In 1952 I was an Army Pfc on temporary duty in New Mexico. A couple of days before the Indianapolis 500, I was able to wind up my duty and return to the DC area on government travel papers. I had a ticket to the race, so I got my airline ticket routed by way of Indianapolis and arrived there in early afternoon the day before the race. At the American Airlines counter, they had a list of bed and breakfasts in the racetrack area. I picked one and got a cab ride out there. I got my bed and breakfast for, as I recall, five dollars! I walked down the street that evening to the little 16th street speedway and watched some midget races. Next morning I walked to the 500 Speedway and enjoyed an event of a lifetime, thanks to Uncle Sam, American Airlines and a most gracious and friendly Indianapolis housewife.
What a nice story...for a city, it has retained its niceness. I spent four years in Cincinnati in grad school and I still go back to that town...love it...yet Indy retains more of the 1950s feel and graciousness.