Historic New Carlisle, Inc.

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Historic New Carlisle, Inc. Historic New Carlisle, Inc. was founded in 1989 as a non-profit historical society.

strives to infuse the community with a greater sense of appreciation for our past. A local history museum features photographs, artifacts and memorabilia from New Carlisle's past. We gladly accept donations to our archives of items relating to the history of New Carlisle. The organization holds many programs and activities throughout the year such as walking tours, local history exhibits, Tree Planting, Heritage Harvest Fair, Ice Cream Social, Architectue/History Camp for Kids, Alumni Open House, dinners, luncheons, Breakfast with Santa, Bunny Breakfast and more.

Way Back Wednesday...A 1960 "Not So Long Ago" newspaper clipping from the South Bend Tribune shows a picture of the "Bac...
10/14/2026

Way Back Wednesday...
A 1960 "Not So Long Ago" newspaper clipping from the South Bend Tribune shows a picture of the "Bachelor Girls" from 1909- a group of young ladies from New Carlisle who pledged to remain single or pay a fine. 1st row l-r: Lotta Geer, Katherine Evans, Ruth Bates. 2nd row: Edythe Miller, Ethel Bates, Laura Cauffman. 3rd row: Frances Burden, Bessie Geer, Carrie Brown, Maggie Tappan. 4th row: Mabel Cauffman, Edna VanDusen, Anna Miller, Kittie Miller, Ella Gearhart. In the end, they all married.

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

Way Back Wednesday...Who remembers the big house move in 1981? The old Wenger House stood on Chestnut Street and needed ...
10/07/2026

Way Back Wednesday...
Who remembers the big house move in 1981? The old Wenger House stood on Chestnut Street and needed to be moved for a new parking lot for the post office. Bret and Lynell Wolff took on the challenge of moving and renovating the home. It was moved to Elm Street. I was in 3rd grade and remember being lined up along Michigan Street along with many others to watch. Not something I had ever seen before. So glad it was saved and preserved!

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

Way Back Wednesday...Students at the District No. 11 one-room school show off their harvest at their Garden Fair circa 1...
09/30/2026

Way Back Wednesday...
Students at the District No. 11 one-room school show off their harvest at their Garden Fair circa 1918. The school was located at the southwest corner of Strawberry and Inwood Roads and is believed to have been built in 1913.

If you enjoy local history and are interested in helping to preserve it, consider joining Historic New Carlisle, Inc. https://historic-new-carlisle-inc.square.site

Way Back Wednesday...I posted this picture of the Cottage Inn probably a couple years ago now and there were a lot of qu...
09/23/2026

Way Back Wednesday...
I posted this picture of the Cottage Inn probably a couple years ago now and there were a lot of questions about where it was located, but I got to thinking that maybe it could be this house on Arch Street just north of Michigan because it looks like in the original photo there are backs of buildings down the alley. The house has undergone many changes and additions, but the roofline is the same and it sits up on a hill. Would the alley have been added later? hmm, not sure. Thoughts?

If you enjoy local history, we invite you to become a member! https://historic-new-carlisle-inc.square.site

09/22/2026

We live in a beautiful town, full of rich history that is reflected in the architecture of our older homes. Just drive down Michigan Street and you’ll have the opportunity to appreciate various homes built in different eras. From a variety of columns and cornices to charming transom windows letting the sunlight in, our hometown is lovely.

This September, here at the library, we are honoring our country’s 250th Anniversary and what better way to celebrate than enjoying a wonderful historic walking tour around New Carlisle. Join Historic New Carlisle Director, Dana Groves, as she leads the walking tour. On Sunday, September 27th at 2:00 pm, we will meet at Memorial Park as Dana shares the history and discusses the different architectural styles of our town's various buildings. We will enjoy a sweet treat at the Historic New Carlisle Museum during the tour. Families are welcome to attend and make some great memories with us. Registration opens on September 13th and is required.

https://ncpl.libcal.com/event/16241897

Way Back Wednesday...The Studebaker Clubhouse at Bendix Woods County Park is celebrating 100 years! Constructed in 1926 ...
09/16/2026

Way Back Wednesday...
The Studebaker Clubhouse at Bendix Woods County Park is celebrating 100 years! Constructed in 1926 for employees working at the Proving Grounds, the clubhouse had a cafeteria, a lounge with pool tables and sofas, and thirteen sleeping rooms on the second floor along with a caretaker's apartment.

The building has served many purposes throughout its lifetime. In 1943 the U.S. Army took over the proving grounds for military testing, and the clubhouse housed commissioned Army officers. In 1947, the lower level was converted into drafting rooms for the Cole-Vail project. The resulting car design is reportedly the first to use McPherson Struts. In 1961, Sherwood Egbert president of Studebaker renovated the building for use as his private residence. In 1966, the Proving Grounds were sold to Bendix Corporation, and the clubhouse and 175 acres of land were donated to the newly formed St. Joseph County Parks. In 1967 the clubhouse re-opened as offices and the Nature Center.

You can tour the clubhouse and celebrate this milestone on Saturday, October 3rd. Visit their website for more information https://sjcparks.org

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

Way Back Wednesday...John Ayers and William Miller are pictured in front of the New Carlisle train depot. The men worked...
09/09/2026

Way Back Wednesday...
John Ayers and William Miller are pictured in front of the New Carlisle train depot. The men worked as ticket agents for the South Shore and Northern Indiana Railway. The depot, once located along the South Shore tracks on Zigler Street served passengers from both the South Shore and the Northern Indiana interurban trains.

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

09/04/2026

The museum will be closed tomorrow (Saturday) for the Labor Day weekend.

Address

112 E. Michigan Street
New Carlisle, IN
46552

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 2pm

Telephone

(574) 654-3897

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