South Bend in St. Joseph County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Victor

South Bend's Historic Musical Connection with the University of Michigan

Photographed By Craig Doda, December 9, 2022

1. The Victor Marker

Inscription.
Did you know the Michigan fight song "The Victor” was written here?
Notre Dame and Michigan have the country's oldest rivalry, dating back to 1887 when Michigan won 8-0 in South Bend. This gridiron history is legendary.

Few, however, realize that Notre Dame will forever remain the victor. After attending the 1898 Michigan-Chicago game, Louis Elbel was inspired to write Michigan's famed fight song "The Victors".

The song was first performed the following April by John Phillip Sousa and his band. Sousa called the song "as nearly perfect a bit of composing as anything of the kind can be.” Louis Elbel's store was located next door on the current site of the College Football Hall of Fame.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Education • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1887.

Location. 41° 40.547′ N, 86° 15.004′ W. Marker is in South Bend, Indiana, in St. Joseph County. Marker is on South Michigan Street north of East Jefferson Boulevard, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 112 S Michigan St, South Bend IN 46601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Knute Rockne (a few steps from this marker); 112 S. Michigan St. (a few steps from this marker); 106 S. Michigan St.

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Lincoln & Dixie Highways (within shouting distance of this marker); Studebaker Blacksmith Shop and Carriage Factory Site (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Studebaker Plaza (about 400 feet away); Robertson's Department Store (about 500 feet away); We Shall Overcome (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in South Bend.

South Bend Chocolate Cafe image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Doda, December 9, 2022

2. South Bend Chocolate Cafe

Credits. This page was last revised on January 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 3, 2023, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 97 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 3, 2023, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.