The Meis department store opened at 624 Wabash Avenue in 1924. Ever progressive, the business expanded rapidly, employing about 1600 people at its peak. Three more stores were opened in Terre Haute and several others in surrounding cities. Long known as the “fashion center of the Wabash Valley,” Meis closed its doors in the late 1970’s. It was the last remaining department store on Wabash Avenue.