Round the Bend Now and Then

In this episode, I sit down with Larry Clifford to explore the rich history of the Rose Garden at Leeper Park. Over 10 years ago, Larry spearheaded an effort to "resurrect the roses" and beautify a neglected historic Rose Garden at South Bend's Leeper Park. Dating back to the early 1900s, the garden has evolved through multiple redesigns, weathered floods, experienced periods of decline, and found new life thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers committed to preserving this important piece of local history.Larry shares what inspired the restoration effort, the challenges of maintaining a historic public space, and why beautiful public places still matter today. Want to help, volunteer, or learn more? Check out the Resurrect the Roses Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1EvGmmkxdh/Special thanks to Larry Clifford and the many volunteers who have dedicated their time, energy, and passion in trying to ensure this garden maintains all of its beauty. This episode is made possible by M/T Box Computers, Dan Berry Insurance, and InRugCo Studio & Gift Shop! More info below!__________________________________________________Big thank you to Dan Berry Insurance for supporting the show. I’ve trusted them for over 25 years - their customer service and commitment to our community truly stands out! Learn more at www.danberryinsurance.com.__________________________________________________Thank you to M/T Box Computers for sponsoring this episode! Check out their website below to learn more about what they can do to fit your small business's technological needs! Did I mention that they're local?https://www.mtboxcomputers.com/__________________________________________________Thank you to InRugCo Studio & Gift Shop for supporting the show! Stop in and browse a unique selection of gifts and locally inspired items! Learn more at https://indianarugco.com/ and be sure to check them out in person!__________________________________________________Available on all of the popular podcast platforms (Apple, Spotify, etc.) Podcast Website: Now & Then Round the Bend Website - All Episodes HereLike on Facebook: Round the Bend Now and ThenYouTube: @roundthebend574Follow on Twitter: @roundthebend574Follow on TikTok: @roundthebend574

CJ's Pub opened their doors near downtown South Bend in 1984 and 41 years later, they are still serving up their legendary pub burgers and cold beer to generations of patrons. In this episode, I meet with the co-owner of CJ’s Pub, Judy Gish. You’ll learn ALL about the story behind CJ's Pub, from 1984 to the present day. I hope that you’ll gain a true appreciation for a local legendary spot.  It hasn’t always been easy and CJ's has faced multiple barriers over the years that would probably put a lot of places out of business, but with hard work, tenacity, and a focus on the customers and community, a small business can thrive and positively impact generations of patrons. Be sure to stop by CJ's Pub on the corner of Michigan and Wayne St. in downtown South Bend and enjoy a burger and a beverage. Visit their website: https://www.cjs-pub.com/________________________________________________Thank you to the Mishawaka Historical Museum for sponsoring this episode! If you're a fan of our content, you'll be a fan of the museum! You'll experience the most comprehensive collection of artifacts and historical background all specific to Mishawaka!Give them a visit at 121 S. Main St. in Mishawaka, just south of the Lincolnway and Main St. intersection. Check out their website to learn more!https://mishawakamuseum.org/________________________________________________Thank you to M/T Box Computers for sponsoring this episode! Check out their website below to learn more about what they can do to fit your small business's technological needs!https://www.mtboxcomputers.com/________________________________________________Thank you to the Portage Township Trustee's Office for sponsoring this episode! Thank you to Jason Critchlow and his team for ALL that you do in our community!Check out their website below and discover ALL that the Portage Township Trustee's Office does to meet our community's needs!https://portage-township.com/________________________________________________ALL of our audio podcast episodes are also on YouTube! Check out our channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Link below!You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574Be sure to follow Round the Bend Now and Then on Twitter: @roundthebendpodLike us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthenTo contact the show, you can email at roundthebend574@gmail.com or message on Twitter or Facebook.For current & historical pictures and commentary on the South Bend & Mishawaka area, follow @roundthebend574 on Twitter.Be sure to share Round the Bend Now and Then with somebody who you think will appreciate it!

In this episode, I meet with Mishawaka historian Susanna Ernst and we talk about one of our area's most iconic neighborhoods: Mishawaka's Belgian West End. The neighborhood was built by Belgian immigrants in the early 1900’s and grew into a cultural center that was equipped with everything they needed within a few blocks radius: Flemish speaking grocery stores, social clubs, banks, bakeries, and even their own catholic church... St. Bavo. I learned SO much from Susanna's knowledge and research about the Belgian West End.  It once again reaffirms that there is SO much history right under our noses!  I’m confident that you’ll learn a thing or two as well. ______________________________________________________Thank you to M/T Box Computers for sponsoring this episode! Check out their website below to learn more about what they can do to fit your small business's technological needs!https://www.mtboxcomputers.com/______________________________________________________Thank you to the Portage Township Trustee's Office for sponsoring this episode! Thank you to Jason Critchlow and his team for ALL that you do in our community! Check out their website below and discover ALL that the Portage Township Trustee's Office does to meet our community's needs! https://portage-township.com/______________________________________________________ALL of our audio podcast episodes are also on YouTube! Check out our channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Link below!You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574Be sure to follow Round the Bend Now and Then on Twitter: @roundthebendpodLike us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthenTo contact the show, you can email at roundthebend574@gmail.com or message on Twitter or Facebook.For current & historical pictures and commentary on the South Bend & Mishawaka area, follow @roundthebend574 on Twitter.Be sure to share Round the Bend Now and Then with somebody who you think will appreciate it!

Earl J “Pete” Redden Sr. was an absolute visionary entrepreneur and master promoter.  He owned, operated and built Playland Park into an extremely popular amusement park that was a go to destination for decades.  When the park closed, the land was then transformed into a popular 9 hole golf course, equipped with lights to play into the night. This was all located on the land between the Mighty St. Joseph River, Lincolnway, & Ironwood Dr, where IUSB's student housing now stands. In this episode, I interview Sandy Redden, who was Pete Redden Sr.’s daughter in law. As the wife of Pete’s son, Pete Redden Jr., she was a key part of the Redden family business that extended well beyond just the amusement park.  Along with Sandy, I met with her son, also named Pete.  Pete’s passion for the history behind his grandfather’s popular park, and other businesses, is clearly evident.  __________________________________________________As mentioned in the episode, WNIT produced a wonderful documentary about Playland Park. Check it out at the link below.https://www.wnit.org/programs/specials/remember-when-playland-park.html__________________________________________________Thank you to InRugCo Studio & Gift Shop for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to visit their shop at 220 E. Mishawaka Ave in Mishawaka... across from the Central Park entrance.Check out their website and you'll see why I'm so enthusiastic about partnering with them! https://indianarugco.com/ __________________________________________________ALL of our audio podcast episodes are also on YouTube! Check out our channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Link below!You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574Be sure to follow Round the Bend Now and Then on Twitter: @roundthebendpodLike us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthenTo contact the show, you can email at roundthebend574@gmail.com or message on Twitter or Facebook.For current & historical pictures and commentary on the South Bend & Mishawaka area, follow @roundthebend574 on Twitter.Be sure to share Round the Bend Now and Then with somebody who you think will appreciate it!

In this episode, you’ll learn all about the history of one of South Bend’s most unique public parks, Rum Village Park, as I meet with the director of the Rum Village Nature Center, Garry Harrington. I learned a ton from Garry and I know you will as well! We talk about everything from how the park’s beautiful hills were formed and have remained unchanged for over 15,000 years, to the fact that it was an actual, documented Native American village up until the 1820s. You’ll learn the story behind name of the park, and contrary to popular belief, it IS NOT named after the alcoholic beverage. We talk about how the land was very close to being sold and subdivided into a neighborhood and we of course talk about the beloved Storyland Zoo and how people still ask about it all of these years later. And who can forget about Safetyville? You’ll learn ALL of the positive changes the park has experienced in the last few decades and all that the present day park offers our community today.  Thank you Garry for sharing your knowledge about Rum Village Park and your passion for the South Bend area with us. Most importantly, thank you for your service to our community over the last three decades. Be sure to visit the Rum Village Park and the Nature Center and you’ll see why we talk about it so enthusiastically. Check out their website: https://sbvpa.org/places/rum-village-park/_______________________________________________________Get your one-of-a-kind Storyland Zoo mug! Limited Supply! Help support the continued creation of our content! Click here to purchase before they're sold out: https://forms.gle/4P6AHBNtY6sUdDZ87_______________________________________________________Thank you to Allie's Cafe and Catering for sponsoring this episode! My mouth is watering for a breakfast burrito! Check out their website!https://www.alliescafe.com/_______________________________________________________Thank you to InRugCo for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to visit their shop at 220 E. Mishawaka Ave in Mishawaka... across from the Central Park entrance.Check out their website and you'll see why I'm so enthusiastic about partnering with them! https://indianarugco.com/ __________________________________________________ALL of our audio podcast episodes are also on YouTube! Check out our channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Link below!You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574Be sure to follow Round the Bend Now and Then on Twitter: @roundthebendpodLike us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthenTo contact the show, you can email at roundthebend574@gmail.com or message on Twitter.For current & historical pictures and commentary on the South Bend & Mishawaka area, follow @roundthebend574 on Twitter.Be sure to share Round the Bend Now and Then with somebody who you think will appreciate it!

In September of 1924, Mishawaka High School opened its doors to students for the first time. Since then, over 30,000 graduates have walked across that stage and obtained their diplomas.  In this episode, I meet with the president and curator of the Mishawaka Historical Museum, Pete DeKever, and we talk 100 years of Mishawaka High School. Learn about its history from the selection of the top notch architects to the cornerstone laying ceremony, to famous alumni, to shenanigans in The Cave. You’ll definitely learn about a Mishawaka institution that has been the heart and soul of the Mishawaka community for a century.__________________________________________________Thank you to Allie's Cafe and Catering for sponsoring this episode! My mouth is watering for a breakfast burrito! Check out their website to learn more! https://www.alliescafe.com/__________________________________________________Thank you to the Mishawaka Historical Museum for sponsoring this episode! If you're a fan of our content, you'll be a fan of the museum! You'll experience the most comprehensive collection of artifacts and historical background all specific to Mishawaka!Give them a visit at 121 S. Main St. in Mishawaka, just south of the Lincolnway and Main St. intersection. Check out their website to learn more!https://mishawakamuseum.org/__________________________________________________Thank you to InRugCo for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to visit their shop at 220 E. Mishawaka Ave in Mishawaka... across from the Central Park entrance.Check out their website and you'll see why I'm so enthusiastic about partnering with them! https://indianarugco.com/ __________________________________________________ALL of our audio podcast episodes are also on YouTube! Check out our channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Link below!You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574Be sure to follow Round the Bend Now and Then on Twitter: @roundthebendpodLike us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthenTo contact the show, you can email at roundthebend574@gmail.com or message on Twitter.For current & historical pictures and commentary on the South Bend & Mishawaka area, follow @roundthebend574 on Twitter.Lastly, as I mentioned in the episode, be sure to share Round the Bend Now and Then with somebody who you think will appreciate it!

In this episode, I meet with the hosts of the Settled on the Field podcast: Liz Krueper, Jeb McNally, and Bill Krueper. They are all South Bend products and proud graduates of John Adams High School.  As you’ll hear in the episode, they’re all sports nuts who decided to formalize their sports fandom by establishing a podcast. Their listeners learn about a variety of relevant sports related topics as they interview referees, coaches, current athletes, former athletes, to name a few.  As you'll also hear, they started a non-profit organization, Vets 2 Refs, that helps United States veterans and/or first responders become licensed sports officials. They help offset the start up cost for obtaining officiating licenses, equipment, etc. Click below for more information and to help support! https://vets2refs.com/I definitely encourage you to check out the Settled on the Field podcast! It’s easy to find on YouTube, Spotify, Apple or just click on the link below. Yours truly has even appeared as a guest on their podcast… and had a blast doing it! https://settledonthefield.com/_____________________________________________Thank you to InRugCo for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to visit their shop at 220 E. Mishawaka Ave in Mishawaka... across from the Central Park entrance.Check out their website and you'll see why I'm so enthusiastic about partnering with them! https://indianarugco.com/ _____________________________________________Thank you to Augie's Locker Room for sponsoring this episode. Be sure to visit them at 1733 N. Ironwood Dr or visit their website at https://www.augieslockerroom.com/You'll see that I am not exaggerating one bit when I say that Augie's Locker Room is a Notre Dame memorabilia museum._____________________________________________ALL of our audio podcast episodes are also on YouTube! Check out our channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Link below!You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574Be sure to follow Round the Bend Now and Then on Twitter: @roundthebendpodLike us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthenTo contact the show, you can email at roundthebend574@gmail.com or message on Twitter.For current & historical pictures and commentary on the South Bend & Mishawaka area, follow @roundthebend574 on Twitter.Lastly, as I mentioned in the episode, be sure to share Round the Bend Now and Then with somebody who you think will appreciate it!