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Tuesday 10am - 4pm Friday 10am - 4pm Saturday 10am - 4pm

Mishawaka Historical Museum

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Mishawaka Historical Museum

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We are a community historical museum dedicated to the history of Mishawaka and its people.

10/25/2026

Fr. John Schmidt is a retired Orthodox priest and one of our regular volunteers at the Mishawaka Historical Museum. Yesterday afternoon, Fr. John performed a special blessing for the Red Ball Jets shoe that we have in front of the museum. He asked God to protect the shoe and to bless those who see it and those whose lives were connected to Ball-Band. Note also that Fr. John is wearing a pair of the new Red Ball Jets that are available at www.redballjets.co

10/21/2026

October 21-24 marks the 100th anniversary of an amazing period of historic events that happened in and near Mishawaka. On October 21, 1926, the Studebaker Building, also known as the Fred Major Building, had its grand opening at 315 Lincoln Way West. The Studebaker Corporation leased this building from Fred Major and operated a state-of-the-art showroom and auto service center there. The grand opening celebration occurred from Thursday, October 21 until Saturday, October 23. The Studebaker Building still stands today and is the home of the Mishawaka Food Pantry. Fred Major was involved with another downtown landmark that opened on October 22, 1926. The Major-Laing Building was located south of the First National Bank on the east side of the 100 block of South Main. Templin Music Store, the first tenant in this two-story commercial building, had its grand opening on Friday, October 22. In the following decades, many other businesses occupied the ground floor spaces before the building was torn down in 1967. On October 23, 1926, Mishawaka High defeated archrival South Bend, 7-6, at Notre Dame’s Cartier Field with 15,000 spectators in attendance. The great Burton Doyle scored the Maroons’ touchdown, and Don Rodgers kicked the game-winning extra point. Coach Frank Steele’s team won their next two games, finished their second consecutive 8-0 season, and claimed another mythical state championship. The next day, Freddie Fitzsimmons, Mishawaka’s major leaguer, pitched for the South Bend Indians in an exhibition game against Babe Ruth’s All-Stars at Playland Park. Ruth got three base hits off Fitzsimmons, and Fred was 0-3 in his trips to the plate. Each pitcher gave up seven hits and three runs. Ruth allowed no walks to Fitzsimmons’s one, but Fred tallied five strikeouts, compared to just one by the Yankee star. The score was 3-3 when the game was called due to darkness.

10/20/2026

On display in the Mishawaka Historical Museum is a football that belonged to the late Bill Doba, who coached at Mishawaka from 1971-76 and passed away on August 28. The football was presented to Doba after the 1973 season. Five or six years ago, Coach Doba gave the football to Jim Schrader, a member of the ’73 Cavemen, at a reunion. Doba believed the ball should finally come back home to Mishawaka. On behalf of his teammates, Jim recently brought the football to the museum and told us that Coach Doba had kept it for decades, usually having the ball on a shelf in his office at the different places he coached. Doba was an assistant at Indiana, Purdue, The Citadel, and Washington State before serving as the Cougars’ head coach from 2003-2007. Doba acquired many coaching mementos and awards over the years, but he always appreciated the influence of Mishawaka on his career and made sure that this old pigskin was displayed prominently wherever he worked. Coach Doba’s 1973 Cavemen finished 9-1, losing only to eventual state champion South Bend Washington. The ’73 team outscored its opponents 232-117 and was the first Mishawaka football team to win nine games since Gene Dykstra’s 1950 club, and only the 1935 team had won 10 games. Bill Doba coached just six seasons at M.H.S., but his legacy for the Cavemen football program has been lasting and profound. On the 1973 football are printed names or signatures of seven coaches, three managers, and 30 varsity players, a who’s who of the era’s Cavemen gridiron stars. The Mishawaka Historical Museum is proud to display this treasure, which evokes the memory of Coach Doba and his great Mishawaka football teams of the early 1970s.

10/14/2026

On October 15, 1926, Coach Frank Steele’s Mishawaka Cavemen football team played at Peru High School. Years before the Superman comic was created, the original Men of Steele had gone undefeated (8-0) in 1925 to lay claim to the mythical state title and were unbeaten in the first four games of the 1926 campaign before their contest against the Tigers. As the Cavemen were preparing to board the team bus, the Miskodeed explains what happened next: “On the way to Peru, there was not enough room in the bus, so it was Rudduck and Curtis, the yell leader, who rode on top with the luggage. Managers as good as Rudduck are scarce.” This self-sacrificing manager was junior Ferris Rudduck. Equally dedicated that afternoon was Warren Curtis, a senior, in his first season as an M.H.S. yell leader. The Miskodeed also had this to say about Rudduck: “’Ferrie’ was the boy who worked harder than all the team put together. Whenever any one wanted a new shoe lace, shoulder pads adjusted, feet taped, or legs rubbed, it was always, ‘Where, oh, where is Rudduck?’” Mishawaka came away with the victory, 33-13, and its winning streak intact. It should be no surprise that a team whose manager and yell leader were so dedicated as to be willing to ride 75 miles on the bus roof would not only win the game but also go on to complete another undefeated (8-0) season and claim a second consecutive mythical state championship. A century later, we remember Ferris Rudduck and Warren Curtis for their act of heroism, devotion, or just plain craziness on that wild bus ride to Peru.

10/11/2026

Barbara Bel Geddes, who played Miss Ellie on the TV show Dallas, is the great-granddaughter of Maj. Barnet Byrkit (1821-1898), a prominent Civil War veteran from Mishawaka. He was a member of the 48th Indiana Infantry and saw action at Corinth, Mississippi; Vicksburg, Tennessee; and Cartersville, Georgia. The 48th also participated in Gen. William T. Sherman’s March to the Sea from Atlanta to Savannah, Georgia, and then the Carolinas campaign. Byrkit was captain of Co. F and was later promoted to major. He was Lt. Col. Newton Bingham’s second-in-command during the war’s final months. After the Civil War, Barnet returned to Mishawaka and worked for Milburn Wagon Company. When Milburn moved its wagon works to Toledo in 1874, Byrkit relocated his family there, and he later died in Toledo. In 1976, Maj. Byrkit’s great-granddaughter, Kay Miles, donated his Civil War battle flag, which was used in the March to the Sea, to the Mishawaka Children’s Museum. In 2013, the Hannah Lindahl Children’s Museum had the flag conserved, cleaned, and repaired. When the museum closed, the City of Mishawaka acquired Maj. Byrkit’s flag and now proudly displays it in City Hall.
Maj. Byrkit married Lucinda Ilgenfritz (1835-1899), and their daughter, Minnie Belle Byrkit (1865-1918), was born in Mishawaka. She married George Sneider (1860-1926), and one of their two daughters was Helen Belle “Bel” Sneider (1891-1938). When Helen married producer and theatrical set designer Norman Geddes (1893-1958), they fashioned a new family surname from her nickname and his last name. Their second child, Barbara, was born in New York City on October 31, 1922.
Barbara Bel Geddes made her Broadway debut in 1941 and appeared in her first movie in 1947. She earned an Academy Award nomination as Best Supporting Actress for her role in I Remember Mama in 1948. Bel Geddes was the first actor to be cast in Dallas, and she became internationally famous for playing Miss Ellie, the matriarch of the Ewing family. Bel Geddes appeared in 281 of the show’s episodes and won an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 1980.
Barbara Bel Geddes died in Northeast Harbor, Maine, in 2005.

10/02/2026

Interested in historic preservation? While most of us won't be able to individually purchase and restore historic buildings, there are other ways to ensure these structures can survive. We donate what we can; we place yard signs by the street to raise awareness; we lobby the local government for support; we help out with repairs and maintenance when we're able.

We can also eat burgers!

When you choose to eat out at local restaurants housed in historic buildings, you are actively supporting the business' continual preservation and maintenance of the building. The next time you come to our museum, please consider having lunch or dinner at our neighbor down the block, Vinyl Tap & Table.

Vinyl Tap proudly operates in a building that dates to 1880. The building has been home to multiple businesses, including the Beiger Furniture Store, a license branch, and a travel agency. Vinyl Tap opened in 2022 and has become a favorite spot downtown. We encourage you to come in and support their business and their building by enjoying some great food and cold drinks (and we recommend the Brussels sprouts).

Hours:
Sunday/Wednesday/Thursday: 11 am - 9 pm
Friday/Saturday: 11 am - 10 pm
Closed Monday/Tuesday

117 S. Main St.
https://vinyltapandtable.com/our-story

09/28/2026

On August 13, Jim and Joe Baranowski visited the Mishawaka Historical Museum to donate artifacts and photos that belonged to their father, Joe. Jim lives in Berlin, Connecticut, and Joe, Jr. resides in Winona Lake, Indiana. Joe Baranowski, Sr., a Mishawaka High alumnus, World War II veteran, and Dodge Manufacturing employee, founded the Indiana Independent Athletic Association in 1940. Under Baranowski’s direction, the I.I.A.A. sponsored sports programs for boys ages 8-18 in softball, basketball, bowling, and golf. Baranowski also organized a men’s flag football league and promoted an annual men’s invitational basketball tourney. An estimated 45,000 boys and young men participated in I.I.A.A. sports during the 25 years that Baranowski led the organization. On May 3-4, 1965, Joe was acclaimed as one of America’s Twelve Physical Fitness Leaders of 1964. Baranowski and the other award recipients were honored by President Lyndon Johnson at the White House on May 3 and by the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce on May 4. Baseball great Stan Musial presented Joe with a plaque, which his sons donated to the Mishawaka Historical Museum on behalf of their family. Among the other items that the Baranowski brothers shared were several photos, a press kit from the Physical Fitness Leaders of 1964 events, and a copy of the White House Daily Diary from May 3, 1965. Just two months later, Joe Baranowski died unexpectedly. He was survived by his wife, Lillian, and their four sons, Jim, Tom, Joe, and John. Joe Baranowski was a prominent Mishawaka citizen who was honored as Mishawaka’s Man of the Year in 1964 and was recognized with a parade on Joe Baranowski Day on September 20, 1964. He was posthumously inducted into the Mishawaka High School Athletic Hall of Fame with its inaugural class in 1986. Joe made profound contributions to the development and physical fitness of boys and young men in our city. The Mishawaka Historical Museum is proud to honor him and his legacy with a future display of these artifacts.

09/18/2026

Today marks the 100th anniversary of the first game on the field that is now Steele Stadium. Before going to the Mishawaka-NorthWood game this evening, stop by InRugCo to pick up your Steele Stadium centennial t-shirt, magnets, and postcards with this original design. Today is the last in our series of Steele Stadium posts, but there is more history of the stadium in the Mishawaka Enterprise’s September 10, 17, and 24 issues.

The year 1980 was significant for changes to Mishawaka’s football stadium and for the Cavemen’s successes on the gridiron. A renovation project added an all-weather track, new light poles behind the bleachers, and a replacement for the original press box. The school board voted to rename the facility Frank M. Steele Stadium in honor of the former coach, who had a 47-23-9 record in nine seasons at Mishawaka. For the dedication ceremony during the Elkhart Memorial game on August 29, Coach Steele was joined by 50 of his former players. He was given a plaque, and a public reception was held in the school cafeteria after the game. Coach Jim Miller’s Cavemen had a 10-0 record in the 1980 regular season and entered the playoffs ranked #1 in the state. Three of Mishawaka’s biggest home wins occurred during that campaign. On September 26, a crowd of 7,000 watched as the Cavemen got a battle from Penn but held on for a 35-32 triumph, their last win against the Kingsmen until 2009. On October 10, #1 Mishawaka survived a strong challenge from unbeaten Elkhart Central. Three quarters of stout defense had kept either team from scoring, but then Mishawaka made the game’s only touchdown and won, 7-0. In the first round of the Class AAA playoffs on October 31, Mishawaka led Lafayette Jefferson, 21-0, after the third quarter. The Broncos got on the board early in the fourth period, but the Cavemen answered with another touchdown. Mishawaka prevailed, 28-7, and earned the team’s first post-season victory since 1974.

09/17/2026

Marian High also shares the history of Tupper Field. When Marian opened in 1964, it played most games on the road and some contests at Tupper Field. In 1973, Mike Hecklinski was hired to lead the Knights into the first season of the playoff era. Marian, with an 8-2 record, earned a spot in the Class A playoffs, which consisted of just four teams statewide. In its semi-final on November 10, Marian hosted unbeaten Woodlan at Tupper Field. In 53 seasons of the state playoffs, thousands of post-season games have occurred in Indiana. It is fitting that Mishawaka High’s historic field holds the distinction of hosting one of the first six playoff contests. The Knights outclassed the Warriors, winning 42-0. A week later, Marian won the state title by defeating Clarksville Providence on the Pioneers’ home field. The Knights had an 11-0 season and Class AA state championship in 1975. Their 1976 team may have been even better. After a 9-0 regular season, Marian had all three of its playoff games—including the state championship contest—at Tupper Field. In the first round, the Knights crushed Plymouth, 34-0. The following week, McCutcheon gave Marian everything it could handle. After a scoreless first quarter, the Mavericks took a 7-0 lead and were ahead, 7-6, at halftime. The Knights finally got on the board with 2:52 to play and held on for the semi-final win, 14-7. On November 19, Tupper Field was the site for the Class AA state title game against undefeated Jasper. The Knights were dominant, scoring three touchdowns in the first half to lead 18-0. Marian added two more touchdowns in the third quarter and was ahead 34-0 going into the final stanza. The Knights, 34-7 winners, were soon celebrating their third state championship and 24th straight victory. Marian’s win over Jasper ranks as one of the biggest games ever played at Mishawaka High’s stadium.

09/16/2026

Mishawaka’s rise to football prominence in the 1970s reached its climax in 1974. The Cavemen were 9-1 in the regular season and earned a berth in the Class AAA playoffs. Mishawaka hosted Portage as 9,000 fans filled every seat at Tupper Field. After a scoreless first quarter, the Cavemen had three consecutive scoring drives and held a 21-6 lead at the half. Mishawaka scored again in the third quarter, and the Indians answered with two touchdowns. But it was not enough. The Cavemen's 28-21 playoff win advanced them to the state championship game. The victory over Portage is the only time Mishawaka has won a home playoff state semi-final or semi-state game, making this the most significant victory in the 100-year history of games the Cavemen have played at the stadium. In 1977, Mishawaka, led by Coach Jim Miller, was 10-0 in the regular season. Two wins at Tupper Field stand out. On August 26, the Cavemen hosted St. Joseph’s. After the Indians scored first, Mishawaka tied the game midway through the second quarter. Another touchdown gave the Cavemen the lead, but St. Joseph’s made it 14-14 just before halftime. The Indians extended their lead to 27-14, but Mishawaka got within six just before the third quarter expired. With 2:15 left in the game, the Cavemen tied the game at 27 and then kicked the game-winning extra point. On October 28, over 9,000 fans watched Mishawaka battle South Bend Washington, another unbeaten team, in the regular season finale. Mishawaka struck first and then built a 14-0 lead, but the Panthers rallied with two touchdowns. Washington’s failed two-point attempt maintained the Cavemen's slim lead, which they added to with another touchdown. Mishawaka was victorious, 21-13, that night, but the Cavemen lost a rematch with the Panthers, 21-14, at Tupper Field the following week in the playoffs.

Address

121 S. Main Street
Mishawaka, IN
46544

Opening Hours

Tuesday	10am - 4pm
Friday	10am - 4pm
Saturday	10am - 4pm

Telephone

+15742178807

Website

http://www.mishawakamuseum.org/

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