Stay connected with the stories of your state. Bring your own beverage and join us for a series of insightful conversations with some of Indiana’s most interesting scholars.
Indiana’s Store: The History of L.S. Ayres
Over 150 years ago Lyman Ayres acquired a controlling interest in a small dry-goods store in Indianapolis. A few years later he would rename the store L.S. Ayres and Company. For more than 100 years L.S. Ayres was a part of Indiana culture, with stores across the state and its famous Tea Room. In celebration of the 150th anniversary, let’s reflect on the history and significance of L.S. Ayres throughout the years with Kenneth Turchi, author of “L.S. Ayres and Company: The Store at the Crossroads of America.”
Want to read the book ahead of the History Happy Hour? You can purchase L.S. Ayres and Company: The Store at the Crossroads of America here.
Looking for holiday gifts for the L.S. Ayres fan in your life? Why not bring the iconic L.S. Ayres cherub into your home through this ornament or water globe?
Free Program. Additional opportunities available to support IHS as we continue collecting, preserving, and sharing Indiana’s history.
Registration closes 2 hours prior to the start of the program.
Guest Bio
Ken Turchi, author of “L.S. Ayres and Company: The Store at the Crossroads of America,” became interested in retailing while working for a clothing store in his hometown of Crawfordsville, Indiana. He worked for L.S. Ayres & Company while in college and later earned a law degree. He has spent most of his career in marketing and communications and has written three books on Indiana history. Turchi currently divides his time between Charleston, South Carolina and Washington, DC, where he serves as assistant dean of the George Mason Antonin Scalia Law School.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long does it last?
History Happy Hours are informal conversations with IHS staff and scholars that usually last around 60-minutes.
Do I need to be camera ready?
Nope. We will use the Zoom webinar platform, so you can join us from your kitchen table, couch, or the porch. Just make sure you’re ready to type, as we will make sure there is plenty of time for your questions through the chat feature.
What do I need to participate?
History Happy Hour takes place virtually over Zoom. You can either join through an internet-connected device or calling-in via phone. We will send you a link and phone number through the email you used to register around two hours before the program begins. Don’t see the email? Make sure to check your spam or junk folder.
Do you have other History Happy Hours that I can watch?
We sure do! Check out all our past programs here. (Scroll down to the History Happy Hour menu to see the recordings.)