500 Facts About the Indy 500-- Part 5: Fisher Bought the Farm

2.  JAMES ALLISON ORIGINALLY MADE HIS LIVING FROM COUPONS AND FOUNTAIN PENS.

The "coupons" the Allison Co. made were essentially legal tender at coal mining company stores at the turn of the 20th century.  The business expanded by printing tickets and vouchers, but James split to found a company that manufactured his invention, the Allison Perfection Fountain Pen.

The original coupon company had an address that would have put it near the corner of Georgia and Capitol.

3.  THE TRACK WAS ONCE A FARM.

The investors purchased the 328 acre Pressly farm for $72,000 in 1908.  The land was level, which fit Fisher's vision perfectly.

--RoadDog