This is an offset corner, so I had to take some liberties with it. It seems that Hoffa’s Silver Cafe has been renamed Fatso’s. I’m glad they didn’t remove that great sign, though.
These are on the south side. Â I love these buildings:
Back to the north side:
We love that Cafe picture- we don’t think we’ve ever been at that intersection.
Oliver and Warren was definitely a great choice. I definitely applaud the owner of the building for keeping the old sign up.
I nominate this strip to become the Next Fountain Square. There are more great buildings down the way a bit. It would be great to see a SEND-type organization for Oliver. This street is obviously quite close to downtown.
This is The Valley neighborhood. “It is a neighborhood embedded in the muscle and gristle that make up the industrial back bone of Indianapolis. The people who live there call it The Valley. It is cross hatched by railroad tracks. Large trucks groan over its roads as their drivers slowly shift gears. Cafes open at 5 a.m. The Valley is a place where a grocer takes time to listen to an old man’s complaint about a large oil bill, a waitress refills coffee cups without being asked and residents get mad when friends ask if they are still living there. Located west of White River and south and west of the Chevrolet plant, The Valley is on the city’s near southwest side. Together, The Valley, The Hill, The Bottoms, The Hollow and the old School 48 area make up “West Indianapolis.” But The Valley is more than a term used to identify a location; it sums up a way of life. “You don’t break up fights between kids,” was a lesson one newcomer learned. Fighting is part of their upbringing, she explained. “They got it (their attitude) from their parents,” another woman said. They are taught to “stand up for their rights.” gut that strong feeling of independence is tempered with old-fashioned care that residents show for their neighborsâ€
Johnny- my family is from this place. My Father’s Brother owned a restaurant there called “The Hatch” and my cousins owned Hoffas Silver Cafe. My Dad owned a cleaners there also! I have ton of stories from my parents who grew up there. My Dad also played on a a semi pro softball team there called the “Valley Merchants “… sorry to say my Dad just past away but I still have his wonderful stories about Hoffa’s, Broslans Tavern, The Hatch, and many other stories.
Hoffa’s is now gone. Tore it down a couple days ago.
Mike- I have been photographing the buildings in the Valley and West Indianapolis over the past few years. I Have photos of Hoffa’s and the Albert Worm building and 1 other I can’t identify. I have been using the history John Repass and Helen Ford that is posted on the W.I History website. I’d love if you could share a little more about the neighborhood. Many thanks in advance. My website: mabartoszfineartphotography.com