The Magic of Ayres: Christmases Past and Present

For people who grew up in Indianapolis, nothing captured the magic of the holidays like L.S. Ayres, from its famous window displays and bronze cherub, to the Tea Room and Santa Claus Express Train. Reminisce about the glory days of the department store and find out what it takes to give a 3-foot-tall cherub a facelift.
Ken Turchi, author of L.S. Ayres and Company: The Store at the Crossroads of America, leads a delightful discussion of Christmases past and present at the historic building on the corner of Meridian and Washington streets. Joining the conversation are Dan Evans, Jr., whose father worked at Ayres from 1948-1976, rising through the ranks from personnel staff to president and CEO; and Paul Smith, Indiana Landmarks' restoration project manager for the iconic Ayres Clock.
Learn more about restoration of the Ayes Clock and Cherub, including how you can get a cherub of your own at www.indianalan....
This virtual event was recorded on December 3, 2020. Sponsored by Indiana Landmarks, Barth Electric Company, Inc., and the Penrod Society.

[@revbelkis]

This is beautiful. Can’t help thinking I would not have been allowed to shop there.

[@ettamargason4995]

I loved Ayres. It was my favorite store in Indiana. I could always find exactly what I wanted there. My last time there was with my baby brother Gil. We were adults. We had a great time.

[@scotttruel3420]

My Great Grandmother worked as a personal shopper for L S Ayres in the 40s. I remember going to Indianapolis at Christmas to see the holiday movie at the Circle Theater ( The Snow Queen, 101 Dalmations) and after the movie, when it had gotten dark, we looked at all the displays in the store windows. They were a lot more elaborate than the windows of the 40s in this video.

[@juliealexander866]

I still have two of the china dolls that topped the princess sundaes in the tea room. ❤️

[@Geekgamergirl]

I watched this cool presentation live. I'm not an Indianapolis native, but it was very interesting to see the old window displays, hear the stories from people who had shopped & dined, and about contributing factors to the decline of downtowns/department stores.

[@jenniferlee7167]

I also have the china dolls that topped the Ice Cream Princess desserts in the tea room. I am so glad that I am not the only one who saved them. I was born in 1954 and have many fond memories of dressing up and shopping at L.S. Ayres. I loved the Santa train at Christmas as did my brother born in 1956. It was a beautiful store and shopping was very elegant in those days. The Christmas windows were a treat to see and every year on Thanksgiving evening, we would go down to see the windows. I remember there being snow most years--we were so happy as the next day was the parade and Santa Claus --our Mother always brought us for that and we of course went shopping and luncheon at the Tea Room. My goodness the memories are flooding back!! Thank you for this.

[@SpookieCupcakes]

This is wonderful.

[@juliealexander866]

I grew up in Champaign, IL but we came to Indy every year at Christmas to visit my Aunt Fern and Uncle Fred. We always went to Ayres to see the windows and to ride the Santa express then eat at the tea room. I have so many memories of Ayres. My Aunt Fern Dillingham was the supervisor of the tube room and we actually got to "visit" it once. I remember how the money would be put in a tube and sent across the ceiling to your tube room. I also remember how all the sales people wore black and white. There will never be another store like it. Special memories. ❤️

[@doctorgarbonzo2525]

Hoosier Pride!

[@doctorgarbonzo2525]

Magic happens! Lol's! Tears in my eyes now! All those fond fond memories of family & friends throughout the years who are lost & gone