Round the Bend Now and Then

Matt Emery

Local history nerd Matt Emery strives to tell the story of South Bend and Mishawaka through interviews with local leaders, business owners and community members. Learn how intertwined the South Bend and Mishawaka area's past is to our present.   Our episodes are available on all popular podcast apps (Apple, Spotify, etc.). I'm dabbling into visual content as well! Be sure to like and subscribe to our YouTube channel! Link below: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574 Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/roundthebendpod Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthen Reach out via email at: roundthebend574@gmail.com or instant message on Twitter or Facebook. For current and historic pictures and commentary on the South Bend and Mishawaka area, also follow https://twitter.com/roundthebend574 on Twitter! read less
HistoryHistory

Episodes

Ronald McDonald House Michiana - Big Balloon Build
Mar 10 2024
Ronald McDonald House Michiana - Big Balloon Build
We do a little something different in this episode! Normally I conduct interviews that help tell a story from our area’s past or highlight a historical or well known spot in our area. In this episode, we shine a light on a huge four day event… a one of a kind event that has only happened 4 other times in North America, an event that hopes to draw thousands of families to the Northern Indiana.  The event is called The Big Balloon Build and it’s to benefit one of our community's most impactful organizations, The Ronald McDonald House of Michiana. In this episode, you’ll learn ALL about The Big Balloon Build event that is coming to the Northern Indiana Event Center in Elkhart on April 25 - 28.  You’ll hear from three different people, each who passionately articulate how great this event will be! You’ll hear from Jen Nyikos, owner of Fun By the Yard event decorating company, Nancy Salwin - Director of Sponsorships & Events at Ronald McDonald House Michiana, and Kiersten Eifler - Chief Executive Officer (CEO) - Ronald McDonald House Michiana.  Check out the websites below for tons of information - tickets, volunteer opportunities, pictures, etc. Fun By the Yard: https://www.funbytheyard.net/big-balloon-buildRonald McDonald House Michiana: https://rmhcmichiana.org/big-balloon-build/Big Balloon Build: https://www.bigballoonbuild.com/northernindiana ______________________________________________________I'm starting to dabble in visual content as well! Check out our You Tube channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Link below!You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574Be sure to follow Round the Bend Now and Then on Twitter: @roundthebendpodLike us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthenTo contact the show, you can email at roundthebend574@gmail.com or message on Twitter.For current & historical pictures and commentary on the South Bend & Mishawaka area, follow @roundthebend574 on Twitter.Lastly, as I mentioned in the episode, be sure to share Round the Bend Now and Then with somebody who you think will appreciate it!
South Bend's Canal That Never Was: Coquillard's Folly
Feb 25 2024
South Bend's Canal That Never Was: Coquillard's Folly
In South Bend's historic City Cemetery, there is a bridge that looks completely out of place and literally crosses over nothing.  It crosses no stream, creek, or road -just a VERY old stone arch bridge.  Turns out it was one bridge of many, built in the 1830s, that was meant to cross a waterway. This waterway was to be called the Kankakee Mill Race. This mill race was meant to connect the St. Joseph River to the Kankakee River.  The water from the mill race was meant to provide hydroelectric energy to the brand new city of South Bend and surrounding areas. The Kankakee Mill Race was built by one of South Bend’s founding father’s, the very respected businessman & trader, Alexis Coquillard.  It was a sure fire way for him and his many investors to harness the energy of the newly built waterway and sell it to industrial buildings and mills that would be built along the canal.  The four mile canal stretched from the St. Joe River, near Memorial Hospital, to the far West Side of South Bend. All was going to plan until the moment Alexis Coquillard realized that he and his investors lost everything on what would become known as "Coquillard's Folly." In this episode, I meet with local historian and author Aaron Helman. Within Aaron's most recent book, Ride the Jack Rabbit: More of the People, Places, & Events That Make Michiana Fascinating, is a chapter that details "Coquillard's Folly." Aaron and I discuss that chapter and all of the WILD details surrounding the "The Dry Ditch and South Bend's Bridge to Nowhere."Be sure to visit Aaron's website and check out his books!Website Link: https://www.aaronhelman.com/______________________________________________________I'm starting to dabble in visual content as well! Check out our You Tube channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Link below!You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574Be sure to follow Round the Bend Now and Then on Twitter: @roundthebendpodLike us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthenTo contact the show, you can email at roundthebend574@gmail.com or message on Twitter.For current & historical pictures and commentary on the South Bend & Mishawaka area, follow @roundthebend574 on Twitter.Lastly, as I mentioned in the episode, be sure to share Round the Bend Now and Then with somebody who you think will appreciate it!
The Linebacker Lounge
Feb 11 2024
The Linebacker Lounge
The Linebacker Lounge is a legendary Notre Dame & South Bend area establishment. It has stood on the corner of Edison Rd & St Rd 23 since 1962. While the surrounding area has changed over the years, The Backer has stood tall making sure all who visit leave happy & hopefully upright.  In this episode, I meet with Aaron Frucci, "retired" longtime Backer bartender. Bartenders, especially bartenders in packed college bars, see some things & Aaron is no exception!We record AT The Backer & we discuss everything from famous celebrities visiting to bachelorette parties battling, to generations of patrons, & Aaron even shares what Linebacker Sludge is.  Yuck! We also discuss the history of the Linebacker & how there were several instances in the 1970s where we were extremely close to losing the beloved bar. Check out The Linebacker on: Facebook: Linebacker Lounge Across From Notre Dame Link: (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028671055755)Twitter: @backerlounge1 Link: (https://twitter.com/backerlounge1?s=21&t=F7clXfsuquJDUiC1HWAY-Q)Website: https://linebackerlounge.com/______________________________________________________I'm starting to dabble in visual content as well! Check out our You Tube channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Link below!You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574Be sure to follow Round the Bend Now and Then on Twitter: @roundthebendpodLike us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthenTo contact the show, you can email at roundthebend574@gmail.com or message on Twitter.For current & historical pictures and commentary on the South Bend & Mishawaka area, follow @roundthebend574 on Twitter.Lastly, as I mentioned in the episode, be sure to share Round the Bend Now and Then with somebody who you think will appreciate it!
The Bomb Blast at Michigan & Colfax
Jan 28 2024
The Bomb Blast at Michigan & Colfax
In the early hours of January 10, 1935, at the corner of Colfax Ave & Michigan St in South Bend, IN, bomb blasts rocked the fancy Palais Royale building. The target was the Palace Cafe, which was located on the ground floor of the building. In the ensuing months, the drama surrounding the bombing was something out of a Hollywood script with everything from courtroom shenanigans to looting to insurance companies taken to court. In this episode, I meet with local historian and author Aaron Helman. Within Aaron's most recent book, Ride the Jack Rabbit: More of the People, Places, & Events That Make Michiana Fascinating, is a chapter that details the Palace Cafe bombing. Aaron and I discuss that chapter and all of the WILD details surrounding the Palace Cafe bombing. Be sure to visit Aaron's website and check out his books! Website Link: https://www.aaronhelman.com/______________________________________________________I'm starting to dabble in visual content as well! Check out our You Tube channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Link below!You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574Be sure to follow Round the Bend Now and Then on Twitter: @roundthebendpodLike us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthenTo contact the show, you can email at roundthebend574@gmail.com or message on Twitter.For current & historical pictures and commentary on the South Bend & Mishawaka area, follow @roundthebend574 on Twitter.Lastly, as I mentioned in the episode, be sure to share Round the Bend Now and Then with somebody who you think will appreciate it!
South Bend's Band of Brothers
Jan 14 2024
South Bend's Band of Brothers
Imagine how hard it would be to have a son or daughter overseas fighting in a war. Now imagine that multiplied by SIX! SIX of Ethel & Howard Hardman's sons left their Corby St. home to serve our country in World War II!In this episode, you'll learn about those SIX brothers: South Bend's Band of Brothers. I meet with Edna Parcell, who over the years has helped tell the stories of her brothers Royal, Clyde, Robert, Marion, Joseph and Donald Hardman, who all served our country in World War II.  I must tell you all that doing this episode moved me so much.  From hearing Edna's memories, to editing & shaping the episode, it truly was special.  I obviously never met the Hardman brothers, but I feel honored & privileged to be able to share their WWII story with others. This episode is a stark reminder to us that freedom is not free and that our men and women serving in our military sacrifice SO MUCH to keep us free. Be sure to thank a veteran today!______________________________________________________I'm starting to dabble in visual content as well! Check out our You Tube channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Link below!You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574Be sure to follow Round the Bend Now and Then on Twitter: @roundthebendpodLike us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthenTo contact the show, you can email at roundthebend574@gmail.com or message on Twitter.For current & historical pictures and commentary on the South Bend & Mishawaka area, follow @roundthebend574 on Twitter.Lastly, as I mentioned in the episode, be sure to share Round the Bend Now and Then with somebody who you think will appreciate it!
Notre Dame's Contribution to the Blues: The Midwest Blues Festival
Oct 22 2023
Notre Dame's Contribution to the Blues: The Midwest Blues Festival
In the 1970s, students at Notre Dame organized multiple blues festivals that brought students, locals, rich, poor, African American and white folks together, to share their common love of the blues. In 1971, Perry Aberli, a grad student at the time, approached the administration of the University of Notre Dame and pitched an idea that had never been done on campus.  He proposed a 3 day blues festival to be held in the Stepan Center, which at the time was a popular venue for all types of events on campus.  Little did he know that the blues festival would be the first of many more throughout the 1970s and would bring popular blues artists by the likes of Muddy Waters, Albert King, Johnny Lee Hooker, Howlin Wolf, Buddy Guy, and Junior Wells, to name a few, to South Bend.  In this episode, I meet with Perry Aberli and he shares why the Midwest Blues Festival was MORE than just a few concerts. The story behind the festival series is so multi-layered that I felt I must try to share the story: College students organizing & leading a three day blues festival, with all African American performers, at a conservative mostly white Catholic university, set in a diverse city, in the turbulent times of the early 1970s.... and EVERYONE enjoyed their time together surrounding a common love of the blues. Check out our You Tube channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Narrated videos of some of the locations that are discussed in the episodes will be posted! Link below!You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574Be sure to follow Round the Bend Now and Then on Twitter: @roundthebendpodLike us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthenTo contact the show, you can email at roundthebend574@gmail.com or message on Twitter.For current & historical pictures and commentary on the South Bend & Mishawaka area, follow @roundthebend574 on Twitter.Lastly, as I mentioned in the episode, be sure to share Round the Bend Now and Then with somebody who you think will appreciate it!
The History Museum
Oct 15 2023
The History Museum
The History Museum has seen many changes in its almost 150 year existence, but one thing is for sure, the entire area is blessed to have one of the oldest and largest historical societies in our state, right here in our own back yard.  In this episode, I meet with the Deputy Executive Director of The History Museum, Kristie Erickson.  We start our talk in her museum office, where we discuss the history of the museum and EVERYTHING that it offers our community. You would be amazed to find out all of the things that go on behind the scenes to bring the beautiful exhibits to life!  We end our chat actually walking on the museum floor, highlighting some of their cool (and CREEPY) exhibits! Be sure to visit The History Museum's website for ALL types of information: https://www.historymuseumsb.org/Check out our You Tube channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Narrated videos of some of the locations that are discussed in the episodes will be posted! Link below!You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574Be sure to follow Round the Bend Now and Then on Twitter: @roundthebendpodLike us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthenTo contact the show, you can email at roundthebend574@gmail.com or message on Twitter.For current & historical pictures and commentary on the South Bend & Mishawaka area, follow @roundthebend574 on Twitter.Lastly, as I mentioned in the episode, be sure to share Round the Bend Now and Then with somebody who you think will appreciate it!
Bill Moor: Longtime South Bend Tribune Columnist.... now happily retired :-)
Oct 8 2023
Bill Moor: Longtime South Bend Tribune Columnist.... now happily retired :-)
In this episode, I meet with LONGTIME South Bend Tribune columnist Bill Moor.  Bill started at the Tribune in 1973 and spent almost 50 years serving in numerous roles including a sports writer, editor, and human interest columnist. During our conversation, we get into his years at the Tribune, our common love of the Chicago Cubs, and even his experiences flying on top of airplanes and riding on the back of garbage trucks.  We also talk about Bill’s new book titled Kissing the Frog.  As you’ll hear, the fiction book is told through the eyes of a 15 year old boy named Spanky.  It’s set in South Bend and references to local streets, places, schools, names, etc. are littered throughout. It will definitely bring you back to your childhood! Check out Bill's website for interesting articles and more! You can purchase Kissing the Frog here as well! https://moorandmore.net/Check out our You Tube channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Narrated videos of some of the locations that are discussed in the episodes will be posted! Link below!You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574Be sure to follow Round the Bend Now and Then on Twitter: @roundthebendpodLike us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthenTo contact the show, you can email at roundthebend574@gmail.com or message on Twitter.For current & historical pictures and commentary on the South Bend & Mishawaka area, follow @roundthebend574 on Twitter.Lastly, as I mentioned in the episode, be sure to share Round the Bend Now and Then with somebody who you think will appreciate it!
The Lake
Oct 1 2023
The Lake
“The Lake” is a nickname for the LaSalle Park neighborhood on the far West Side of South Bend, IN. The history of the neighborhood and everything it has experienced are so unbelievable, the story simply must be told. Longtime city leader Lynn Coleman joins me and helps tell the neighborhood's story. The neighborhood is situated near a city park called LaSalle Park. Within LaSalle park is a small body of water called, "Beck's Lake". Currently, the park looks just like any other city park with a playground, shelter, community center, etc. However, prior to the 1920s, Beck's Lake was a much larger lake ecosystem thriving with hunting, wildlife, fishing, etc. In the 1920s, the lake was drained for a sewer project, leaving the shallow marsh type area we see today. From the 1930s until the 1950s, it was an official city trash dump called Beck's Lake Dump. ALL types of unsafe, toxic materials and trash were deposited in the dump. After the dump officially closed, people continued illegally dumping here for years after that. Even though there was a city dump nearby, houses were still built and a community formed. This community has had a positive impact on many South Bend residents, including Lynn Coleman. In this episode, I meet with Lynn Coleman. Lynn is a lifelong South Bend resident, retired police officer, former assistant to the mayor, local leader, family man, and he owes ALL of that, to growing up on The Lake.  Check out our You Tube channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Narrated videos of some of the locations that are discussed in the episodes will be posted! Link below!You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574Be sure to follow Round the Bend Now and Then on Twitter: @roundthebendpodLike us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthenTo contact the show, you can email at roundthebend574@gmail.com or message on Twitter.For current & historical pictures and commentary on the South Bend & Mishawaka area, follow @roundthebend574 on Twitter.Lastly, as I mentioned in the episode, be sure to share Round the Bend Now and Then with somebody who you think will appreciate it!
30 Plus Years of Minor League Baseball in South Bend: An Up and Down Journey
Sep 24 2023
30 Plus Years of Minor League Baseball in South Bend: An Up and Down Journey
Four Winds Field & the South Bend Cubs are a thriving minor league baseball stadium and franchise! Many fans probably do not know how close we came to losing baseball in South Bend altogether. In this episode, I meet longtime South Bend lawyer Dick Nussbaum.  Dick shares his memories of professional baseball’s journey in South Bend as he has played an integral role in its growth here over the last thirty years.  In the late 1980s, Dick served as South Bend’s City Attorney in Mayor Joe Kernan’s administration. As city attorney, he was in charge of handling the relationship between the city, the minor league franchise, and its owners.  In the early 1990s, he became the general counsel for the Midwest Baseball League and from 2014 - 2020 he served as the Midwest League’s President. So.... the man knows his baseball! He also knows the ins and outs of the relationship between a city and its sports franchise.  By the end of this episode, you’ll know why Dick should be proud and hold his head high for ALL of his work in helping minor league baseball in South Bend thrive! Check out our You Tube channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Narrated videos of some of the locations that are discussed in the episodes will be posted! Link below!You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574Be sure to follow Round the Bend Now and Then on Twitter: @roundthebendpodLike us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthenTo contact the show, you can email at roundthebend574@gmail.com or message on Twitter.For current & historical pictures and commentary on the South Bend & Mishawaka area, follow @roundthebend574 on Twitter.Lastly, as I mentioned in the episode, be sure to share Round the Bend Now and Then with somebody who you think will appreciate it!
"Echoes From Notre Dame" Book Series Author Lisa Kelly
Sep 10 2023
"Echoes From Notre Dame" Book Series Author Lisa Kelly
In this episode, I meet with author Lisa Kelly. Lisa has written numerous Notre Dame related books, including the Echoes from Notre Dame series, cookbook Domer Dishes, and her new children's book, Clover Goes to Notre Dame. You'll hear that Lisa's story is a true, one thing leads to another journey. One thing wouldn’t lead to another however, if Lisa didn’t dive right in, take a few risks, and follow her passions.  And thank goodness she did! As you'll hear, her journey has led her to experiences beyond anything she could have imagined, including forming relationships with many Notre Dame football greats. Check out Lisa's website for her books, events, contact information, and more! https://www.echoesfromnotredamebooks.com/Check out her weekly column on One Foot Down: https://www.onefootdown.com/authors/lisa-kellyCheck out our You Tube channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Narrated videos of some of the locations that are discussed in the episodes will be posted! Link below!You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574Be sure to follow Round the Bend Now and Then on Twitter: @roundthebendpodLike us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthenTo contact the show, you can email at roundthebend574@gmail.com or message on Twitter.For current & historical pictures and commentary on the South Bend & Mishawaka area, follow @roundthebend574 on Twitter.Lastly, as I mentioned in the episode, be sure to share Round the Bend Now and Then with somebody who you think will appreciate it!
Tradition & Passion: Mishawaka High School Head Football Coach Keith Kinder
Sep 3 2023
Tradition & Passion: Mishawaka High School Head Football Coach Keith Kinder
In this episode, I meet w/Mishawaka High School head football coach Keith Kinder deep in the bowels of historic Steele Stadium. Hear how he balances the rich tradition of the program with today’s kids, & how he hopes the relationships they build propel them to success! You'll hear Coach Kinder's passion shine as we talk about his journey, the football team, and its relationship with a tradition filled passionate community. Last week, you heard all about Mishawaka High School’s Steele Stadium.  We learned that it was built by Mishawaka residents at a time when many families were uncertain where their next meal was coming from… during the Great Depression.  It provided Mishawaka with something bright to rally around, when everything else seemed so dark.  What they might not have known, is that they were building the foundation of a tradition… the tradition of a high school football stadium that 80 plus years later still stands tall just a stones throw from Mishawaka High School. Check out our You Tube channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Narrated videos of some of the locations that are discussed in the episodes will be posted! Link below!You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574Be sure to follow Round the Bend Now and Then on Twitter: @roundthebendpodLike us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthenTo contact the show, you can email at roundthebend574@gmail.com or message on Twitter.For current & historical pictures and commentary on the South Bend & Mishawaka area, follow @roundthebend574 on Twitter.Lastly, as I mentioned in the episode, be sure to share Round the Bend Now and Then with somebody who you think will appreciate it!
Mishawaka High School's Steele Stadium: From Great Depression to Tradition
Aug 27 2023
Mishawaka High School's Steele Stadium: From Great Depression to Tradition
In this episode, our listeners and I learn all about how a mid 1930s Great Depression era program created by President Roosevelt’s administration to provide jobs to the unemployed, was used to build a local high school football stadium that on Friday nights 80 plus years later still fills an entire residential neighborhood up with the sounds of a school band playing, helmets and pads crashing into each other, and rabid Mishawaka Cavemen fans cheering on their Maroon and White. Mishawaka High School’s Steele Stadium is a prime historic example of exactly what the Great Depression era program titled, Works Progress Administration, or WPA for short, intended.  In Mishawaka historian Pete DeKever’s book titled: Hidden History of Mishawaka, there is a chapter within titled “Mishawaka’s Battleground: Celebrating the 80th Anniversary of Steele Stadium’s WPA Bleachers.”  With football season on the horizon and the passion that I know the Mishawaka fans display, I knew that I wanted to share this story.  In this episode, I meet with Pete and we learn all about why Mishawaka High School’s Steele Stadium is so beloved by, literally, generations students, former players, and Mishawaka residents.Listen to the episode first, then head to 121 S. Main St. in Mishawaka and check out the museum! All for the price of a pack of gum and a bag of chips!Be sure to check out next week's episode as I meet with Mishawaka High School Head Football Coach Keith Kinder.  We had great time meeting in his office, right in the bowels of historic Steele Stadium. Visit the Mishawaka Historical Museum's Website: https://mishawakamuseum.orgOr check them out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mishawakamuseumPurchase Pete DeKever's book, The Hidden History of Mishawaka, here: https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-History-Mishawaka-Peter-Kever/dp/1540250288Check out our You Tube channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Narrated videos of some of the locations that are discussed in the episodes will be posted! Link below!You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574Be sure to follow Round the Bend Now and Then on Twitter: @roundthebendpodLike us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthenTo contact the show, you can email at roundthebend574@gmail.com or message on Twitter.For current & historical pictures and commentary on the South Bend & Mishawaka area, follow @roundthebend574 on Twitter.Lastly, as I mentioned in the episode, be sure to share Round the Bend Now and Then with somebody who you think will appreciate it!
The Studebaker National Museum
Jul 30 2023
The Studebaker National Museum
In this week’s episode, we try a first: I recorded an entire interview on site away from my basement studio. I felt that this would be the best way to authentically shine a spotlight on one of the South Bend and Mishawaka area’s gems: the Studebaker National Museum!  I met with Archivist Andy Beckman, and he was so gracious with his time, as he shared some history behind the museum and highlighted all of the great things that it offers.  We met in his office first, where I asked him some questions about the history behind the Studebaker National Museum and its various homes over the years until it landed at its final destination in 2005 at 201 Chapin St. South Bend IN 46601We then hit the museum floor and Andy describes to us some of the wonderful exhibits, beautiful cars, one of a kind pieces, and tons of historical information telling the story of Studebaker. Be sure to visit the Studebaker National Museum! For information on upcoming events, hours, ways to donate, etc., check out their website: https://www.studebakermuseum.org/ Check out our new You Tube channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Narrated videos of some of the locations that are discussed in the episodes will be posted! Link below!You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574Be sure to follow Round the Bend Now and Then on Twitter: @roundthebendpodLike us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthenTo contact the show, you can email at roundthebend574@gmail.com or message on Twitter.For current & historical pictures and commentary on the South Bend & Mishawaka area, follow @roundthebend574 on Twitter.Lastly, as I mentioned in the episode, be sure to share Round the Bend Now and Then with somebody who you think will appreciate it!
The Story Behind South Bend's Four Winds Field/The Cove (Former South Bend Mayor Roger Parent)
Jul 23 2023
The Story Behind South Bend's Four Winds Field/The Cove (Former South Bend Mayor Roger Parent)
In this episode, Roger Parent joins us again & shares his memories leading the city in bringing professional baseball to South Bend, IN. In what started as a meeting pushed by a very insistent Michiana Area Planning Commission Director in February of 1985, ended 10 days later with former South Bend Mayor Roger Parent announcing to the citizens of South Bend that they would be the hometown of a professional minor league baseball team. All of this sparked quite the drama in the South Bend & Mishawaka area in the mid 1980s. There were tons of arguments for and against building the stadium.  There were articles in the newspaper touting the benefits and naysayers standing up at meetings telling anyone who would listen that it was a bad idea.  Thank you Roger Parent for sharing your memories!Folks: Check out Roger's new book (and others) on his website! https://rogerparent.org/Check out our new You Tube channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Narrated videos of some of the locations that are discussed in the episodes will be posted! Link below!You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574Be sure to follow Round the Bend Now and Then on Twitter: @roundthebendpodLike us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthenTo contact the show, you can email at roundthebend574@gmail.com or message on Twitter.For current & historical pictures and commentary on the South Bend & Mishawaka area, follow @roundthebend574 on Twitter.Lastly, as I mentioned in the episode, be sure to share Round the Bend Now and Then with somebody who you think will appreciate it!
The Story Behind South Bend's East Race Waterway (Former South Bend Mayor Roger Parent)
Jul 16 2023
The Story Behind South Bend's East Race Waterway (Former South Bend Mayor Roger Parent)
In this episode, former South Bend Mayor Roger Parent, who was mayor at the time the East Race Waterway was built in the early 1980s, joins me and shares his memories of what it was like to collaboratively accomplish building something that literally was the first in North America. You’ll learn that the East Race has not always looked like the one we know now. Originally built in 1843 to power industry, but by the 1950s it was a public hazard no longer in use and the city filled it in. The area was filthy, undesirable, and attracted vagrants. The East Race that we know now was built in the early 1980s and at that time, there was quite an amount of community drama for AND against the building of a whitewater kayak course flowing through a downtown area.  Thank you Roger Parent for sharing your memories! Folks: Check out Roger's new book (and others) on his website! https://rogerparent.org/Check out our new You Tube channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Narrated videos of some of the locations that are discussed in the episodes will be posted! Link below!You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574Be sure to follow Round the Bend Now and Then on Twitter: @roundthebendpodLike us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthenTo contact the show, you can email at roundthebend574@gmail.com or message on Twitter.For current & historical pictures and commentary on the South Bend & Mishawaka area, follow @roundthebend574 on Twitter.Lastly, as I mentioned in the episode, be sure to share Round the Bend Now and Then with somebody who you think will appreciate it!
The Launch of Michiana Crime Stoppers - 40 Years
Jul 9 2023
The Launch of Michiana Crime Stoppers - 40 Years
On this episode, I meet with the first coordinator of the Michiana Crime Stoppers program, retired South Bend Police Lieutenant Sam Walsh. Michiana Crime Stoppers turns 40 years old this year! Many people remember the Crime Stoppers Crime of the Week commercials in the 1980s with the jail door being slammed shut and Lt. Sam Walsh saying, "You'll be assigned a code number and we won't ask your name. Crime Stoppers, IT WORKS!" However, what we saw on the TV was only the tip of the iceberg. On this episode, Sam shares his experiences helping to launch the Crime Stoppers program in Michiana. The great success the program has achieved over the last 40 years is a direct result of the collaboration between the community, the media, and law enforcement. However, it wasn't always easy as the program experienced many road blocks and amusing stories along the way. Check out Michiana Crime Stoppers' web site - donate to the program as well! http://www.michianacrimestoppers.com/sitemenu.aspx?ID=203&Check out our new You Tube channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Narrated videos of some of the locations that are discussed in the episodes will be posted! Link below!You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574Be sure to follow Round the Bend Now and Then on Twitter: @roundthebendpodLike us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthenTo contact the show, you can email at roundthebend574@gmail.com or message on Twitter.For current & historical pictures and commentary on the South Bend & Mishawaka area, follow @roundthebend574 on Twitter.Lastly, as I mentioned in the episode, be sure to share Round the Bend Now and Then with somebody who you think will appreciate it!
Better Homes of South Bend: An American Story of Courage
Jul 2 2023
Better Homes of South Bend: An American Story of Courage
In this episode, I meet with author Gabrielle Robinson and we discuss the story behind her book, Better Homes of South Bend: An American Story of Courage. The book's description, says it all: "In 1950, a group of African American workers at the Studebaker factory in South Bend met in secret. Their mission was to build homes away from the factories and slums where they were forced to live. They came from the South to make a better life for themselves and their children, but they found Jim Crow in the North as well. The meeting gave birth to Better Homes of South Bend, and a triumph against the entrenched racism of the times took all their courage, intelligence and perseverance." We discuss Gabrielle's journey writing the book including discussing the many people that she formed relationships with along the way. It's truly an amazing story of a group of people who were determined to not let discriminatory housing practices in stand in their way. Be sure to purchase and read the book! Gabrielle so beautifully paints a picture of the times. Website: https://www.gabriellerobinson.com/better-homes-of-south-bendCheck out our new You Tube channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Narrated videos of some of the locations that are discussed in the episodes will be posted! Link below! You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574 Be sure to follow Round the Bend Now and Then on Twitter: @roundthebendpodLike us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthenTo contact the show, you can email at roundthebend574@gmail.com or message on Twitter.For current & historical pictures and commentary on the South Bend & Mishawaka area, follow @roundthebend574 on Twitter.Lastly, as I mentioned in the episode, be sure to share Round the Bend Now and Then with somebody who you think will appreciate it!