Polk's Indianapolis (Marion County, Ind.) city directory, 1933, Part 3

Author:
Publication date: 1933
Publisher: R.L. Polk
Number of Pages: 1730

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Building

New building construction in Indianapolis totaled $3,180,060 in value for 1932. During the year there were 3,938 permits issued.

Assessed Valuation

The assessed valuation of property in Indianapolis on which taxes will be paid in 1933 is $554,754,232.

Taxes

In 1928 only four cities of the first thirty in population paid a smalled 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 favor- able 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 increase 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.

'T'elephone Service

Indianapolis has more than 75,000 telephones and on account of its central location 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 swimming pools in the country; 56 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, 6 aviation fields, 1 casting pool, 61 horseshoe courts and 3 roque courts. There are also 6 private country clubs and 6 private downtown clubs.

INTRODUCTION

Theatres and Amusements

Indianapolis has 80 motion picture houses, 2 legitimate theatres with a seating capacity of 3,500, 2 vaudeville houses and 1 burlesque theatre. 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 public grade schools, 6 high schools and 27 parochial schools and academies, In- dianapolis offers splendid educational advantages to more than 63,000 students each semes- ter. Butler University, including Teachers College and College of Religion, Indiana Central College, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indianapolis College of Pharmacy, Indiana Law School, St. Agnes Academy, Boys' Prepara- tory School, Tudor Hall, St. John's Academy, Normal College of the North American Gym- nastics Union, John E. Herron Art Institute, Indiana State School for the Deaf, Board of In- dustrial 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 the physically handicapped, 1 opportunity school and 1 fresh- air school. Twenty-three Catholic schools, 3 Lutheran, 1 Seventh Day Adventist, and 40 public kindergartens bring the total of elementary and secondary schools up to 168. The school city of Indianapolis is governed by a commission elected by the citizens. The com- mission elects a superintendent to have executive control over the school system, and a business director to have similar control of fiscal affairs. Indianapolis 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 University, with its present daily enroll- ment of approximately 1,820, likewise offers extension courses. This institution was re- cently installed in its new quarters, and promises to become one of the leading colleges in the Middle West. Indiana Central College provides the third distinct institution of higher learning in Indianapolis. The John E. Herron Art Institute ranks high among the coun- try'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 young 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, in the downtown district, gives special information service to business men. The Library of the State of Indiana is located in the State House of Indianapolis.

History of Butler University; "The University of the City of Indianapolis"

Butler University operates under a special charter granted by the Indiana Legislature in 1849. This charter defines the purposes and scope of the institution as follows:

"To establish, found, maintain, and perpetuate an institution of learning of the highest class, for the education of the youth of all parts of the United States, and especially of the states of the Northwest; to establish in said institution departments or colleges for the instruction of the students in every branch of liberal and professional education; to educate and prepare suitable teachers for the common schools of the country; to teach and inculcate the Christian faith and Christian morality as taught in the sacred Scriptures, and to pro- mote the sciences and arts."

This charter went into effect Jan. 15, 1850. The organization of the corporation was completed and the first board of directors elected in 1852. Funds were subscribed by mem- bers of the Christian churches and citizens of Indiana, and the University opened its doors Nov. 1, 1855, as North Western Christian University, on College Ave., Indianapolis. The College of Liberal Arts, opened at that time, has since had an uninterrupted existence.

In 1873 the board of directors decided to move the University to Irvington, then a suburb of the city, and in 1875 instruction of the college classes was begun in the new location.

In recognition of the benefactions of Ovid Butler, the name of the institution was changed from North Western Christian University to Butler University, Feb. 28, 1877. This change did not effect any chartered obligations of the corporation or its purposes, all of which have been determined by a legislative act and by the recorded resolutions of the board of directors.

By resolution of the board of directors, April 8, 1896, the name "Butler College" was adopted in lieu of "Butler University," to designate the under-graduate academic depart- ment. The legal name of the corporation, however, remains unchanged.

At the triennial election of directors, June 17, 1909, the stockholders voted to make the newly-elected board of twenty-one directors self-perpetuating. This action was taken under a statute enacted by the Indiana General Assembly in its session of 1909.

In 1923 it became evident that the growth of the institution would soon require new and larger buildings. The board of directors decided to secure a new site that would provide adequately for future development. As a result of that decision, Fairview Park, a beautiful tract of 246 acres, in the northern port of the city of Indianapolis, was purchased. The buildings on the new campus are: The Arthur Jordan Memorial Hall, the Field House and Gymnasium, and the Stadium. These buildings are modern in every way and are admirably adapted to the purposes for which they were designed. The Arthur Jordan Memorial Hall is named in honor of Arthur Jordan, of Indianapolis, who contributed a million dollars toward its construction.

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 education. 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 employee are strictly harmonius, and conditions are in every way conducive to economical operation. A population of 83.5% native white, 11% Negro, only 5.4% foreign-born, and 1.1 of other races, affords an abundant supply of skilled and unskilled workers, both male and female.

Indianapolis is generally about 95% open shop and non-union industrially and com- mercially. The main strength of union labor here is found in the building trades, printing trades, and among the motion picture operators, stage hands and musicians.

Out of a total city population now of approximately 400,000, less than 7,000 laboring people are said to belong to the allied central labor union and they are found mostly in the crafts indicated above.

INTRODUCTION

Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument

The Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, located in the heart of the city, is recognized as one of the finest pieces of colossal sculpture in the United States. It was built in the years 1887-1901, at a cost of approximately $600,000. It is 284 feet high and is the second tallest monument in the United States. The Washington Monument, in Washington, D. C., stands 555 feet.

WAR MEMORIAL BUILDING

War Memorial Plaza

The City of Indianapolis, Marion County, and the State of Indiana have joined hands to provide the wonderful Memorial Plaza, which includes five city blocks in the heart of the state capital. The memorial building proper has a base of 180 feet square, with a tower approximately 50 feet square rising to a height of 230 feet. This building-an everlasting tribute to those who gave to their country their services and to those who made the supreme sacrifice-has been constructed of Indiana limestone. The entire Plaza, to cover five full city blocks when completed, will represent an expenditure of more than $10,000,000.

Postal Receipts

The post-office receipts for 1932 were $3,668,988.

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 com-

INTRODUCTION

munication. 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 territory in the United States. The first three postal zones of Indianapolis embrace all the states adjoining Indiana except a small portion of northern Michigan. The fourth zone includes nearly all the next bordering states. The fifth zone extends from Maine to Colorado and from Canada to Florida.

Homes

Data compiled by the United States Bureau of the Census showed Indianapolis to have 228 homes per 1,000 population. This is an average of less than five persons per residential unit, and gives Indianapolis more homes per 1,000 than any other city over 200,000 popula- tion in the United States. It is estimated that approximately 40% of the families own their own homes. According to a recent post office survey there were 101,354 residences and 13,761 apartment units in Indianapolis, a total of 115,115 living units.

The recent Census credits Indianapolis with 98,841 families as compared with 81,256 in 1920. Marion County is listed as having 113,285 families.

Streets

Streets of Indianapolis are wide, well-paved and level. All downtown streets are 90 feet wide, and Washington St., which is the leading business street, is 120 feet wide. The movement of automobile traffic has been facilitated by the designation of preferential speedways for passenger cars only. Heavy traffic thoroughfares have been established also, though not for exclusive use. The purpose is to provide through trucking routes from one section of the city to another, and at the same time to divert this heavy traffic from the thoroughfares having passenger car congestion.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the foremost brick motor race-course in the world. The annual Decoration Day Sweepstakes attracts drivers and more than 125,000 spectators from all parts of America and Europe.

INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY HOME STRETCH

National Headquarters

More than forty organizations maintain national headquarters in Indianapolis. The American Legion, United Mine Workers of America, International Typographical Union, Barbers' International Union, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Knights Templar, United Christian Missionary Society, National Retail Hardware Associa- tion and many others have chosen Indianapolis after an exhaustive investigation of cities of the United States. Twenty-three insurance companies serve their clients from Indian- apolis. Greek letter organizations realize the advantages of a central location and six are at this time serving their membership from this city.

INTRODUCTION

AMERICAN CENTRAL LIFE BUILDING

The new home office of the American Central Life Insurance Co. is probably one of the most modern, thoroughly equipped, and, at the same time, most artistic structures of its kind in America today. The main building of classic Italian architecture, faces Fall Creek Parkway and is 307 feet long by 52 feet in width, with the east end paralleling Meridian St. for a distance of 65 feet. It is three stories high on the Parkway front, and four stories high on the 26th St. side. It is of fireproof steel and reinforced concrete construction, and pro- vides for future growth by the addition of three wings, so that ultimately the building will be shaped like an enclosed letter "A."

The approach from the Parkway is by means of a broad plaza of Bedford stone, granite and cement, extending the entire width of the pediment, with broad steps leading to an enclosed portico. Surmounting this are six two-story Ionic columns bearing the classic pediment and having a stone balustrade between the columns. On cach side, extending to equal distances east and west, are the flanking wings of the Parkway facade in buff Indiana limestone.

Entrance is through the open portico by means of a bronze vestibule, with inner and outer doors of bronze and glass. This leads into a formal lobby, with floor of white Ten- nessee marble, inset with bronze designs and borders of Travertine and Belgian black marbles. Side walls are of polished Travertine marble, with ceiling of ivory-toned orna- mental plaster. Two bronze doors mark the entrance to the elevator shafts. Grilles and two large relief panels are of bronze.

The adjacent corridors on the first floor of the building have floors of Tennessee marble, with Travertine marble walls and arched plaster ceilings. All plastered surfaces. lobbies, corridors and public rooms have received a very dignified and simple decorative treatment in old ivory color. Floors in other corridors, lobbies, and public rooms above the main floor are sea-green terrazzo, with patterns marked off by heavy brass strips.

The top floor of the building is given over to recreational facilities for officers and employees. A large lounge, extending the entire width of the pediment, is wainscoted to the ceiling in English oak of matched grains and has a plain plastered ceiling. Adjoining, on the east, is a library in panelled English oak, the panels concealing the bookshelves. An assembly hall occupies the rest of the space on the top floor east wing and provides a seating capacity of 350. This room is equipped with a pipe-organ, the console of which is placed on a small balcony over the assembly hall entrance.

The Meridian St. wing on the top floor is given over to a cafeteria. Floors of the room are of English quarry tile; walls are of white plaster, with acoustical treatment of the ceiling which is offset by beams of English oak. The cafeteria has a seating capacity of 96, and the service counter is separated from the dining-room proper by an oak screen which completely shields the counter from the view of diners. A modernly-equipped kitchen occupies the remainder of this space.

The interior of the building has been designed to furnish the latest clerical facilities. The central unit of the building provides executive offices on the ground, first and second floors. Adjoining these offices are seven large clerical workrooms, four of which are 80 by 45 feet in size, and three are 138 by 48 feet. All are clear of column construction, are mechanically ventilated with filtered air, and have asbestos tile floors with sound absorptive ceilings. Ivory-toned steel railrings divide the areas of the rooms where necessary, and beams and side walls are finished in the same color. Venetian blinds control the admission of daylight in all areas of the building. Artificial light is of the semi-indirect type, which furnishes evenly-distributed light at an intensity several times that of the commercial office building.

An intricate, under-floor electrical system for telephones and power provides a possible outlet for every eight square feet of floor space in the workroom areas.

The transmission of papers between the various areas of the building is accomplished by the use of a newly-designed pneumatic tube. This tube has a capacity of 616 pounds per load and transmits papers flat at a speed of thirty feet per second. The average time required for transmission from one location to another is eleven seconds. One of these tube stations serves each workroom area, and dispatch between floors in each wing of the building is direct station-to-station without transfer. The only transfer required is that between the two wings of the building. A horizontal belt conveyor supplements this service in the file room on the ground floor.

INTRODUCTION

Other electrical equipment consists of telautograph machines for the electrical tran- scription of handwritten messages, and a machine designed especially for the company which registers employees' attendance from panel boards located in the several workroom areas and records the registrations at a central instrument in the personnel office. This instrument is operated by Telechron motors and is synchronized with the clock installation. Program bells are rung automatically to announce the opening and close of the office and lunch periods. Locker rooms and toilet facilities are provided on all floors. The build- ing is heated by steam through the use of oil-burners. A service wing, extending to the rear of the center of the building, houses the heating equipment.

The first consideration in planning the building has been the creation of a beautiful and dignified business home of the most up-to-date type, where the company's work can be carried on with a maximum of comfort and efficiency and a minimum of expense. Persons who wish to inspect the new structure may do so by appointment.

General

Indianapolis is located in the center of both the corn and wheat belts of America. This fact has made Indianapolis the second largest corn market in the United States and also one of the leading wheat centers. The Indianapolis Board of Trade is one of the six largest grain markets in the country. More than 36,000 cars of grain were handled last year. The supervision of a business involving $55,000,000 a year is entrusted to this organization. The following were handled through Indianapolis in 1931: 5,263,000 bushels of wheat, 20,- 664,500 bushels of corn and 10,994,000 bushels of oats. The principal agricultural products of the territory surrounding Indianapolis, in addition to wheat, corn and oats, are dairy products, beef, mutton and pork, fruit, potatoes, poultry and eggs, hay, rye and canning vegetables. These products exceed $250,000,000 annual value. Produce and fruits are raised extensively in the districts surrounding Indianapolis, and furnish raw materials for can- ning factories and packing and preserving plants.

The Union Stock Yards in Indianapolis is one of the largest markets of its kind in the country. Following are stockyard receipts for the year 1931: Hogs, 1,578,106; cattle, 202,965; calves, 166,095; sheep, 345,107.

One of the largest army posts in the country, Fort Benjamin Harrison, covering 2-415 acres, is located six miles northeast of Indianapolis.

Indianapolis has three daily newspapers, one of which publishes a Sunday edition. In addition to this, a daily commercial newspaper, several weeklies and a number of regular neighborhood publications are published here.

Two radio stations carry the "Voice of Indianapolis" to the world. WFBM and WKBF are, from a civic standpoint, outstanding achievements for the city. The recent Census shows 46,524 radios in the city.

A large municipal market helps to reduce the cost of living in this most ideal residence city.

Funds for the maintenance of the city's charities are secured through the Community Fund.

The achievements of such Indianapolis personages as James Whitcomb Riley, Meredith Nicholson, Booth Tarkington, Thomas R. Marshall, Charles W. Fairbanks, Albert J. Bever- idge and Benjamin Harrison speak well for the city's culture and its spirit of endeavor. Indianapolis long will be remembered as the birthplace of many cherished poems known all over the United States as the work of James Whitcomb Riley, the great Hoosier poet.

Indianapolis is characteristically a city of sociability. Pervaded by the well-known spirit of Hoosier hospitality and culture, this city stands high as a social and cultural center.

AMERICAN LEGION NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

INTRODUCTION

Nine Indianapolis clubs own their own buildings. Four of these are conveniently located in the downtown district. Each of these serves a particular function in the city's social life and is supported by a substantial membership.

Six country clubs, located in private estates, maintaining swimming pools, golf links and tennis courts, add to the social life of the city.

The slogan, "The Crossroads of America," is appropriate. Within sixty miles, to the southwest, is the center of population of the United States. At a less distance, to the northeast, is the center of manufacture. The nation's east and west traffic must traverse the level plain extending from the Great Lakes on the north to the Ohio River on the south. A large volume of this through traffic, both automobile and rail, passes through Indianapolis. The National Road and the Dixie Highway cross here. Indianapolis is truly the crossroads.

General Population Figures

1930 population-Indianapolis 364,161

1930 population-Marion County 422,666

Population within 100 miles (estimated) . 2,000,000

Population within 200 miles (estimated)

15,000,000

Classification of Manufacturing Industries (Estimated 1932)

Metal trades and machine shops $ 40,000,000

Meat packing and slaughtering.

35,000,000

Automobile accessories

28,000,000

Wearing apparel

18,000,000

Canning industry

17,000,000

Automobiles

15,000,000

Printing and publishing.

13,500,000

Grain and cereal products.

12,000,000

Biological products

11,000,000

Foundry products

6,500,000

Dairy products

6,000,000

Bakery products

6,000,000

Candy and confectionery.

6,000,000

Paper box industry.

4,000,000

Coffee roasting

4,000,000

Furniture and veneers

3,500,000

Paints and varnishes.

3,000,000

Wooden boxes and cooperage.

3,000,000

*All other industries.

14,000,000

$244,500,000

*"All Other Industries" includes some whose value of production equal or surpass some shown in the classifications, but which cannot be classified without disclosing individual operation.

Distances from Indianapolis to Surrounding Large Cities

Chicago

183 miles

Cincinnati

110 miles

Cleveland

285 miles

Columbus, Ohio 181 miles

Detroit

303 miles

Louisville

110 miles

St. Louis

248 miles

Miscellaneous Facts-Indianapolis (Latest Available Reports)

Airports

Altitude

739 feet

Area (33.625 acres)

54.15 square miles

Distance north and south, 13.06 miles; east and west, 11.38 miles

$554,754,232

Automobiles-passenger

111,908

Banks-Number of (3 national, 12 state, 8 trust).

Bank Resources

$238,617,263

Bank Debits

$1,471,438,000

Bank Transactions

$2,031,782,000

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Polk's Indianapolis (Marion County, Ind.) city directory, 1933, Part 3

Author: Publication date: 1933 Publisher: R.L. Polk Number of Pages: 1730

Author:
Publication date: 1933
Publisher: R.L. Polk
Number of Pages: 1730