Round the Bend Now and Then

The Potawatomi Zoo

Potawatomi Zoo has been a beloved part of our community for over a century. In this episode, I sit down with Executive Director Josh Sisk to talk about his journey to leading Potawatomi Zoo, what it takes to operate a modern accredited zoo, and the exciting vision for its future. We also take a fun look back through historic South Bend Tribune articles that highlight just how far the zoo has come - from its humble beginnings to the incredible destination it is today. Whether you've been visiting the zoo for decades or haven't been in years, I think you'll come away with an even greater appreciation for one of South Bend's true gems. A special thank you to our sponsors, Dan Berry Insurance and M/T Box Computers, for making this episode possible. If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to follow Round the Bend Now and Then on Facebook, and find us on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and X at @roundthebend574. Thanks for listening! _____________________________________________________ Big thank you to Dan Berry Insurance for supporting the show. I’ve trusted them for over 25 years - their customer service and commitment to our community truly stands out! Learn more at www.danberryinsurance.com [http://www.danberryinsurance.com/]. __________________________________________________ Thank you to M/T Box Computers for sponsoring this episode! Check out their website below to learn more about what they can do to fit your small business's technological needs! Did I mention that they're local? https://www.mtboxcomputers.com/ [https://www.mtboxcomputers.com/] __________________________________________________ Available on all of the popular podcast platforms (Apple, Spotify, etc.) Podcast Website: Now & Then Round the Bend Website - All Episodes Here [https://round-the-bend-now-and-then.captivate.fm/episodes] Like on Facebook: Round the Bend Now and Then [https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthen] Follow on Instagram: @roundthebend574 [https://www.instagram.com/roundthebend574/] YouTube: @roundthebend574 [https://youtube.com/@roundthebend574?si=AY0fZcS-p7oz6raT] Follow on Twitter: @roundthebend574 [https://x.com/roundthebend574] Follow on TikTok: @roundthebend574 [https://www.tiktok.com/@roundthebend574]

The Historic Rose Garden at Leeper Park

In this episode, I sit down with Larry Clifford to explore the rich history of the Rose Garden at Leeper Park. Over 10 years ago, Larry spearheaded an effort to "resurrect the roses" and beautify a neglected historic Rose Garden at South Bend's Leeper Park. Dating back to the early 1900s, the garden has evolved through multiple redesigns, weathered floods, experienced periods of decline, and found new life thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers committed to preserving this important piece of local history. Larry shares what inspired the restoration effort, the challenges of maintaining a historic public space, and why beautiful public places still matter today. Want to help, volunteer, or learn more? Check out the Resurrect the Roses Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1EvGmmkxdh/ [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1EvGmmkxdh/] Special thanks to Larry Clifford and the many volunteers who have dedicated their time, energy, and passion in trying to ensure this garden maintains all of its beauty. This episode is made possible by M/T Box Computers, Dan Berry Insurance, and InRugCo Studio & Gift Shop! More info below! __________________________________________________ Big thank you to Dan Berry Insurance for supporting the show. I’ve trusted them for over 25 years - their customer service and commitment to our community truly stands out! Learn more at www.danberryinsurance.com [http://www.danberryinsurance.com/]. __________________________________________________ Thank you to M/T Box Computers for sponsoring this episode! Check out their website below to learn more about what they can do to fit your small business's technological needs! Did I mention that they're local? https://www.mtboxcomputers.com/ [https://www.mtboxcomputers.com/] __________________________________________________ Thank you to InRugCo Studio & Gift Shop for supporting the show! Stop in and browse a unique selection of gifts and locally inspired items! Learn more at https://indianarugco.com/ [https://indianarugco.com/] and be sure to check them out in person! __________________________________________________ Available on all of the popular podcast platforms (Apple, Spotify, etc.) Podcast Website: Now & Then Round the Bend Website - All Episodes Here [https://round-the-bend-now-and-then.captivate.fm/episodes] Like on Facebook: Round the Bend Now and Then [https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthen] YouTube: @roundthebend574 [https://youtube.com/@roundthebend574?si=AY0fZcS-p7oz6raT] Follow on Twitter: @roundthebend574 [https://x.com/roundthebend574] Follow on TikTok: @roundthebend574 [https://www.tiktok.com/@roundthebend574]

The Leeper Park Art Fair

For nearly 60 years, the Leeper Park Art Fair has brought artists, art lovers, and the community together beneath the trees of one of South Bend's most beautiful and historic parks. In this episode, I sit down with Leeper Park Art Fair Coordinator Hedy Lane to explore the fair's origins, the people who helped build it into a nationally recognized event, and why artists and patrons continue returning year after year. You'll hear stories of artists from across the country, the connections formed between artists and visitors, the economic impact the fair brings to South Bend, and even the infamous "Toilet Paper Debacle" of 2021. Whether you're a longtime attendee or have never visited before, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of South Bend's most cherished annual traditions. The 2026 Leeper Park Art Fair takes place June 20–21. Learn more at https://leeperparkartfair.org/ [https://leeperparkartfair.org/] Special thanks to our sponsors of this episode: Dan Berry Insurance, M/T Box Computers, and InRugCo Studio & Gift Shop. __________________________________________________ Big thank you to Dan Berry Insurance for supporting the show. I’ve trusted them for over 25 years - their customer service and commitment to our community truly stands out! Learn more at www.danberryinsurance.com [http://www.danberryinsurance.com/]. __________________________________________________ Thank you to M/T Box Computers for sponsoring this episode! Check out their website below to learn more about what they can do to fit your small business's technological needs! Did I mention that they're local? https://www.mtboxcomputers.com/ [https://www.mtboxcomputers.com/] __________________________________________________ Thank you to InRugCo Studio & Gift Shop for supporting the show! Stop in and browse a unique selection of gifts and locally inspired items! Learn more at https://indianarugco.com/ [https://indianarugco.com/] and be sure to check them out in person! __________________________________________________ ALL of our audio podcast episodes are also on YouTube! Check out our channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Link below! You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574 [https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574] Be sure to follow Round the Bend Now and Then on Twitter: @roundthebendpod [https://twitter.com/roundthebendpod?s=21&t=FgRdkGauv7hn7oIpJ_x47Q] Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthen [https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthen?mibextid=LQQJ4d] To contact the show, you can email at roundthebend574@gmail.com [roundthebend574@gmail.com] or message on Twitter or Facebook. For current & historical pictures and commentary on the South Bend & Mishawaka area, follow @roundthebend574 [https://twitter.com/roundthebend574] on Twitter.

Drewry's Brewery

For decades, the massive Drewry’s Brewery complex on South Bend’s northwest side stood as one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Long after production stopped, the towering brick buildings along Elwood Avenue remained a reminder of South Bend’s industrial past. In this episode, I sit down with Drewry’s historian and collector Wes Weaver to uncover the incredible story behind the brewery. From its roots as the historic Muessel Brewery, to Prohibition era intrigue, Detroit organized crime connections, federal investigations, corporate mergers, and the eventual collapse of regional breweries - this is a fascinating dive into one of South Bend’s most iconic industrial giants. A huge thanks to Wes for sharing his incredible research and passion for preserving brewery history. Be sure to check out Wes's article: Born in Canada, Built in Detroit, Brewed in South Bend. The Story of Drewrys Limited USA [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ti450q7Yg8BRYciCGdmBcI7_HRovmy24/view?usp=drive_link] Check out the Brewery Collectibles Club of America website: https://bcca.com/ [https://bcca.com/] _________________________________________________________ Big thank you to Dan Berry Insurance for supporting the show. I’ve trusted them for over 25 years - their customer service and commitment to our community truly stands out! Learn more at www.danberryinsurance.com [http://www.danberryinsurance.com/]. _________________________________________________________ Special thanks to our friends at Allie's Cafe for supporting this episode of Round the Bend Now and Then! A River Park staple for 26 years, Allie’s is more than just a cafe - it’s family. Stop in, grab a breakfast burrito (my favorite), or check out their catering at https://www.alliescafe.com/ [https://www.alliescafe.com/] and tell them Round the Bend sent you! _________________________________________________________ Thank you to M/T Box Computers for sponsoring this episode! Check out their website below to learn more about what they can do to fit your small business's technological needs! Did I mention that they're local? https://www.mtboxcomputers.com/ [https://www.mtboxcomputers.com/] _______________________________________________ ALL of our audio podcast episodes are also on YouTube! Check out our channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Link below! You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574 [https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574] Be sure to follow Round the Bend Now and Then on Twitter: @roundthebendpod [https://twitter.com/roundthebendpod?s=21&t=FgRdkGauv7hn7oIpJ_x47Q] Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthen [https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthen?mibextid=LQQJ4d] To contact the show, you can email at roundthebend574@gmail.com [roundthebend574@gmail.com] or message on Twitter or Facebook. For current & historical pictures and commentary on the South Bend & Mishawaka area, follow @roundthebend574 [https://twitter.com/roundthebend574] on Twitter.

Mishawaka's Lost Skyscraper

For a brief moment in the 1960's, downtown Mishawaka almost looked completely different. Plans were unveiled for Center Point Tower - a futuristic 33 story skyscraper featuring offices, apartments, observation decks, and even a revolving restaurant overlooking the St. Joseph River. It would have transformed the Mishawaka skyline forever… but it was never built. In this episode, I sit down with local Mishawaka historian Pete DeKever to explore one of the most fascinating “what if” stories in our area’s history. Pete, author of Lost Mishawaka, shares the story behind the ambitious vision, the man who dreamed it, and why the project ultimately never became reality. A HUGE thank you to Pete for sharing his time, knowledge, research, and genuine passion for preserving Mishawaka history. Conversations like this are such an important reminder that there’s SO much history right under our noses. _________________________________________________________ A big thank you to the Mishawaka Historical Museum for supporting our work! Discover the stories and people that shaped Mishawaka through engaging exhibits, including over 160 newly displayed artifacts and pictures, and pick up your free Mishawaka History Summer Bucket List booklet! Learn more and plan your visit at mishawakamuseum.org [https://round-the-bend-now-and-then.captivate.fm/episode/mishawakamuseum.org] and be sure to stop in and explore. _____________________________________________________ Thank you to InRugCo Studio & Gift Shop for supporting the show! Stop in and browse a unique selection of gifts and locally inspired items! Learn more at https://indianarugco.com/ [https://indianarugco.com/] and be sure to check them out in person! _____________________________________________________ Big thank you to Dan Berry Insurance for supporting the show. I’ve trusted them for over 25 years - their customer service and commitment to our community truly stands out! Learn more at www.danberryinsurance.com [http://www.danberryinsurance.com/]. _________________________________________________________ ALL of our audio podcast episodes are also on YouTube! Check out our channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Link below! You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574 [https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574] Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthen [https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthen?mibextid=LQQJ4d] Follow us on TikTok! https://www.tiktok.com/@roundthebend574?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc [https://www.tiktok.com/@roundthebend574?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] To contact the show, you can email at roundthebend574@gmail.com [roundthebend574@gmail.com] or message on Twitter or Facebook. For current & historical pictures and commentary on the South Bend & Mishawaka area, follow @roundthebend574 [https://twitter.com/roundthebend574] on Twitter.