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85º Sunny | 4% chance of rain | Sunrise 6:23 a.m. | Sunset 8:59 p.m.

Screenshot of a map with Venerable Flackville

Yes, it’s still recognized on today’s maps when you search for it. | Screenshot via Google Maps

A tiny slice of Indy just east of the International Marketplace + Speedway has been on the maps for years — with a made-up name. That’s right, we’re sharing what we know about Venerable Flackville.

Why is it called that?

While it doesn’t seem like anyone knows exactly how the term made it onto today’s maps, the most common belief is that it all started with a simple miscommunication. The area was originally just named “Flackville” after Joseph Flack, a businessman we’ll tell you more about in a moment. As far as we can tell, that’s what it was called until 2008, when it appeared on the popular NapLabs’ “Neighborhoods of Indianapolis” map (which you can buy at places like Silver in the City).

It’s anyone’s guess why the cartographers decided to include “Venerable,” but Indy history blogger Class 900 traced it back to an IndyStar real estate article. The term was used as a descriptor but perhaps became an assumed formal name.

Who was Joseph Flack?

The man behind the venerable town was a landowner and businessman in the late 19th century who started a brickyard in the area — producing nearly three million bricks every year. Originally, the town wasn’t even in Indianapolis, but was looped in during the 1960s when the Indianapolis school system bought Flackville School 100, a local school that the city wanted to incorporate. Joseph also operated a dairy farm that was rumored to produce “sub-standard milk,” but that’s a story for another time.

And where is it, again?

It’s currently between 38th and 16th streets from Tibbs Avenue to Kessler Blvd. Though the area is no longer an epicenter for commerce, it still has plenty of houses for sale and it’s home to Cardinal Ritter High School + Centennial and Groff Park.

Events

Wednesday, May 24

Indy Community Garden Collaboration Quarterly Meeting | Wednesday, May 24 | 6-8 p.m. | Fountain Square Neighborhood Community Garden, 873 Virginia Ave., Indianapolis | Free | This meeting is a great opportunity for anyone interested in Indy’s urban agriculture to learn about relevant growing practices and connect with others in the field.

Thursday, May 25

“Simply, Ella — The Ella Fitzgerald Story” | Thursday, May 25-Saturday, May 27 | Times vary | Footlitie Musicals, 1847 N. Alabama St., Indianapolis | $25-$35 | Lindy hop along with this rhythmic show that shares the life story of the “First Lady of Jazz.”

Friday, May 26

Rockin’ on Main | Friday, May 26 | 5-11 p.m. | Main Street, Speedway | Free | Inflatables, face painting, race-themed art, live music, and a party garden are just some of the features of this Indy 500 celebration.

Saturday, May 27

Indy Eleven vs. Louisville City FC | Saturday, May 27 | 7 p.m. | Carroll Stadium, 1001 W. New York St., Indianapolis | $15-$75 | It’s Indy Eleven’s annual “Indy 500 Eve” match, which gives the first 500 fans a mini-checkered flag and an opportunity to shop Racing Indy merch.

Sunday, May 28

Black Circle Market | Sunday, May 28 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Black Circle, 2201 E. 46th St., Indianapolis | Cost of purchase | Shop an array of local businesses, makers, collectors + creators and snag a drink at the bar.

Monday, May 29

StoryWalk at River Heritage Park | Monday, May 29 | All day | River Heritage Park, 11813 River Rd., Carmel | Free | Stroll through a multi-sensory Braille-enhanced StoryWalk featuring the book “Have You Heard the Nesting Bird?”

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Numbers

$4.3 million. That’s the amount of profit Circle Centre Mall had last year — double the income made in 2021 and the first boost it’s seen in the past four years. Redevelopment is currently underway for the shopping center, but there’s no timeline to share yet. (WISH)
$130,000. If you’ve ever wondered how much businesses pay for one of 116 suites during the Indy 500, that’s at the higher end + varies based on the length of the company’s time commitment, location, and number of admissions. Turn 2 suite holders can use the suites for events and meetings year-round. (IBJ)

Sports

Indy Eleven announced it will be adding top-tier pro academies for youth soccer players + competing in the MLS Next and Elite Clubs National League starting this summer. It’s partnering with Indiana Fire Pro Academy to help youth connect to Indy Eleven and create opportunities for professional development.

Biz

Remember Infosys’ plans for the old IND terminal? It looks like little progress has been made since the development’s announcement. Currently, a three-story office building, renovated parking garage, and pedestrian bridge are all that can be seen of the project, which pledged to hire 3,000 Indy employees by the end of 2023. (IBJ)

Traffic

IndyGo enhancements are taking place along Meridian Street this week between 30th + 38th streets. Through late June, concrete pouring and bus pad reinforcements will detour traffic around the bus station closures via Central Avenue. See the affected bus lines. (WRTV)

Announced

Forget about Queen Charlotte. This year’s 500 Festival Queen Scholar has been announced. Marion University junior Mykah Coleman will receive a $1,500 scholarship and don a crown at several festival activities throughout the week. She’s pursuing a degree in Elementary Education + is the President of Kappa Delta Pi. (WTHR)

Arts

Want to transport yourself to 19th century Paris and experience a stunning three-dimensional display of Impressionist art? Then you won’t want to miss “Monet & Friends Alive” at The Lume in Newfields, an immersive experience of sight, sound and color, on view through May 29. Grab tickets.*

Active

Contemplating an e-bike purchase? Upway — the No. 1 certified e-bike provider — sells top-quality electric bikes up to 60% cheaper than retail. Shop top e-bike brands in new or like-new condition. Bonus: Your bike will ship right to your door, so you can immediately experience the sheer joy of effortless travel.*

Real Estate

🏡 Tour Indy’s south side MCM homes

Mid century modern furniture inside FLUX

This is just a snapshot of the MCM madness FLUX has in its shop. | Photo by INDYtoday team

A few months ago, we told you all about the following mid-century modern spots, and we have one more to share. Indiana Landmarks has brought back its “Back to the Future” home tour + this time, it’s featuring five homes on the city’s south side. The tour will take place on Saturday, July 8 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Get your ticket.

Before you go, here’s a refresher on all things mid-century modern around the city:

Shop

FLUX, 515 N. Luett Ave.
Midland Arts and Antiques, 907 E. Michigan St.

Visit

You might remember us gushing about the Miller House and Garden in our guide to Columbus, IN — and you’re sure to learn something about landscape design during its 90-minute tour. Sign up.

Join

Want to connect with others who share your passion for MCM, and maybe find some retro gems for sale? Check out these Facebook groups:

The Wrap

Anna Bowman in a black shirt and jewelry

Today’s edition by:
Anna Bowman

From the editor

After looking into Venerable Flackville’s fascinating history, I’ve got the itch to research other forgotten areas around the Circle City. Is there a place you’ve always wondered about or an unusual name that has you scratching your head? Send it on over and I’ll see what I can do.

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