On November 24, 2017, my first book, THE PLOT IS MURDER, released. While the book is set in the fictional town of North Harbor, Michigan, it makes reference to the nearby city of River Bend, Indiana. On July 1, 2018, TRAVELLIN’ SHOES, was released. This is the first book in my RJ Franklin Mystery series and it takes place in St. Joseph, Indiana. Astute readers will note similiarites between the two cities because they are both based on my hometown, So, I thought readers might be interested in learning a bit about this northwestern Indiana town, my hometown.
South Bend is located in St. Joseph County at the place where the St. Joseph River bends south (get it?). It is a mid-sized city, the fourth largest city in Indiana and is located in Northwestern Indiana. The city sits on the Michigan border and the general area is referred to as Michiana.
The city, like other Midwestern cities, was a hub for manufacturing in the early twentieth century. South Bend was home to the Studebaker Automobile Factory, Singer Sewing Machines, and Oliver Chilled Plow Company. In later years, Birdsell Manufacturing Company, the Bendix Corporation, Honeywell, AlliedSignal, South Bend Lathe Works, the O’Brien Paint Corp., the South Bend Toy Company, South Bend Range, South Bend Bait Company, and South Bend Watch Company called South Bend home. However, as the economy shifted to one of service, the University of Notre Dame became the area’s largest employer. In addition to Notre Dame (my alma mater), South Bend is home to several other colleges: St. Mary’s College, Holy Cross, Bethel College and Indiana University at South Bend.
The area was influenced by a large influx of Polish Catholic immigrants in the late 19th century. Their influence is still seen on the Monday following Easter with Dyngus Day celebrations which also marks the start to the city’s election campaign season. Fat Tuesday is another day when the Polish influence is celebrated with paczkis (pronounced pawnch-kee). What’s a paczki? It’s a filled donut. So, what’s the difference between a paczki and a regular filled donut? To be honest, I had to look it up. According to Google, the paczki dough is richer.than that used in traditional donuts. Who knew?
South Bend is a city with a rich heritage. In 2016, a website focused on money management rated South Bend as the Top Place for Young Adults to Get Rich. South Bend has a lot of great things to see and do in the area and a rich cultural heritage that makes it a pretty nice place, even if you aren’t young or rich. In the summer, there’s white water rafting on the East Race downtown. In the Fall, be prepared for Notre Dame Football and in the winter…well, it’s cold. However, for people who don’t mind a little cold it can be beautiful.
