Propylaeum - Connecting Women & Beer...

Today, the Propylaeum celebrated the installation of its new historical marker. (See photos)


Hopefully, this will bring more (well deserved) attention to the beautiful building at 1410 North Delaware Street and the tenured organization housed therein. Fingers crossed that the pictures resonate, because my descriptions (following a "Propylaeum" name drop in conversation) of location and architecture inevitably seem to garner faraway stares and pensive postures. It must be hard for most people to see this gargantuan architectural gem whizzing by at break-neck speeds, as is so typically the case on Delaware Street. Surely your eye has been caught on one or two occasions by billowing fabrics, luxuriously appointed tables and a woman in a pure white dress surrounded by a throng of ladies and gentlemen in formal attire? Ok, does the "Join Now" sign at the corner ring any bells?

How is it that so few are acquainted with the Propylaeum or May Wright Sewall? The Girls Classical School, the Art Association--predecessor of the John Herron Art Institute and what is now the IMA--women's rights and the general course of culture in early Indianapolis would have been immensely altered without the indefatigable May Wright Sewall.

I could go on and on about the fabulous MWS, but that's a blog for another day. You could just pick up "But I Do Clamor" by Ray E. Boomhower, if you want to learn the full story of this amazing heroine of yesteryear; it's a quick and informative read. Every native Indianapolis girl should know about May and what her presence meant to Indianapolis' early development.

While I have limited first-hand information about the Propylaeum, I do know that this beautiful property is home to a social club founded in 1888 and intended to provide a progressive forum for enriching the lives of women relating to culture, education, the arts. The Propylaeum's first home on the south side of North Street hosted the events of numerous city clubs in addition to its own. Due to the creation of the War Memorial, The Propylaeum relinquished its longtime home and purchased its current one in the Old Northside. Though continuing its life as a clubhouse for members, it also features a quaint cafe open to non-club members Monday-Friday 11am-2pm.

The above two photos show The Propylaeum Cafe, which you may visit Monday-Friday

Before tea became the beverage of choice on this premises, one may presume it to have been beer. Why beer? Because this property started life as the home of beer brewer, John Schmidt-- at one time President of the Indianapolis Brewing Company. (Look for the ubiquitous "Indianapolis Brewing Company" posters on ebay--you can usually buy one for $10-$20).

Bet you haven't seen this view! As the Schmidt home first appeared in the early 1890's. Imagine a horse drawn carriage carrying you past a beautiful home like this when it was one of many magnificent mansions on the street...

Schmidt passed his stein and house keys onto fellow brewer, Joseph C. Schaf in the early 1900's and the Schaf family in turn, sold it in the early 1920's to the Propylaeum-- the ladies of which have loved and looked after it ever since. Might May Wright Sewall have been a beer drinker? She believed in equal rights for women, so it is not implausible. She also believed in the paranormal--after a few beers, we might all join her...

Fireplace, first parlour

Should you know anyone enamored of an era where quality craftsmanship reigned, seize the opportunity to visit the Propylaeum; drink in its sights. This is a precious and rare property revealing a glimpse of affluent Indianapolis in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and a formerly opulent street, at one time referred to as "The Gold Coast."

Heavenly rays of sun shower the main staircase