Published On: October 6, 2014

Today’s post was written by Caren Adelsperger, Special Events Intern at Easterseals Crossroads
Easterseals Crossroads wants you take you underground to the creepiest, darkest, spookiest place Indianapolis has to offer – the City Market catacombs.
 
On Saturday, October 25 from 7:00 – 11:00 p.m., we are making it happen at our inaugural Hallow’s Eve: A Night for Ability event. Located in Indianapolis City Market, Hallow’s Eve will feature historic catacomb tours, delicious treats from a variety of food vendors, beer from Sun King Brewing, wine and entertainment from fire spinners, magicians, tarot card readers, palm readers, and a costume contest.
During Hallow’s Eve, we want to you to experience the scary 20,000 feet of musty, dusty, spooky, and scary space that is full of history and mystery. But for now, here are ten facts to uncover some of the unknown:
1. The Indianapolis City Market catacombs are over one hundred years old.
2. The catacombs are one of only a dozen catacomb sites in the United States today.
3. The catacombs are what are left of Tomlinson Hall, which was built in 1886. The hall used to hold 3,500 people.
4. In 1886, the City Market vendors served food in the catacombs.
5. The first basketball game ever viewed in Indianapolis was played at Tomlinson Hall.
6. One hundred years ago, the catacombs also served as a nightly homeless shelter to men and women to seek warmth during a bad Indianapolis winter.
7. Tomlinson Hall burnt down in 1958.
8. All that remains is limestone, brick archways, dirt floors, and deep, dark rooms.
9. According to Stevi Stoesz, City Market Executive Director, “There is a haunted chair in one of the rooms leading off of the catacombs. It don’t think it has been moved for years.”
10. To date, 700 people have toured the City Market catacombs through Indiana Landmarks.
Will you be one of them? Indiana Landmarks docents will provide information about the catacombs as you browse the space and visit the four psychic readers who will be waiting to tell your future.
Join us at Hallow’s Eve: A Night for Ability to uncover more of the creepy, dark, spooky, space the Indianapolis City Market has to offer. Purchase your tickets today at http://hallowseveability.eventbrite.com! Proceeds from the event support Easterseals Crossroads’ programs and services for children and adults with special needs, disabilities and challenges in central Indiana.
Check out this Historic Indianapolis video interview with Stevi Stoesz for more information about the catacombs: