Round the Bend Now and Then

There's a WHOLE lot more to the St. Joseph County 4-H Fair than carnival rides, elephant ears, and one big week every summer!

This week, I'm joined by Monica Cook, a member of the St. Joseph County 4-H Fair Board of Directors, to explore the fascinating history of the fairgrounds, the 27 dedicated volunteer board members, and the incredible work happening behind the scenes!

We talk about the importance of 4-H, the amazing young people in our community, the volunteers and local sponsors who make the fair possible, and some heartwarming, and downright hilarious, fairground stories...

In 1944, Mishawaka’s Elizabeth Richardson left home to serve American troops overseas with the Red Cross during World War II. She would never make it home.

But her footlocker did.

More than 80 years later, that same footlocker was discovered in the most unlikely of places: Along a creek in California.

Mishawaka historian Pete DeKever joins me to tell the remarkable story of Liz Richardson, the wartime journey of her footlocker through England and France, what happened to it after her tragic death in 1945, and the incredible chain of events that finally brought it ba...

In this episode, I meet with Joseph S. Pete, an award winning journalist and business reporter for The Times of Northwest Indiana. Joseph has spent years covering the businesses, industries, restaurants, and communities of Northwest Indiana, but he's also an author with a passion for uncovering the stories of the Hoosier State.

His latest book, Lost Treasures of Indiana, takes readers across the state to revisit restaurants, stores, amusement parks, entertainment venues, landmarks, and other beloved places that have disappeared. It's a beautiful, oversized, coffee-table style book filled with color photographs and bite sized stories that make...

In this episode, local historian and author Aaron Helman shares how a forgotten briefcase, filled with letters, photographs, postcards, and personal keepsakes, revealed an entirely different side of J. D. Oliver Jr, heir to the Oliver empire. The result is a fascinating story of love, loss, and rediscovery that also paints a vivid picture of life in South Bend during the early 20th century. Read more about this story at: https://southbendnewstimes.com/community/helman-jd-oliver-jr/

Whether you're fascinated by the Oliver family, Copshaholm, or simply enjoy uncovering forgotten local history, this is an episode you won't want...

This week, we’re revisiting one of the podcast’s early episodes: the story behind Four Winds Field. Better known to many longtime South Bend residents as “The Cove.”

Originally released in July 2023, my conversation with former South Bend Mayor Roger Parent explores the vision, challenges, and determination that transformed a neglected site into one of downtown South Bend’s most beloved gathering places. Three years later, the story is just as relevant as ever. With major renovations, a new upper deck, and growth around the stadium, it continues to be a gem in our community!

Join us...

Potawatomi Zoo has been a beloved part of our community for over a century.

In this episode, I sit down with Executive Director Josh Sisk to talk about his journey to leading Potawatomi Zoo, what it takes to operate a modern accredited zoo, and the exciting vision for its future. We also take a fun look back through historic South Bend Tribune articles that highlight just how far the zoo has come - from its humble beginnings to the incredible destination it is today.

Whether you've been visiting the zoo for decades or haven't been...

In this episode, I sit down with Larry Clifford to explore the rich history of the Rose Garden at Leeper Park.

Over 10 years ago, Larry spearheaded an effort to "resurrect the roses" and beautify a neglected historic Rose Garden at South Bend's Leeper Park.

Dating back to the early 1900s, the garden has evolved through multiple redesigns, weathered floods, experienced periods of decline, and found new life thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers committed to preserving this important piece of local history.

Larry shares what inspired the restoration effort, the challenges of...

For nearly 60 years, the Leeper Park Art Fair has brought artists, art lovers, and the community together beneath the trees of one of South Bend's most beautiful and historic parks.

In this episode, I sit down with Leeper Park Art Fair Coordinator Hedy Lane to explore the fair's origins, the people who helped build it into a nationally recognized event, and why artists and patrons continue returning year after year. You'll hear stories of artists from across the country, the connections formed between artists and visitors, the economic impact the fair brings to South Bend, and even...

For decades, the massive Drewry’s Brewery complex on South Bend’s northwest side stood as one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Long after production stopped, the towering brick buildings along Elwood Avenue remained a reminder of South Bend’s industrial past.

In this episode, I sit down with Drewry’s historian and collector Wes Weaver to uncover the incredible story behind the brewery. From its roots as the historic Muessel Brewery, to Prohibition era intrigue, Detroit organized crime connections, federal investigations, corporate mergers, and the eventual collapse of regional breweries - this is a fascinatin...

For a brief moment in the 1960's, downtown Mishawaka almost looked completely different.

Plans were unveiled for Center Point Tower - a futuristic 33 story skyscraper featuring offices, apartments, observation decks, and even a revolving restaurant overlooking the St. Joseph River. It would have transformed the Mishawaka skyline forever… but it was never built.

In this episode, I sit down with local Mishawaka historian Pete DeKever to explore one of the most fascinating “what if” stories in our area’s history. Pete, author of Lost Mishawaka, shares the story behind the ambitious vision, the man who dreamed...

In the early 1990s, South Bend took a bold swing, landing the College Football Hall of Fame with hopes of putting the city on the national stage and sparking new life in downtown.

In this episode, I sit down with Richard Nussbaum, former South Bend city attorney under Joe Kernan and someone who had a front row seat to how it all unfolded. From the excitement of landing the Hall, to the numerous challenges, to the eventual move out of South Bend, Dick shares a firsthand look at one of the most ambitious, and debated, chapters in...

If you’ve ever driven through downtown Mishawaka, you’ve likely passed 317 Lincolnway East... and probably slowed down to take it in. Even from the outside, it’s clear: This place has a story!

The Beiger Mansion has lived many lives. Built by one of Mishawaka’s most prominent families, it was once a grand social hub, later served as a home for elderly women for over forty years, narrowly escaped demolition in the early 1970s, and was nearly lost to a devastating fire in 1975.

Then, in 1989, Ron Montandon purchased the 22,000-square-foot mansion in rough shape an...

If you were alive in America in the early 1930s, there was one name that dominated newspaper headlines everywhere: John Dillinger.

He wasn’t just a criminal - he was a national celebrity outlaw.

He and his gang had bank robbery down to a science: planning, timing, speed. In most cases they were in and out in a couple of minutes. And on June 30th, 1934, that machine wildly rolled into downtown South Bend.

In this episode, I sit down with local historian and author Aaron Helman to explore the story of John Dillinger’s fi...

Joe Kernan’s name is deeply woven into the story of South Bend. A Navy pilot and former prisoner of war, Kernan returned home and dedicated his life to serving the community he loved. From his early role as the city’s controller, to nearly a decade as mayor of South Bend, and later as Indiana’s lieutenant governor and governor, Joe believed deeply in public service. But beyond the titles and headlines was a man who cared deeply about his city and the people who called it home.

In this episode, I sit down with Dick Nussba...

In this episode, we’re talking about a school, but not just any school, we’re talking about Linden School: A place where education, neighborhood boundaries, civil rights activism, and the daily lives of children and families collided in the 1960s.

I sit down once again with George Garner, the Assistant Director and Curator at Indiana University South Bend’s Civil Rights Heritage Center, to explore another powerful site featured in South Bend’s African American Landmark Tour and in his book, Placing History.

Learn more about the African American Landmark Tour and the book, Placing...

In this episode, we tell the story of 1415 West Washington Street, a building that’s easy to overlook today but for over 50 years served as the West Side Recreation Club, a vital gathering place and social hub for South Bend’s African American community.

I meet with George Garner, the Assistant Director and Curator at Indiana University South Bend’s Civil Rights Heritage Center, and he does such a great job sharing the club's story.

The West Side Recreation Club is featured in South Bend’s African American Landmark Tour, developed by the Indiana University South Be...

What was life really like in South Bend 100 years ago?

In this episode, I sit down with local historian and author Aaron Helman to step back into 1926 South Bend - a year full of change, contradictions, and everyday moments that still echo today.

January’s edition of Aaron’s website, The South Bend News-Times, features six stories from that year and we use them as our roadmap: from industry and public health to music, sports, and local characters you may have never heard of. On the surface, the stories couldn’t be more different, but as you...

The main intent of this episode is simple: To honor heroes. Specifically, the heroes that served our country: Our United States veterans.  

This past Saturday, November 15th, 2025, I was humbled to be a part of a Hometown Heroes event that was held at the Indiana Dinosaur Museum. The main purpose of the event was to spend a full day to come together as a community and honor and celebrate the courage of our veterans.  

As a part of the day's festivities, we recorded an episode of Round the Bend Now and Then, right in the mid...

This episode is a special one in that I meet with my father, Joel Emery, as he shares his memories from growing up in 1960's River Park.

Over the years, my parents have shared multiple stories about growing up in River Park - a neighborhood on the far east side of South Bend, IN. Their stories mirror what neighborhoods were like at that time in our country, absolutely bursting at the seams with kids - kids born in the tens of millions after solders returned from World War II: The baby boom.

I’ve always pla...

In this episode, I meet with local historian Susanna Ernst. You’ll learn ALL about a neighborhood that you might not find on any national historical registry, but the Mishawaka neighborhood known as Hooligan Heights has a 120 plus year history that is just as intriguing and interesting as any of the more notable local historical sites.  

I learned SO much about Hooligan Heights from our interview with Susanna as well as from her fantastic article, "Hooligan Heights: Mishawaka's Wild West" - linked below. It once again reaffirms that there is SO much history right under our noses!  I’m...

CJ's Pub opened their doors near downtown South Bend in 1984 and 41 years later, they are still serving up their legendary pub burgers and cold beer to generations of patrons. 

In this episode, I meet with the co-owner of CJ’s Pub, Judy Gish. You’ll learn ALL about the story behind CJ's Pub, from 1984 to the present day. I hope that you’ll gain a true appreciation for a local legendary spot.  It hasn’t always been easy and CJ's has faced multiple barriers over the years that would probably put a lot of places out of business...

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...

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 und...

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...

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 Pe...

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 wel...

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...

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 shar...

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 Mish...

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 o...

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...

On January 7, 1933, almost two years after the tragic death of legendary Notre Dame football coach Knute Rockne, A Detroit Evening Times headline read: “Bomb Killed Rockne, Put in Plane by Gang”

A few years ago, retired journalist Jeff Harrell saw that shocking headline and curiosity got the best of him so he dug deeper. He found archived newspaper articles, official reports, interviews and more that backed up the theory that Rockne's plane was bombed.  He compiled all of this research and wrote a captivating book that tells the story behind the plane's tragic crash: As God's Witness: The De...

In this episode, I meet with Mike & Christine Golic to shine a spotlight on The Golic Family Foundation and also to hear about their forty plus year relationship with the Notre Dame and South Bend area.

We start out by discussing everything from their favorite area restaurants to the changes the 5 Point/Eddy St area has experienced to recalling fond memories of a few local historical locations that are now sadly lost to time. 

We then talk about their family's charitable organization, the Golic Family Foundation, and how much of a positive impact it has i...

In 1984, the sometimes controversial owner of the very popular 5 Point/Eddy St. Corby's Tavern was shot execution style in his York Rd. home - in the normally quiet Twyckenham Hills neighborhood. The bar's manager escaped alive, but was traumatized by being strapped to a chair with a pillow case over his head. For three years, the case went cold, until a WGN reporter tipped off the South Bend Police to a possible connection to the murder of a wealthy Chicago businessman.

The story surrounding his murder is a tangled web that connects police officers, bitter divorces, tax...

Tom Lynch has owned and operated Lynch's Gym at the intersection of Dunham and Walnut St for half of his life and has lived in the neighborhood for almost his entire life.

In his 80 plus years, he has amassed quite the collection of stories! From his days at the original Washington High School on Sample St, to the Marine Corp, to his time in competitive body building, and even his 13 years as a professional wrestler. Even with all of his experiences and stories that he can tell, one this is for sure, many people look up to To...

In this episode, I meet with Lou Sabo - longtime photographer, including 25 years with the South Bend Tribune. 

Lou has spent decades photographing South Bend's landscape, amassing quite a collection of pictures and knowledge about our local history along the way.

He has created and narrated a couple of different YouTube documentaries that include a plethora of his photography of historic South Bend throughout.  Hear ALL about this and more in my talk with Lou Sabo!

Be sure to check out Lou's website AND YouTube documentaries at the links below!

https://www...

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...

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 Sout...

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 s...

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...