Speedway Clothier and Its ‘Checkered’ Past
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowDuring the month of May, two colors stand out in Indiana as symbols of the ‘Greatest Spectacle in Racing:’ black and white. They are emblematic of the waving, checkered flag as it salutes the winner of the Indy 500.
In downtown Speedway, a short distance from the famed bricks of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a clothing boutique also waves nothing but black and white.
In an interview with Around INdiana reporter Mary-Rachel Redman, the owner of Three Sisters and a Truck explained the fashion statement.
“This used to be a store that in April and May was black and white. And I did color the rest of the year and I had to work hard to be sure I was getting the right color,” said Marie Hall, owner of Three Sisters and a Trunk. “And I thought if you go black and white year-round, you don’t have to work so hard. So, there we are.”
But Hall’s link to the famed race goes beyond fashion apparel.
Her husband, Norman Hall, competed in the famed race in 1961 and again in 1964. They continued their affinity for the sport until 1980.
“And then he got sick, and I had to get a new business going,” shared Hall, who went from supporting her husband in the business of driving to her very own business of selling specialty dresses.
Wall art inside the clothing retail shop on Main Street reads like a who’s who of racers and their spouses. The shop is adorned with photos and autographs of famed shop visitors.
“Alice Hanks, wife of 1957 Indy 500 winner Sam Hanks. Janet Guthrie (competed in 1977-79) is a very good friend,” said Hall.
With the race just days away, Hall says business has ticked up from shoppers looking for just the right “style.” She reflects on race day fashions of years gone by, and driver’s wives who were dressed to impress.
“You look at some of these pictures up top and the styles have changed. Obviously, you know what women wear, especially now to the race.,” offered Hall. “That’s the way they went to the races in the 60s. They had to sit there with their gloves on and watch the race and be proper. There’s nobody proper anymore.”
Though the race will run at only 40% fan capacity, Hall says sales at Three Sisters and a Trunk are skyrocketing. In just the first week of May alone, the Speedway boutique’s numbers are on par with what they typically see on qualifying weekend.