The Mahogany Bar

Day 161, 2/8/15

Woke up, ate breakfast, and started making spaghetti sauce.  While it simmered I got at the day:  biked to O'malia's and then the library before circling the Cultural Trail and heading south to Fountain Square Brewery.  I saw Matt and Kate out on the trail and then again at Dorman Street for Dyke's party.

Anacker’s Tavern, 9th Street Tavern, The Mahogany Bar, and May’s Lounge are all previous monikers of Dorman Street Saloon.  Built in the 1880's, the building was originally a residence before becoming a school, and a grocery store.  It was purchased by Miller Brewing Company in the 1910's which is when they presumably first served alcohol form the location.  During Prohibition, the building continued to house a grocery as well as a restaurant and ice-cream parlor.  Personal accounts recall them serving "near beer" with low alcohol content during this period.   

Anacker beer token.  Photo taken from heritagephotoresearch.com

Further folklore says that John Dillinger frequented the shop.  Some say he even planned the September 6th, 1933 robbery of Mass Ave State Bank in the shop.  The claims are substantiated by the fact that his get-away driver, Hilton Crouch lived two blocks away on Oriental St.

The building continued to be a relatively seedy location for working class German and Irish patrons.  In present day, it holds the same dive status but is more frequently attended by a younger population that lives in the surrounding neighborhoods.  It is known for class-less bathrooms, a funky smell, and the best juke box in Indy.

Aftermath of 1956 fire.  Photo from Indianapolis Fire Department

Original signage was discovered when removing the siding in recent years.  Photo and information taken from theoldreader.com