Episode 8: William Longley

William Longley was mayor of South Bend from 1888-1892, and if he would have had his own way, he would have never been mayor at all. The reluctant city leader won a reluctant campaign that left him overseeing a growing city with growing industry. He also was left to administrate a soap opera involving the establishment of city parks, high profile fires, and the largest and most prestigious international delegation that had ever come to South Bend.

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

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05:27    Brief biography of William Longley

12:57    Longley elected as Mayor against his will

20:00    City Council drama with the South Bend Railway

22:12    President Benjamin Harrison wears underwear made in South Bend!

23:50    The city decides on brick roads

25:54    The city receives to controversial land donations for city parks

30:42    The Pan-American Congress visits South Bend

34:42    Accusations of political dishonesty derail the Oliver Hotel

35:34    Singer threatens to leave South Bend

36:33    The annexation of Myler

37:27    Mayor Longley’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 at historymuseumsb.org