L.S. AYRES AND COMPANY
RECORDS, 1858-1992

Collection #s:
M 616
BV 2622-2626
OMB 47

Table of Contents

User Information
Historical Background
Scope and Content Note
Box and Folder Listing
Cataloguing Information

Processed by:
Paul Brockman
31 August 1992

4 January 2002

Manuscript Collections Department
William Henry Smith Memorial Library
Indiana Historical Society
450 West Ohio Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202-3269 

www.indianahistory.org

VOLUME OF COLLECTION: 29 manuscript boxes, 4 small manuscript boxes, 3 shoeboxes, 1 oversize manuscript box, 5 bound volumes, 38 boxes of visual materials (35 total linear feet)

COLLECTION DATES: Inclusive, 1858-1992; Bulk 1920-1992.

PROVENANCE: L.S. Ayres and Company, Attn. Anita M. Corabi, One West Washington St., Indianapolis, IN, 26204, 31 January 1992, 9 March 1992; Arlida Gilyeat, c/o Robert Gilyeat 9901 Pendleton Pike #105, Indianapolis, IN 46236, 17 June 1994.

RESTRICTIONS: None

COPYRIGHT: Held by Indiana Historical Society

ALTERNATE FORMATS: None

RELATED HOLDINGS: W. Rowland Allen (M 508)

ACCESSION NUMBERS: 92.0191, 92.0252, 94.0805

NOTES: Visual collection portion of the collection arranged by Andrew Harrison.
For a list of L.S. Ayres objects on file at the Indiana State Museum (ISM) please see uncatalogued finding aid.

L.S. Ayres and Company came into being in 1872 when Lyman S. Ayres of Geneva, New York, purchased controlling interest in the Trade Palace, a dry and fancy goods establishment operated by N.R. Smith at 26-28 West Washington Street in Indianapolis. The fashionable dry goods store changed the name on its exterior signboard from N.R. Smith and Company to N.R. Smith and Ayres. Lyman Ayres remained in Geneva and served as senior partner and New York resident buyer for the store. In 1874, Ayres assumed full ownership of the Trade Palace. The following year Lyman Ayres relocated to Indianapolis and moved the store's location from the old Trade Palace building across the street to a three storied structure at 33-37 West Washington Street. The operation continued to be a seller of "dry and fancy goods." The addition of modern shopping conveniences such as gas lighting in 1876 and an elevator in 1890 increased the store's reputation.

Lyman Ayres died in 1896 and his son, Frederic M. Ayres, inherited the department store. The business was incorporated at this time under the name of L.S. Ayres and Company with Frederic Ayres serving as president. As business increased, so did the need for additional room and space in two additional buildings, adjoining the main structure to the west and south, were rented. In 1904 plans were made to construct a new store at the southwest corner of Meridian and Washington streets (1-15 West Washington Street) on land Lyman Ayres had purchased prior to his death. The new building, standing eight stories with six elevators and 250 feet of show windows, was opened on 2 October 1905. For additional shopping conveniences, the store contained three areas for eating and relaxing, the soda fountain, the Grille, and the Tea Room. Another local shopping innovation was the Economy Basement which dealt in less expensive dry goods. The Economy Basement proved very popular and the area was expanded in 1922 and renamed the Downstairs Store.

In 1916 Frederic Ayres and nine other national leaders in the retail department store business met in Boston and formed the Retail Research Association. Benefits from this organization included better operating and merchandising procedures as well as improved services. This organization evolved into the Associated Merchandising Corporation (AMC) two years later which allowed for the advantages of group buying resulting in lower consumer prices.

In 1929 a twelve story addition was opened to the south of the existing structure on South Meridian and Pearl streets. This allowed for, among other things, the addition of a men's clothing and furnishings area and the expansion of the Home Store. Other shopping conveniences that were added in the 1930s and 1940s included air conditioning and escalators.

The year 1936 saw the introduction of two events that became synonymous with L.S. Ayres, the erection of the Ayres Clock and the coining of the advertising phrase "That Ayres Look." The 10,000 pound bronze clock on the corner of Meridian and Washington streets became a distinctive symbol of the store. With eight foot illuminated dials facing in four directions, the clock can be easily read from 500 feet away at any time of the day. Beginning in 1947, a 1,200 bronze cherub has sat upon the clock from Thanksgiving evening until Christmas Eve. "That Ayres Look" became the symbol of the store's quality and fashion leadership.

Frederic Ayres died in 1940 and Theodore B. Griffith, a son-in- law and vice president, became the company's president. L.S. Ayres and Company continued to expand in the 1940s and 1950s acquiring a service center in 1940, additional selling and storage space adjacent to the existing structures in 1945, 1947, and 1953, and a warehouse in 1946.

In 1954, Ayres expanded both in boundaries and management. In March of that year, plans were made for expansion to a new suburban store at the proposed 50 acre Glendale Shopping Center, which was scheduled for completion in August, 1958. In April, 1954, Theodore B. Griffith became chairman of the board and Lyman S. Ayres, the founder's grandson, became president of the store.

Further expansion continued in the 1950s with the opening of a boutique in the Marott Hotel in 1955 and the plans for another store in Lafayette, Indiana, in the 30 acre Market Square Shopping Center in 1957, which was also scheduled for opening in April, 1958. Ayres opened its first discount store named Ayr-Way in 1961, and this venture evolved into a chain of stores located in shopping centers throughout central and southern Indiana in the 1960s and 1970s. Most of these stores were acquired by Target in the early 1980s.

Lyman Ayres succeeded Theodore Griffith a chairman of the board in 1962 and James A. Gloin, formerly executive vice president, became president. Gloin was the first president who was not a member of the immediate Ayres family. Gloin retired three years later and was succeeded by Daniel F. Evans. In January, 1972, L.S. Ayres and Company was acquired by Associated Dry Goods and became a subsidiary of the New York based corporation and the Indiana company was dissolved.

Ayres continued to open suburban stores in shopping centers and later shopping malls from the 1960s to the 1990s. Branches were opened in Fort Wayne, South Bend, Evansville, Muncie, Bloomington and Merrillville, as well as stores in Lafayette Square, Greenwood Park, Washington Square, and Castleton Square in Indianapolis.

In 1973 Lyman Ayres retired and was succeeded by Daniel Evans. Gerald Mills, the former executive vice president, replaced Evans as president. Evans retired in 1976 and Mills remained on as President and Chief Executive Officer. Gerald Mills resigned in May, 1978, to accept a position with Dayton Department Stores in Minneapolis, and his position was assumed by David Williams III. John L. Hoerner succeeded Williams in 1982. The May Company of St. Louis, Missouri, acquired Associated Dry Goods and L.S. Ayres in 1986 and a period of turmoil ensued. Financial losses were blamed on the lack of a regular downtown clientele coupled with high operating expenses. In 1988 the May Company reported that the downtown store had showed a loss of $2.2 million. There were counter charges that May did not take a genuine interest in the store and preferred to be out of the downtown store business. The May Company employed a number presidents and CEOs for their Ayres division. Robert L. Mettler was named president and CEO in December, 1986, and he was followed by Robert Friedman one month later. Hoerner resigned as chairman in April, 1987, and he was succeeded by Ronald F. Tanler. Roy R. Paulson replaced Tanler in April, 1990, and he, in turn, was succeeded by Clarence O. "Bud" Reynolds in December of the same year. Profit loss and a confrontation with city of Indianapolis over delays for a proposed downtown mall resulted in company's decision to close the downtown flagship store in January, 1992.

Sources: We Tell Our Story (1972).
Indianapolis Star, 22 November 1990.
Indianapolis Star, 26 October 1991.
Newspaper Clipping Index, Indiana State Library.

The collection contains the historical files, publications, and records of the public relations, sales, and personnel departments of L.S. Ayres' downtown store from its inception in 1872 until 1992. The historical files contain clippings, publications, original items such as bills and receipts and in- house written descriptions of the yearly highlights from the store's history, 1872-1982. Among the topics covered are expansion and new buildings, innovations, improvements, anniversaries, sales, and special promotions. There is also biographical information on store executives, chronological records and and historic resource materials by subjects, store and company histories, and information on special events that changed the store's history.

Included in the records are the externally distributed regular store publications, Sidelights (1922-1926), Ayrograms (1920-1976) and Ayrespeople (1977-1992). These publications contain information for general public knowledge such as promotions, seasonal fashions and special sales, changes in personnel and management, and a wide variety of special subjects of a general seasonal interest. These were designed to inform the public of store events and create a general feeling of good will.

There are also the records of the Ayres' public relations department. Among the items is the internally distributed employee publication, This Week's Information, 1949-1981. This regular publication listed promotions, retirements and other personnel changes. It also listed store policy changes and special events of interest to store personnel. The public relations files also contain information about store anniversaries and methods of celebration for those of significance especially the 50th, 1922, 75th, 1947, and 100th, 1972. Included are special promotions and events intended to attract the community. There is also information about the Ayres Historical Costume Collection and other special events and promotions designed to foster better relations with the public. There is also information regarding media advertising and special sales as well as some general information regarding "That Ayres Look" promotional phrase.

Among the records from the sales department are the internally distributed Policy Bulletins, 1922-1944, and General Bulletins, 1943-1949. These were official memos regarding the operation of the sales department regarding store policy, employee conduct, and statistical and financial information. There are also scattered sales records such as a Store Stock Book, 1920s-1930s, ledgers and department books, 1901-1924, and merchandising and store organization charts, 1956-1990. In addition, there are manuals and seminars effecting the training of buyers and sales personnel and other items regarding general sales operations.

Personnel department records include policies and files, 1872-1970, regarding store rules and training handbooks, 1872-1980, personnel policy book, 1920s-1950s, and supervisor's manuals, 1958-1970. There are also job descriptions and personnel files. Also contained are items regarding employee benefits and activities, 1918-1983. Subjects covered include insurance and retirement information, the Ayres employee cafeteria, and the Ayres 20 Year Club. There is also information about other employee activities such as associations, contributions, and events warranting special recognition. In addition, there are personal letters and correspondence regarding employees in military service, 1917-1945.

Among the corporate files are annual reports, 1947-1984, stockholder correspondence and meeting notices, 1945-1954, organization and department lists, 1962-1972, and general correspondence and other related items. There are also individual executive and corporate files including memos, reports, correspondence, and statistics, 1974-1990. Also included are reports and published items regarding Ayres branch stores and shops at French Lick, Glendale, Marott Hotel, Lafayette, Indiana, Indiana, Greenwood, Fort Wayne, and South Bend. In addition there are files and store records for neighboring downtown Indianapolis businesses such as Charles Mayer and Kresge, 1940s-1950s. There are also other downtown Indianapolis projects which involved the Ayres company. These included correspondence, legal and financial information regarding the Indianapolis Hilton Hotel Project, 1967-1974, and the Lincoln Square/Merchants Plaza operation, 1972-1974. There are also records and files of other stores acquired by L.S. Ayres and Company, most notably the John Bressmer Company of Springfield, Illinois, 1948-1972. Included are correspondence, meeting minutes, background information and operating files. Other related businesses connected with the Ayres operation include Pogue's of Cincinnati and Stewart's of Evansville.

L.S. Ayres and Company created a "Photo File" (in addition to the Chronological and Subject files) organized around internally developed subject headings. This file was not extant when IHS received the collection; processing the visual portion of the collection, however, revealed a number of photographs that had been dispersed throughout the collection, mainly in the Chronological File, that had typed labels beginning with a number followed by a subject heading (e.g. #44--Construction).

The visual materials have been organized into two distinct parts. The first part includes a reconstruction of the Ayres "Photo File" and other photographs arranged using the same system. It also includes negatives and slides arranged chronologically, a small percentage of which correlates to the photographs. The second part comprises photographs and negatives used in the production of Ayres People, a company newsletter.

The physical arrangement of the visual materials is by format and consists of 23 5" X 7" storage boxes, nine letter size storage boxes, six 12" X 6" X 2" slide storage boxes, one oversize B box, and one flat file folder of oversize material.

BOX 1: Historical Files, 1872-1930
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 Historical Files, 1872

2 Historical Files, 1873

3 Historical Files, 1874

4 Historical Files, 1875

5 Historical Files, 1876

6 Historical Files, 1877

7 Historical Files, 1878

8 Historical Files, 1880

9 Historical Files, 1881

10 Historical Files, 1882

11 Historical Files, 1883

12 Historical Files, 1884

13 Historical Files, 1885

14 Historical Files, 1886

15 Historical Files, 1887

16 Historical Files, 1889

17 Historical Files, 1890

18 Historical Files, 1891

19 Historical Files, 1892

20 Historical Files, 1893

21 Historical Files, 1894

22 Historical Files, 1895

23 Historical Files, 1896

24 Historical Files, 1897

25 Historical Files, 1898

26 Historical Files, 1899

27 Historical Files, 1900

28 Historical Files, 1901

29 Historical Files, 1902

30 Historical Files, 1903

31 Historical Files, 1904

32 Historical Files, 1905

33 Historical Files, 1906

34 Historical Files, 1907

35 Historical Files, 1908

36 Historical Files, 1909

37 Historical Files, 1910

38 Historical Files, 1911

39 Historical Files, 1912

40 Historical Files, 1913

41 Historical Files, 1914

42 Historical Files, 1915

43 Historical Files, 1916

44 Historical Files, 1917

45 Historical Files, 1918

46 Historical Files, 1919

47 Historical Files, 1920

48 Historical Files, 1921

49 Historical Files, 1922

50 Historical Files, 1923

51 Historical Files, 1924

52 Historical Files, 1925

53 Historical Files, 1926

54 Historical Files, 1927

55 Historical Files, 1928

56 Historical Files, 1929

57 Historical Files, 1930

BOX 2: Historical Files, 1931-1958
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 Historical Files, 1931

2 Historical Files, 1932

3 Historical Files, 1933

4 Historical Files, 1934

5 Historical Files, 1935

6 Historical Files, 1936

7 Historical Files, 1937

8 Historical Files, 1938

9 Historical Files, 1939

10 Historical Files, 1940

11 Historical Files, 1941

12 Historical Files, 1942

13 Historical Files, 1943

14 Historical Files, 1944

15 Historical Files, 1945

16 Historical Files, 1946

17 Historical Files, 1947

18 Historical Files, 1948

19 Historical Files, 1949

20 Historical Files, 1950

21 Historical Files, 1951

22 Historical Files, 1952

23 Historical Files, 1953

24 Historical Files, 1954

25 Historical Files, 1955

26 Historical Files, 1956

27 Historical Files, 1957

28 Historical Files, 1958

BOX 3: Historical Files, 1959-1982
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 Historical Files, 1959

2 Historical Files, 1960

3 Historical Files, 1961

4 Historical Files, 1962

5 Historical Files, 1963

6 Historical Files, 1964

7 Historical Files, 1965

8 Historical Files, 1966

9 Historical Files, 1967

10 Historical Files, 1968

11 Historical Files, 1969

12 Historical Files, 1970

13 Historical Files, 1971

14 Historical Files, 1972

15 Historical Files, 1973

16 Historical Files, 1974

17 Historical Files, 1977-1978

18 Historical Files, 1979

19 Historical Files, 1981

20 Historical Files, 1982

BOX 4: Historical Records and Resource Materials
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 Ayres Historical Records, 1872-1953, Chronological File, Folder 1

2 Ayres Historical Records, 1872-1953, Chronological File, Folder 2

3 Ayres Historical Records, 1872-1953, Chronological File, Folder 3

4 Historical Records Subject File, Folder 1

5 Historical Records Subject File, Folder 2

6 Historical Records Subject File, Folder 3

7 Historical Files, Checked Out/Returned

8 Ayres Historic Resource Materials, Folder 1

9 Ayres Historic Resource Materials, Folder 2

10 Ayres Historic Resource Materials, Folder 3

11 Ayres Historic Resource Materials, Folder 4

12 Ayres Historic Resource Materials, Folder 5

13 Historical File, Miscellaneous General Information, 1954-1956

BOX 5: General Historical Related Materials, 1858-1973
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 We Tell Our Story, 1957 & 1972 editions

2 The Ayres Clock, 1936-1978

3 Ayres History (Updated by C. Howell), 1981

4 Short History of L.S. Ayres, 1966-1968

5 Chardon/Geneva, New York, 1864-1872

6 Trade Palace Prior to 1872, 1858-1973

7 Trade Palace and Early Store History

8 Historical Material, Real Estate

9 Historical Material, Miscellaneous

10 Research Material (General)

11 Historical File (General)

12 Historical Material

13 Miscellaneous (Historical Interest)

14 Store History ("Trade Palace Days")

15 The Succession L.S. Ayres & Company, ca. 1915

16 North Building, 1905

17 Ayres Firsts

18 Disasters, 1924-1953

19 Historical Indianapolis, Folder 1

20 Historical Indianapolis, Folder 2

21 Ayres New Building Photographs, 1928, Folder 1

22 Ayres New Building Photographs, 1928, Folder 2

23 Dressmaking and Millinery

BOX 6: Historical and Biographical Files
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 History of L.S. Ayres Resource File, Folder 1

2 History of L.S. Ayres Resource File, Folder 2

3 History of L.S. Ayres Resource File, Folder 3

4 Ayres History

5 History of the Directors

6 Historical File, Lyman S. Ayres, I

7 Historical File, Lyman S. Ayres, II

8 Historical File, Frederic M. Ayres, I

9 Historical File, Frederic M. Ayres, Jr.

10 Mrs. Frederic M. (Alma) Ayres, 1940-1972

11 Ayres Family

12 Executive Biographies, Victor C. Kendall

13 Executive Biographies, Katherine Ayres Smitheran

14 Executive Biographies, William and Emma Wheelock

15 Executive Biographies, John R. Barrett

16 Executive Biographies, James A. Gloin

17 Executive Biographies, Theodore B. Griffith

18 Executive Biographies, David P. Williams, Jr.

19 Executive Biographies, John G. Williams

20 Executive Biographies, Rowland Allen

21 Executive Biographies, Albert N. Collins

22 Executive Biographies, Albert N. Collins (Party Photographs)

23 Executive Biographies, William Stout

24 Executive Biographies, Miscellaneous

25 Executive Biographies, Miscellaneous

BOX 7: Sidelights, 1922-1926; Ayrograms, 1920-1932, 1945-1946
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 Sidelights, 1922-1926

2 Ayrograms, 1920-1922

3 Ayrograms, 1923-1925

4 Ayrograms, 1928

5 Ayrograms, 1929

6 Ayrograms, 1930

7 Ayrograms, 1931

8 Ayrograms, 1932

9 Ayrograms, 1945-1946

BOX 8: Ayrograms, 1947-1956
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 Ayrograms, 1947

2 Ayrograms, 1948

3 Ayrograms, 1949

4 Ayrograms, 1950

5 Ayrograms, 1951

6 Ayrograms, 1952

7 Ayrograms, 1953

8 Ayrograms, 1954

9 Ayrograms, 1955

10 Ayrograms, 1956

BOX 9: Ayrograms, 1957-1976; Ayrespeople, 1977-1980
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 Ayrograms, 1957-1958

2 Ayrograms, 1959

3 Ayrograms, 1960

4 Ayrograms, 1961

5 Ayrograms, 1962

6 Ayrograms, 1963

7 Ayrograms, 1964

8 Ayrograms, 1965

9 Ayrograms, 1966-1968

10 Ayrograms, 1969-1970

11 Ayrograms, 1971-1972

12 Ayrograms, 1973-1976

13 Ayrespeople, 1977-1978

14 Ayrespeople, 1979-1980

BOX 10: Ayrespeople, 1981-1991
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 Ayrespeople, 1981-1984

2 Ayrespeople (also Ayres Professional), 1985-1986

3 Ayrespeople (also Ayres Professional), 1987

4 Ayrespeople (also Ayres Professional), 1988-1989

5 Ayrespeople, 1990-1992

BOX 11: Public Relations, This Week's Information, 1949-1957
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 This Week's Information, 1949-1950

2 This Week's Information, 1951

3 This Week's Information, 1952

4 This Week's Information, 1953

5 This Week's Information, 1954

6 This Week's Information, 1955

7 This Week's Information, 1956

8 This Week's Information, 1957

BOX 12: Public Relations, This Week's Information, 1958-1964
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 This Week's Information, 1958

2 This Week's Information, 1959

3 This Week's Information, 1960

4 This Week's Information, 1961

5 This Week's Information, 1962

6 This Week's Information, 1963

7 This Week's Information, 1964

BOX 13: Public Relations, This Week's Information, 1965-1970
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 This Week's Information, 1965

2 This Week's Information, 1966

3 This Week's Information, 1967

4 This Week's Information, 1968

5 This Week's Information, 1969

6 This Week's Information, 1970

BOX 14: Public Relations, This Week's Information, 1971-1976
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 This Week's Information, 1971

2 This Week's Information, 1972

3 This Week's Information, 1973

4 This Week's Information, 1974

5 This Week's Information, 1975

6 This Week's Information, 1976

BOX 15: Public Relations, This Week's Information, 1977-1981
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 This Week's Information, 1977

2 This Week's Information, 1978

3 This Week's Information, 1979

4 This Week's Information, 1980

5 This Week's Information, 1981

BOX 16: This Week's Information, Index, Personnel Card File [Shoebox]

BOX 17: This Week's Information, Index, Exec. Buyer, Asst., Personnel File [Shoebox]

BOX 18: Public Relations, Anniversaries, 1922-1971
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 50th Anniversary, 1922, Folder 1

2 50th Anniversary, 1922, Folder 2

3 50th Anniversary, 1922

4 50th Anniversary, 1922, Description of Items Used and Owners

5 51st Anniversary, 1923

6 52nd Anniversary, 1924

7 54th Anniversary, 1926

8 55th Anniversary, 1927

9 56th Anniversary, 1928

10 59th Anniversary, 1931

11 60th Anniversary, 1932

12 61st Anniversary, 1933

13 63rd Anniversary, 1935

14 64th Anniversary, 1936

15 65th Anniversary, 1937

16 68th Anniversary, 1940

17 75th Anniversary, General, 1947

18 75th Anniversary, Display Cases, 1947

19 75th Anniversary, Display Interiors, 1947

20 75th Anniversary, Display Interiors, 1947

21 75th Anniversary, Tea Room Setting, 1947

22 75th Anniversary, Art Contest

23 Newspaper Articles, "75 Years Ago Today," 1947

24 Future Anniversaries

25 Company Centennial, Master File, 1970-1971

26 Company Centennial, Rejected Ideas, 1971

BOX 19: Old Families, Golden Anniversary, 1922 [shoebox]

BOX 20: Public Relations, Company Centennial, 1972
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 Company Centennial, Master File, Jan., 1972-Jan., 1973, Folder 1

2 Company Centennial, Master File, Jan., 1972-Jan., 1973, Folder 2

3 Company Centennial, Master File, Jan., 1972-Jan., 1973, Folder 3

4 Company Centennial, Publicity Stories, 1972

5 Company Centennial, Common Stock Gift, 1972-1973

6 Company Centennial, Copies of Bills Received And Paid, 1971-1973, Folder 1

7 Company Centennial, Copies of Bills Received And Paid, 1971-1973, Folder 2

8 Company Centennial, "We Tell Our Story," Booklet, 1972 Reprint

9 Company Centennial, 100 Years Ago Ads, Jan., 1972-July, 1972

10 Company Centennial, 100 Years Ago Ads, Aug., 1972-Dec., 1972

11 Newspaper Ads For 100th Year, 1972

12 Richard Sperry Predictions For 1972, 1923, 1971-1972

13 File on "1923 Party," 1972 Information

14 Company Centennial, 100th Year Letters, 1971-1972

15 Company Centennial, Birthday Cakes to 100 Year Old People, 1972

16 Company Centennial, Key Chains, Jan., 1972

17 Company Centennial, Maple Seedling Project, 1972-1972

18 Company Centennial, Salute to Firms 100 Years Old in 1972

19 50th Anniversary, 20 Year Club, 1922-1972

20 Bob Hope Book Autograph Visit, 1972?

21 Company Centennial, Geneva, Indiana Centennial 1972

22 Company Centennial, 100th Birthday, Woodruff Place, 1972

BOX 21: Public Relations, General Subject, 1902-1971
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 Public Relations Correspondence, 1902-1925

2 Public Relations Correspondence, 1927-1953

3 Public Relations, Indiana State Fair, 1920s-1950s

4 Public Relations, Miscellaneous Subjects, 1922-1955

5 Public Relations, Miscellaneous Subjects, ca. 1930s-1940s?

6 Public Relations, Audichron, 1939-1951

7 Public Relations, Sub Deb Club, 1940-1945

8 Facets of War Time Living, 1941-1945, Folder 1

9 Facets of War Time Living, 1941-1945, Folder 2

10 Plans For Navy Mail & V-Mail Service Exhibit, 1945

11 Public Relations, Helen Hollingsworth Files, 1948-1958

12 Public Relations, Helen Hollingsworth Files, 1952-1953, 1957

13 Public Relations, A.A.U.W. Exhibit At Ayres, 1951

14 National Library Week, 1958

15 Public Relations, Miss Indianapolis Pageant, 1969

16 Public Relations, Consumerism, 1970-1971

17 Public Relations, Community Service, 1971, Folder 1

18 Public Relations, Community Service, 1971, Folder 2

BOX 22: Public Relations, General Subject, 1928-1990
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 Public Relations, Community Service-Business, "Love Is," 1970

2 "Good Citizens of Indianapolis," 1968, Folder 1

3 "Good Citizens of Indianapolis," 1968, Folder 2

4 Scrapbook, Sept., 1951-Feb., 1952

5 Public Relations, Chamber of Commerce Dinner, 1928

6 Public Relations, Photo Loan to Chamber of Commerce, 1988-1990

7 Public Relations, Newsclippings, 1969

8 Photographic Register, 1947-1959

9 Public Relations, Delivery Story, 1928-1955

10 Public Relations, Old Family Lists, n.d.

11 Public Relations, Old Family Lists, General, n.d.

12 Historical Costume Information

13 Historical Costume Lists, 1960-1977

14 Historical Costume Collection, 1961-1977

15 Historical Costume Collection, 1966-1977

16 Historical Costume Collection, Loan File

17 Public Relations, Town & Country, May, 1966

18 Indianapolis Marketing Publication, 1978

BOX 23: Advertising, 1896-1984
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 Miscellaneous Advertising Items, 1896-1946

2 Newspaper Advertisement, 1916

3 Advertising, Ayres Look, 1936-1947

4 Advertising, Ayres Look, 1966-1983

5 Advertising, 1940s-1950s

6 Advertising, Collection Internationale, 1950s?

7 Advertising, This Is Ayres, 1971-1984

8 Father's Day Broadcast Package, 1979

9 Newspaper Advertising Manual, n.d.

10 Radio & Television Advertising, n.d.

11 Miscellaneous Advertising, n.d.

12 (OMB 47) Window Displays, ca. 1920s

BOX 24: Sales, Policy Bulletins, 1922-Aug., 1939
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 Policy Bulletins, 1922-Feb., 1924

2 Policy Bulletins, March, 1924-1926

3 Policy Bulletins, 1927-Dec., 1929

4 Policy Bulletins, Dec., 1929-Aug., 1932

5 Policy Bulletins, Aug., 1932-Feb., 1934

6 Policy Bulletins, Feb., 1934-July, 1936

7 Policy Bulletins, July, 1936-Aug., 1939

BOX 25: Sales, Policy Bulletins, 1939-1954, General Bulletins, 1943-1949
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 Policy Bulletins, Aug., 1939-April, 1942

2 Policy Bulletins, April, 1942-May, 1945

3 Policy Bulletins, June, 1945-Nov., 1947

4 Policy Bulletins, July, 1949-Feb., 1954

5 General Bulletins, Dec., 1943-June, 1949

6 Bulletins & Correspondence, 1947-1948

7 Bulletins & Correspondence, 1949

8 Bulletins & Correspondence, 1950-1957

BOX 26: Sales & Store Stock Records, 1893-1990
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 Merchandise Stock Purchase Book, 1893-1896

2 (BV 2622-2626) Ledgers & Dept. Books, 1901-1924

3 Sales, Old Bills, 1900-1908

4 Charge Bills, 1920s

5 Stock Control, 1926-1927

6 Store Stock Book, 1920s-1930s, Folder 1

7 Store Stock Book, 1920s-1930s, Folder 2

8 Store Stock Book, 1920s-1930s, Folder 3

9 Store Stock Book, 1920s-1930s, Folder 4

10 Store Stock Book, 1920s-1930s, Folder 5

11 Daily Sales Sheets, 1923-1946

12 Stock Record Expense Figures, 1929

13 Unit Stock Control System, 1928

14 Sales, Warehouse Entries, 1948-1952

15 Store Organizational Chart, 1956

16 Merchandising Organization, Spring, 1989

17 Merchandising Organization, Fall, 1990

BOX 27: Sales, Procedures & General Items, 1920s-1970s
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 Buyer's Manual, 1965, Folder 1

2 Buyer's Manual, 1965, Folder 2

3 Buyer's Manual, 1965, Folder 3

4 Buyer's Training Seminars, 1971, Folder 1

5 Buyer's Training Seminars, 1971, Folder 2

6 Buyer's Training Seminars, 1971, Folder 3

7 Buyer's Training Seminar, 1974, Folder 1

8 Buyer's Training Seminar, 1974, Folder 2

9 Manual For Selling in the Home, 1952

10 Ayres Marketing Manual, 1975

11 Sales, "How to Prevent Stock Shortages," 1952

12 The Wave Look, 1943

13 Store Hours, 1947-1953

14 Tea Room Menu, n.d.

15 Shopping Service Scrapbook, 1920s-1970s

BOX 28: Personnel, Policies & Files, 1872-1980
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 Employee Rules, 1872 (Trade Palace)

2 Store Rules, ca. 1900

3 Employee Store Rules, ca. 1923

4 Training Handbooks, 1952, 1980, & n.d.

5 Sales Associate Handbook, n.d.

6 Personnel Policy Book, 1920s-1950s, Folder 1

7 Personnel Policy Book, 1920s-1950s, Folder 2

8 Personnel Policy Book, 1920s-1950s, Folder 3

9 Supervisor's Manual, 1958

10 Supervisor's Manual, 1970, Folder 1

11 Supervisor's Manual, 1970, Folder 2

12 Supervisor's Manual, 1970, Folder 3

13 Job Descriptions, Executives, 1965

14 Job Descriptions, Executives, 1968

15 Job Descriptions, Executives, 1970

16 Personnel Files, 1930s

17 Personnel, Homer L. Cox (Chaffeur); Letters of Recommendation, 1912-1924

BOX 29: Personnel, Employee Benefits & Activities, 1914-1983
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 Employee Sales Commission Agreements, 1919-1930

2 Employee Benefits, 1941-1951

3 Retirement Plan, 1951

4 Employee Cafeteria, 1930, 1949, 1968

5 Guest Register, Employee Cafeteria, Nov. 6, 1953

6 Twenty Year Club Notebook, 1925-1958, Folder 1

7 Twenty Year Club Notebook, 1925-1958, Folder 2

8 Twenty Year Club, 1926-1968

9 Twenty Year Club, 1970-1983

10 Letters from Twenty Year Club Members, 1945 (Regarding First Day of Work at Ayres)

11 Employee Publications, 1914-1925

12 Employee Contributions, 1918-1955

13 F.M. Ayres Retirement, Employee Recognition, 1918

14 Employee Associations, 1925-1937

15 Employee Anniversary Dinner, 1928

16 Employee Service Recognition, 1933-1936

17 Ayres Minstrel Show & Follies, 1934-1935

18 Employees, Miscellaneous Activities, 1935-1945

19 Employees, Press Recognition, 1935-1957

20 Employees, Miscellaneous Photos, n.d.

BOX 30: Personnel, Military Service, 1917-1945
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 War Letters, 1917-1945

2 Employee Military Service, 1924-1945

3 World War II Letters, 1942-1945

4 World War II Correspondence, 1942-1945

BOX 31: Corporate Files, 1937-1990
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 Annual Meeting Notices, 1945-1957

2 Correspondence to Preferred Stockholders, 1945-1952

3 Annual Reports (Stockholders), 1947-1957

4 Stock Prospectus, 1945-1954

5 Debenture Bonds, 1948-1951

6 Departmental Lists, 1944-1950s

7 Organizational Charts, 1950s

8 Organizational Charts, 1958-1960

9 Organization & Department Lists, Aug., 1962

10 Organization & Department Lists, Nov., 1964

11 Organization & Department Lists, Oct., 1965

12 Organization Chart, March, 1972

13 Annual Reports, 1966-1968

14 Annual Report, 1969

15 Associated Dry Goods (ADG) Annual Reports, 1979, 1984

16 AMC Termination With Ayres, 1972-1973

17 Leadership Standards, 1937

18 Corporate, General Correspondence & Articles, 1962-1983

19 Executive Press Releases, 1976

20 Executive Files, James A. Gloin, 1974-1980

21 Corporate Files, Steve Shank, 1990

22 May Company Publications, 1988

BOX 32: Corporate Files, Frank Ceravolo, Senior V.P., 1989-1990
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 Corporate Files, Frank Ceravolo, 1989

2 Corporate Files, Frank Ceravolo, 1989

3 Corporate Files, Frank Ceravolo, 1990

4 Corporate Files, Frank Ceravolo, 1990

5 Corporate Files, Frank Ceravolo, 1990

6 Corporate Files, Frank Ceravolo, 1990

BOX 33: Branch Stores, 1919-1971
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 Glendale Store & Shopping Center, 1954-1958

2 Glendale Store, 1955-1971, Folder 1

3 Glendale Store, 1955-1971, Folder 2

4 Glendale Store, 1955-1971, Folder 3

5 Glendale Store, 1955-1971, Folder 4

6 Glendale Store, 1955-1971, Folder 5

7 Glendale Store, Miscellaneous, 1950s

8 Publicity, Glendale, 1954-1957

9 Duplicate Stock Book, Glendale, 1954

10 French Lick Shop, 1919-1930

11 Boulevard Shop, Marott Hotel, n.d.

12 Lafayette, Indiana Store, 1958

13 Greenwood Store, 1965

14 Fort Wayne Store, Co-Sponsor of Concert, 1970

BOX 34: Branch Stores and Related Businesses, 1945-1975
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 South Bend/University Park Store, 1974-1975, Folder 1

2 South Bend/University Park Store, 1974-1975, Folder 2

3 South Bend/University Park Store, 1974-1975, Folder 3

4 South Bend/University Park Store, 1974-1975, Folder 4

5 South Bend/University Park Store, 1974-1975, Folder 5

6 South Bend/University Park Store, 1974-1975, Folder 6

7 Charles Mayer Co. Property, 1954-1956

8 Kresge Company File, 1945-1975, Folder 1

9 Kresge Company File, 1945-1975, Folder 2

10 Kresge Company File, 1945-1975, Folder 3

11 Kresge Company File, 1945-1975. Folder 4

12 Burford Properties, 1960-1970

13 Maryland Street Garage Corp., 1969-1972

14 Murray Investment Co., 1959-1970

BOX 35: Related Businesses, Hilton & Merchants Plaza Projects, 1967-1974
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 Indianapolis Hilton Hotel Project, 1967-1974, Folder 1

2 Indianapolis Hilton Hotel Project, 1967-1974, Folder 2

3 Indianapolis Hilton Hotel Project, 1967-1974, Folder 3

4 Indianapolis Hilton Hotel Project, 1967-1974, Folder 4

5 Indianapolis Hilton Hotel Project, 1967-1974, Folder 5

6 Indianapolis Hilton Hotel Project, 1967-1974, Folder 6

7 Indianapolis Hilton Hotel Project, 1967-1974, Folder 7

8 Indianapolis Hilton Hotel Project, 1967-1974, Folder 8

9 Lincoln Square/Merchants Plaza, 1972-1974, Folder 1

10 Lincoln Square/Merchants Plaza, 1972-1974, Folder 2

11 Lincoln Square/Merchants Plaza, 1972-1974, Folder 3

12 Lincoln Square/Merchants Plaza, 1972-1974, Folder 4

13 Lincoln Square/Merchants Plaza, 1972-1974, Folder 5

14 Lincoln Square/Merchants Plaza, 1972-1974, Folder 6

15 Lincoln Square/Merchants Plaza, 1972-1974, Folder 7

BOX 36: Affiliate Stores, 1948-1986
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 John Bressmer Co., Springfield, Illinois, Report, 1948

2 John Bressmer Co., Springfield, Illinois, Report, 1950

3 Bressmer Papers, RE: Background For Purchase, 1958, Folder 1

4 Bressmer Papers, RE: Background For Purchase, 1958, Folder 2

5 Bressmer Operating Files, 1958-1960

6 Bressmer Co. Minutes, 1958-1961

7 Bressmer Co. Minutes, 1962-1964

8 Bressmer Co. Minutes, 1965-1967

9 Bressmer Co. Minutes, 1968-1972

10 Bressmer's Minutes, By-Laws, Articles, Inc., 1961-1971, Folder 1

11 Bressmer's Minutes, By-Laws, Articles, Inc., 1961-1971, Folder 2

12 Bressmer Co. Correspondence & Memos, 1963-1972

13 Subsidiary Companies, Ayr-Way, 1961-1980

14 Banner-Whitehill Liquidation, 1962

15 Stewart's Merger, 1986 (Evansville), Folder 1

16 Stewart's Merger, 1986 (Evansville), Folder 2

17 Stewart's Merger, 1986 (Evansville), Folder 3

18 Pogue's, Cincinnati, 1983-1984

BOX 37: Ayres "Photo File," Construction - Exteriors
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 Construction

2 Construction

3 Construction

4 Display -- Windows

5 Display -- Windows

6 Display -- Windows

7 Display -- Windows

8 Display -- Interiors

9 Display -- Interiors

10 Display -- Interiors

11 Exteriors

12 Exteriors

13 Exteriors

BOX 38: Ayres "Photo File," Historical - Films
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 Historical -- Indianapolis

2 Interiors

3 Interiors

4 Interiors

5 Interiors

6 Interiors -- Selling

7 Interiors -- Non-selling

8 Interiors -- Miscellaneous

9 Personal Histories

10 Personal Histories

11 Employee Activities

12 Employee Activities

13 Employee Activities -- Military Service

14 Employee Activities -- 20 Year Club

15 Delivery

16 Miscellaneous

17 Films [stored in box 74]

BOX 39: Jack Householder and Don Blake Photographs
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 Jack Householder -- Construction

2 Jack Householder -- Construction

3 Jack Householder -- Displays

4 Jack Householder -- Exteriors

5 Jack Householder -- Interiors

6 Jack Householder -- Interiors

7 Jack Householder -- Interiors

8 Jack Householder -- Employee Activities

9 Don Blake -- Ayr-Way west, 8-27-1970

BOX 40: Miscellaneous Photographs and Materials
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 Displays

2 Displays

3 Exteriors

4 Interiors

5 Interiors

6 Interiors

7 Personal Histories

8 Employee Activities -- [Individuals]

9 Employee Activities -- [Individuals]

10 Employee Activities -- [Groups]

11 Employee Activities -- [Groups]

12 Employee Activities -- [Groups]

BOX 41: Color Photographs
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 Photographs possibly used in unknown publication

2 Displays

3 Exteriors

4 Employee Activities -- [Individuals]

BOX 42: Ayres "Photo File," Oversize A

69 numbered photographs from original numbered series

BOX 43: Oversize B - known and unknown photographers
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 Displays

2 Displays

3 Exteriors

4 Exteriors

5 Exteriors [Aerial view of Downtown]

6 Exteriors [Aerial view of Downtown

7 Exteriors [Aerial view of Downtown

8 Exteriors [Aerial view of Downtown

9 Exteriors [Aerial view of Downtown, L.S. Ayres & Co. Bldg.]

10 Exteriors [Aerial view of Downtown, L.S. Ayres & Co. Bldg.]

11 Exteriors [Aerial view]

12 Exteriors [Aerial view]

13 Exteriors [Aerial view]

14 Exteriors [Copy from Newspaper]

15 Exteriors [Copy from Newspaper]

16 Exteriors

17 Interiors

18 Interiors

19 Delivery

20-35 From # Series

36 drawing

BOX 44: Miscellaneous Photographs and Material
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 Ready To Wear Division -- [photograph with accompanying letter]

2 Christmas Cards

3 Postcard

4 Photographs possibly used in unknown publication

5 Mollie Mouhee [?] at Lances in New York, 1949; Corsett Department, 1950

BOX 45: Prints
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 -9 prints of construction - (from 16 negatives in box 45)

2 -6 prints of L.S. Ayres ads - (from 6 negatives in box 45)

3 -18 prints of store displays (8 color) - (from 11 negatives in box 45)

4 -3 color prints of store displays - (from 4 negatives in box 45)

5 -36 prints of displays - (from 28 negatives in box 45)

BOX 46: Negatives
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 -16 construction negatives - (9 prints in box 44)

2 -11 negatives of clock

3 -1 negative of L.S. Ayres ad

4 -6 negatives of L.S. Ayres ad - (6 prints in box 44)

5 -13 negatives of store displays

6 -60 negatives of store displays and views

7 -11 negatives of store displays - (18 prints in box 44)

8 -4 negatives of displays - (3 color prints in box 44)

9 -28 negatives of displays - (36 prints in box 44)

BOX 47: 35 mm Negatives, 1954-1958, Interior, Exterior, Construction, and Covered Bridge
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 1954

2 1955

3 1956

4 1956

5 1956

6 1957

7 1958

8 Unknown Date

9 Ayres "Photo File" copy negatives (from box 48 #'s 54-70)

10 Interior, Exterior, Construction, and Covered Bridge

BOX 48: Copy Negatives

56 copy negatives (numbered 1.13; 1-53, 71; 81) match with prints in Ayres "Photo File"
Note: negatives numbered 54-70 moved to box 47

BOX 74: 16 mm Motion Picture Films
CONTENTS

This is Our Town

Golden Anniversary 1922, (Photo File # 177)

Theres Something Doing at Ayres, 54th

Anniversary 1926, (Photo File # 178)

South of Pearl Street 1928, (Photo File # 179)

BOX 76: Ayres People Newsletter Photographs, Prints, November 1985 - June 1987
FOLDER CONTENTS

1-3 November, 1985

4-10 December, 1985

11-12 March, 1986

13-18 July, 1986

19-25 October, 1986

26-32 December, 1986

33-41 February/April, 1987

42-45 June 1987

BOX 77: Ayres People Newsletter Photographs, Prints, August 1987 - 1991; Products, Cosmetics, Childrens
FOLDER CONTENTS

1-8 August 1987

9-16 October 1987

17-19 December 1987

20 February, 1988

21-24 April, 1988

25-26 June, 1988

27-30 August, 1988

31-34 October, 1988

35 October/November, 1988

36-39 November, 1988

40 20 Year Tea, 1989

41-42 February/March, 1989

43-44 April/May, 1989

45 June/July, 1989

46-49 August/September, 1989

50 December, 1989

51-52 April/May, 1989

53-55 June/July, 1990

56-527 Fall, 1990

58-61 1st Quarter, 1991

62-65 3rd Quarter, 1991

66 Products, Cosmetics, Childrens

BOX 78: Ayres People Newsletter Photographs, Color Prints, November 1985 - 1991, Bridal Registry Contacts
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 November, 1985

2-3 December, 1985

4 July, 1986

5 December, 1986

6 February/April, 1987

7 October, 1987

8 November, 1987

9 20 Year Tea, 1988

10 Golf Outing, 1988

11 August, 1988

12 October, 1988

13 February/March, 1989

14 April/May, 1989

15-16 June/July, 1989

17-18 August/September, 1989

19 Xmas Issue, December, 1989

20 Fall, 1990

21 Gift-Giving Newsletter, November, 1990

22-25 1st Quarter, 1991

26 Bridal Registry Contacts

BOX 79: Ayres People Newsletter Photographs, Negatives, November 1985 - December 1987
FOLDER CONTENTS

1-2 November, 1985

3-9 December, 1985

10-11 March, 1986

12-17 July, 1986

18-23 October, 1986

24-31 December, 1986

32-40 February/April, 1987

41-46 June, 1987

47-53 August, 1987

54-59 October, 1987

60 November, 1987

61-65 December, 1987

BOX 80: Ayres People Newsletter Photographs, Negatives, February 1988 - 1991, Product Cosmetics', Childrens'
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 February, 1988

2-5 April, 1988

6-7 June, 1988

8-9 August, 1988

10-13 October, 1988

14-17 November, 1988

18 20 Year Tea, 1989

19-20 February/March, 1989

21 April/May, 1989

22-24 August/September, 1989

25 November, 1989

26-28 April/May, 1990

29-31 June/July, 1990

32-33 Fall, 1990

34 Gift Giving Newsletter, November, 1990, Inner [Inter] Negatives

35-37 1st Quarter, 1991

38-41 3rd Quarter, 1991

42 Product Cosmetics' Childrens'

BOX 81: Ayres People Newsletter Photographs, Color Negatives, December 1985 - 1991, Clear Transparencies, Not Used
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 December, 1985

2 20 Year Tea, 1988

3 Golf Outing, 1988

4 October, 1988

5 February/March, 1989

6 June/July, 1989

7 August/September, 1989

8 November, 1989

9 Christmas Issue, December, 1989

10-14 1st Quarter, 1991

15 3rd Quarter, 1991

16 Client Transparencies, Not Used

BOX 82: Ayres People Newsletter Photographs, Color Polaroids, July 1986 - December 1989
FOLDER CONTENTS

1 July, 1986

2 December, 1986

3 February/April, 1987

4 June, 1987

5 August, 1987

6 October, 1987

7 October, 1988

8 Christmas, 1988

9 February/March, 1989

10 April/May, 1989

11 June/July, 1989

12 August/September, 1989

13 December, 1989

MAIN ENTRY: L.S. Ayres & Co. (Indianapolis, Ind.)

SUBJECT ENTRIES: Ayres, Lyman S., 1824-1896

Ayres, Lyman S., 1908-

Ceravolo, Frank

Lincoln Square (Indianapolis, Ind.)

Indianapolis Hilton Hotel

Business Records--Indiana--Indianapolis

Department stores--Indiana--Indianapolis

Department stores--Indiana--Indianapolis--Employees

Employees--Training--Indiana--Indianapolis

Supervision of employees

Personnel management--Indiana--Indianapolis

Clothing and dress

Advertising--Clothing and dress--Indiana--Indianapolis

Costume--private collections--Indiana--Indianapolis

Fashion merchandizing--Indiana--Indianapolis

Public relations--Indiana--Indianapolis

Stockholders--Indiana--Indianapolis

Newsletters--Indiana--Indianapolis

Central business districts--Indiana--Indianapolis

World War, 1914-1918--Indiana--Indianapolis

World War, 1939-1945--Indiana--Indianapolis

City planning--Indiana--Indianapolis

Cities and towns--Growth--Indiana--Indianapolis

Indianapolis (Ind.)--Centennial celebrations

Indianapolis (Ind.)--Business enterprises

END