South Bend in Vintage Postcards

In the early 20th century, South Bend, Indiana’s population more than tripled. Established industries like Studebaker and the Singer Sewing company rose to unprecedented heights of production, new businesses took root, and immigrants flooded into the area. Photo postcards, originally a quick and inexpensive form of communication, became key documents of South Bend’s growth, recording events, businesses, landmarks, and people. Through nearly 200 vintage postcards, this book details South Bend’s story from the turn of the 20th century to the aftermath of World War II. These images give a glimpse of lost glamour, representing the city as past generations witnessed it.