Historic New Carlisle, Inc.

06/19/2026

Sharing some photos from the Colfax Park dedication last weekend. The pocket park is located at the corner of Front and Cherry Street where the former Methodist Church stood. The park pays tribute to the church as well as to Schuyler Colfax who lived in New Carlisle as a young man. He went on to become the Vice-President of the United States under Ulysses S. Grant. The park features a gazebo, a kiosk with historical information about the church and Colfax, the original bell from the church, benches, swings, and beautiful butterfly bushes, roses, and trees. The park is a gift to the town from Tim and Melanie Creason. Photos were taken by Bob Wellinski.

06/18/2026

Join us tonight at 7:00 pm EDT

Historic New Carlisle and the New Carlisle-Olive Township Public Library welcome Sid Shroyer, former NPHS English teacher, as he discusses his book, When Once Destroyed: A Historical Memoir of the Life and Death of a Small Town, at the Historic New Carlisle Museum.

Copies of his book will be available to purchase.

06/17/2026

Way Back Wednesday...
The New Carlisle City Band was organized in 1914. The band is pictured here in front of the house at 209 W. Michigan Street just west of the stoplight. Date of photo unknown.

If you enjoy local history and want to help preserve it, consider becoming a member of Historic New Carlisle, Inc. http://historic-new-carlisle-inc.square.site.

06/12/2026

Historic New Carlisle and the New Carlisle-Olive Township Public Library welcome Sid Shroyer, former NPHS English teacher, as he discusses his book, When Once Destroyed: A Historical Memoir of the Life and Death of a Small Town, at the Historic New Carlisle Museum.

Copies of his book will be available to purchase.

06/10/2026

Way Back Wednesday...
The James Reynolds home is located on Walnut Road just south of Chicago Trail. James Reynolds was born in 1824 near Richmond, Indiana and his family settled in LaPorte County around 1833. He married Nancy Howe in 1853. James became involved in the dry goods trade and operated general stores in Buchanan and Dayton, Michigan. He purchased 320 acres of land on Walnut Road in 1861 where he built his beautiful brick Italianate style home (the original brick was painted at some point). He was in business and farmed with his brother John who had also built an Italianate home on Chicago Trail living less than a mile away. At one time, James owned 2,100 acres of land in St. Joseph and LaPorte counties. During the Civil War, he was loyal to the cause and gave support to the wives and widows left at home. He was physically unable to be a soldier, but he furnished a substitute who was generously compensated. In 1890 he was elected president of the First National Bank in Buchanan. He passed away in 1906 and is buried in the Hamilton Cemetery.

If you enjoy learning about local history, consider becoming a member of Historic New Carlisle, Inc. http://historic-new-carlisle-inc.square.site

06/03/2026

Way Back Wednesday...
This photo of the interior of the Bluebird at Hudson Lake was recently shared with us. The photo of the three women behind the counter is labeled left to right: Mary M. Miller who was the owner, Viola Miller (Codman)? and Marcella Miller? If anyone can confirm the two women with Mary, we would appreciate it! Ice cream cones were just 5 cents. Who remembers hanging out and getting ice cream at the Bluebird?

If you enjoy local history and want to support Historic New Carlisle, Inc., consider becoming a member! http://historic-new-carlisle-inc.square.site

05/27/2026

Way Back Wednesday...
The Theodore Borden House at 732 W. Michigan Street was built in the Italianate style in 1868. The two-story brick home features a square floor plan, low-pitched hipped roof, overhanging eaves with decorative paired brackets and decorated frieze board with molded panels. Arched windows have decorative hood moldings. The house originally had a full-length front porch. The house was built for Theodore Borden who was in the dry goods and grocery business and also served as postmaster.

If you enjoy local history and want to help preserve it, consider becoming a member of Historic New Carlisle, Inc.! http://historic-new-carlisle-inc.square.site