Founded in 1872 by Lyman S. Ayres, discover the history of L. S. Ayres & Company during this fascinating in-person presentation, hosted in the Indianapolis Special Collections Room (ISCR) at Central Library and presented by Carol Hall with the Marion County Historical Society (MCHS).
The focus of this presentation is on the Ayres Store the way many of us remember it standing at the southwest corner of Meridian and Washington Streets. The history of Ayres begins in the late nineteenth century. Ayres became the premier store in Indianapolis and was a forerunner with branch stores in central Indiana and other cities.
Presenter: Carol Hall has been a member of the Board of Directors for Marion County Historical Society for over thirty years and has served as president. Since 1991 she has researched the history of the southside of Indianapolis primarily in the Garfield Park neighborhood. In 1992, Carol made a presentation for the Indiana Association of Historians on the history of Garfield Park and another for the Marion County Historical Society. Her other research has included the history of the old Center Township School system. Carol has conducted several walking tours of Virginia Avenue, focusing on Calvin Fletcher and three in Garfield Park.
Photo Credit: IndyPL_MontoyaB - January 30, 2023
AGE GROUP: | Seniors | Educators | Adults |
EVENT TYPE: | Lecture/Panel Discussion | Indianapolis Special Collections Room |
As the hub of the Indianapolis Public Library system, Central Library showcases renowned architecture and services. The original 1917 building, designed by Paul Cret and constructed of Indiana limestone in the Greek Doric style, was considered one of the most outstanding secular buildings in the U.S. Its six-story glass and steel-framed addition, designed by Evans Woollen, opened in 2007.
