From The Indianapolis Star, Thursday, March 26, 1914: Mayor Joseph Bell told the board of public safety that gasoline pumps constructed on sidewalks are “just jumping up like mushrooms” in all parts of the city. Owners of garages and other businesses are violating the city’s building ordinance by installing gasoline pumps on sidewalks, and the safety board expects to take drastic action against violators in the near future who have been installing these devices on sidewalks without first getting the permission of the commissioner of buildings. When a new commissioner of buildings assumes his duties in the next few days, the safety board intends to see that the pumps are removed.
If you would like a collection of these “100 Years Ago this Week” the Bona Thompson Memorial Center, 5350 E. University (Irvington) has the last 3 years in 3 booklets – $10 per set. They are open Wed. 1-3pm, Sat. & Sun.1-4pm. All proceeds benefit the Irvington Historical Society.