- The Michiana Memo
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- 1.30.2025
1.30.2025
Here’s to a bit of a mid-winter THAW, Michiana Memo Members!
Now, for a bit of Michiana history.
The South Bend Watch Company opened their factory doors in 1903; producing more than 60,000 watches annually and employing 600+ locals. These watches became popular largely due to a great advertising campaign in print media - something VERY new to the early 1900s.
With prices starting at $16 ($35 in today’s money), up to $125 ($4400 in today’s money), anyone that was interested in owning a South Bend timepiece, could do so on their own budget. These watches were also ‘insured for a lifetime guarantee’ - with many South Bend watches in circulation today.
“A Studebaker in the Mail In the 1920s the company offered a "Studebaker" watch on a mail order basis. The Studebaker watches were identical to the South Bend line and were made on the same production line. The Studebaker watch ads of this era did not indicate any connection between the two watches, but instead gave the impression of a separate company. The naming of the watch, however, was an obvious attempt to capitalize on the good name of the famous brothers of Studebaker automobile fame. Most ads carried the following line:
“Directed by members of the Studebaker family—known for three-quarters of a century for fair dealing.”
The Studebaker watches were sold on a credit basis and could be purchased with a down payment of only one dollar. With the onset of the Depression, the company found itself with many delinquent accounts and the banks were unwilling to cooperate in those unstable times. This and the fact the company never switched to production of men’s wristwatches was responsible for their eventual demise. On Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, November 27, 1929, the nearly 300 employees of the company were notified the plant would be closed until January 1, 1930. The company never reopened.” -Read MORE on this HERE.
So…welcome to the FIFTH edition of Michiana Memo AND a big thank you for continuing to read!
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Event Calendar
JANUARY 31 @ 12-7 PM | Upcycled Wind Chime Workshop in Elkhart, IN at Elkhart Environmental Center ($5/person) - Using glass bottles, participants will get to make their own set of wind chimes to take home. There will be secondhand items and craft supplies for participants to use to make their own unique designs, such as old silverware, beads, buttons, rocks, paint pens, and more (attendees are also welcome to bring their own items to add to their wind chime)!
FEBRUARY 1 @ 10 AM | Southwest Polar Plunge in Stevensville, IN at Watermark Brewing Company (raise/donate $100) - Those wanting to plunge, and those too afraid can sign up! You must raise a minimum of $100 to score a sweatshirt and medal for the event. After plunging, enjoy a hot meal and cold beer from Watermark Brewing. All proceeds go to Special Olympics - freeze your butt off, for a good cause!
FEBRUARY 1 @ 10 AM-5 PM | Lunar New Year: Year of the Snake Community Celebration in South Bend, IN at Portage Collective (FREE/FAMILY EVENT) - Ring in the Lunar New Year with food, stickers, local shopping and more at the Portage Collective, 905 Portage Avenue, South Bend. The Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies is sponsoring free cookies from Chips & Doodles and Year of the Snake stickers while supplies last!
FEBRUARY 1 @ 6-9:30 PM | Winter Gala in South Bend, IN at Palais Royale (tickets are pricey, $250/person)- Step into a galaxy of wonder and join Fischoff for an unforgettable evening of cosmic elegance and extraordinary music! Celebrate the brilliance of chamber music with the acclaimed Verona Quartet, 2013 Fischoff Competition winners and 2020 Cleveland Quartet Award Recipient, as they take the stage for a performance that’s truly out of this world. We invite you to embark on a journey among the stars, celebrating music, community, and the memories that shine bright in the Fischoff constellation.
FEBRUARY 2 @ 10 AM | Broken Up, Not Broken Hearted Yoga in Mishawaka, IN at Sun King Brewery ($20/person) - Do yoga to girl power songs like Kelly Clarkson "Stronger" and Miley Cyrus "Flowers"! Perfect yoga date for your Galentine! Bend Yoga's experienced instructor will guide you through various yoga poses to help you stretch and strengthen your body. This event is perfect for beginners and experienced yogis alike. One 16 oz beer is included with the price of the class.
FEBRUARY 2 @ 12-7 PM | Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck in Stevensville, IN at 5781 Saint Joseph Ave, Stevensville, MI, United States, Michigan 49127- Food Truck Debut of Cousins Maine Lobster! As seen on Shark Tank. If you want to check out the menu - you can do that HERE.
FEBRUARY 2 @ 2 PM | Terrarium Class in Granger, IN at ReStyled Furnishings ($40/person) - In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to create your very own mini-ecosystem, perfect for bringing a touch of greenery and style into your home. We’ll provide all the materials, including containers, plants, soil, and decorative elements—just bring your creativity!
FEBRUARY 2 @ 1:30-2:30 PM | Bird Walk in Elkhart at Wellfield Botanical Gardens (FREE/FAMILY event) - Join us for Bird Walks at Wellfield! The walks are led by Wellfield volunteer and Audubon Society member Mary Kauffman-Kennel, and are open to all ages (parents must accompany minors). The walks usually last 60-90 minutes. This walk is held outside, rain or shine – please dress accordingly.
FEBRUARY 4 @ 6-8:30 PM | Daddy Daughter Dance in South Bend, IN at Century Center ($15/person) - Join us for the 24th annual Daddy Daughter Dance. Daughters and their fathers or father figures are invited to a fun night out with a live DJ, giveaways, treats, photo ops, and so much more!
Foodie Recs
Take a breather this weekend ad and enjoy our top picks. You bring the drinks, we’ve got the links.
The Prized Pig: This little hole-in-the-wall BBQ stop really is amazing. Good BBQ is a rarity in the Midwest - you’ve gotta be careful with what you’re trying. The Prized Pig is authentic BBQ, with a wide selection of house-made BBQ sauces. No reservations - this place is great for lunch.
Electric Brew (Goshen and Elkhart, Indiana locations): Electric Brew is a community staple - you’ll find us there probably 5 days a week. Their coffee is delicious, as are their bagels. Might we recommend the asiago or parmesan bagel - they’re homemade daily and absolutely KILLER. The vibes are great for working remotely, or meeting up with a friend. Cozy-noisy is how we’d describe it!
The Bait Shop (Valparaiso, Indiana): This is really not Michiana, but we just discovered this little (fine dining) joint, so we had to give them a shout out. This place is a bit mysterious - no website, no photos on social media, and every night they’re open - they release a curated menu a few hours before opening. Their address is: 5308 Calumet Ave, Valparaiso, IN 46383 and if you want to view their recent menus, give them a follow on Facebook HERE.
Dream Of The Week: Live out your innkeeper dreams with this Bed & Breakfast under $700k
Steal Of The Week: Church (with stained glass windows & all) converted to a loft-style house, LOVE.
✨Do you have a unique suggestion or event that you would like to have featured on Michiana Memo? Submit your idea HERE. ✨
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