The Indiana Historical Society is planning a ‘You Are There’ exhibit that will feature the L.S. Ayres department store, a local landmark.
The store closed over 20 years ago but is still remembered fondly, thanks in part to a new book. It was once located in downtown Indianapolis at 1 West Washington Street and operated there from 1905 to 1982. Today, the building houses a number of businesses, including a branch of Carson Pirie Scott, as well as the Oceanaire Seafood Room.
The exhibit, which is slated to open in March 2015, should feature parts of the flagship store, as well as mementos from the Ayr-Way chain of discount stores.
Ayr-Way was one of the earliest discount chains in the nation. Founded in 1961, it was in business before either K-Mart or Target.
The historical society's exhibit may have been suggested by the publication of Ken Turchi's book about the chain of stores, entitled ‘L.S. Ayres & Company: The Store at the Crossroads of America’.
The historical society would like to talk to people who were associated with the store, and will use their input in the design of the exhibit.
Members of the historical society might consider working with a flyer printing company to create an inexpensive mailer for residents, asking for those associated with Ayres to contact them.
