Join us in the Indianapolis Special Collections Room (ISCR) at the Central Library to explore the vibrant era of twentieth-century car culture featuring iconic Indianapolis stops like the Tee Pee, Al Green's, Meadowbrook Diner, the Pole, Steer-In, and Wheeler's restaurants and gas stations.
Culture, History, and Society: Historic Indianapolis
Diners, Ducks & Drive-Ins: Indianapolis's Roadside Architecture
This in-person program highlights the eye-catching buildings and businesses that emerged as automobiles reshaped the landscape, featuring iconic stops like the Tee Pee, Al Green's, Meadowbrook Diner, the Pole, Steer-In, and Wheeler's restaurants and gas stations. Presented by local historian Joan Hostetler, founding director of The Indiana Album, a community project that digitizes, catalogs, and shares public images of the state's history and architecture. Registration is required.
Preserve Your Memories: Bring Your Own Vintage Photos and Postcards
Registered attendees are encouraged to bring their own vintage photographs and postcards to be scanned during the program. Scanning services are provided independently by The Indiana Album.
Wander Indiana Reading List: Indiana road trip history, regional geography, and historic Indiana highways, including the National Road (US 40) and the Lincoln Highway (US 30).
Age Group: Adults
Location: Held in person in the Indianapolis Special Collections Room (ISCR) on the 6th floor of the Central Library.
Parking: The Central Library has a parking garage available to patrons during their time there. Garage pricing information is detailed here. The garage can be accessed on Pennsylvania Street.
This program is part of the Culture, History, and Society: Historic Indianapolis programs hosted by the Indianapolis Special Collections Room (ISCR). Made possible by The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation and Indiana Humanities.
Contact: Special Collections Librarian Montoya Barker
AGE GROUP: | Seniors | Educators | Adults |
EVENT TYPE: | Lecture/Panel Discussion | Indianapolis Special Collections Room |
TAGS: | The Indiana Album | Roadside Architecture | ISCR programs | iscr lectures | indianapolis special collections room | Indianapolis | Indiana | Historic Indianapolis | Culture, History, and Society |
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.
