its depot ground on South street, east of Pennsylvania, which was then outside the town limits, the creek was straightened from Virginia avenue to Meridian street, and the streets were graded, and the creek bottom filled in at the crossings. When Indianapolis reached the dignity of a city in 1847, attention was immediately directed to general improvements. The cost of grading and graveling the streets was taxed against the owners of abutting properties, while the cost of
making crossings was paid out of the treasury. Bouldering was first attempted in 1859, Washington street being thus paved from Illinois to Meridian street, and in 1860 from Mississippi to Alabama. Other streets were later paved with wooden blocks, and now asphalt covered avenues are numerous. The area of parks within the city limits is as follows :
State Parks: Military, 17.3 acres ; University, 4.0 acres ; Blind Asylum, 4.0 acres. City: Garfield, 89.0 acres; Shoe String, 2.0 acres. Total 116.3 acres. Outside of, but immediately adjoining the city limits, are Fairview and Armstrong parks, the former having an area of 166 acres, and the latter of 156. The citizens therefor have 448.3 acres of breathing space away from the dust and smoke of the city. These parks are handsomely laid out and planted with beautiful trees, and are favorite resorts with all classes.
EDUCATIONAL.
As is universally the case in all American settlements, the estab- lishment of the first school in Indianapolis was contemporaneous with the existence of the town. In 1821 Joseph C. Read instructed the children of the pioneers, and in 1824 an institute of learning was con- ducted by Mr. and Mrs. Laurence in the Presbyterian Church. In 1834 the County Seminary was erected on land belonging to the state by permission of the Legislature. It was two stories high, and fronted on New York street. In 1837 the Indianapolis Female Insti- tute, chartered by the Legislature, was opened by the Misses Mary J. and Harriet Axtell. It was closed in 1849. In the fall of 1837 a frame school house was erected on Circle street, and was in charge of Mr. Gilman Marston, who later became a member of Congress, a General during the war, and subsequently the Governor of one of the western territories. There were several other educational establish- ments in the early years of the town.
It was not until 1847 that the free school system was introduced. The state fund for school purposes proved utterly inadequate to maintain the schools for more than one quarter. Under the provis- ions of the new city charter, the citizens voted that a tax should be
INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA,
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levied for school purposes. This tax was assessed, and donations of lots and houses for school buildings were asked for. School houses had to be erected, and until such time as the school fund should assume sufficient proportions to meet the outlay, the ward schools were merely state district schools under city supervision. In 1852 enough taxes had been collected to erect in each ward a small brick school house of one or two rooms. There was no surplus over building expenses to pay teachers' salaries, and these had to be met by tuition fees. Finally, in 1853, the tax was sufficient to pay the teachers, separate ward trustees were abolished, a board of three trustees were appointed by the Council, and the system of city free schools was put in operation. It is interesting to trace the rise and growth of the splendid school system of Indianapolis of to-day, one of the finest in the country, from these hum- ble beginnings. We therefore here- with append extracts from the Report of the Trustees of the Public Schools (1866), which tell the story :
"At their (the trustees) first meet- ing, March 18, 1853, they elected ten teachers for the city schools, and ordered that they receive $2.25 a scholar for the term, to be paid by the parent or guardian ' * April
THOMAS L. SULLIVAN, MAYOR OF INDIANAPOLIS.
25, 1853, the first free schools were opened for a session of two months * * * May 14, 1853, occurs the first record of the payment of salaries to teachers. From this time forward the receipts from city taxation and the state school fund by slow degrees in- creased, and the schools flourished and grew in favor with all good citizens. * * The schools were fully and generously sustained by the public. The revenue, in great part derived from local taxation, was sufficient to sustain them prosperously during the full school year. But this period was of short duration. Early in 1858 the Supreme Court of the state decided that it was unconstitutional for cities and towns to levy and collect taxes for the payment of tuition. The effect was most disastrous. It deprived the city schools of the prin- cipal part of their revenue, and in spite of generous efforts on the part of a portion of the public, the free- school grade system, which had taken ten years to build up, was de- stroyed at a blow. * * Then com- menced the dark age of the public schools. The school houses were rented to such teachers as were wil- ling, or able from scant patronage, to pay a small pittance for their use. The state fund was only sufficient to keep the schools open one feeble free
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INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
quarter of the year, and in 1859 even this was omitted for want- of money *
* At length the Legislature made provision for more efficient and prosperous schools, and fuller taxation for their support. "
In June, 1858, the trustees ordered their first levy for school pur- poses of 15 cents on the $100 of valuation. In December of the same year this levy was ordered reduced from 15 cents to 712 cents. In June, 1861, the first Board of Trustees, elected by the people, one from each ward was chosen. The schools henceforward, despite the burdens and worry of the war times, were fairly prosperous. New school houses were erected, evening classes were inaugurated, and in 1866 a training school was organized. The staff of teachers was be- ing annually increased, salaries were raised, and it is interesting to note that whereas in June, 1868, there were but 4,049 pupils in the schools, receiving instruction from 62 teachers, whose salaries amounted to $34,007, in June, 1871, the pupils numbered 6,449, the teachers 103, and the aggregate compensation of the latter was $60,480-
The school system of Indianapolis is to-day perfect and complete in every respect. We have already stated that in 1861 the Board of Trustees became elective by a popular vote. This was again changed in 1865, the trustees being appointed by the Council. In June, 1871, a Board of School Commissioners, one from each school district, of which there are eleven, was elected by the people. The following is the organization of the Board of School Commissioners for 1892-93:
OFFICERS OF THE BOARD .- President, J. P. Frenzel; secretary, J. W. Loeper; treasurer, Charles H. Adam; superintendent of schools, L. H. Jones; assistant secretary, Emma B. Ridenour; librarian, E. G. Browning; superintendent of buildings and grounds, P. J. O'Meara; superintendent of supplies, F. H. Wade; clerk of the superintendent, Georgie Alexander.
There are two high schools, and thirty-six primary school houses. In 1891-92 the number of pupils was 17,822.
In addition to the common schools, Indianapolis possesses many institutions which offer every facility for the acquisition of education in any given branch of learning. There are German, Protestant, and
Roman Catholic Parochial Schools, Business Colleges and Universi ties, Medical and Veterinary Colleges, etc.
NORTHWESTERN CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY.
This widely-known institution was chartered in January, 1850, with a capital of not less than $95,000 nor more than $500,000. It was opened in November, 1855, and has since had a most prosperous career. The system of instruction consists of a collegiate course of four years, a preparatory course of two years, and a primary de- partment. There is also a law department, a commercial depart- ment, and a musical department. The Northwestern Christian Uni- versity was one of the first colleges in the west to admit female stu- dents to all the rights, privileges and opportunities of its lecture- rooms. The building is located within the city limits, the site em- bracing an area of twenty five acres, handsomely adorned with stately trees.
INDIANAPOLIS YOUNG LADIES' INSTITUTE
Is conducted by the Baptist denomination, and was founded in 1858.
ST. JOHN'S ACADEMY FOR GIRLS is a graded school under the charge of the Sisters of Providence, aad was established in 1859. The course embraces the usual English studies, mathematics, natural sciences, French, German, music, drawing, etc. There are in addi- tion several schools founded and supported by our German citizens.
BENEVOLENT INSTITUTIONS.
Indianapolis is the location of many of the most important benevolent institutions in the state.
INDIANA HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE .- Was founded by act of the General Assembly of Indiana, in 1847. It is located two and a half miles west of the city, on Washington street, and was opened for the reception of patients in 1848. It is a handsome edifice, comprising two departments, one for male and one for female patients. The male department is of brick, 625x150 feet in dimensions, and can ac- commodate 650 patients. The female department, also of brick, has
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INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
a width of 146 feet, and accommodation for 850. The administra- tion of the institution is under the direction of a Board of Com- missioners.
INDIANA INSTITUTE FOR THE EDUCATION OF THE BLIND. - Occu- pies the space of two city blocks, bounded by Morete, Meridian, Wal- nut and Pennsylvania streets. It was founded by the state in 1847, and is strictly an educational institution, having for its object the moral, intellectual and physical culture of the young blind of both sexes, who reside within the state. No charge is made for board and instruction, and as a rule, applicants under nine or over twenty-one years are not received. The course is literary, musical and industrial. The most common trades taught, are cane seating chairs and broom making. The girls are also taught sewing, knitting, lace-work and bead-work.
INDIANA INSTITUTE FOR THE DEAF AND DUMB .- At the corner of Washington and State streets, was established in 1844. It is situated in the midst of a park of beautiful forest trees. The main buildings consist of four large groups, in addition to which there are three large shop buildings, boiler house, wash house, barn and cow sheds, ice- houses and other out buildings. The institution is open to applicants between ten and twenty-one years, who are residents of Indiana. The course is both academical and industrial.
INDIANAPOLIS ORPHANS' HOME .- Erected in 1855, and derives its support from donations and aid from the state. Can accommodate some 100 inmates, and is the property of the Widows' and Orphans' Society, which was organized in 1849.
INDIANA REFORM SCHOOL. - North of the Deaf and Dumb Asylum, has accommodation for 300 inmates.
THE CITY HOSPITAL was built in 1859 at a cost of $30,000. Great improvements have since been made, and the building has been enlarged. It was occupied as a military hospital during the war, the city resuming its management in 1866.
ST. VINCENT'S HOSPITAL is in charge of the Sisters of Charity, and is one of the most complete institutions of the kind in Indiana. It is at the corner of Delaware and South streets.
Among the many other benevolent institutions which serve to emphasize the truly practical Christianlike characters of Indianapoli- tans, and the people of Indiana generally, are : The Home for Friend- less Women, Indianapolis Benevolent Society, German Protestant Orphan Asylum, Indiana Female Prison and Reformatory, Indiana House of Refuge and Correction, County Infirmary, Indianapolis Asylum for Friendless Colored Children, the Free Dispensary, News- boys' Home, Ladies' Society for the Relief of the Poor, Indianapolis Society for the Relief of the Crippled, Ruptured and Deformed, City Dispensary, etc.
CHURCHES.
Indianapolis has from the first years of its settlement been noted for the religious character of its inhabitants, and the staunch support they have always accorded to religious institutions. It has been truthfully said that the history of the growth of religious bodies here is the history of the development of the city. The first services held in the little settlement was in 1821, and to-day there are over one hundred church edifices within the municipal boundaries. In August, 1821, Rev. Ludlow C. Gaines, a Presbyterian minister, preached the first sermon in a grove south of where the State House now stands. Nearly all sects and denominations are now represented here. The Methodists formed an association in 1822, the Baptists and Presby- terians in 1823, the Christians in 1833, Episcopalians in 1837, Catho- lics, 1840, Congregationalists, 1857, and Hebrews, 1855. The follow- ing are the principal church edifices :
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL .- Christ Church, St. Paul's Cathedral, Grace Church, Church of the Holy Innocents, Episcopal Mission.
PRESBYTERIAN .- First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth Churches, Olivet Church, Seventh Church, and several Missions.
BAPTIST .- First, South Street Baptist Church, Garden Mission, North Baptist Mission, Second.
CONGREGATIONAL .- Plymouth Church, May Flower Church.
CHRISTIAN .- Christian Chapel, Second Christian Church, Third Christian Church, Fourth Christian Church, Salem Chapel, Olive Mission.
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NEW PUBLIC LIBRARY.
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INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
GERMAN REFORMED .- First German Reformed Church. Second, German Reformed Church.
METHODIST .- Meridian street, M. E. Church, Roberts Park M. E. Church, St. John's M. E. Church' Ashny M. E. Church, Trinity M. E. Church, Ames M. E. Church, Grace M. E. Church, Third street M. E. Church, German M. E. Church, Massachusetts avenue Church, Allen Chapel, Bethel Chapel.
ROMAN CATHOLIC .- St. John's Church, St. Mary's Church, St. Peter's Church, the Cathedral.
LUTHERAN -First English Lutheran Church, St. Paul's German Evangelical Lutheran, Zion's Church.
GERMAN EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION .- Salem Church.
UNIVERSALIST .- First and Second Universalist Congregations. Other church edifices belong to the Hebrews, Unitarians, United Brethren in Christ, Society of Friends, etc. Indianapolis has every reason to be proud of her churches, which receive a warm and gener- ous support.
RAILROADS.
Indianapolis justly lays claim to the proud title of "Railway City" of the United States. Since the memorable day in 1847 when the first train over the Madison road steamed into the city amidst the enthusiastic plaudits of her citizens, her transportation facilities have constantly kept increasing, until at the present time there is not a trunk line or railway of any importance between the Ohio river to the south and the Great Lakes to the north, which does not make this the central point of its operations. The city can be compared to a hub, from which the lines of railroad radiate like spokes to all points of the compass. Indianapolis for many years suffered from what is now the source of her power, her geographical position in the very center of the state. But as the era of progress has advanced, as the railroad has become the great and only profitable means of inter- communication between the various sections of the country, her su- premacy has been established. He star is in the zenith, the bands of steel that link her to Fort Wayne and Cleveland in the northeast,
New Albany and Louisville in the south, Terre Haute and St. Louis in the southwest, Valparaiso and Chicago in the northwest, all serve as mighty feeders of her trade and commerce, and assure her con- tinued and permanent industrial independence. What threatened to deprive her of life has become a source of new vigor, not only is she in direct cmmunication with all the wealth producing sections of north, soutli, east and west, but she has caused the development of all the natural resources of the state of which she is the capital. With inexhaustible coal fields, deposits of building stone, gas fields, and forests of hardwood lumber within her reach, she can supply and is supplying the continent with the treasures found only in the ter- ritory tributary to her. The railroad has made Indianapolis.
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