A Bend in Time

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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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 S...

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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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 o...

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

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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 ...

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 d...

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...

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 fa...

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 pu...

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 Muesse...

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 co...

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...

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 ...

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 th...

Episode 1: Birth of the AAGPBL

Come with us and relive the heyday of the South Bend Blue Sox and the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. In this episode, we’re exploring the beginnings of the league from tryouts to train rides to the decision to land a team in South Bend, Indiana. Sources include The South Bend Blue Sox by Jim Sargent; The Dutiful Dozen by W.C. Madden; archived newspapers including (but not limited to)...

Episode 2: The Inaugural Season The rosters were set, the uniforms were ordered, and the managers were assigned. Now there was only one thing left to do: Play Ball. No one – not even the players – quite knew what that first season would look like, and no one was sure if the fans would turn out. Follow the 1943 Blue Sox through their first season in the AAGPBL. Sources include The South Bend Blue Sox by Jim Sargent; The Dutiful Doze...

Episode 3: The War Years The All-American League was imagined as a way to keep baseball alive during the war, and that’s exactly what it did in 1944 and 1945. Follow the Blue Sox as they provide a welcome distraction for South Bend during the worst and ugliest parts of World War II. Sources include The South Bend Blue Sox by Jim Sargent; The Dutiful Dozen by W.C. Madden; archived newspapers including (but not limited to) the South ...

Episode 4: League in Transition World War II ended in 1945 and left players, owners, and fans wondering what would happen with the All-American League. The women kept playing, but their game kept changing – transitioning from underhand to sidearm to overhand pitching. Every year, the game looked more and more like baseball, and if the Blue Sox were going to bring a championship to South Bend, they’d have to adapt along with their s...