Walker

At various times during the year, I stand at the corner of Indiana Avenue 

and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive to catch a bus.

Located on the northwest corner of downtown Indianapolis,

these buildings are two of the few remaining traces of what had once

been a vibrant African-American community.

Madame C.J. Walker was the country's first African-American millionaire.

Her skills as an entrepreneur made a success of her hair care products, which are 

still sold today. She incorporated her business in 1911 in Indianapolis 

as Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company, producing 

a line of beauty and hair products for black women.

A life-long philanthropist, Madame Walker supported the NAACP

as well as the historically black colleges. She began the development of

the Walker Theatre and Building before her death in 1919. The project was

completed by her daughter and became a center of pride for the 

African-American community from the 1920s through the 1950s.

Along with the decline of the surrounding neighborhood, 

the building faded from neglect, becoming nearly derelict 

until its restoration in the late 1980s.

I've ended up by taking photos of the sign atop the building 

in various seasons and weather. The photo above 

was taken a couple days ago, while the top picture

was taken in April, eight months ago to the day.

I haven't been able to locate any details about this beautiful 

little building. When I moved to Indy in 1978, I knew 

the building as Arlene's Records. It's brick exterior was painted white,

surrounding structures were unsalvageable and were demolished.

This building has been restored in recent years and

enlarged to accommodate apartments and office space.

It's always been just about my favorite structure.