INDIANAPOLIS – The OneAmerica signs: A staple of downtown Indianapolis commuters, bringing laughs and levity to those coming and going from the city.
OneAmerica's humorous signs can be found near the employee parking garage at the corner of Illinois Street and New York Street and at the corner of another employee parking lot at Capitol and Vermont streets.
The concept began as a way for a former company president to express his keen sense of humor nearly 60 years ago.
In the 1950s the sign displayed messages like, “What this country needs is a good five-cent nickel” and “Avoid that rundown feeling — obey stop signs.”
Today, the tradition still stands and the board has messages like, “Bring me a rubber band & make it snappy” and “What do you call a nose with no body? Nobody knows.”
Changing weekly, the two signs squeezing in just 21 characters per line are now the responsibility of Aly Strapulos, the mastermind behind more than half the quirky jokes and city pride displayed on the board.
“I try to keep everything that’s current with what’s going on with the Colts, the Pacers, out at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway or big events that are coming to Indianapolis. It’s nice to welcome them,” said Strapulos.
Over the years, the company has received more than 10,000 suggestions.
Strapulos said the hardest part about developing phrases involves finding a happy medium.
“Getting the right one that isn’t too political, isn’t too religious, but just right. We have that sweet spot and that’s what we try to aim for every single week,” she said.
But Strapulos said she hopes the sign will make you go, “huh, what is that?”
The OneAmerica website welcomes submissions and states, “Be humorous, but keep it cool. Inspirational sayings, political statements, advertising or insulting, off-color remarks will not be used.”
Strapulos said the board is often requested to be utilized for marriage proposals, but its purpose is to continue the nearly 60-year tradition of lighting up the faces of those in the circle city.
