Exploring Elkhart’s Roots Exploring Elkhart’s Roots with Ruthmerewith Ruthmere

►A collaborative project betweenA collaborative project between

The Ruthmere Foundation, Inc.The Ruthmere Foundation, Inc.

and and

Elkhart Community SchoolsElkhart Community Schools

►This project has been funded, in part, through an This project has been funded, in part, through an Historic Preservation Education Grant from the Historic Preservation Education Grant from the

Indiana Humanities Council and Historic Indiana Humanities Council and Historic Landmarks of IndianaLandmarks of Indiana

Project Team:Project Team:

► Darlene Adkins, Ed. D., Educational Consultant and former owner Darlene Adkins, Ed. D., Educational Consultant and former owner of the Havilah Beardsley houseof the Havilah Beardsley house

► Laurel Spencer Forsythe, Ruthmere Executive DirectorLaurel Spencer Forsythe, Ruthmere Executive Director► Rusty Heckaman, Ruthmere DocentRusty Heckaman, Ruthmere Docent► Larry Huneryager, Retired educatorLarry Huneryager, Retired educator► Artha Juntunen, Eastwood Elementary 3Artha Juntunen, Eastwood Elementary 3rdrd grade teacher grade teacher► Michelle McClintic, Osolo Elementary 3Michelle McClintic, Osolo Elementary 3rdrd grade teacher grade teacher► Bradley Sheppard, Curriculum Development Director, Elkhart Bradley Sheppard, Curriculum Development Director, Elkhart

Community SchoolsCommunity Schools► Kathy Sponseller, Ruthmere Docent and Volunteer CoordinatorKathy Sponseller, Ruthmere Docent and Volunteer Coordinator► Jill Szyarto, Riverview Elementary 3Jill Szyarto, Riverview Elementary 3rdrd grade teacher grade teacher► Ron Wolschlager, Ruthmere Building and Grounds Director and Ron Wolschlager, Ruthmere Building and Grounds Director and

retired Osolo teacherretired Osolo teacher

►The area we now call Elkhart was first inhabited The area we now call Elkhart was first inhabited by Native Americans of the Pottawatomi tribe. by Native Americans of the Pottawatomi tribe.

This mural, painted by Robert Grafton in the 1930s, may be seen at Ruthmere.

►In the early 1800s, the In the early 1800s, the area now called Elkhart area now called Elkhart was inhabited by Native was inhabited by Native Americans led by Chief Americans led by Chief Pierre Moran. Pierre Moran.

►In 1829 Pulaski became In 1829 Pulaski became the first settlement to be the first settlement to be established in the area established in the area right across the river right across the river from Chief Moran’s from Chief Moran’s land. land.

Composite of Potawatomi Chiefs, Composite of Potawatomi Chiefs, by George Winterby George Winter

►Chief Moran would later Chief Moran would later sell his land to pioneer sell his land to pioneer Dr. Havilah Beardsley, Dr. Havilah Beardsley,

who would play a who would play a prominent role in the prominent role in the city’s development. city’s development.

►From descriptions of From descriptions of Pierre Moran it is Pierre Moran it is

understood that he understood that he would often dress in a would often dress in a

European style similar to European style similar to some of the chiefs some of the chiefs

shown here. shown here.

Dr. Havilah BeardsleyDr. Havilah Beardsley April 1, 1795 – May 23, 1856April 1, 1795 – May 23, 1856

►City FounderCity Founder►DoctorDoctor►BusinessmanBusinessman►FarmerFarmer

► Havilah married Rachel Calhoun in 1823 in Ohio Havilah married Rachel Calhoun in 1823 in Ohio before traveling to Indiana. Together they had five before traveling to Indiana. Together they had five

sons and two daughters. Four sons and one daughter sons and two daughters. Four sons and one daughter survived.survived.

► In 1830 Havilah, Rachel In 1830 Havilah, Rachel and three sons moved and three sons moved into Elkhart.into Elkhart.

► A year later, in 1831, A year later, in 1831, Havilah purchased land Havilah purchased land from Chief Pierre Moran from Chief Pierre Moran of the Pottawatomi Indian of the Pottawatomi Indian tribe.tribe.

► Havilah had this land Havilah had this land platted and named the platted and named the new settlement after the new settlement after the river, Elkhart. river, Elkhart.

Elkhart TodayElkhart Today

►Here you can see images Here you can see images of some of Havilah’s flour, of some of Havilah’s flour, carding and sawmills that carding and sawmills that promoted the growth of promoted the growth of the town.the town.

From 1831-1856 From 1831-1856 Havilah Beardsley Havilah Beardsley played an played an important role in important role in Elkhart’s early Elkhart’s early expansion and expansion and development.development.

► This picture of approximately the same location along the This picture of approximately the same location along the St. Joseph river shows where the mills would have been. St. Joseph river shows where the mills would have been.

► Havilah built mill races that used the power of Elkhart’s Havilah built mill races that used the power of Elkhart’s waterways so that his mills could grind corn and wheat, as waterways so that his mills could grind corn and wheat, as

well as cut lumber.well as cut lumber.► He also built a paper mill, an oil mill, and a woolen mill.He also built a paper mill, an oil mill, and a woolen mill.

► Today Bonneyville Today Bonneyville Mill serves as an Mill serves as an example of the mills example of the mills used in our early used in our early history, including history, including those of Havilah those of Havilah Beardsley.Beardsley.

► Early dams were also built to harness the power of Elkhart’s Early dams were also built to harness the power of Elkhart’s waterways. The first dam across the St. Joseph river was built waterways. The first dam across the St. Joseph river was built

between 1867 and 1868. James R. Beardsley, son of Havilah, was between 1867 and 1868. James R. Beardsley, son of Havilah, was one of nine men involved in the funding of this project.one of nine men involved in the funding of this project.

► Construction of the present Johnson St. dam was begun Construction of the present Johnson St. dam was begun in 1911 and was completed in 1912.in 1911 and was completed in 1912.

► Today the dam still serves the city of Elkhart. Today the dam still serves the city of Elkhart.

While Elkhart’s rivers were of great importance to early While Elkhart’s rivers were of great importance to early pioneers, they also create a natural obstacle. They made pioneers, they also create a natural obstacle. They made travel difficult and also obstructed access to the mills. travel difficult and also obstructed access to the mills. There was no bridge across the St. Joseph River, so There was no bridge across the St. Joseph River, so

people and goods had to cross by ferry.people and goods had to cross by ferry.

This mural, painted by Robert Grafton in the 1930s, may be seen at Ruthmere.

► Early crossings of the St. Joseph River were made on a Early crossings of the St. Joseph River were made on a rope ferry owned by Dr. Havilah Beardsley. By 1837 rope ferry owned by Dr. Havilah Beardsley. By 1837

wooden bridges, such as the one pictured here in front of wooden bridges, such as the one pictured here in front of Dr. Beardsley’s house, made crossings easier.Dr. Beardsley’s house, made crossings easier.

► In 1871 this arched iron bridge replaced the older wooden In 1871 this arched iron bridge replaced the older wooden bridge. To the left and right of the bridge’s center pier are bridge. To the left and right of the bridge’s center pier are

the Beardsley flour and paper mills. the Beardsley flour and paper mills.

►The fourth bridge The fourth bridge across Main St. was across Main St. was a steel truss bridge. a steel truss bridge.

► Today the only Today the only traffic over the traffic over the

bridge is bridge is automotive or automotive or pedestrian. pedestrian.

The present concrete The present concrete bridge began service bridge began service in 1927, supporting in 1927, supporting

the traffic of the traffic of automobiles and automobiles and electric streetcars.electric streetcars.

► In 1851 the first train made its way into Elkhart. In 1851 the first train made its way into Elkhart. Havilah played an important part in bringing the Havilah played an important part in bringing the

Michigan Southern and Northern Indiana Railroad to Michigan Southern and Northern Indiana Railroad to Elkhart. This helped to ensure the village’s future Elkhart. This helped to ensure the village’s future

growth by making it easier for goods and people to growth by making it easier for goods and people to travel to and from Elkhart. travel to and from Elkhart.

►Elkhart’s first train depot Elkhart’s first train depot was built by the Lake Shore was built by the Lake Shore

and Michigan Southern and Michigan Southern Railroad. The New York Railroad. The New York Central Railroad depot Central Railroad depot

pictured to the right pictured to the right replaced the original in replaced the original in

1900, and remains in use.1900, and remains in use.

As Elkhart continued to grow, newer and larger buildings were needed.As Elkhart continued to grow, newer and larger buildings were needed.

►The original Clifton House as seen in 1863.

► By 1973 the structure had been By 1973 the structure had been demolished and in its place the offices of demolished and in its place the offices of

Compass Wealth Advisors now stand.Compass Wealth Advisors now stand.

► In 1889 after renovations it was opened In 1889 after renovations it was opened as the Hotel Bucklen. as the Hotel Bucklen.

► The Bucklen Opera House was a center of social activity The Bucklen Opera House was a center of social activity until its demolition in 1986.until its demolition in 1986.

► The Bucklen Opera House seated 1,200 people who were The Bucklen Opera House seated 1,200 people who were once entertained by stars such as Houdini and Jenny Lind. once entertained by stars such as Houdini and Jenny Lind.

► Another house of Another house of entertainment was the Lerner entertainment was the Lerner theater which opened in theater which opened in 1924; it eventually became 1924; it eventually became the Elco and is still in use the Elco and is still in use today. today.

► Here you can see the Here you can see the present Beardsley present Beardsley

Elementary School Elementary School standing on the same standing on the same

lot as the original lot as the original structure. structure.

►Schools were an Schools were an important part of the important part of the Elkhart’s growth as Elkhart’s growth as well. This picture is well. This picture is

of Beardsley of Beardsley Elementary School Elementary School as it was in 1879.as it was in 1879.

► An early Elkhart classroomAn early Elkhart classroom

► A better means of transportation also became necessary A better means of transportation also became necessary as Elkhart continued to grow. as Elkhart continued to grow.

► A modern electric streetcar system was added in 1889, A modern electric streetcar system was added in 1889, making Elkhart the second city in the world to have one.making Elkhart the second city in the world to have one.

►These are two of Elkhart’s streetcars. These are two of Elkhart’s streetcars.

► The current Interurban TrolleysThe current Interurban Trolleys are meant to resemble are meant to resemble those of the early 20those of the early 20thth century. century.

Beardsley Avenue Historic District:Beardsley Avenue Historic District:National Register of Historic PlacesNational Register of Historic Places

►The area is designated The area is designated as an historic district as an historic district

because of its historical because of its historical and architectural and architectural

significance. It consists significance. It consists of some of the land of some of the land

first purchased by city first purchased by city founder Havilah founder Havilah

Beardsley.Beardsley.

► Many of the most significant parts of Many of the most significant parts of Elkhart’s history can be traced to this Elkhart’s history can be traced to this district, such as:district, such as: Havilah’s mill race and location of Havilah’s mill race and location of

early crossings of the St. Joseph early crossings of the St. Joseph River.River.

Elkhart’s first parks and Elkhart’s first parks and recreational areas were established recreational areas were established here.here.

Many of Elkhart’s most influential Many of Elkhart’s most influential leaders established their homes in leaders established their homes in this area.this area.

The area outlined constitutes the Beardsley The area outlined constitutes the Beardsley Avenue Historic District.Avenue Historic District.

►The historic district The historic district includes this mill race. includes this mill race. Havilah Beardsley had Havilah Beardsley had

the race dug to the race dug to provide greater power provide greater power

for his mills. for his mills.

► The Main Street Memorial Bridge is the present and most The Main Street Memorial Bridge is the present and most recent of several methods of travel across the St. Joseph recent of several methods of travel across the St. Joseph River. Within the history of this district one could once River. Within the history of this district one could once have found a ferry and a variety of bridges being used. have found a ferry and a variety of bridges being used.

Several key features can still be found in the park today, Several key features can still be found in the park today, including a stone fountain and a pavilion.including a stone fountain and a pavilion.

► Island Park is an important part of the Beardsley Avenue Island Park is an important part of the Beardsley Avenue Historic District. It was established before most cities Historic District. It was established before most cities

had public parks or recreation areas. had public parks or recreation areas.

► Island Park was donated to the city in Island Park was donated to the city in 18871887

by Havilah’s Beardsley’s surviving sons.by Havilah’s Beardsley’s surviving sons.

►A portion of Island Park’s original pavilion still A portion of Island Park’s original pavilion still stands today.stands today.

Beardsley ParkBeardsley Park

►Beardsley Park was donated to the city of Elkhart Beardsley Park was donated to the city of Elkhart in 1922 by Havilah’s great-nephew, Andrew in 1922 by Havilah’s great-nephew, Andrew Hubble Beardsley, and nephew, Albert R. Hubble Beardsley, and nephew, Albert R.

Beardsley. Beardsley.

► The intersection of Riverside and Beardsley Ave. is The intersection of Riverside and Beardsley Ave. is featured in this early postcard. In the center of the featured in this early postcard. In the center of the

junction stands an early monument erected to honor junction stands an early monument erected to honor Elkhart’s founding father, Dr. Havilah Beardsley. Elkhart’s founding father, Dr. Havilah Beardsley.

The monument of Havilah Beardsley was designed by E. The monument of Havilah Beardsley was designed by E. Hill Turnock and sculpted by Pietro Bazzanti, it was Hill Turnock and sculpted by Pietro Bazzanti, it was

commissioned by Havilah’s nephew Albert Beardsley and commissioned by Havilah’s nephew Albert Beardsley and was dedicated in 1914.was dedicated in 1914.

Elkhart’s oldest existing dwelling is the two-story brick Elkhart’s oldest existing dwelling is the two-story brick home Dr. Havilah Beardsley built in 1848. home Dr. Havilah Beardsley built in 1848.

National Register of Historic PlacesNational Register of Historic Places

► Across Main St. stood the home of Benjamin and Sarah Across Main St. stood the home of Benjamin and Sarah Davenport. Sarah was the daughter of Havilah Beardsley. Davenport. Sarah was the daughter of Havilah Beardsley.

Their home was later purchased by George Pratt, the Their home was later purchased by George Pratt, the founder of Elkhart Carriage and Buggy.founder of Elkhart Carriage and Buggy.

► Elkhart Carriage and Buggy produced this Elkhart Carriage and Buggy produced this automobile in 1912 and called it the Pratt 40. automobile in 1912 and called it the Pratt 40.

This car is on display at Ruthmere MuseumThis car is on display at Ruthmere Museum

► This pleasant house was built in the early 1900s. It was This pleasant house was built in the early 1900s. It was the home of Charles Beardsley, brother of Andrew the home of Charles Beardsley, brother of Andrew Hubble Beardsley and great-nephew of Havilah. Hubble Beardsley and great-nephew of Havilah.

► Havilah’s son, James Rufus Beardsley, had this cottage Havilah’s son, James Rufus Beardsley, had this cottage built in the early 1900s. built in the early 1900s.

► This home was built in 1906 and at one point was home This home was built in 1906 and at one point was home of downtown developer Herbert Bucklen. of downtown developer Herbert Bucklen.

► This home was built in This home was built in 1910 to be the residence 1910 to be the residence of Ed Ziesel. The Ziesel of Ed Ziesel. The Ziesel family was prominent in family was prominent in

Elkhart. The Ziesel’s Elkhart. The Ziesel’s owned the Ziesel owned the Ziesel

Brothers Dry Good Brothers Dry Good Store in downtown. Store in downtown.

►E. Hill Turnock E. Hill Turnock (1857-1926) was a (1857-1926) was a prominent architect in the prominent architect in the Elkhart area. His Elkhart area. His commissions included a commissions included a number of public, number of public, religious, and domestic religious, and domestic buildings. Ruthmere, home buildings. Ruthmere, home of Albert and Elizabeth of Albert and Elizabeth Beardsley, was his most Beardsley, was his most impressive residential impressive residential project. project.

► Built between 1910 and 1911, St. Paul’s United Methodist Built between 1910 and 1911, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church was another building designed by E. Hill Church was another building designed by E. Hill

Turnock. Turnock.

► Andrew Hubble Beardsley, who was Havilah’s great Andrew Hubble Beardsley, who was Havilah’s great nephew, had this home built in 1908. The home, nephew, had this home built in 1908. The home,

designed by E. Hill Turnock, was razed in 1964 to make designed by E. Hill Turnock, was razed in 1964 to make way for the First Presbyterian Church parking lot. way for the First Presbyterian Church parking lot.

► Between 1908 and 1910 Albert and Elizabeth Beardsley Between 1908 and 1910 Albert and Elizabeth Beardsley commissioned architect E. Hill Turnock to design and commissioned architect E. Hill Turnock to design and

build their home, Ruthmere. build their home, Ruthmere. ► Albert was the nephew of Havilah and uncle of Andrew Albert was the nephew of Havilah and uncle of Andrew

Hubble and Charles Beardsley. Hubble and Charles Beardsley.

► A.R. first moved to Elkhart in A.R. first moved to Elkhart in 1861 in order to help his 1861 in order to help his widowed Aunt Rachel with widowed Aunt Rachel with the farm. the farm.

► By 1878 A.R. had become an By 1878 A.R. had become an owner of one mill and was on owner of one mill and was on his way to becoming a his way to becoming a prominent business leader in prominent business leader in the area.the area.

With appreciation to Dave DuFour for this imageWith appreciation to Dave DuFour for this image

Albert & Elizabeth BeardsleyAlbert & Elizabeth Beardsley

►Elizabeth and A.R. were married in 1872.Elizabeth and A.R. were married in 1872.

►Elizabeth gave birth Elizabeth gave birth to their only child in to their only child in 1880. They had a 1880. They had a daughter they named daughter they named Ruth. The baby died Ruth. The baby died in infancy of in infancy of hydrocephalus at age hydrocephalus at age seven months.seven months.

► 1891: A.R. became treasurer of Dr. Miles Medical 1891: A.R. became treasurer of Dr. Miles Medical Company. The Beardsley family would maintain Company. The Beardsley family would maintain

leadership within the company for several generations. leadership within the company for several generations.

► Miles Medical Co. eventually Miles Medical Co. eventually became Miles Laboratories became Miles Laboratories Inc. the producers of such Inc. the producers of such

prominent products as Alka-prominent products as Alka-Seltzer, Flintstone Vitamins, Seltzer, Flintstone Vitamins,

Bactine, and others. Bactine, and others.

► 1922: Elkhart’s first bookmobile was established as a 1922: Elkhart’s first bookmobile was established as a result of the philanthropy of Elizabeth and result of the philanthropy of Elizabeth and

Stella (Mrs. A. L.) Beardsley.Stella (Mrs. A. L.) Beardsley.

►1924: Following 1924: Following Albert and Elizabeth’s Albert and Elizabeth’s deaths, the home was deaths, the home was purchased by nephew purchased by nephew Arthur Beardsley who Arthur Beardsley who lived in the house lived in the house with his wife, Stella.with his wife, Stella.

►1945:1945: Upon Arthur’s death in 1944, Ruthmere was sold Upon Arthur’s death in 1944, Ruthmere was sold to the Deputy family, who moved in with their five sons, to the Deputy family, who moved in with their five sons, and soon had a sixth boy. They would reside at Ruthmere and soon had a sixth boy. They would reside at Ruthmere for 25 years. Here you can see Robert Deputy, one of the for 25 years. Here you can see Robert Deputy, one of the

six deputy boys. six deputy boys.

►1968: Ruthmere was 1968: Ruthmere was acquired by the acquired by the Beardsley Beardsley Foundation. Under Foundation. Under the leadership of the leadership of Robert Beardsley, the Robert Beardsley, the great-nephew of great-nephew of Albert Beardsley, a Albert Beardsley, a five-year restoration five-year restoration project was begun.project was begun.

►1973:1973: upon the completion upon the completion of Ruthmere’s restoration, of Ruthmere’s restoration, the mansion was opened as the mansion was opened as an historic house museum. an historic house museum. Its collections feature fine Its collections feature fine

and decorative arts, antique and decorative arts, antique autos, and a reference library. autos, and a reference library.

National Register of Historic PlacesNational Register of Historic Places

► 1978: Ruthmere was placed on the National Register of 1978: Ruthmere was placed on the National Register of Historic Places for the national significance of its Historic Places for the national significance of its

architecture and art collections. architecture and art collections.

Visiting RuthmereVisiting Ruthmere

►Students who visit Ruthmere on a field trip should Students who visit Ruthmere on a field trip should be aware of a few “museum rules.”be aware of a few “museum rules.” Please show respect by not touching unless you are Please show respect by not touching unless you are

invited toinvited to WalkWalk Stay with your groupStay with your group Listen to your docent (museum teacher)Listen to your docent (museum teacher) Raise your hand before asking questionsRaise your hand before asking questions Thank you helping us to preserve history and art!Thank you helping us to preserve history and art!