Share Your History
Do you have photos, or memories of the Feast?
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This home in Woodruff Place shows how Japanese lanterns were used as holiday decorations in the early 20th century.
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Beginning around 1908, the Feast of Lanterns showcased the beauty and talents of what were then the growing east suburbs of Indianapolis. Featuring thousands of candle and electric lit lanterns, the event attracted up to 15,000 visitors. Made up of professionals and civic leaders, the Brookside Civic League organized and ran the event. The Feast continued up to WWII before fading into the past and now only our oldest residents can recall its wonder.
In 2003, a group of near-eastside neighbors joined together to revive the annual tradition.
Below are links to newspaper clippings gleaned by local historians. If you have stories, photos, or newspaper clippings to share, please contact us.
Clippings from the NESCO archives
The Indianapolis Sunday Star, July 26, 1923
12,000 Jam Park at Feast of Lanterns
The Indianaolis Sunday Star, July 27, 1923
Brookside League to Hold Annual Feast of Lanterns
The Home News (East Side), July 27, 1923
Annual Feast of Lanterns is Success at Brookside
The Indianapolis Sunday Star, July 15, 1928
Lanterns Feast will be July 28
The Week Ender, date unknown
Feast of Lanterns Stands Are Assigned
publication and date unknown
15,000 Persons See Feast of Lanterns
The Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis Parks, November 1, 1936
Feast of Lanterns at "Shoestring Park" Once Important Event for Indianapolis
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