Broad Ripple Random Ripplings

Brought to you by:

Everything Broad Ripple Home

Random Ripplings Home

2015 08 07

Column

Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v12n16)

Right in my Own Backyard - Exploring the Fairgrounds - by Brandt Carter

posted: Aug. 07, 2015

Exploring the Fairgrounds

My early childhood home was just south of the Indiana State Fairgrounds so the State Fair has always been part of my life. Now, every day I pass it going to work and look forward to attending the Fair each year. I wager that most of us think first of all that happens when the Fair is on, but the Fairgrounds can also offer a leisurely architectural tour off-season.

The Indiana State Fair is full of history and long-standing traditions. The Fair's original purpose was to allow Indiana's farmers to get together to share ideas, view the most current farming techniques, and display their products. So in 1852, Indiana's first State Fair took place in what is now known as Military Park in downtown Indianapolis. Early state fairs were hosted in Lafayette (1853), Madison (1854), New Albany (1859), Ft. Wayne (1865), and Terre Haute (1867). In 1892 the Fair moved to its current location at East 38th Street and Fall Creek Parkway.

So let's take a drive. When entering the grounds from Fall Creek you will pass:

• Horse Barns (1892) Barns were built to house trotters and pacer horses from some of the best farms in Indiana. They border the east side of the one-mile dirt track. Horse barns underwent an extensive renovation in the 1990s; each has an historic placard on its door in honor of a famous owner, trainer, or horse.

• The Fairgrounds Track (1892) There was enough room on the present site to build a regulation mile-long oval track in 1892. The track, with several re-engineering efforts, remains today essentially where it was originally situated. A half-mile track was added inside the bigger oval in 1902. The dirt track is home to the sprint cars, the Hoosier Hundred, Indiana Bands, demolition derby cars, and entertainment during the Fair.

• Communications Building (1947) Glass block was a new building material for this structure, with architect Dan Zimmerman employing it to make this structure look as modern as possible. The hand-carved Indiana limestone medallions (roundels) show different Fair events.

• Service Building (1952) I remember the Red Cross being located in this building on the left as you enter.

• Swine Barn (1923) The Fair Board envisioned this brick, steel, and tile building with concrete floors as a Hog Palace; its Arts and Craft style was quite grand when built.

• Coliseum (1939) This Art Deco focal point on the grounds recently went through a major renovation.

• Cattle Barn (1924) (Now the West Pavilion) was designed with the same technology used in making metal bridges of the time.

• Home & Family Arts Building (1919) The tall, classical arches of this building recall the classically-styled libraries, courthouses, and town halls of bygone days.

• Poultry Building (1927) A pavilion with an English Tudor look.

• Exposition Hall (1919) The interior is distinguished by a wide-span metal truss roof.

• Better Babies Building (1928) The bungalow originally housed information and exhibits about infant health. Later, the State Board of Health occupied the building with exhibits. In 1966, it was remodeled into an old-fashioned Hook's drug store.

• The Lincoln Theater (1932) An Art Deco-style building designed with some influences of German modernistic architecture.

• Agriculture & Horticulture Building (1921) The classical style of this building has a different twist, its tiled roof and stucco walls imitated Italian buildings, or, generically, architecture of the Mediterranean area.

• 4-H Dormitories & Exhibit Hall (1939) The design is a simple Art Deco or Art Moderne theme. During World War II, when many Fairgrounds buildings were used by the Army as a supply and marshaling center, these buildings served as barracks.

There are more buildings to admire on the grounds including the DNR Building (1950), Sheep Barn (1925 and alterations - 1955), Normandy Barn and Covered Bridge (2008). The DNR has a good website that can take you through the grounds. https://secure.in.gov/dnr/historic/4008.htm

Brandt Carter, artist, herbalist, and naturalist, owns Backyard Birds at 2374 E. 54th Street. Visit her web site www.feedbackyardbirds.com. Email your bird questions to Brandt@BroadRippleGazette.com

brandt@broadripplegazette.com

Brought to you by:

Brought to you by: