Mile Square in Indianapolis in Marion County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Athenaeum
Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, August 6, 2015
1. Anthenaeum Marker
Side 1
Side one:
Built for German societies of Indianapolis including Socialer Turnverein: east wing 1893-1894, west wing 1897-1898. Designed in German Renaissance Revival Style by Indianapolis firm of Vonnegut and Bohn. Sculpted terra cotta and limestone by local artist Alexander Sangernebo. Major renovation 1990s. Listed in National Register of Historic Places 1973.
Side two:
Originally called Das Deutsche Haus; name changed to Athenaeum during World War I because of anti-German sentiment. Facilities included gymnasium, auditorium, restaurant, concert-ballroom, bowling alleys, and beer garden with concert pavilion. Home of Normal College of the North American Gymnastic Union 1907-1970. Has continued as vital social and cultural center.
Erected 1999 by Indiana Historical Bureau and Athenaeum Foundation. (Marker Number 49.1999.2.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers, and the National Historic Landmarks series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1973.
Location. 39° 46.431′ N, 86° 8.994′ W. Marker is in Indianapolis, Indiana
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lockerbie Square (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Alexandra (about 500 feet away); Little Sisters of the Poor (about 600 feet away); St. Vincent’s Infirmary (about 700 feet away); James Whitcomb Riley Home (approx. 0.2 miles away); Rep. Roberta West Nicholson (approx. 0.2 miles away); Roberts Park United Methodist Church (approx. ¼ mile away); First Indiana State Meeting of the Christian Churches (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Indianapolis.
Regarding Athenaeum. More information from the Athenaeum Foundation website:http://www.athenaeumfoundation.org/about-the-a/history/
Additional keywords. German Americans
Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, August 6, 2015
2. Anthenaeum Marker
Side 2
Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, August 6, 2015
3. Anthenaeum Marker
Looking east along Michigan Street
Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, August 6, 2015
4. Anthenaeum Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 10, 2015, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 335 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 10, 2015, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
