A Bend in Time

Series 01-01: William George

Episode 1: William Greenawalt George
William Greenawalt George was mayor of South Bend from 1865 – 1868. He saw the city through its incorporation and presided over its first City Council meetings. He oversaw the city’s first efforts to pave roads and sidewalks, wooed railroad investment, and led the controversial effort to annex the nearby village of Lowell.
Part of Series 1: Dawn of the City of South Bend
 
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05:20    What does it mean to incorporate a community?
08:53    A brief biography of Mayor George
12:53    Sidewalk building becomes a political disaster
19:20    A malaria panic in South Bend!
21:53    The first South Bend Farmer’s Market
23:23    South Bend annexes Lowell… controversially
25:34    George declares war on unmuzzled dogs
27:38    Dirty politics drives the work of the City Council to a halt
29:58    Mayor George decides not to run for a third term
33:02    Mayor George’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. 

Series 01-02: Dr. Louis Humphreys

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 
 
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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. 

Series 01-03: William Miller

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
 
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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. 

Series 01-04: Alexander Thomas

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. 

Series 01-05: Lucius Tong

Episode 5: Lucius Tong
Tong was mayor of South Bend from 1878-1880, the first of its leaders to come with a degree from the University of Notre Dame. During his term, Tong oversaw maintenance on a city whose original infrastructure was turning 15 years old, acquired the land that would be come Howard Park, and watched over one of the worst fires in the city’s history. He also wrote some pretty awful poetry.
Part of Series 1: Dawn of the City of South Bend
 
Looking for something in particular?
05:03    A brief biography of Lucius Tong
07:30    Lucius Tong writes awful poetry
11:07    The ethnic landscape of South Bend begins to change
12:47    The contentious election of 1878
19:40    Christmas Eve fire rocks South Bend
23:10    City acquires the land that would become Howard Park
25:11    President Rutherford B. Hayes visits South Bend
26:38    The shocking, earth-shattering election of 1880
30:36    Mayor Tong’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. 

Series 01-06: Dr. Levi Ham

Episode 6: Dr. Levi Ham
Dr. Levi Ham was mayor of South Bend from 1880-1884, 74 years old by the time he took office, and 78 by the time he left. Ham inherited a city that was financially kneecapped and one that was changing in the face of European immigration. He helped deliver Democrats to power, even as the party and its members were touched by controversy.
Part of Series 1: Dawn of the City of South Bend
 
Looking for something in particular?
01:24    The roots of Polish immigration to South Bend
05:23    Biography of Dr. Levi Ham
10:56    Understanding the shocking election of 1880
18:44    Death of Dr. Louis Humphreys, South Bend’s second mayor
20:15    Controversial charges of electioneering against Ham and the Democrats
22:56    Controversy with local police officer working sneakily for Democratic party
25:08    A burglar steals the mayor’s teeth!
27:36    Massive impropriety found with City Treasurer Clint Rush
33:50    Mayor Ham attends westside ethnic celebrations
35:36    Mayor Ham’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. 

Series 01-07: George Loughman

Episode 7: George Loughman
George Loughman was mayor of South Bend from 1884-1888, and while he was mayor, he was also freight agent with the railroad, foreman of a fire station, President of the South Bend Building and Loan, and an insurance dealer. His tenure watched over the professionalization of city’s police and firefighters, a historic visit from presidential candidate James Blaine, a violent strike that almost drove Oliver from the city, and the death of Schuyler Colfax.
Part of Series 1: Dawn of the City of South Bend
 
Looking for something in particular?
00:35    Racist affronts and attacks toward South Bend’s only Chinese citizen
04:06    Brief biography of George Loughman
08:37    City cuts funding to firefighters in 1883
11:14    Political upset in the 1884 election
14:15    Presidential candidate James Blaine visits South Bend!
18:27    Strike at the Oliver Factory turns violent
20:43    Death of Schuyler Colfax
23:04    Mayor Loughman scrambles to keep the Oliver business in South Bend
26:13    City’s first streetcar system opens!
29:18    Construction begins on Tippecanoe Place
31:28    Oil derricks go up amidst South Bend’s gas craze
32:20    Mayor Loughman’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

Series 01-08: William Longley

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
 
Looking for something in particular?
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

Series 02-01: South Bend Bait Company

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

Series 02-02: South Bend Toy Company

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

Series 02-03: Stephenson Underwear

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

Series 02-04: Muessel Brewing Company

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

Series 02-05: The South Bend News-Times

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

Series 02-06: Birdsell Manufacturing Company

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

Series 02-07: George Cutter Company

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

Series 02-08: South Bend Watch Company

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