elkhart history Archives
Ten Commandments and four years debating the First Amendment
The unveiling of the Ten Commandments monument at Elkhart’s city hall was worth a headline at the top of the following day’s newspaper. For 40 years of days and 40 […]
Bill Phillips created meaningful legacy as first Black councilman
No matter the circumstances, Bill Phillips was always going to work. During World War II, he trained in a segregated unit. As the civil rights movement unfolded in the 1960s, he earned a historic seat on the […]
Explore, Explora magazine available online
Elkhart Public Library publishes Explore and Explora, a quarterly magazine in English and Spanish. Explore and Explora cover library programs, services, local history and the community. The latest issue of […]
Got a minute? Favorite Hoosier pastime happens around the clock
What time is it in Elkhart, Indiana? The factual answer can be simple. Well, most of the time. Maybe not so much in 1967, when City Hall had a single, […]
Maestro ensured Elkhart would live up to its instrument legacy
The hometown of the world’s musical instrument industry had no orchestra to call its own until Zigmont George Gaska made it happen. He was no corporate titan. No building around […]
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 […]
