"500" Center of Summertime Fun

This article was published in the May 27, 1911 Indianapolis Sun. This article is a great context-setting reference for all the happenings in Indianapolis during the Memorial Day weekend leading up to the Tuesday, May 30, 1911 running of the first Indianapolis 500. Events included the arrival of the Barnum & Bailey Circus, boxing prize fights, summer stock plays at the Murat Theatre, Indianapolis Indians baseball games and special church services. Soda fountains stocked up for thirsty throngs. It was a grand kickoff to summertime in Indianapolis.