Flanner & Buchanan’s mortuary was built in 1926 at the southwest corner of Fall Creek Boulevard and Meridian Street. | Photo courtesy of Bass Photo Co Collection, Indiana Historical Society
In Indy’s 204-year history, countless businesses have opened + closed. Have you ever wondered about some of the oldest ones still in operation? Us, too — so here’s a short list of some of the oldest businesses founded in Indianapolis that you’ll likely recognize.
Flanner & Buchanan Funeral Centers, 1881 Nothing is certain except death and taxes... and the former can keep a business, well, alive for a very long time. In its 140-year history, this funeral services company has set plenty of industry firsts — as the first mortuary to employ a female embalmer, the first to use electric cars for funerals (in 1903), and the first to own + operate a crematory.
Recognize this building? It’s The Slippery Noodle Inn, circa 1940; the brick structures north of the tavern in this picture were demolished between the 1950s and the 1980s.
The Slippery Noodle Inn, 1850
Slippery Noodle is Indiana’s oldest continually-operated bar + Indianapolis’ oldest standing commercial building. Over its 175-year history and seven name changes, the bar has held many side gigs — as a way station for the Underground Railroad, a bordello, a Prohibition-era distillery, and a slaughterhouse.
Circle City Mutual Aid Kit Packing | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | North Mass Boulder | Free | Join the community to pack oral hygiene + shave kits for neighbors in need.
Thank You for the Music | 7:30-9 p.m. | Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael, Carmel | $39+ | You can dance, you can jive having the time of your life at this ABBA tribute party.
Friday, May 16
Garden + Grow Workshop | 9-11 a.m. | Holliday Park | Free | Join a team of volunteers to help maintain the beautiful gardens — refreshments provided.
Concert for a Cause | 5:30-8 p.m. | Plainfield Community Middle School | $5 | Enjoy carnival games, a bake sale, an auction, and live music in support of the Plainfield Youth Assistance Program.
Saturday, May 17
Interior Design Workshop: Mother’s Day Out | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | HER Home Design Boutique | $66 | Unleash your creativity at a fun tablescaping workshop, complete with food + mimosas.
Touch a Truck | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Greenwood DPW | $2 | Set your kids loose to explore dozens of unique vehicles.
Play Tennis Carmel | 1-5 p.m. | Midtown Plaza, Carmel | Free | Learn to play red ball tennis, then take part in giveaways and interactive art experiences.
Friday, May 30
“Under the Covers” | Friday, May 30, Saturday, May 31, Sunday, June 1 | Times vary | The Tobias Theater at Newfields | $36.88+ | Prepare for Dance Kaleidoscope’s powerful season finale with mesmerizing dance, unforgettable music, and raw emotion, exploring the complexities of human relationships behind closed doors.*
Have you been holding off on buying tickets to a summer concert at Everwise or Ruoff? Great news: $30 tickets to 40+ concerts will be released on Wednesday, May 21. See the list of included shows.
Number
100,000+. That’s how many people travel through US 31 at the I-465 interchange between Indy + Carmel every day. The Level Up 31 project is seeking community input on adding capacity to the busy area. Submit your thoughts. (WTHR)
Tech
Think before you click. The Indiana Office of Technology is warning Hoosiers of scam emails + text messages that appear to be from several state agencies, particularly concerning unpaid tolls. Here’s what to look out for and how to report a fraudulent message. (WTHR)
Announced
“The Fastest Seat in Sports” is returning to the IMS track. For the first time since 2019, the custom two-seat Indy car will run laps before the Indy 500, with special guest Tom Brady chauffeured by seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson. (IBJ)
Ranked
Indy is so hot right now — and we’re not talking about the weather. According to Zillow, the Circle City is the No. 2 hottest housing market in the nation this year, with the average home value expected to rise to $285,086.
Sports
It’s official: Indiana football has locked down Fernando Mendoza. How did the deal happen? Locked On Hoosiers has the details.
Stat
50%. That’s how many dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer in their lifetime. In addition to lots of tears, pet cancer care can cost you lots of money. Luckily,this pet insurance plan could reimburse you up to 90% on applicable pet care costs.*
Biz
What if building a house could be as simple as building a car? Boxabl is revolutionizing homebuilding by bringing assembly line technology to the outdated industry. Learn how(and how you can join the movement).†‡*
Summertime’s humidity + extra time in the sunshine can take a toll on your hair. Add these five essentials to your haircare routine to keep your locks nourished all season long:
Fire your psychic. Yelp Indy thinks it knows what restaurant you should visit on your next night out, based on your birth month. See their recommendations — personally, I don’t mind an excuse to chow down at Half Liter, and I already know which coffee shop I should visit based on my Zodiac sign too.
‡This is a paid advertisement for BOXABL’s Regulation A offering. Please read the offering circular at invest.boxabl.com. Reserving a Nasdaq ticker does not guarantee a future listing on Nasdaq or indicate that BOXABL meets any of Nasdaq’s listing criteria to do so.
‡‡Please note: Comparison based on 12-month plan prices for compounded semaglutide from 12 leading competitors as of December 2024.
