Polk's Indianapolis (Marion County, Ind.) city directory, 1930, Part 2

Author:
Publication date: 1930
Publisher: R.L. Polk
Number of Pages: 2076

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Community Publicity

The directory reflects the achievements and ambitions of the commu- nity, depicting in truthful terms what it has to offer as a place of residence, as a business location, as an industrial site and as an educational cen- ter. To broadcast this information, the publishers have placed copies of this issue of the directory in Directory Libraries, where they are readily avail- able for free public reference, and serve as perpetual and reliable adver- tisements of Indianapolis and vicinity, for business men, everywhere, realize that the city directory represents a community as it really is.

The Indianapolis Directory Library

Through the courtesy of the publishers of the Indianapolis City Direc- tory, a Directory Library is maintained in their offices at 223 N. New Jersey St., for free reference by the general public. This is one of nearly 500 Direc- tory Libraries installed in the chief cities of the U. S. and Canada by mem- bers of the Association of North American Directory Publishers, under whose supervision the system is operated.

The publishers appreciatively acknowledge the recognition by those progressive business and professional men who have demonstrated their confidence in the city directory as an advertising medium, with assurance that it will bring a commensurate return.

R. L. POLK & CO., Publishers

. INTRODUCTION

INDIANA STATE SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' MONUMENT

Universally admitted to be the grandest achievement of architectural and sculptural art in the world, designed to glorify the heroic epoch of the Republic and to commemorate the valor and fortitude of Indiana's soldiers and sailors in the War of the Rebellion and other wars.

Begun, 1887 ; completed, 1901; dedicated, 1902; cost, $600,000 ; diameter of plaza surrounding monument, 342 feet 7 inches; diameter of terrace, 110 feet; height of terrace, 16 feet 4 inches ; monument foundation, 69x53 feet; depth of foundation, 30 feet; height of monument, including foundation, 314 feet 6 inches ; height of monument from street level to top of statue, 284 feet 6 inches; height of Victory statue, 38 feet ; shaft at top, 13 feet 3 inches; balcony, 16 feet.

The balcony, 2281/2 feet above the ground, is reached by an electric elevator or by stairway consisting of 32 flights-324 steps. On reaching the balcony, visitors look over a beautiful panorama of Indianapolis and vicinity-a delightful view, not surpassed anywhere. Below the balcony is a bronze astragal bearing the dates 1861-1865 on the four sides of the shaft. Midway the monument is a second bronze astragal, em- blematic of the Navy, and further down, a third bronze astragal, representing the Army. On the east and west sides of the monument are the two largest groups that have ever been carved out of stone-the one on the east representing War, the other, Peace. On the south front are two heroic statues, each cut out of a huge block of stone; one represents the Infantry, the other an ideal Cavalry Scout. On the north front are the Artillery and Navy representatives, same as on the south. On the east and west sides of the terrace are magnificent cascades, over each of which flow 7,000 gallons of water per minute. With eight immense candelabra, carry 48 arc and 150 incandescent lamps, Monument Place is the most brilliantly and beautifully lighted spot in this country. On subordinate pedestals occupying positions in the four segments, are bronze statues of Gov. Morton, Gov. Whitcomb, Gen. William Henry Harrison and Gen. George Rogers Clark. Above the entrance facing the south is the inscription of dedication :

"To Indiana's Silent Victors"

INTRODUCTION

INDIANAPOLIS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE North Meridian St., Opp University Park

- . . ... .

INDIANAPOLIS

"THE CENTER OF INDUSTRIAL AMERICA" CAPITAL OF INDIANA; COUNTY SEAT OF MARION COUNTY

SOME OF THE THINGS THAT SERVE TO VISUALIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS MODERN AND PROGRESSIVE CITY IN ITS COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ASPECTS

THE LOGICAL LOCATION FOR BUSINESS INSTITUTIONS HAVING NATIONAL DISTRIBUTION

Prepared by The Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce

When Indiana was admitted to the Union in 1816 it became the nineteenth state. Congress adopted a resolution donating four sections of land to the State for its cap- ital. The present downtown mile square, chosen in 1821 as the site for the location,

STATE HOUSE

of the state capital, after considerable discussion, was named Indianapolis. On this one mile square, at almost the geographical center of Indiana, the city was laid out by the same engineer, who designed the street plan of Washington, D. C. Not only is Indian- apolis near the exact center of the state of Indiana, but it is likewise near the center of the great Middle West, called the most typically American section of the nation.

Population

Indianapolis is estimated to have a population of 445,000 at the present time. It is the capital and largest city of Indiana, and is twenty-first in population in the United States. It is the second largest state capital. Indianapolis has maintained a steady, normal growth in population ranging from 8,000 to 12,000 persons annually.

Topography

The topography of the territory surrounding Indianapolis has never hindered the city's growth in any direction, resulting in Indianapolis having grown until it now covers an area of 54.15 square miles. It is a city without barriers. In the center of the city is a magnificent circle, surrounded by a street ninety feet in width and one- fifth of a mile around, in the center of which stands a 250-foot massive stone monu- ment erected in honor of the soldiers and sailors of Indiana who participated in the Civil War. Radiating from this circle are four wide avenues affording outlets to all parts of the city. It has been around this regularly-platted area that Indianapolis has grown from a mere village in 1816 to its present population of 445,000 persons, more than 94 per cent of whom are native-born.

Climate and Precipitation

There are less than four months in the year in which the lowest daily tempera- ture runs below freezing. Yet summer temperatures do not range excessively high, and are rendered unoppressive by the low humidity which usually prevails. The average Jan- uary temperature in Indianapolis is 28 degrees, and the average July temperature is 76 degrees. There are times during the summer when as much as 16 hours of outdoor work may be performed without artificial light. The annual precipitation for the year 1929 was 47.46 inches.

National Market

Finished goods are sold, not to square miles, but to population. So far as theo- retical analysis goes, Indianapolis stands supreme as a center from which to serve the national market, either for finished products going directly to the consumer, or for semi-finished goods requiring further manufacture. Indianapolis is already famous as a center for national distribution and is rapidly increasing its prestige in this respect.

INTRODUCTION

This Middle Western district is the heart of the nation's manufacturing activities. Among the first 18 cities in the United States with respect to the annual value of manufac- tured products, 10 are in this great section of our country. The manufacturing density of this district in relation to its area is five times the average for the country as a whole. The territory as a geographical unit is probably the richest and most intensified pro- ducing region in the world. The center of population of the United States, the center of manufacture, the corn center and others are located in the immediate center of this area. Although representing less than 6% of the total area of the country it contrib- utes 30% of the total manufactured products. It has a population of 25,000,000, or 20% of the total population of the United States. Its western portion is in the corn and wheat, and live stock belts.

Trading Radius

Indianapolis is located in the heart of a rich buying market. Few cities enjoy such stability of commerce and industry. Its security is its surrounding farm land, where great agricultural wealth abounds, with 2,000,000 prospective buyers within two hours' ride, over 10,000,000 within a few hours' ride, and more than 60,000,000 within a radius of 500 miles can be reached overnight. The immediate trading radius includes the central portion of Indiana. It extends practically 70 miles in every direction. The business of this district is so closely tied up with that of Indianapolis as to be prac- tically inseparable. To the people living in cities in this district, whether 1,000 popula- tion or over 30,000, Indianapolis is the market place. One distinguishing feature of this district is the transportation situation. A network of steam and electric railways, together with numerous motor bus lines, welds this territory in one compact unit. County seats and hundreds of smaller towns and villages around Indianapolis have direct connections with the city. The annual purchasing power of the Indianapolis trading area is estimated to be $750,000,000.

Manufacture

Indianapolis is a city of diversified industries. These are motor vehicles and motor vehicle bodies and parts, meat packing and slaughtering products, metal and machine shop products, etc. The 850 industries of Indianapolis use a wide variety of raw ma- terials, and turn their finished and semi-finished products into many different lines of consumption. More than 200 different commodities are manufactured in Indian- apolis. The city is not dominated by any one industry or one group of related indus- tries. It assures against depression to the city's business interests, which might result from a decline in one industry upon which chief reliance is placed, and tends to alle- viate the effects of general business slumps. Diversification has long been recognized as a desirable characteristic of a city's industry,

Wholesale and Retail

The city of Indianapolis itself is a wholesale center of semi-national importance. There are 300 wholesalers and distributors, and 4,690 retail establishments in Indian- apolis. The territory has 37 towns of 1,000 population or more, served by these jobbers and retailers. Many of these organizations reach over the entire country. Indian- apolis, although 21st in population, is 13th in volume of retail sales.

Transportation

The geographical location of Indianapolis, and the topography of the surrounding region, have operated to the city's advantages as a transportation center. The loca- tion of Indianapolis places it in the pathway of the country's great east-west traffic flow, and the absence of any hazards of land formation has made the unhampered de- velopment of transportation facilities possible. Sixteen steam railroad lines lead in every direction from Indianapolis. Companies having one or more lines serving In- dianapolis are the C. C. C. & St. L. (Big Four), Baltimore & Ohio, Illinois Central, C I

UNION STATION

INTRODUCTION

& L., Nickel Plate and Pennsylvania. The Belt Railroad in Indianapolis has direct connection with each of the sixteen entering lines, and insures rapid interchange of traffic from one to another. It swings around the east, south and west sections of the city, and provides switching facilities for hundreds of acres of excellent - factory-site property. The Belt is the property of the Indianapolis Union Railway Company, which is owned by the six railroad companies whose lines enter the city. All switching and wheelage charges are absorbed by the railroads, so that the Indianapolis manufacturer, whether he is located on the Belt or on an individual railroad line, can ship or receive goods via any one of the sixteen lines without cost other than the regular freight charges as established by the Indiana Public Service Commission and the Interstate Commerce Commission.

Indianapolis has also the advantage of electric freight service, which has been developed much in conformity with the boundaries of the Middle Western district. Thirteen electric railway lines enter the city, and are of distinct value to its manu- factures in their contact with the Middle Western market. Rapid freight service has been featured by the interurban companies, and covers points in Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky, for first, second and third-day delivery.

Numerous motor truck lines are operated out of Indianapolis under permits granted by the Indiana Public Service Commission. These handle movements of food products, live stock, etc., which require this particular manner of transportation.

One hundred and sixty-five railroad passenger trains arrive and depart from Indian- apolis daily. Three hundred and fifty interurban passenger cars arrive and depart each day from the largest interurban station in the world. Indianapolis is rapidly de- veloping a comprehensive system of motor coach transportation; 6,523 miles of city streets are covered by 11 motor routes. There are 165 miles of surface street car lines in Indianapolis. The fare is seven cents. Transportation is further facilitated by 16 passenger bus lines which operate throughout the city.

There are more than 20 motor truck lines operating out of Indianapolis, giving scheduled package freight delivery service and having also facilities for special con- tract work.

Automobiles

The average number of persons entering Indianapolis by passenger automobile per day is estimated to be 25,000. In 1929 113,589 licenses were issued for passenger auto- mobiles, and 22,119 for trucks and delivery wagons. Taxicab firm licenses numbered 126. Excellent city paving and connecting hard roads have made automobile and truck transportation an important factor in local distribution.

Aviation

Several routes of regularly-established air lines connect Indianapolis with important sections of the United States. A municipal airport, consisting of one thousand acres, is located 7 miles west of the business district of Indianapolis, on National Road 40. There are five commercial and military landing fields located in the Indianapolis dis- trict to care for this rapidly-growing industry. Indianapolis is a port on a 48-hour coast- to-coast air-rail passenger service.

Banks

During the year 1929 the bank clearings for 10 Indianapolis banking houses, mem- bers of the Indianapolis Clearing House Association, were $1,284,931,000. Debits and transactions of that same group were as follows: Debits, $2,500,340,000; transactions, $3,887,983,000. Resources of all Indianapolis banks (total 41) are $301,667,969.

Building and Loan Associations

Total assets of the 58 building and loan associations in Indianapolis as of January, 1928, were $99,680,167. One hundred and twenty-five thousand, or approximately 10% of the membership in the building and loan associations of the entire United States, are listed in Indianapolis. Service in the building of 2,234 homes, in the improvement of 1,521 homes, and in the outright purchase of 2,357 homes, was offered in the year 1927. The largest building and loan association in the world is located in Indianapolis, with a capitalization of over $125,000,000, assets of over $55,000,000, carrying more than 72,000 open accounts. Indiana ranks seventh among the 48 states as to building and loan company assets.

Churches

There are 417 churches in the city of Indianapolis, representing all denominations and nationalities.

Electricity

The local power company has over 120,000 customers. Direct current is available in the downtown business district, known as the mile square. All other sections are sup- plied with alternating current. Energy rate runs 61/2 cents net per K.W.H. for the first 50 K.W.H. used per month, 6 cents for next 50 K. W. H., 5 cents for next 100 K. W. H., and 4 cents for excess of 200 K. W. H. Rates for industrial power are lower than those of many other cities.

Gas

One of the important requirements of industry is an adequate supply of a refined and controllable fuel. A gas service of excellent quality is furnished in Indianapolis. A total of 85,000 customers was served with gas in December, 1929. There are 807 miles of gas mains in Indianapolis. Rates are: First 10,000 cubic feet, $1.05 per M cu. ft .; next 40,000 cu. ft., $1.00;" next 15,000 cu. ft. $0.95, etc. Special schedule for consumers of larger quantities.

Water

The capacity of the water company's present facilities is 160,000,000 gallons a day. Pressue is maintained at from 55 to 62 pounds, with extremes as high as 80 pounds at points of particular fire hazard. The sources of supply are White River and exten- sive deep wells, with Fall Creek as an available source in case of need. The water supply is passed through a sand and gravel filter bed and is finally thoroughly purified by chlorination. The cost of water varies in accordance with consumption.

Coa

A high grade of steam coal can be obtained from Indiana mines at an average haut of only ninety miles. The freight rate is approximately $1.15 a ton. This coal is quoted as low as $3.00 a ton delivered in Indianapolis. The rate on eastern Kentucky coal is $2.52, and on that from West Virginia, $2.52.

INTRODUCTION

Factory Sites

Indianapolis has in reserve a vast area for industrial expansion. Many acres are available. These districts are interwoven with a network of railroads, including the belt system, affording a great centralized industrial transportation system. Raw ma- terials, transportation, power, labor and market are available in this city.

Foreign Trade

A survey of foreign trade reveals that Indianapolis firms are doing business in every corner of the world and that the total volume of business, imports and exports runs into many millions of dollars. While Indianapolis exports a tremendous quantity of merchandise, manufactured articles and raw materials, certain articles predominate. Among these are automobiles and automobile accessories, meat products, metal products and machinery, drugs and pharmaceuticals, food products, flour and grain. Imports come from many foreign countries.

Building

New building construction in Indianapolis grew from $7,933,081 in 1914 to $23,- 669,315 in 1928. During the latter year there were 4,200 permits issued for new build- ings at a cost of $23,669,315. The year 1928 witnessed the construction of 178 stores and factories, 5 office buildings, 1.485 residences, 18 churches, halls and theatres, 32 apart- ment buildings (846 living units) and 2,282 miscellaneous buildings. Living accommo- dations for 2,511 families were provided in single-family homes and apartment buildings.

Assessed Valuation

The assessed valuation of property in Indianapolis on which taxes will be paid in 1930 is $690,247,540.

Taxes

In 1928 only four cities of the first thirty in population paid a smaller per capita amount of taxes for all state and local purposes than Indianapolis. The per capita here was $46.04. The average for the thirty cities was $55.20. The showing is all the more favorable since the figure for this city includes practically the entire contribution for all state and local governmental purposes, while in many other cities the figure does not include such items as a state income tax, corporation taxes, special business licenses and many other licenses and fees. While local taxation increased from 19 to 30 per cent in each of the states surrounding Indiana between 1922 and 1926, the in- crease in Indiana was only 14 per cent. A system whereby taxpayers may have a voice in determining public expenditures is a strong factor in keeping the tax burden low in Indiana.

Telephone Service

Indianapolis has more than 83,000 telephones and on account of its central loca- tion in the state and country as a whole, conservative long-distance tolls may be had. Residential phone rate, private line, is $4.50 and business phone, unlimited service, is $13.50.

Recreational Features

Indianapolis has a system of forest preserves which maintains throughout the city 25 parks, having a total area of 1,829 acres. Within the complete park system and forest preserves are located 45 playgrounds, 9 athletic fields, 5 municipal golf courses, 6 private golf courses, 5 swimming pools, including one of the largest outdoor swim- ming pools in the country; 59 miles of boulevards, 5. field community houses, 57 tennis courts, 22 baseball diamonds and 10 football fields, and other facilities such as saddle clubs, 10 miles of bridle paths, 5 aviation fields, 1 casting pool, 61 horseshoe courts and 3 roque courts. There are also 6 private country clubs and 6 private downtown clubs.

Theatres and Amusements

Indianapolis has 80 motion picture houses, 2 legitimate theaters with a seating capacity of 3,500, 2 vaudeville houses and 1 burlesque theater. Two large amusement parks afford lively entertainment in the summer months. A motor speedway and baseball park are amusements enjoyed by many thousands of persons.

Education

The educational facilities of Indianapolis provide excellent training in almost any line. With 85 schools, 6 high schools and 21 parochial schools and academies, Indian- apolis offers splendid educational advantages to more than 63,000 students each semester. Butler University, Indiana Central College, Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indianapolis College of Pharmacy, Indiana Law School, St. Agnes Academy, Boys' Preparatory School, Tudor Hall, St. John's Academy, Teachers' Col- lege, Normal College of the North American Gymnastics Union, Herron Art Institute, Indiana State School for the Deaf, Board of Industrial Aid for the Blind, Indiana State School for the Blind, and other special schools in music, arts and business training are located in Indianapolis. Public schools include 14 for defectives, 1 for truants, 1 for cripples, 1 opportunity school and 1 fresh-air school, making in all 105 units in the public school system. Twenty-three Catholic schools, 3 Lutheran, 1 Seventh Day Ad- ventist, and 40 public kindergartens bring the total of elementary and secondary schools up to 172. The school city of Indianapolis is governed by a commission elected by the citizens. The commission elects a superintendent to have executive control over the school system, and a business director to have similar control of fiscal affairs. Indian- apolis is the home of the largest extension branch of the state University, through which is offered training in practically every phase of university work. Butler Uni- versity, with its present daily enrollment of approximately 1,820 likewise offers extension courses. This institution was recently installed in its new quarters, and promises to become one of the leading colleges in the Middle West. Indiana Central College pro- vides the third distinct institution of higher learning in Indianapolis. The John Herron Art Institute ranks high among the country's institutions for the development of the artistic spirit in the people, and holds a charm for the artistically inclined. Its art school is constantly training younger artists to continue the work of Indiana's leaders, Adams, Forsythe and Steele. The Indianapolis Public Library contains over 500,000 volumes. Twenty branches are maintained at convenient locations throughout the city. The business branch is in the downtown district, and gives special information service to business men. The library of the State of Indiana is located in the State House in Indianapolis.

INTRODUCTION

INDIANAPOLIS PUBLIC LIBRARY

Labor

In a large measure Indianapolis labor is thoroughly American. The typical factory employee is reliable, capable and efficient. He is economical and thrifty. He owns his own home, sends his children to school and college, and is himself interested in educa- tion. In considering the supply of labor in indianapolis, one should have regard not only for the supply afforded by the city proper, which is abundant, but also for that of the surrounding territory. On every side are suburbs and small towns with motorbus and interurban service at regular short intervals. Improved roads lead in from every direction. People from points 15 to 20 miles out, work in Indianapolis. The potential labor supply from these sources is great. The relations of employer and employees are strictly harmonious, and conditions are in every way conducive to economical opera- ttion. A population of 85% native-white, 10% Negro, and only 5% foreign-born affords an abundant supply of skilled and unskilled workers, both male and female.

Postal Receipts

The post-office receipts for 1929 were $4,761,957.

Mail Service

There are 77 steam and interurban mail trains in and 76 out of Indianapolis every 24 hours. The Air Mail Service offers splendid advantages for those desiring quick communication. Indianapolis in in daily contact with . this service. In the residential districts there are two to three mail deliveries and up to six collections daily. There are ten to fifteen collections daily in the business section, and four to six deliveries.

Parcel Post

Low-cost parcel post delivery can be had from Indianapolis. The first three or four zones, in which the rates are cheapest, cover the greatest concentrated business ter- ritory in the United States. The first three postal zones of Indianapolis embrace all of the states contiguous to Indiana except a small portion of northern Michigan. The fourth zone includes nearly all of the next bordering states. The fifth zone extends from Maine to Colorado and from Canada to Florida.

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Polk's Indianapolis (Marion County, Ind.) city directory, 1930, Part 2

Author: Publication date: 1930 Publisher: R.L. Polk Number of Pages: 2076

Author:
Publication date: 1930
Publisher: R.L. Polk
Number of Pages: 2076