Historic New Carlisle, Inc.

08/26/2026

Way Back Wednesday...
Sadly, we lost an icon yesterday. Some in New Carlisle were lucky enough to see Dolly Parton in her early days as she performed with Porter Wagoner at the old New Carlisle Junior High believed to be 1971. She performed with Wagoner from 1967 to 1974. The Jaycee's, an active community organization brought them to New Carlisle.

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

08/25/2026

We have a traveling exhibit here at the museum from the Indiana Historical Society titled Who is a Hoosier? The exhibit uses maps and informational graphics to highlight the statistical impact of changing ethnic groups in the state and photographs that bring to life the personal stories of immigration. The exhibit will be up through October 1st and can be viewed during normal museum hours Tuesday through Friday 10 to 4 and Saturdays 10 to 2 Eastern.

08/21/2026

We had an incredible turnout tonight at the museum for Aaron Helman's program talking about the boundary disputes between Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. Aaron is an entertaining storyteller and everyone really enjoyed it! Thanks to all who attended!

We also have his book The Incomplete History of St. Joseph County that will be for sale in our gift shop.

08/19/2026

Way Back Wednesday...
I just love these photos of Patty Swartz (1st photo) and her girlfriends (unknown) in bobby socks and saddle shoes in downtown New Carlisle- a true representation of the 1950s. I believe these to be around 1954-55 as Patty graduated from New Carlisle High School in 1955. Besides the very cool car (the car guys can tell me the make, model and year) You can see on the south side of Michigan Street the tavern that was torn down to make way for the bank drive-thru, the bank and the Home Cafe. On the north side you can see the hardware store and Soda Bar which was a popular hang-out back then.

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

08/18/2026

A reminder for Thursday night's program at the museum

Hope to see many of you in New Carlisle this Thursday at 7:00 p.m. The story of Michigan's disputed and distributed borders is one of my very favorites. Stick around afterward to buy a book or two!

08/13/2026

08/12/2026

Way Back Wednesday...
Hotel Carlisle was one of the early frame structures built in 1838 just three years after the town of New Carlisle was platted. It was built by Cole Kramer and located at the southwest corner of Michigan and Arch Streets. It was a stagecoach stop along the Michigan Road between Chicago and Detroit and contained a dining room, saloon, barbershop, and gambling room reportedly with no windows. It is said that the grocery stores in town would stay open late so the men could shop after the saloons closed. It was a popular gathering spot in its day. Fire destroyed the building in 1913.

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

08/11/2026

We had a wonderful day for our ice cream social and car show this past Sunday! The cars had to move out a little earlier than expected due the incoming weather. We want to thank our board members and volunteers for all their help in setting up, taking down, and serving up ice cream, cake and drinks! A big thank you to everyone who donated pies and cakes! We had such a wonderful variety. We couldn't do the car show without the coordination and planning by the John Richardson and the Outsiders Auto Club and its members! We appreciate everyone who brought their vehicles out. Always fun to see cars from different eras. We thank everyone who attended and supported us and thanks to the town crew and police department who helped close off the municipal lot for us.