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Charles Mayer, who immigrated to the United States from Germany at 19 years old, opened a grocery and general store in 1840 at 29 W. Washington St. with just 80 square feet of floor space. Mayer later took on a partner and the store became Charles Mayer and Co., which eventually moved into a five-story building constructed at the same site. The store became known for selling collectibles, crystal, jewelry, silver and home furnishings from around the world. It remained open until L.S. Ayres bought its inventory in 1954. This photo, taken Jan. 18, 1955, depicts the liquidation sale at the Washington Street building, which was torn down in 1959. Decades later, Claudia and Tim Ryan, the latter a great-great grandson of Charles Mayer, decided to revive the store name and opened at 5629 N. Illinois St. The shop is closed for the pandemic, although it is offering virtual appointments.
Sources: Charles Mayer & Co., HistoricIndianapolis.com, Indiana Historical Society
Credit: The photo is courtesy of the Indiana Historical Society. More images are available at images.indianahistory.org.
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