Meridian Highland in Indianapolis in Marion County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Andrew “Bo” Foster / Andrew Foster, 1919-1987
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 6, 2023
1. Andrew “Bo” Foster Side of Marker
Andrew “Bo” Foster. Entrepreneur and WWII veteran Andrew Foster was born in Indianapolis. He established a lucrative trucking company in the 1940s, enabling him to open and manage several businesses that served Black patrons in the segregated city into the 1980s. These included the Foster Hotel and Foster Motor Lodge, which accommodated tourists and famed guests, such as Muhammad Ali.
Andrew Foster, 1919-1987. By 1970, Foster opened Pearl's Lounge, which served as a venue for political fundraisers, community gatherings, and NAACP events. As a National Business League and Midwest National Bank leader, Foster mentored Black business owners and helped them obtain grants. In 1982, Governor Orr awarded him the Sagamore of the Wabash in recognition of his civic contributions.
Erected 2023 by Indiana Historical Bureau • Andrew Foster Legacy, Inc. • The William G. Pomeroy Foundation. (Marker Number 49.2023.1.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers, and the William G. Pomeroy Foundation series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1970.
Location. 39°
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Indiana Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lt. Col. Joseph H. Ward, M.D. (approx. ¼ mile away); Camp Morton (approx. 0.4 miles away); Joseph W. Summers Memorial Bridge (approx. half a mile away); St. Vincent's Hospital (approx. half a mile away); Prince Hall Freemasonry (approx. half a mile away); T.C. Steele Studio and Herron (approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named Joseph W. Summers Memorial Bridge (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Indianapolis.
Also see . . . Andrew Foster Legacy. Interview with Foster's grandson C.F. Jolivette, creator of Andrew Foster Legacy, a digital database that chronicles his grandfather's community impact. (Made in Indy Podcast) (Submitted on August 27, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 6, 2023
2. Andrew Foster, 1919-1987 Side of Marker
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 6, 2023
3. Andrew “Bo” Foster / Andrew Foster, 1919-1987 Marker
via Indiana Album, Evan Finch Collection (Public Domain), circa 1965
4. Foster Hotel and Motor Lodge Postcard
It provided safe accommodations for African-American travelers in Indianapolis for decades.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 6, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 26, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 122 times since then and 65 times this year. Last updated on January 1, 2024, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 26, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 3. submitted on August 28, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 4. submitted on August 26, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
