elkhart history Archives

Looming over downtown, the costly Arch was toppled by critics

The Arch was memorable, costly and criticized as a short-lived 1960s Main Street attraction.

The Klan wanted influence. One Elkhart leader took a stand.

A KKK grand dragon wielded great political power in 1920s Indiana. But one man made sure he knew he wasn't welcome in Elkhart.

Honoring Elkhart’s heroes: Veteran of the Month

We find Elkhart service members to highlight through Fold3, the Digital Library resource available through EPL. Fold3 houses millions of documents, photos, maps, records and more for U.S. wars going […]

Al and Helen Free understood science and changed the world

Meet Al and Helen Free. They raised six kids, committed themselves to educating youth, served the community, and changed the world.

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

New features added for payment, browsing local history

Elkhart Public Library has made searching for local history and paying for research easier than ever with the addition of a shopping cart and PayPal payment features to our website. […]

A dark winter filled with anguish, uncertainty … and hope

At Christmastime in the midst of a different dark winter, Elkhart already had lost far too many souls.  The weather was unseasonably warm. Main Street had no snow, but it […]

A legendary Elkhart figure delivered inspiration to Norman Vincent Peale

(Elkhart Public Library proudly supports “Legends of Michiana: The Martin Family” on WNIT-TV.) One of the most influential authors of the 20th Century, Norman Vincent Peale instructed generations to believe […]
Elkhart Truth 1995 mayoral debate coverage

A controversial incumbent. Voters on edge. Contested election results.

The 1995 election was intense. And the campaign did not end on Election Night.