Round the Bend Now and Then

In this episode, you will hear stories behind why the 1200 block of W. Washington street in South Bend, IN was nicknamed, "The Block." The area around the intersection of Washington & Walnut Streets was a thriving neighborhood & business district, but it started to started to change in the 1960s. Citizens called it a skid row, a dumping ground with abandoned buildings, drugs, robberies, pr...

In this episode, you will hear all about the brand new Mishawaka Historical Museum as I meet with Pete DeKever, the President and Curator. People from our area would be amazed at the array of Mishawaka specific artifacts, displays, and information. Pete shares what visitors will experience when they visit and we also talk about the importance of preserving local history. Listen to the episode firs...

In this episode, I meet with Allie's Cafe & Catering's owner Betty Sulok. Over the quarter century that she and her husband Chuck have owned Allie's, it has become a beloved breakfast & lunch spot for many - not only because of their tasty food, but because of the care and service their customers receive. You'll hear how Chuck & Betty started Allie’s Cafe & the origins of their nam...

In this episode, I meet with RJ Connors and Jonathon Morrison of the South Bend Lions' Supporters Group, The 6 Districts Coalition. The 6DC are a passionate, mighty group of fans, who support our local soccer team and at the same time do good for our community.   You’ll learn more about the South Bend Lions soccer team and just what a supporters group is and does, specifically the 6 Districts...

In this episode, I meet with Gary Sosniecki, the author of The Potato Masher Murder: Death at the Hands of a Jealous Husband, a true crime book about his great grandmother’s 1906 murder in Mishawaka, IN. You will hear all about an intriguing, but obviously sad tale of jealousy, anger, and ultimately brutal murder that caused quite a scene in sleepy, turn of the century Mishawaka.   For m...

In this episode, you will hear Ken Peczkowski share he and his late wife Sarah’s journey in owning the Griffon Games and Bookstore in downtown South Bend since 1976.  It is an amazing journey of a business that has evolved over the years, but at its core it is a business fueled by Ken & Sarah’s passions and driven by their relationships with their customers.   In the last episode, yo...

Welcome to the FIRST EVER EPISODE of Round the Bend Now and Then! In this episode, you'll hear longtime downtown South Bend restaurant owner Peg Dalton share her journey over the last quarter century and you'll find out exactly why PEGGS is so beloved. Our listeners will also hear some historical context behind the exact same block that PEGGS is located, the 100 block of S. Michigan St., and how r...

In this episode, I meet with former South Bend mayor Roger Parent. We first discuss his book, Getting Things Done, and then he shares his memories of our downtown's urban renewal in general, but more specifically the ill fated downtown shopping mall plans in the 1970s & early 80s. If you're from the South Bend/Mishawaka area, then his book is a must read! Click on the link below to purchase hi...