Starke County Historical Society

06/17/2026

During this past school year, students at Oregon-Davis School Corporation, Knox Community Schools and North Judson-San Pierre Junior Senior High School completed many projects and activities about America250.

Many of those projects will be displayed from 10:00-4:00 on Saturday, June 20 throughout the North Judson-Wayne Township Public Library. Posters will be in the lobby and hallways. Electronic projects will run continuously in Meeting Room 2 (in the basement).

Please stop in to view and be impressed by the students' work.

06/16/2026

One of the oldest homes in Starke County sits on Jones Street in North Judson. Locally known as the "Corbitt House", it has seen many changes during its long years looking down Sycamore Street.

Come to the North Judson-Wayne Township Public Library at 3:00 on Saturday, June 20 to learn more about this home's fascinating history from its current owner, Ken Walter.

06/16/2026

Starke County has had many interesting residents over the years.

High school student volunteers are going to bring a few of them back to life for a short visit on Saturday, June 20. Reenactors will rotate, so stop by both morning and afternoon to catch all of them.

Starke County ladies to be portrayed are:
*Elizabeth (Neir) Neupert - North Judson - immigrant, early settler
*Emma (Podell) White - Bass Lake - farmer, daughter of immigrant
*Magdalena "Maggie” (Meyer) Schricker - North Judson - immigrant, later mother of a governor
*Susannah (Way) Royce - English Lake - wife of 3 Civil War veterans
*Jennie (McDaniels) Jolly - Hamlet - business co-owner
*Maude (Brown) Schricker - Knox - homesteader in North Dakota, wife of governor

Judson Mint Festival Official

06/15/2026

Starke County is named for John Stark, who was an American military officer who served during the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War. A major general, he became known as the "Hero of Bennington" for his exemplary service at the Battle of Bennington in 1777.

At 2:00 pm on Saturday, June 20 during the Mint Fest, stop at the air-conditioned basement of the library to learn more about this hero of the American Revolution.

North Judson Mint Festival Official

06/10/2026

It's time for another before-and-after..... this time from North Judson. At the northwest corner of Lane and Talmer (State Road 10) in North Judson, a Masonic Lodge has set for well over 100 years.

Here we have a photo from 1915 and from 2026.

The Apr. 22, 1915 North Judson News had a headline story, with the 1915 photo. The article stated, "North Judson Lodge No. 438, F & A M, gave a delightful banquet at the handsome new home on last Tuesday evening. About 50 visiting Masons and their wives were present to enjoy the festivities. There was a feast of music, readings and speeches and, last but not least, of good things to eat. A special program consisted of a piano solo by Miss Lulu Wiegner, readings by Mesdames Fisher and Wakeman, a monologue by Wm. T. Roberts and selections by both a male and ladies' quartette."

Notice.... while the original building has been replaced, the steps to Lane St. remain.

06/09/2026

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The countdown is on! Don’t forget to email your photos to Erin. We can’t wait to see Starke County covered in red, white and blue! 🇺🇸

06/06/2026

Many of you had the chance to view 4014 when it came through Starke County yesterday.

There was a time steam engines (although not as large as 4014) were a common site locally. Railroads played an important part in Starke County's development.

To learn more, stop at the Starke County History Center on Saturdays between 10:00 AM-2:00 PM to see the rail exhibit and learn more about how trains built and impacted Starke County.

06/05/2026

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05/30/2026