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Finding the Importance of Indiana Avenue
*Ed. Note: This blog post is part of a series written by graduate students in the IUPUI Museum Studies Program. They have spent this semester surveying, documenting, and researching the collection of artworks and artifacts at the Madame Walker Theatre Center, for more info go here: /blog/mwtc-partners-with-iupui-museum-studies-class.
Today’s post is by Mike Barclay
In addition to looking at the individual objects at the Walker, we are examining the building’s collection of artifacts and artwork, interior and exterior design, and the surrounding neighborhood’s history and presence in the city of Indianapolis.
So when we were developing our plan for creating this package of information, we decided to include a history of Indiana Avenue. I thought to myself, I know nothing about Indiana Avenue other than it had a history as a cultural center for African American history in this city. That right there made me decide I should write that history. This was an opportunity learn about my city.
The first history I read was On Her Own Ground: the Life and Times of Madam C.J. Walker by A’lelia Bundles, the great-great-granddaughter of Madam Walker. This is a comprehensive history on Mrs. Walker. It explains how she grew from an illiterate laundry washer in Louisiana to the first African-American millionaire through determination, hard work and a commitment to helping herself while helping others. She built an enormous hair care empire through tireless traveling and self-promotion. In 1910, she located her business headquarters here and continued to train and employ young African-American woman in careers so they could support themselves and their families with a decent living. Mrs. Walker made significant donations to politicians and community projects like the YMCA. Through her efforts, she bettered the lives of millions of African Americans.
Before her death, Mrs. Walker had started to build the Walker Building as a manufacturing headquarters for her business. The project was finished by her daughter as a tribute to the legacy of her mother that now include a theater, beauty salon and school, professional offices and a grand ballroom. It was now a place for community interaction, business and entertainment. Mrs. Walker’s spirit of selfless pursuit of helping the community still exists at the Madame Walker Theatre through its continued support of the arts and culture for the district. They host a monthly jazz night with soul food, film festivals and large events in the main theater. This is an organization that still continues to help give back to its community. While the neighborhood is more diverse today, the theater reflects this in the diversity of its programming that appeals to whites, blacks and many different ethnic backgrounds.
Within the first weeks of class we met Thomas Ridley and Nancy Johnson, both longtime residents of the Indiana Avenue area. These are two members of the community that remember the golden era of the avenue. Mr. Ridley told us stories from his early 20s. We heard stories of visiting the Walker Theatre and seeing famous Jazz musicians, going to dances in the ballroom and hanging out in the Coffee Pot restaurant in the basement. The Walker Building was the centerpiece for the Avenue.
Mr. Ridley shared many memories about dressing up in his best suit on a Friday night and going out on the avenue. We learned how a young adult, like Mr. Ridley , would make his way from club to bar to the Walker for dancing. Ms. Johnson was more reserved about such tales because she is a lady, and they do not tell such tales! She told us stories about being a college graduate from Butler and then a teacher at Crispus Attucks High School. Through meeting both of these community elders, we got an emotional response to the importance of this neighborhood. Indiana Avenue is their history, their memories and their family.
Further research on Indiana Avenue has led me to learn that Indiana Avenue is extremely significant historically for Indianapolis. By 1870, a very large number of African-Americans were calling Indiana Avenue home. This was the first African-American community for Indianapolis and by the 1920’s there was a developing middle class, thriving businesses, local scene of musicians, artists and most importantly, a community identity.
This neighborhood was the product of segregation because this populace was marginalized through restrictions on shopping, visiting or utilizing white businesses. The downtown movie theaters required African Americans to pay additional admission over that of white customers. This neighborhood is something special because its residents sought to better their lives on their own. During the 1920s and 30s, Indiana Avenue was Indianapolis’ version of the Harlem Renaissance with blues and jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington, B.B. King, Count Basie, the Inkspots, J.J. Johnson and Duke Ellington making stops at avenue clubs while on tour. The avenue had gained several nicknames like “Grand Ol’ Street,” "The Yellow Brick Road," and my personal favorite "Funky Broadway."
After segregation ended, African Americans were free to shop and live in other neighborhoods and so did the people, followed by the businesses. By the 1980s, the area was left in despair and empty. Urban redevelopment took a wrecking ball to most of the area and many buildings were lost. The few remaining buildings are the physical reminders of the past, as new interest and preservation has brought life to this area again.
While reading interviews with its residents, what I notice most about them is their loyalty, respect and pride. Not many residents today were born and raised here but there are still a few like Mr. Ridley and Mrs. Johnson. They tell their stories with pride for this neighborhood. This is a community rich in history and activities that are so unique to Indianapolis. I’m from a farming community of 2,000 in southern Indiana and we never had this kind of unique community. This neighborhood is a true gem and deserves our respect and attention before it is erased.
Unfortunately, Indiana Avenue has lost many of its unique structures. Unlike Massachusetts Avenue or the Warehouse District where many facades were preserved and used for new businesses, here we are left with only memories and artifacts that create our relationship to past. I think as this neighborhood diversifies and rebuilds, it will create new memories that will celebrate this neighborhood. Memories that will keep the dream that this neighborhood stood for, the hope and struggle to better one’s self while helping those around you.
Comments
| Sheila B |
March 27th, 2012 6:42pm
Who knew? Fascinating! I am a huge history buff and love learning about days gone by.
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| Ginger Barclay |
March 27th, 2012 5:22pm
Very interesting. I did not know about Indiana Avenue and Ms Walker. I try to learn
something new every day.
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