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

Better Homes Of South Bend

Photographed by Lou Donkle, September 30, 2022

1. Better Homes Of South Bend Marker, Side One

Inscription.
In 1950, workers at Studebaker formed an early African American building co-op in Indiana, Better Homes of South Bend. Many members moved from the South in the 1940s to escape segregation and Jim Crow policies. However, federal lending and real estate policies here prevented them from obtaining mortgages equal to whites, limiting them to dilapidated homes in poor areas.

To avoid racist backlash, co-op members kept their plans secret. The co-op's collective power enabled members to secure land, loans, and contractors despite the prejudiced housing market. By the mid-1950s, Better Homes of South Bend built 22 homes on 1700-1800 blocks of North Elmer St. and created a vibrant and peaceful community here in a formerly white neighborhood.

Erected 2017 by Indiana Historical Bureau, City Of South Bend, And Far Northwest Neighborhood Association. (Marker Number 71.2017.2.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1950.

Location. 41° 41.853′ N,

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86° 16.955′ W. Marker is in South Bend, Indiana, in St. Joseph County. It is in Far Northwest. It is at the intersection of North Elmer Street and Keller Street, on the right when traveling north on North Elmer Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1702 North Elmer Street, South Bend IN 46628, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Northern Indiana.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Council Oak (approx. one mile away); Rene' Robert Cavelier Sieur De La Salle (approx. 1.1 miles away); Robert Rene Cavalier Sieur DeLaSalle (approx. 1.1 miles away); Schuyler Colfax (approx. 1½ miles away); Camp Rose (approx. 1½ miles away); Kenneth Rexroth (approx. 1.6 miles away); History of the 1906 Studebaker Electric Fountain

Better Homes Of South Bend Marker, Side Two image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Lou Donkle, September 30, 2022

2. Better Homes Of South Bend Marker, Side Two

(approx. 1.7 miles away); Pierre Navarre Log Cabin (approx. 1.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in South Bend.

Marker in front of homes on west side of N Elmer St image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Lou Donkle, September 30, 2022

3. Marker in front of homes on west side of N Elmer St

Marker in front of homes on east side of N Elmer St image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Lou Donkle, September 30, 2022

4. Marker in front of homes on east side of N Elmer St

Credits. This page was last revised on January 6, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 25, 2023, by Lou Donkle of Valparaiso, Indiana. This page has been viewed 382 times since then and 48 times this year. Last updated on January 1, 2024, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 25, 2023, by Lou Donkle of Valparaiso, Indiana. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.