Episode 4: Alexander Thomas

Alexander Napier Thomas was mayor of South Bend from 1876-1878, during the years it was most affected by the nation’s Long Depression. He was a proud member of the Temperance Society, an in-demand Sunday School teacher, and a pioneer at heart, leaving South Bend to build a new life in Nebraska even before his term in the mayor’s office was up.

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

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03:27    A brief biography of Alexander Thomas

09:51    South Bend is hit by the Long Depression

12:37    Mayor Thomas organizes religious relief societies

14:37    South Benders begin a fascination with the west

18:42    Mayor Thomas visits Nebraska

20:33    South Bend’s railroads survive the economic downturn

22:58    Mayor Thomas throws a party marking the end of an era

25:07    Controversy surrounding the renaming of Thomas Street

27:34    Mayor Thomas’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.