REGRET**- A commentary

**I am borrowing the title of my favorite Guy de Maupassant short story for today's post, because the word kept tapping on my shoulder as I sailed northward on College Avenue this morning. Today's tale evokes the same sentiment as its namesake.

Though part Victorian woman on the inside, there are some rites of passage of my own generation that may expose my (relative) youth, as evidenced by the quote that came to mind this morning:

"I felt a terrible disturbance in the force... I fear something terrible has happened." --Obi-Wan Kenobi

Nearing 38th Street, just south of Fairfield (on the west side of the street to be exact), something seemed off. It all happened so quickly: observing an expanse of bald land, mentally registering the large earth moving equipment in its vicinity and shaking off the possibility that one of my favorite old buildings might be gone.

Heading back south on College, there was no denying it...

Denial was my immediate inclination. Surely I was mistaken-- distracted by running late to a morning meeting. Continuing north, I approached each intersection with a mixture of renewed optimism and growing trepidation. Hopeful anticipation repeatedly yielded to self-directed admonitions of a caliber typically reserved for asleep-at-the-wheel drivers. Many blocks before Broad Ripple, the proverbial dogs were called off and I had to acknowledge the sad reality: it was gone.

Anyone who loves old architecture has certain yet-to-be-rehabbed buildings that tickle their imagination and induce excitement with their potential. Like a once beautiful woman, you may ponder how she appeared in her heyday. Or like a thoroughly modern woman, you contemplate what an expert nip-and-tuck(point) might do for her. Tragic it is, then, when imaginations and realizations are both eradicated by a malevolent wrecking ball, as was the case yesterday.

I never took her picture; never got out and walked around her and did not know much about her. After a little research today, I can offer you a brief and antiseptic bit about the history of this little corner of the world:

~ For all of its early life, this building was home to a variety of Pharmacy Companies or Druggists.

~ It appears to have been built circa. 1914

~ Harry W. Hodson's home address (of 3424 N. College) was the last address before "Fair Ground Avenue" on the west side of the street in 1914. In 1915, Hodson Pharmacy appears within the same block at 3460 N. College Avenue.

~ "Fair Ground Avenue" was changed sometime between 1915 and 1939 to the current "Fairfield Avenue."

~ A news item in the "National Association of Retail Druggists" Journal (N.A.R.D. for short--insert chuckle)from 1915 reports: "A thief entered the Hodson Pharmacy, at Indianapolis, and took fifty dollars from the drawer of a medicine case."

~ In 1918, the building was home to Barnhart Pharmacy Co., Inc.

~ Irvin E. Rice Drugs operated here in 1930.

~ The address number changed again sometime prior to 1939--as the Sanborn map updated to that time reveals the corner address as 3456 at that time. In 1940, the Haag Drug Co. Inc operated one of its chain here.

Did anyone else love the brick building of which I speak? Still unsure what building I mean?

looking south at the now cheerless site from Fairfield Ave.

In Google Maps, enter 3456 North College Avenue. Use the drop down menu on the left that says "more" and go to "street view," to which you may issue your tardy farewell.

R.I.P.