A Bend in Time

Episode 1: South Bend Bait Company

What do lures, bamboo rods, and a scandalous escape to Sandusky have in common? Dive into the story of the South Bend Bait Company—once a fishing industry titan and now a collector's dream. From deer-hair hooks to million-dollar sales, this episode of A Bend in Time unravels the dramatic history of innovation, scandal, and resilience behind one of South Bend’s most fascinating forgotten businesses.

Part of Series 2: Forgotten Businesses of South Bend

A Bend in Time is presented by The History Museum in South Bend, Indiana and hosted by Aaron Helman. 

Visit The History Museum's website at historymuseumsb.org

Episode 2: South Bend Toy Company

From croquet sets and baseball bats to doll carriages and record-breaking wagons, the South Bend Toy Company once ruled as a global toy titan. But behind the success were fiery factory disasters, wartime contributions, and a remarkable legacy of craftsmanship. Join A Bend in Time as we uncover how this iconic toy maker rose to international fame, broke sales records, won accolades—and ultimately faced the challenges of changing times and a high-tech toy market.

Part of Series 2: Forgotten Businesses of South Bend

A Bend in Time is presented by The History Museum in South Bend, Indiana and hosted by Aaron Helman. 

Visit The History Museum's website at historymuseumsb.org

Episode 3: Stephenson Underwear

Murder, mayhem, and long johns! Step back in time to explore the scandalous rise and fall of the Stephenson Underwear Mills, one of South Bend’s most influential—yet controversial—businesses. From woolen suits worn by President Benjamin Harrison to battles over land, labor, and tariffs, this episode of A Bend in Time delves into the company’s storied past. Discover how a factory pet bear, dynamite publicity stunts, and whispers of murder made the tale of Stephenson Underwear anything but ordinary.

Part of Series 2: Forgotten Businesses of South Bend

A Bend in Time is presented by The History Museum in South Bend, Indiana and hosted by Aaron Helman. 

Visit The History Museum's website at historymuseumsb.org

Episode 4: Muessel Brewing

In this episode of A Bend in Time, we follow the fascinating journey of the Muessel Brewing Company—from its Bavarian roots to its rise as a South Bend institution. Discover how this family-owned brewery thrived amidst temperance movements, tragic headlines, and the devastating effects of Prohibition. With tales of championship football teams, daring robberies, and enduring community landmarks like Muessel Grove Park, this is more than a story about beer—it's a story about resilience, legacy, and the surprising ways history lingers. Cheers to that!

Part of Series 2: Forgotten Businesses of South Bend

A Bend in Time is presented by The History Museum in South Bend, Indiana and hosted by Aaron Helman. 

Visit The History Museum's website at historymuseumsb.org

Episode 5: The South Bend News-Times

Rivalries, rising stars, and the race for readers! Explore the history of the South Bend News-Times, a scrappy underdog that nurtured talents like Ring Lardner and Charles Butterworth while battling its rival, the South Bend Tribune. Discover tales of journalistic pranks, political feuds, and how a little basement graffiti launched a cartoonist’s career. Despite its legacy of incredible local coverage, the News-Times struggled against changing times and shifting reader loyalties, leading to its poignant farewell in 1938. Relive the story of a newspaper that gave South Bend its voice—and its heart.

Part of Series 2: Forgotten Businesses of South Bend

A Bend in Time is presented by The History Museum in South Bend, Indiana and hosted by Aaron Helman. 

Visit The History Museum's website at historymuseumsb.org

Episode 6: Birdsell Manufacturing Company

Lawsuits, poetry, and a game-changing machine! This episode of A Bend in Time dives into the story of the Birdsell Manufacturing Company, the pioneering South Bend firm that revolutionized farming with the Birdsell Clover Huller. Follow the epic battles of J.C. Birdsell as he fought to protect his patent, built an industrial empire, and turned a niche invention into an international success. From factory whistles heard miles away to unhinged marketing poetry and extravagant galas, this episode reveals the innovation and drama behind one of South Bend’s most colorful enterprises.

Part of Series 2: Forgotten Businesses of South Bend

A Bend in Time is presented by The History Museum in South Bend, Indiana and hosted by Aaron Helman. 

Visit The History Museum's website at historymuseumsb.org

Episode 7: George Cutter Company

What do New Orleans’ flickering streetlights and South Bend’s industrial past have in common? The George Cutter Company. In this episode of A Bend in Time, we illuminate the story of the man who brought style to streetlights across the U.S. and beyond. From his collaborations with Alexander Graham Bell to crafting iconic Arcadian lamps still standing in historic districts, George Cutter’s legacy is a beacon of innovation and design. Learn about his remarkable journey, the rise of his company, and its eventual assimilation into Westinghouse.

Part of Series 2: Forgotten Businesses of South Bend

A Bend in Time is presented by The History Museum in South Bend, Indiana and hosted by Aaron Helman. 

Visit The History Museum's website at historymuseumsb.org

Episode 8: South Bend Watch

Ice-block watches, arctic expeditions, and dishonest postcards and more in this episode about the South Bend Watch Company. In this final episode of A Bend in Time's series on forgotten businesses, we chronicle the rise and fall of this trailblazing watchmaker that dared to challenge the giants of its industry. From marketing brilliance and luxurious railroad-grade timepieces to its tragic downfall in the Great Depression, this episode highlights a company whose innovation and legacy still tick on today. Don’t miss this fascinating finale!  

Part of Series 2: Forgotten Businesses of South Bend

A Bend in Time is presented by The History Museum in South Bend, Indiana and hosted by Aaron Helman. 

Visit The History Museum's website at historymuseumsb.org

Episode 2: Dr. Louis Humphreys

Louis Humphreys was mayor of South Bend from 1868 – 1872, a time that lined up almost perfectly with Schuyler Colfax’s vice presidency. It was an unprecedented time of Good Feelings, business development, and governmental cooperation. For most of his term, Humphreys’ actions rarely made big news… and that’s exactly the way he would have wanted it.

Part of Series 1: Dawn of the City of South Bend 

Looking for something in particular?

02:52    A brief biography of Dr. Louis Humphreys

05:55    Major long-term business investment comes to South Bend

08:36    Mayor Humphreys leads the charge for Grant & Colfax

09:24    Clement Studebaker begins to step into local politics

09:54    Grant & Colfax win the White House

12:26    African Americans establish a presence in South Bend

18:04    South Bend responds to the Great Chicago Fire

21:07    Mayor Humphreys’ legacy and death

A Bend in Time is presented by The History Museum in South Bend, Indiana and hosted by Aaron Helman. 

Visit The History Museum's website. 

Episode 3: William Miller

William Miller was mayor of South Bend from 1872-1876, inheriting a city on a high note that was about to come to an unexpected end. Miller had endured plenty of tragedy during his early life and would see plenty more during his four years in the mayor’s office. He’d oversee the city’s effort to build a modern water works and help deliver the wildest political circus the young city had ever seen.

Part of Series 1: Dawn of the City of South Bend

Looking for something in particular?

02:32    A brief biography of William Miller

06:39    Death of South Bend’s founder, Alexis Coquillard

08:30    There are TWO William Millers?

11:16    A pair of major fires visit South Bend

13:24    Water Works debate turns contentious

16:40    Political parties dissolve ahead of the 1873 Council election

17:46    John Studebaker and Schuyler Colfax lose a bet on Christmas!

21:18    Mayor Miller departs from the Republican party amid controversy

24:59    Mayor Miller’s legacy and death

A Bend in Time is presented by The History Museum in South Bend, Indiana and hosted by Aaron Helman. 

Visit The History Museum's website.