A Bend in Time

Latest Episodes:

Series 03-06: The Dutiful Dozen Apr 22, 2025

Show notes

Episode 6: The Dutiful Dozen
1952 was the most dramatic year in the history of the Blue Sox – a season filled with strife, interpersonal drama, and a player walkout that left the Blue Sox massively shorthanded heading into the playoffs. 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 Bend Tribune, Chicago Tribune, Kenosha News, and Racine Journal-Times; the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League Players' Association (aagpbl.org); and Grand Valley State University Digital Collections.

Part of Series 3: South Bend Blue Sox and the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League

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 Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

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 Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

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 Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

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 Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

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 02-06: Birdsell Manufacturing Company Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

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 Jan 30, 2025

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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 Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

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

Series 02-05: The South Bend News-Times Jan 30, 2025

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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 01-08: William Longley Oct 07, 2024

Show notes

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