Encyclopedia of Indianapolis

Benjamin I. Blythe

(1789-Feb. 25, 1856). Benjamin I. Blythe was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, to Samuel Blythe and Jemima Irwin. The farming… Read More »Benjamin I. Blythe

Shapiro’s Delicatessen

Shapiro’s delicatessen-cafeteria began as a storefront grocery at 1032 South Illinois Street. Louis Shapiro and his family escaped violent attacks… Read More »Shapiro’s Delicatessen

David Wallace

(Apr. 4, 1799-Sept. 4, 1859). David Wallace was born in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, to Andrew and Eleanor Wallace. Wallace’s father… Read More »David Wallace

Frederick A. W. Davis

(Sept. 24, 1836-Apr. 9, 1909). Frederick Davis was born in Jackson, Missouri. His parents, David Hamilton Davis and Matilda Whitelaw… Read More »Frederick A. W. Davis

Frances Connecticut Stout

(April 29, 1842-December 14, 1932). Born in Kentucky, Frances and her husband, Benjamin, operated one of the first Black-owned stalls… Read More »Frances Connecticut Stout

School Desegregation

Although Indiana’s early school laws made no reference to race, few African American children attended local township schools, relying instead… Read More »School Desegregation

Sunshine Promotions

Dave Lucas and Joe Halderman founded Sunshine Promotions in 1971 to book local rock concerts. Off to a slow start,… Read More »Sunshine Promotions

Slippery Noodle Inn

“The Noodle,” located on the corner of South and Meridian streets is the oldest standing commercial building in the metropolitan… Read More »Slippery Noodle Inn

Herff Jones

Incorporated in 1920 by Indianapolis residents Harry J. Herff and Randall H. Jones, Herff Jones initially manufactured insignia jewelry. Its… Read More »Herff Jones

Historic Districts

Indianapolis has 13 local historic districts, 5 conservation districts, and 19 National Register districts. Not only are these districts important… Read More »Historic Districts