Arden Erickson Archives

With sharp words, Emma Molloy fought for equal rights here

Emma Molloy used her words to fight for women's rights in 1870s Elkhart. A dedicated researcher made sure her accomplishments were remembered.

Civic Plaza met the moment. Is its time fading?

When Civic Plaza was built, downtown finally had its meeting spot. But the story may be ending for the looming clock tower and often-dry fountain.

Our people: Herbert and Ruth Tolson “inspired a neighborhood”  

The Booker T. Washington Community Center closed its doors in February 1956. It took just over 34 years for ground to break on something to replace it. But the couple […]

1969 homecoming put focus on Elkhart’s simmering race issues

The homecoming queen didn’t receive her honors, and the football crowd was subdued. Racial tensions were at a boiling point in 1969 Elkhart.

Palm Sunday tornadoes revealed Huffman’s strong will and steady hand

The Palm Sunday tornadoes brought death and destruction to Indiana in 1965. The photographer capturing that history had a story of his own.

Ben Barnes ‘was second to none, but never better than anyone else’

Role model, author, leader - Ben Barnes was a powerful and caring presence for Elkhart