Community members who want a free way to learn about the south side of Indianapolis while also getting their steps in can go on a self-guided tour of the Fountain Fletcher District.
The history tour, created by the Fountain Fletcher District Association, is roughly a one-mile walk. Participants can scan QR codes to view information about 20 buildings and the previous businesses that operated in the facilities.
“We can really help people realize (they) are a snapshot in this district’s history and we really have to be stewards of this place,” said Laura Giffel, district manager for the Fountain Fletcher District Association. “I hope it helps new business owners and entrepreneurs be inspired to say, ‘Oh my gosh, I hope that my story gets included in this in 100 years.’”
Many of the buildings in that area were constructed in the 1800s, but since the population was mostly immigrants and blue-collar workers, they often weren’t as widely documented or photographed as wealthier neighborhoods.
Now the history tour, which can also be viewed online, provides an accessible way to learn about previous building tenants and the oddities that have been preserved for generations.
Giffel said one of her favorite research findings is about the Shelby Street building housing A Cup of Chai. It was previously a horse and carriage factory.
“If you look at old pictures of the building, historically, that was the doors to get in, bring the horses and carriages out,” Giffel said. “It was a chair factory later. So some of the pieces of the building were built because it was a wood manufacturing facility, so there were taller windows.”
The history tour was created in partnership with the Fountain Fletcher District and Jordan Ryan, a local resident and historian. It was funded through a $3,000 education preservation grant from Indiana Humanities, as well as a $3,000 match.
Funding constraints limited the number of facilities that could initially be included, but they hope to eventually add information about more buildings and everyday stories of residents.
“They used to put soap in the fountains,” Giffel said. “It was a prank that the kids would do — bubble the historic fountains over. So I want to collect people’s stories that way too.”
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Mirror Indy reporter Elizabeth Gabriel covers the south side of Marion County. Contact her at elizabeth.gabriel@mirrorindy.org. Follow her on X at @_elizabethgabs.
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