Round the Bend Now and Then

In this episode, I meet with the President and Curator of the Mishawaka Historical Museum, Pete DeKever.  We talk about a chapter from his most recent book, LOST Mishawaka. The specific chapter that we discuss is “When Mishawaka was the Power City: The Story of the Twin Branch Dam and Power Plant”

I've seen the massive Twin Branch Dam many times, but I definitely was not aware that the dam is only a part of how much local history the land contains. There was a huge area on the north side of the river that contained massive steam plant buildings that once powered the entire city of Mishawaka and beyond.  But now.... that complex is but a distant memory.

The story behind the Twin Branch Dam and Power Plant is truly remarkable considering how large it became and how much of an impact the power it produced had on local lives.

Thank you Pete DeKever for joining us! Check out Pete's new book, LOST Mishawaka, at the link below.

https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Mishawaka-Peter-J-Kever/dp/1467157910#detailBullets_feature_div

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Thank you to the Mishawaka Historical Museum for sponsoring this episode! If you're a fan of our content, you'll be a fan of the museum! You'll experience the most comprehensive collection of artifacts and historical background all specific to Mishawaka!

Give them a visit at 121 S. Main St. in Mishawaka, just south of the Lincolnway and Main St. intersection. Check out their website to learn more!

https://mishawakamuseum.org/

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Thank you to M/T Box Computers for sponsoring this episode! Check out their website below to learn more about what they can do to fit your small business's technological needs!

https://www.mtboxcomputers.com/

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Thank you to the Portage Township Trustee's Office for sponsoring this episode! Thank you to Jason Critchlow and his team for ALL that you do in our community!

Check out their website below and discover ALL that the Portage Township Trustee's Office does to meet our community's needs!

https://portage-township.com/

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ALL of our audio podcast episodes are also on YouTube! Check out our channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Link below!

You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574

Be sure to follow Round the Bend Now and Then on Twitter: @roundthebendpod

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthen

To contact the show, you can email at [email protected] or message on Twitter or Facebook.

For current & historical pictures and commentary on the South Bend & Mishawaka area, follow @roundthebend574 on Twitter.

Be sure to share Round the Bend Now and Then with somebody who you think will appreciate it!

In this episode, I meet with Mishawaka historian Susanna Ernst and we talk about one of our area's most iconic neighborhoods: Mishawaka's Belgian West End.

The neighborhood was built by Belgian immigrants in the early 1900’s and grew into a cultural center that was equipped with everything they needed within a few blocks radius: Flemish speaking grocery stores, social clubs, banks, bakeries, and even their own catholic church... St. Bavo.

I learned SO much from Susanna's knowledge and research about the Belgian West End.  It once again reaffirms that there is SO much history right under our noses!  I’m confident that you’ll learn a thing or two as well. 

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Thank you to M/T Box Computers for sponsoring this episode! Check out their website below to learn more about what they can do to fit your small business's technological needs!

https://www.mtboxcomputers.com/

______________________________________________________

Thank you to the Portage Township Trustee's Office for sponsoring this episode! Thank you to Jason Critchlow and his team for ALL that you do in our community!

Check out their website below and discover ALL that the Portage Township Trustee's Office does to meet our community's needs!

https://portage-township.com/

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ALL of our audio podcast episodes are also on YouTube! Check out our channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Link below!

You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574

Be sure to follow Round the Bend Now and Then on Twitter: @roundthebendpod

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthen

To contact the show, you can email at [email protected] or message on Twitter or Facebook.

For current & historical pictures and commentary on the South Bend & Mishawaka area, follow @roundthebend574 on Twitter.

Be sure to share Round the Bend Now and Then with somebody who you think will appreciate it!

In this episode, I meet Joe Molnar, the Assistant Director of Growth and Opportunity for the City of South Bend.  I wanted to learn more about the city’s role in redevelopment and the MANY moving parts and nuances that it takes to help improve our city.  

Learn about: 

* The challenges and the necessity of the city having to intervene in neglected properties and buildings.  

* The uniqueness and challenges of saving and repurposing historic buildings and the vision that it takes. 

* The many moving parts that it takes to build new houses on empty lots in our inner city neighborhoods.  And how this can spark improvements and investments in neighboring properties.  

* What makes the market around Notre Dame different 

* How vacation rentals (Airbnb, etc.)can turn streets into “Zombie Neighborhoods” - nice lawns, houses kept up, lights on, but nobody is there. 

* How South Bend’s Master Plans are shaped and formed and how critical it is for community member’s to provide input. 

* How South Bend has a downtown, but also has numerous “Mini Downtowns” in our neighborhoods and the potential that those areas contain.  

Check out Joe's "More People" series at the link below:

https://westsb.com/features/morepeople

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Thank you to Doing It Travel for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to check out their website below to begin planning your dream vacation today!

https://www.doingittravel.com/

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Thank you to M/T Box Computers for sponsoring this episode! Check out their website below to learn more about what they can do to fit your small business's technological needs!

https://www.mtboxcomputers.com/

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Thank you to InRugCo Studio & Gift Shop for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to visit their shop at 220 E. Mishawaka Ave in Mishawaka... across from the Central Park entrance.

Check out their website and you'll see why I'm so enthusiastic about partnering with them! https://indianarugco.com/ 

__________________________________________________

ALL of our audio podcast episodes are also on YouTube! Check out our channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Link below!

You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574

Be sure to follow Round the Bend Now and Then on Twitter: @roundthebendpod

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthen

To contact the show, you can email at [email protected] or message on Twitter or Facebook.

For current & historical pictures and commentary on the South Bend & Mishawaka area, follow @roundthebend574 on Twitter.

Be sure to share Round the Bend Now and Then with somebody who you think will appreciate it!

Earl J “Pete” Redden Sr. was an absolute visionary entrepreneur and master promoter.  He owned, operated and built Playland Park into an extremely popular amusement park that was a go to destination for decades.  When the park closed, the land was then transformed into a popular 9 hole golf course, equipped with lights to play into the night. This was all located on the land between the Mighty St. Joseph River, Lincolnway, & Ironwood Dr, where IUSB's student housing now stands.

In this episode, I interview Sandy Redden, who was Pete Redden Sr.’s daughter in law. As the wife of Pete’s son, Pete Redden Jr., she was a key part of the Redden family business that extended well beyond just the amusement park.  

Along with Sandy, I met with her son, also named Pete.  Pete’s passion for the history behind his grandfather’s popular park, and other businesses, is clearly evident.  

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As mentioned in the episode, WNIT produced a wonderful documentary about Playland Park. Check it out at the link below.

https://www.wnit.org/programs/specials/remember-when-playland-park.html

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Thank you to InRugCo Studio & Gift Shop for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to visit their shop at 220 E. Mishawaka Ave in Mishawaka... across from the Central Park entrance.

Check out their website and you'll see why I'm so enthusiastic about partnering with them! https://indianarugco.com/ 

__________________________________________________

ALL of our audio podcast episodes are also on YouTube! Check out our channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Link below!

You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574

Be sure to follow Round the Bend Now and Then on Twitter: @roundthebendpod

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthen

To contact the show, you can email at [email protected] or message on Twitter or Facebook.

For current & historical pictures and commentary on the South Bend & Mishawaka area, follow @roundthebend574 on Twitter.

Be sure to share Round the Bend Now and Then with somebody who you think will appreciate it!

In this episode, I meet with author Todd Tucker and we discuss the story behind his amazing book, “Notre Dame vs The Klan: How the Fighting Irish Defied the KKK” 

Learn all about the wild clash between University of Notre Dame students and members of the Ku Klux Klan that occurred in downtown South Bend, Indiana in May of 1924. 

In the book, Todd does an absolute wonderful job of, not only telling the story of the actual riot, but also providing readers with great historical context behind the history of the University of Notre Dame as well as the Ku Klux Klan. He shares how their separate but unique histories led up to the 1924 clash in Downtown South Bend, right on the corner of Michigan and Wayne St.  

Be sure to check out the links below to purchase any of Todd Tucker's books, including Notre Dame vs. The Klan.

Visit Todd's Website: https://www.toddatucker.com/

Notre Dame vs. The Klan on Amazon: https://a.co/d/09ADIyW

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Thank you to Allie's Cafe and Catering for sponsoring this episode! My mouth is watering for a breakfast burrito! Check out their website!

https://www.alliescafe.com/

___________________________________________________

Thank you to InRugCo Studio & Gift Shop for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to visit their shop at 220 E. Mishawaka Ave in Mishawaka... across from the Central Park entrance.

Check out their website and you'll see why I'm so enthusiastic about partnering with them! https://indianarugco.com/ 

__________________________________________________

ALL of our audio podcast episodes are also on YouTube! Check out our channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Link below!

You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574

Be sure to follow Round the Bend Now and Then on Twitter: @roundthebendpod

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthen

To contact the show, you can email at [email protected] or message on Twitter or Facebook.

For current & historical pictures and commentary on the South Bend & Mishawaka area, follow @roundthebend574 on Twitter.

Be sure to share Round the Bend Now and Then with somebody who you think will appreciate it!

In this episode, you’ll learn all about the history of one of South Bend’s most unique public parks, Rum Village Park, as I meet with the director of the Rum Village Nature Center, Garry Harrington. 

I learned a ton from Garry and I know you will as well! We talk about everything from how the park’s beautiful hills were formed and have remained unchanged for over 15,000 years, to the fact that it was an actual, documented Native American village up until the 1820s. You’ll learn the story behind name of the park, and contrary to popular belief, it IS NOT named after the alcoholic beverage. We talk about how the land was very close to being sold and subdivided into a neighborhood and we of course talk about the beloved Storyland Zoo and how people still ask about it all of these years later. And who can forget about Safetyville? You’ll learn ALL of the positive changes the park has experienced in the last few decades and all that the present day park offers our community today. 

Thank you Garry for sharing your knowledge about Rum Village Park and your passion for the South Bend area with us. Most importantly, thank you for your service to our community over the last three decades.

Be sure to visit the Rum Village Park and the Nature Center and you’ll see why we talk about it so enthusiastically. 

Check out their website: https://sbvpa.org/places/rum-village-park/

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Get your one-of-a-kind Storyland Zoo mug! Limited Supply! Help support the continued creation of our content!

Click here to purchase before they're sold out: https://forms.gle/4P6AHBNtY6sUdDZ87

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Thank you to Allie's Cafe and Catering for sponsoring this episode! My mouth is watering for a breakfast burrito! Check out their website!

https://www.alliescafe.com/

_______________________________________________________

Thank you to InRugCo for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to visit their shop at 220 E. Mishawaka Ave in Mishawaka... across from the Central Park entrance.

Check out their website and you'll see why I'm so enthusiastic about partnering with them! https://indianarugco.com/ 

__________________________________________________

ALL of our audio podcast episodes are also on YouTube! Check out our channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Link below!

You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574

Be sure to follow Round the Bend Now and Then on Twitter: @roundthebendpod

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthen

To contact the show, you can email at [email protected] or message on Twitter.

For current & historical pictures and commentary on the South Bend & Mishawaka area, follow @roundthebend574 on Twitter.

Be sure to share Round the Bend Now and Then with somebody who you think will appreciate it!

In this episode, I meet with South Bend native, 1996 John Adams High School graduate, Iraq War veteran, and now author, Eric Donoho. We talk about his new book, Canyon of Hope, which is a raw and authentic account of the peaks and valleys of his military, civilian, and family life.  

I can’t recommend Canyon of Hope enough and I’m truly honored to be a part of spreading the good word about the book. I am confident that it will help others who face any of life’s challenges. His book rips the bandaid off, as it shares some of his lowest points and how he has learned, and continues to learn, ways to positively face any barriers coming his way. 

Click on the link below to purchase your copy today!

https://a.co/d/18FYHyv

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Get your one-of-a-kind Storyland Zoo mug! Limited Supply! Help support the continued creation of our content!

Click here to purchase before they're sold out: https://forms.gle/4P6AHBNtY6sUdDZ87

__________________________________________________________

Thank you to Allie's Cafe and Catering for sponsoring this episode! My mouth is watering for a breakfast burrito! Check out their website to learn more!

https://www.alliescafe.com/

__________________________________________________________

Thank you to InRugCo for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to visit their shop at 220 E. Mishawaka Ave in Mishawaka... across from the Central Park entrance.

Check out their website and you'll see why I'm so enthusiastic about partnering with them! https://indianarugco.com/ 

__________________________________________________

ALL of our audio podcast episodes are also on YouTube! Check out our channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Link below!

You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574

Be sure to follow Round the Bend Now and Then on Twitter: @roundthebendpod

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthen

To contact the show, you can email at [email protected] or message on Twitter.

For current & historical pictures and commentary on the South Bend & Mishawaka area, follow @roundthebend574 on Twitter.

Be sure to share Round the Bend Now and Then with somebody who you think will appreciate it!

In September of 1924, Mishawaka High School opened its doors to students for the first time. Since then, over 30,000 graduates have walked across that stage and obtained their diplomas.  

In this episode, I meet with the president and curator of the Mishawaka Historical Museum, Pete DeKever, and we talk 100 years of Mishawaka High School. 

Learn about its history from the selection of the top notch architects to the cornerstone laying ceremony, to famous alumni, to shenanigans in The Cave. You’ll definitely learn about a Mishawaka institution that has been the heart and soul of the Mishawaka community for a century.

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Thank you to Allie's Cafe and Catering for sponsoring this episode! My mouth is watering for a breakfast burrito! Check out their website to learn more!

https://www.alliescafe.com/

__________________________________________________

Thank you to the Mishawaka Historical Museum for sponsoring this episode! If you're a fan of our content, you'll be a fan of the museum! You'll experience the most comprehensive collection of artifacts and historical background all specific to Mishawaka!

Give them a visit at 121 S. Main St. in Mishawaka, just south of the Lincolnway and Main St. intersection. Check out their website to learn more!

https://mishawakamuseum.org/

__________________________________________________

Thank you to InRugCo for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to visit their shop at 220 E. Mishawaka Ave in Mishawaka... across from the Central Park entrance.

Check out their website and you'll see why I'm so enthusiastic about partnering with them! https://indianarugco.com/ 

__________________________________________________

ALL of our audio podcast episodes are also on YouTube! Check out our channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Link below!

You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574

Be sure to follow Round the Bend Now and Then on Twitter: @roundthebendpod

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthen

To contact the show, you can email at [email protected] 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!

In this episode, I meet with Greta Fisher, the author of the book So Much Bad in the Best of Us - The Salacious and Audacious Life of John W. Talbot

All I can say is, John W. Talbot is one of the shadiest individuals that I have ever learned about... and most of his shenanigans went down RIGHT here in South Bend, IN from the late 1800s until the 1930s!

Greta Fisher's wonderful true crime book details the wild life of John W. Talbot, a man who would let nothing get in his way of money & power. Every chapter of her book contains one head shaking story after another detailing one illegal activity after another. What is now a parking garage at the corner of Colfax and Main St. in downtown South Bend, was once the center of Talbot's illegal empire.

Be sure to purchase, read, and let me know what you think of Greta's book! Click here: https://gretafisher.com/

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Get your one-of-a-kind Storyland Zoo mug! Limited Supply!

Order Form: https://forms.gle/SeqGX9tbgx6spUYg8

While you're at it, watch the Story of Storyland Zoo: https://youtube.com/@roundthebend574?si=EZmuhKN88yQH03sH

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Thank you to the Mishawaka Historical Museum for sponsoring this episode! If you're a fan of our content, you'll be a fan of the museum! You'll experience the most comprehensive collection of artifacts and historical background all specific to Mishawaka!

Give them a visit at 121 S. Main St. in Mishawaka, just south of the Lincolnway and Main St. intersection. Check out their website to learn more!

https://mishawakamuseum.org/

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Thank you to Augie's Locker Room for sponsoring this episode. Be sure to visit them at 1733 N. Ironwood Dr or visit their website at https://www.augieslockerroom.com/

You'll see that I am not exaggerating one bit when I say that Augie's Locker Room is a Notre Dame memorabilia museum.

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ALL of our audio podcast episodes are also on YouTube! Check out our channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Link below!

You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574

Be sure to follow Round the Bend Now and Then on Twitter: @roundthebendpod

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthen

To contact the show, you can email at [email protected] 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!

In this episode, I meet with the hosts of the Settled on the Field podcast: Liz Krueper, Jeb McNally, and Bill Krueper. They are all South Bend products and proud graduates of John Adams High School.  As you’ll hear in the episode, they’re all sports nuts who decided to formalize their sports fandom by establishing a podcast. Their listeners learn about a variety of relevant sports related topics as they interview referees, coaches, current athletes, former athletes, to name a few. 

As you'll also hear, they started a non-profit organization, Vets 2 Refs, that helps United States veterans and/or first responders become licensed sports officials. They help offset the start up cost for obtaining officiating licenses, equipment, etc. Click below for more information and to help support!

https://vets2refs.com/

I definitely encourage you to check out the Settled on the Field podcast! It’s easy to find on YouTube, Spotify, Apple or just click on the link below. Yours truly has even appeared as a guest on their podcast… and had a blast doing it! 

https://settledonthefield.com/

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Thank you to InRugCo for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to visit their shop at 220 E. Mishawaka Ave in Mishawaka... across from the Central Park entrance.

Check out their website and you'll see why I'm so enthusiastic about partnering with them! https://indianarugco.com/ 

_____________________________________________

Thank you to Augie's Locker Room for sponsoring this episode. Be sure to visit them at 1733 N. Ironwood Dr or visit their website at https://www.augieslockerroom.com/

You'll see that I am not exaggerating one bit when I say that Augie's Locker Room is a Notre Dame memorabilia museum.

_____________________________________________

ALL of our audio podcast episodes are also on YouTube! Check out our channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Link below!

You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574

Be sure to follow Round the Bend Now and Then on Twitter: @roundthebendpod

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthen

To contact the show, you can email at [email protected] 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!