Tomlinson Hall Archway (Indianapolis, Indiana)

 arch, draw only border, historic ruins, 1880s construction

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Tomlinson Hall served as a public meeting hall for Indianapolis. Work began on the hall west of the City Market in 1883, and it was dedicated in 1886, the same year the market was completed. Tomlinson Hall was financed through a bequest made by local druggist Stephen D. Tomlinson, who died in 1870. His will provided that a city market would have to be built in the hall on the west end of what then was known as East Market Square, where the farmers had sold their meat, eggs, milk and produce since the 1830s. At its completion, the auditorium seated 3,800 and the stage could accommodate 500.

Tomlinson Hall was devastated by a 4-alarm fire on January 30, 1958. The first alarm sounded at 10:06 pm. “Tons of water poured on the fire flowed out into Market Street, turning it into an icy lake.” On Tuesday, July 8, 1958, after much public outcry and attempts to keep the building from being razed, the wrecking ball was on the scene to destroy what was left, removing forever a beloved gathering place for all.

An original brick arch (pictured) is all that remains of the building.

Sources: The Indianapolis Star and HistoricIndianapolis.com