Mile Square in Indianapolis in Marion County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Lockerbie Square

Photographed By J. J. Prats, October 20, 2018

1. Lockerbie Square Marker, side one

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

This historic neighborhood was originally platted in 1847 and 1850. Its name was derived from Lockerbie Street, which was named after George M. Lockerbie, an early Indianapolis resident. James Whitcomb Riley, who resided on Lockerbie Street 1893-1916, made it famous in an 1880 poem. Lockerbie was home to business leaders, skilled laborers, and craftsmen.

Lockerbie Square includes residential, commercial, religious, and educational structures built mainly circa 1855-1930 in a mix of architectural styles. Neighborhood revitalization begun in 1960s resulted in the first historic district preservation area in Indianapolis. Listed in National Register of Historic Places, 1973; area enlarged, 1987.

Erected 1998 by Indiana Historical Bureau and Lockerbie Square People's Club. (Marker Number 49.1998.2.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1847.

Location. 39° 46.39′ N, 86° 8.92′

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W. Marker is in Indianapolis, Indiana, in Marion County. It is in Mile Square. Marker is at the intersection of East Street and Lockerbie Street, on the left when traveling south on East Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Indianapolis IN 46202, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Little Sisters of the Poor (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Vincent’s Infirmary (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Athenaeum (about 400 feet away); James Whitcomb Riley Home (about 500 feet away); Rep. Roberta West Nicholson (approx. ¼ mile away); Roberts Park United Methodist Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Market Street Temple (approx. 0.4 miles away); First Indiana State Meeting of the Christian Churches (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Indianapolis.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.

Additional commentary.
1. Lockerbie Street, by James Withcomb Riley
Such a dear little street it is, nestled away
From the noise of the city and heat of the day,
In cool shady coverts of whispering trees,
With their leaves lifted up to shake hands with the breeze
Which in all its wide wanderings never may meet
With a resting-place fairer than Lockerbie street!

There is such a relief, from the clangor and din
Of the heart

Lockerbie Square Marker, side two image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, October 20, 2018

2. Lockerbie Square Marker, side two

of the town, to go loitering in
Through the dim, narrow walks, with the sheltering shade
Of the trees waving over the long promenade,
And littering lightly the ways of our feet
With the gold of the sunshine of Lockerbie street.

And the nights that come down the dark pathways of dusk,
With the stars in their tresses, and odors of musk
In their moon-woven raiments, bespangled with dews,
And looped up with lilies for lovers to use
In the songs that they sing to the tinkle and beat
Of their sweet serenadings through Lockerbie street.

O my Lockerbie street! You are fair to be seen—
Be it noon of the day, or the rare and serene
Afternoon of the night—you are one to my heart,
And I love you above all the phrases of art,
For no language could frame and no lips could repeat
My rhyme-haunted raptures of Lockerbie street.

— Submitted December 31, 2018.