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Do you have an uncommon shoe size? If yes, and if you have difficulty finding footwear — have you ever considered starting your own family footwear business that will last for over 140 years?
As wild as that setup sounds, that’s exactly what happened with the Stout family, who own and operate Stout’s Footwear on Mass Ave — the oldest shoe store in the US. Here are some heely fun facts about the iconic business.
Stout’s was founded in 1886 by Purdue engineering student Harry Stout and his business partner William Bristol.
Around 1901, the business installed the Baldwin Flyer system, a futuristic basket and cable invention that transported shoes and currency between the first and second floors. It’s still in use today.
At one point, there were seven Stout’s stores in downtown Indy that were all connected by a party-line telephone and a bicycle delivery boy. The last of the satellite stores closed in 1960.
$82.2 million. That’s how much revenue Indy is expected to generate in visitor spending over the Final Four weekend. There are hundreds of ways to join the fun — if you love local music, check out SWISH Arts and Culture Festival’s free lineup of 60+ acts performing across the city. (Action Network)(WTHR)
Kids
The library is open, courtesy of Dolly. Indiana first lady Maureen Braun announced Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library will now gift all registered Hoosier children under the age of 5 with a free book each month. Sign up. (WTHR)
Development
The owners of Twenty Tap are planning a two-story, mixed-use building at 5416 N. College Ave., right next to Fat Dan’s Deli. We’ll let you know when we hear more — we’re putting our money on a new restaurant.(IBJ)
Eat
Ever wondered exactly what the Indy 500’s biggest spenders (we’re talking $32,000 box seats) eat on race day? Get a behind-the-scenes look at their costly cuisine, from ribeyes to ratatouille. (IndyStar)
Trending
Reese’s Peanut Butter Bunnies are the most popular Easter candy in Indiana, according to DoorDash. The study also found that Hoosiers prefer blue Peeps — which is funny, because Editor Shea would rather skip Peeps altogether.
Stat
22,000. That’s how many people moved to Indianapolis in 2025, making our growth rate double the national average. But which Indiana counties were the fastest-growing? (Axios Indianapolis)
Pro Tip
If you’re a Costco shopper, you’re probably familiar with the ever-popular $1.50 hot dog. But are you in on these other 10 lesser-known hacks all Costco shoppers should know about? Don’t miss the details on vacation deals, members-only movie tickets, and more.*
The Buy
April = new spring shoe drop. Shop a great spring shoe for every price range:
👟 Under $25: A No. 1 best-seller, these arch support flip-flops feature a yoga foam footbed and just look like vacation.
👟 Under $50: This cushioned footbed sandal is ultra-comfortable, thanks to soft leather, a small platform, and an adjustable web strap (it’s also 50% off).
👟 Under $100: Go for fresh white tennis shoes with Vionic’s court sneaker that’s top-rated by 200+ five-star reviews.
👟 Under $150: Get ready to hear compliments when you wear Clarks’ newly dropped floral wedge, available in black, white, or red.
👟 Under $250: This newly released wedge espadrille from patricia green is worth the splurge, thanks to its chic nautical design and sporty grip sole.
My two-year-old daughter has been receiving books from Imagination Library for almost a year now, since the program became available in Hamilton County — and “Dolly mail day” is her favorite day.
Pro tip: Books are selected based on age appropriateness, so if you register multiple kids, you may receive duplicate titles as younger siblings age. I recommend donating those to Indy Book Project or your pediatrician’s office, or dropping them off in a Little Free Library.
Junior Editor Thalia with her most recent delivery from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
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