Christmas Candle-Light Tour of Historic Homes - People Engaged in ...

The 2007 Candle-Light Tour Staff
Site Coordinator History Research
St. Peter Church
Schultz Home
C. C. / Talullah’s
Campbell Home
Rock Home
Rodriguez Home
Marks Home
Pinhook Church
Bob Boklund
Mary Forbes
Cathy Eldridge
Andrea Renner
Michael Leonard
Hilda Jahnz
Lorraine Tighe
Jason Curtis
Denise Sola
Kathy Chroback
Fern Eddy Schultz
Hilda Jahnz
Walter Reeves
Carmelita Rock
Jan Handy
Bill & Mary Hedge
Paul Chilson
Site Acquisition
Pam Ruminski
Tim Stabosz
Renderings of Homes
Don Bowman
Entertainment
Pam Ruminski
Andy Ruminski
Mary Forbes
Joyce Cook
Pam Ruminski
Carmelita Rock
Clara Lawrence
Brandy Salisbury
Peter Steele
Site Staff and Volunteers
Bob & Karen Kopnicky
Mary Jo Kennedy
Bob Alt
Ken Baker
David Price
Don & Shirley Bowman
Sandy Gleim
Leah Peake
Lucy Peake
Sister Judian
Mary Wenzel
Liz Kaminski
Dylan Lindsay
Bill Rock
Travis & Helen Disler
Marsha Kaiser
Madeline Smith
Ticket/Brochure Distr.
Tim Stabosz
Pam Ruminski
Refreshments
Dawn Troth
Advertising
Pam Ruminski
Nancy Porter
Fern Eddy Schultz
Peter Steele
Tim Stabosz
Stabosz/Lawrence
Stabosz/Lawrence
Michele Barber
Michele Barber
Juliet McFadden
Orv & Karen Ulmer
Diana & Emily Marovich
Stephanie Lawrence
Joel Rodriguez
Judy Olivares
Susan Kieffer
Marilyn Thobe
Jeanette Woodke
Pat Jonasus
Juan Puente
Mary Kay Kukla
Margaret Bender
Jan Ribordy
Bob & Lorie Sensow
...and many others!
Design & Production
Stephen Ruminski
Office Depot (M.C.)
Publicity
Tim Stabosz
After-Tour Party
Karen Wroblewski
Special Thanks
La Porte County Convention & Visitors Bureau • La Porte Area Antique Malls & Dealers
La Porte County Historical Society Museum (photographs/research) • City of La Porte
Angie Sontag • Kabelin’s Ace Hardware • Aunt Lucy’s
Christmas
Candle-Light Tour
of Historic Homes
December 1st
Saturday
4 - 8 PM
People Engaged in Preservation
Presents its...
12th Annual
2007
La Porte, Indiana
December 2nd
Sunday
1 - 5 PM

Welcome to the 12th Annual Christmas Candle-Light Tour!
Exciting things are happening in our lovely city. Our Downtown National
Register Historic District is coming alive with new restoration projects
being done by local business owners. PEP is proud to be a part of bringing
awareness of the importance of our community’s historic homes and
structures, and stepping in, as we can, to make a difference.
The tour is our only fund-raiser, which is important, as it allows us
to advance specific preservation projects. We are working closely with St.
Paul’s Episcopal Church to devise a plan for the restoration of the former
Christian Science Church at 1008 Michigan Ave. We are also drawing
attention to the endangered Old North Side Fire Station on Pine Lake
Avenue.
The tour now has visitors from Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois,
Ohio, and much of Indiana. We sincerely thank you for your continued
participation and support.
Have a lovely time...
Pam Ruminski
Christmas Candle-Light Tour Chair, and
PEP President
Home is a being-written book,
And dwellers write the pages in it,
A touch of hands, a tender look,
A golden close-together minute,
A morning song, a bit of play,
And sudden tears to kiss away.
Home is a Being
Home is a story being told,
And bit by bit the authors do it,
They weave in magic if it hold
A thread of kindness running through it;
Something to bind a thing of art
Between the covers of the heart.
Printing of tour book funded in part by a generous contribution from General Insurance Services.
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This is NOT a ticket.
St. Peter Catholic Church -- 1101 Michigan Avenue
Saturday Mass from 5-6 PM. (Access limited.)
Don & Julie Schultz -- 1217 Michigan Avemue
Cheap Chic/Talullah’s Tea Room -- 316 Lincolnway
Larry & Diana Campbell -- 2252 S. U.S. 35
Thomas & Dea Rock -- 1020 Indiana Avenue
Domingo & Luz Rodriguez -- 101 “E” Street
Phyllis Marks -- 7353 W. State Road 2
Pinhook Methodist Church -- 8001 W. State Road 2

Name
Address
City
2007 Drawing Entry Form
State Zip
E-mail
Tear out this page and drop
in a drawing box at any of the Tour Sites.
Grand Prize:
Angelo Bernacchi Greenhouses invites you to visit
their beautiful store at 1010 Fox Street, La Porte, IN.
Browse through the lovely flowers, plants, candles,
and gifts, and use your $100 gift certificate.
2nd prize:
Posh Day Spa invites you to experience the new
advanced LED light technology for beautiful
looking skin (1 treatment worth $50).
3rd prize:
2 tickets for the 2008 Candlelight tour.
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Happy Holidays
© 2005 Horizon Bancorp
A NASDAQ Traded Company — Symbol HBNC
1500 W. Lincolnway
(219) 324- 0456
www.accesshorizon.com
E X C E P T I O N A L S E R V I C E • S E N S I B L E A D V I C E ®

Home Tour Etiquette:
We ask that you respect the property and the hospitality of our hosts. Feel
free to look, but please do not touch any of the decorations, as many may
be family heirlooms. Questions are welcomed by the homeowners or the
PEP coordinator on site. Rest room facilities are available at St. Peter
Church, but not any of the homes. Smoking is prohibited at all sites.
Numbering System:
While the sites are numbered on your ticket, you may tour them in any
order you desire.
Refreshments will be available at St. Peter Catholic Church.
Entertainment is being provided at all of the sites for your listening
pleasure. The entertainers are local musicians, high school students, and
La Porte County Symphony Orchestra members, to name a few, that have
agreed to offer their services at little or no cost to PEP. (See centerfold for
listing.)
Horse Drawn Carriage Rides are being offered by Great Lakes
Horse & Carriage and are included in your ticket price. The rides will
originate from St. Peter Church only and will take you on a designated
circular route so that you may enjoy the many beautiful homes on “The
Avenues.” The carriage will not be making stops at any of the homes
on the tour.
Admission to Each Tour Site will only be through presentation of a
valid numbered ticket. (The tour program is for reference only.)
People Engaged in
Preservation
invites you to join us in furthering historic
preservation efforts in our city and county
by registering your membership.
To join PEP, please complete the information below (also making sure to
fill out the drawing form on the other side), cut or tear out this page, and
drop the form into one of the boxes at any of the Tour sites. We will bill
you later.
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Individual ............................................................................$15
Student (under 18) or Senior (over 60)............................$10
Family ..................................................................................$25
Organization .......................................................................$50
Please take a moment to complete the following survey
about the Candlelight Tour...
If this is your first time attending, please tell us where you heard about the Tour.
Please tell us what you like most about the Tour.
Is there anything you would suggest that could improve the Tour?
If you would like your house to be considered as a site
for a future Christmas Candlelight Tour, please check this box.

Two CurrenT ProjeCTs
PEP continues to work hard to save
the Old North Side Fire Station (built in
1928). The unusual “story-book” style
building (now vacant), possesses a historic
uniqueness because it is a rare architecural
design for a public building...and it hasn’t
been significantly altered.
This past year, PEP placed newspaper
ads; got hundreds of petition signatures;
and lobbied the mayor, city council, potential developers, and the board
overseeing the development. In our communications, we have emphasized
that the city controls the building, and should rightfully mandate that any
developer integrate the structure into the final plan, or allow the city to
maintain possession and market the building to a preservation friendly
entity. PEP has spoken with at least three “high quality” businesses that
have expressed great interest in relocating to the building and restoring it.
It is for these reasons that we believe the station should STAY.
1008 Michigan Avenue was built in
the 1890’s as the “Parish House” (meeting
house) for St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
By 1910, the stately building had been sold
to the Christian Scientists, and operated
as their church for the next 80 years. In
1920, the original building was doubled
in size and dramatically remodeled, with
celebrated local architect George Allen as the designer.
With the La Porte Christian Science Church’s formal dissolution in
1991, ownership reverted to St. Paul’s, which attempted to lease out the
building, but periods of occupancy were short. The structure has been
vacant for the last several years, with demolition being a “coming-andgoing”
possibility. PEP, along with St. Paul’s, have worked together to seek
solutions. A comprehensive renovation plan was drawn up by Bob Yapp
of the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana. A successful “window
restoration college” was held. The building was featured on the 2005
Candle-Light Tour. It is PEP’s hope that all parties will be able to reach
a disposition that will be mutually satisfactory, and return this magnificent
building to service.
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Photography by Wendy
Capturing all
of Life’s Important
Memories!
219-324-7526
photographybywendyhakes.com
P. C. Video Productions
219-369-4956
www.pcvideopro.com
Keep every special moment for
years to come.
• Weddings & Event Videography
• VHS & DVD Copying, Transfering, & Editing
• Memory Videos with Photos, Music, & Graphic

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St. Peter Catholic Church
1101 Michigan Avenue
Est. 1853 -- Built in 1930
Decorated by: The Parishioners
The early Roman Catholic worshipers in La Porte depended on
visiting priests. Services were held in private homes, the old Methodist
Church, and in the Medical School building. In 1853, a 23 year old priest,
fresh from his ordination, was sent to La Porte to organize the first parish in
the town. Young Reverend Michael P. Rooney built a church at the northwest
corner of Monroe and Osborn on land acquired by Father Edward Sorin.
Father Rooney stayed at the new parish from February until October. He
then went back to Notre Dame to serve as Vice President of that institution.
He was replaced by Father Robert Wallace. The first church measured 30’
X 40’, had a dirt floor, and an altar made from “dry goods” crates. The
church started out very small, but was modified and expanded, and used
until 1930.
Education was considered an important part of the church’s mission.
As early as 1856, Holy Cross Sisters were teaching in a three room building
located where the St. Peter School now stands. In 1864, St. Rose Academy
was established on Ridge Street. The Civic Auditorium now stands at
4
Don & Cheryl
Young
MONARCH RENTAL SERVICES, INC.
Linen Supply • Uniform Rental • Dust Control Service
Ask our representative for further information or call:
(574) 233-9433 • FAX (574) 233-9064
Support your local business.
301 Lincolnway
La Porte, IN 46350
Open Monday - Saturday 11 - 9
Catering Available - Delivery
Colima Restaurant
Authentic Mexican Food
Hosted by
The Jimenez Family
(219) 324-0355

Mon. - Sat. 10:30 - 6
Sun. 11 - 5
Christmas Items Available
269/469-6151
The original St. Peter Church (replaced by the current church in 1930) stood at
the northwest corner of Osborn and Monroe.
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its location. The
academy operated as
a boarding school,
staffed by Holy Cross
Sisters, until 1919,
when it ceased being
a boarding school.
By the early
1920’s, the original
St. Peter Church
was 3/4 of a century
old, and funds were
raised to replace the building. The decision was made to defer building a
new church and build a school instead. The school was built on the site of
the first rectory at a total cost of $57,000. This sum reportedly covered the
cost of equipment and furnishings as well. The school was in use until the
late 1960’s.
Funds were raised
to build a new church after
the school was built. This
new church (the present
structure) was built at the
corner of Michigan and
Noble in Romanesque
Revival style. The
dedication was held on
Thanksgiving Day, 1930.
The original church was
torn down in 1931 to make
room for a playground.
The current church, as built in 1930. Note the presence of the original
bell towers (which were removed around 1980, owing to structural
concerns) and the houses on the right (since removed).
The recent renovation of St. Peter was dedicated in 2005, on the 75th
anniversary of the building’s 1930 opening. After a decade of planning, the
restoration and renovation finally began.
The long time pastor, George Vrabely, was overjoyed at being able to
see it completed. As many local artists and craftsmen were used as possible.
The artwork on the side walls was restored by Laura Zimmerman Krentz,
a lifelong parishioner. The fourteen crosses are the Stations of the Cross,
depicting the Passion of Christ. The 22 pillars have over 14 layers, creating
the appearance of marble. Artists Mike Zeiss and Thad Cutler, both of La
Porte, spent hundreds of hours...many times on evenings and weekends

Gothic Revival Church
Built in 1890
Available for Purchase!
802 Indiana Avenue—La Porte
1st Baptist Church
Ideal candidate for adaptive reuse.
Designated Historic Structure within the City of La Porte.
http://171839.c211st.com
$425,000
Presented By:
Laurel Noll
(219) 324-1569—Office Direct
(219) 575-0263—Cell
Laurel.Noll@C211stTeam.com
245 W Johnson Road—La Porte, IN 46350
OFFICERS:
Pam Ruminski, President
Joyce Cook, Vice President
Bob Boklund, Secretary
Timothy Stabosz, Treasurer
Meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of every month at
the Swanson Activity Center, 7:00 PM.
NEW IN 2007
• Sponsored the Christmas Candle-Light Tour for 12 years.
• Received a $2000 grant for a La Porte City Hall Restoration Study from the Historic
Landmarks Foundation of Indiana.
• Funded the restoration of the missing limestone window caps for the “Video Y Discoteca
Mexico” store at 704 Lincolnway in downtown La Porte.
• Raised awareness of the importance of keeping the Old North Side Fire Station on site, as an
irreplaceable landmark, and an integral piece of the NewPorte Landing redevelopment.
• Under the aegis of member Bob Kopnicky, PEP led the restoration of Civil War veteran
Henry Martin’s exquisitely detailed white-bronze monument, in Pine Lake Cemetery.
• Continued to work closely with St. Paul’s Episcopal Church to devise a plan for the
restoration of the former Christian Science Church at 1008 Michigan Ave.
• Presented PEP’s 2nd annual “Outstanding Restoration Award” to Kevin and Lorie Reed,
616 “C” Street of La Porte, for their restoration of the Link Mansion.
• Held our First Annual PEP Family Picnic at the lovely residence of Bob & Karen Kopnicky.
• Members attended a prestigious historic preservation conference in San Diego, sponsored by
the Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO).
• Offered a scholarship for historic preservation studies to a college bound high school senior
in La Porte County.
PREVIOUS PROJECTS
• Cofunded the Historic Landmarks Foundation’s Historic Preservation Commission
Assistance Program, which provides professional staff consultation to the city.
• Funded in-part, with the Historic Preservation Commission, the printing of the
La Porte County Public Library’s “Walking Tour of the Avenues” brochure.
• Had a booth at the La Porte County Fair and the Sunflower Fair.
• Participated in the house “unveiling” with the Michigan City Preservationists on
Saturday, May 13, 2006 at 828 Pine St., Michigan City.
• Awarded Organization of the Year 2004 by the La Porte County Historical Society.
• Was instrumental in achieving passage of an ordinance mandating a 60 day “cooling off”
period for demolition of historic structures.
• Contributed to the restoration of the La Porte County Courthouse clock.
• Contributed to Historic New Carlisle for restoration of The Old Republic.
• Sponsored a student architectural art award program at La Porte High School.
• Partnered in the renovation of the 700 Lincolnway block of downtown La Porte in 2005.
• Offered a for-credit course to realtors and others on Indiana Architectural Styles.
• Cosponsored the “Indian Boundary Fest” at Cummings Lodge in Soldiers Memorial Park.
• Sponsored a “Window College” at 1008 Michigan Ave. on restoring original wood windows.
• Donated to and participated in the Hyett Palma Downtown Rejuvenation Study.
47

www.malldog.com
Antique Junction Mall
Carol Estes, owner
711 Lincolnway
La Porte, IN 46350
219.324.0363
malldog@hotmail.com
Fresh, Silk & Dried Arrangements
Green Plants • Balloons
Gourmet Baskets • Antiques & Gifts
1223 W. State Road 2
La Porte, IN 46350
219/362-6768 • Fax: 219/362-5988
STAMPING ON STATE STREET
310 State St.
La Porte, IN 46350
Ph. (219) 324 - 6780
Stamping & Scrapbooking
Supplies & Classes
Melody Riley-Smutzer, Owner
Antique Lighting For Sale
1600 sq. ft. of Antique Lighting
Metal Repair • Restoration & Wiring • Small Custom Metal Fabrication
Quality is My Speciality • By Appointment Only
3297 North 400 West, La Porte, IN 219-369-3241
“when the dust had settled” from the other workmen...on the pillars and
the faux art on the wall under the gold dome. The original stained glass
windows from Germany were cleaned and conditioned by Andrew Sopko.
The twelve wood crosses holding votives were made with wood from La
Porte by carpenter Ron Knoll. The crosses mark the places that Bishop Dale
Melczek blessed the walls with holy oil during the Dedication Mass.
Take note of the basket weave terrazzo floor under the altar. The
new area is a near perfect match, 75 years later. The older gray terrazzo up
the aisles had marble chips of white that were not available, as the quarry
in Italy was closed over 50 years ago. The Celtic Cross design in the floor
around the Baptismal font is repeated under the altar.
The glass art in the Raredos behind the altar was created for St. Peter
by Sarah Hall of Toronto, Canada. Ms. Hall’s glass art is found throughout
the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe. After several meetings here
in La Porte with the committee, Sarah presented her plan and worked with
her glassworks in Germany. The art was shipped directly from Germany to
La Porte, then installed by Sarah and her associate.
Marta Gerometta, ASID, of La Porte, was the Interior Designer. The
architecture firm was Entheos Architects of Indianapolis, who specialize in
Church construction and renovations.
More information concerning the renovation is available in the back
of the church.
Gift Basket Raffle
Come visit the unique
Aunt Lucy’s & Moe’s, 610
Lincolnway, La Porte, which
carries an intriguing mix of
items. A lovely gift basket
has been donated by the
store. Raffle Tickets will be sold in the
refreshment area at St. Peter Church.
Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5.
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2 The little white church
At the curve on the hill
Looking majestic
So silent and still
The Francis H. Morrison House
Home of Don & Julie Schultz
1217 Michigan Avenue -- Built in 1905
Decorated by: Don & Julie Schultz
Francis Henry Morrison was the son of Henry D. and Mary Naomi
(Ridgway) Morrison. He was born in La Porte County on September 6,
1866. His father and mother were married in the county on December 15,
1864. The family initially resided in Kankakee Township where Henry
was a farmer. Later, the family moved to La Porte. Henry was among
the founders of the First National Bank and Trust Co. in 1863, and served
as vice-president. By 1894, the family resided at 1213 Michigan Avenue
(since demolished).
Francis attended public schools in La Porte and later entered Earlham
College in Richmond, Indiana. He attended the Maryland Military and
Naval Academy in Oxford, Maryland. His first experience in the banking
business was at Kearney, Nebraska, where he resided for three years. In
1890, he returned to La Porte and became one of the Directors of the First
National Bank. His banking career spanned more than half a century in
which he also served as an Assistant Cashier and Vice-President of the First
National Bank. He was in attendance when the bank celebrated its 90th
With a new coat of paint
The roof and windows repaired
The efforts of a few folks
Who were thoughtful and cared
Who also have loved ones
Sleeping near by
To preserve this church of history
Was their main reason why
A new sign to tell folks
It was Methodist at the beginning
But has served the community
With denominations unending
May we count on your help
With some money today
So the little church of Pinhook
Can continue its stay
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Won’t you please help us
Do the inside
So we can open its door
And show it with pride
It can be used for small weddings
Small funerals and more
Like a La Porte county tourism
Historical tour
This little old church
In 1847 was erected
The oldest in the county
With God’s help was protected
We know you’ll be proud
With the feeling you’ll get
When you help with this church
That is still standing yet

We Offer
Steak, Seafood & Pasta • Specialty Desserts
A Full Menu • Lunch & Dinner
Catering and Banquet Facilities Available
Closed Sunday for Winter
Featured Entrees: Roast Duck Breast • Rack of Lamb
Chicken Cordon Bleu • Steak Diane
(219) 325-8541
Mark your calendar now!
2008 Christmas
Candle-Light Tour
December 6th and 7th
Located at Briar Leaf Golf Club between La Porte and New Buffalo on Hwy. 39
Present this ad by December 31, 2007 for a FREE Dessert!
birthday in 1953 and its 100th anniversary in December 1963.
At one time, he served as president of the Moore & Richter Lumber
Company. His political allegiance was to the Republican Party, and he
was an active member of the Presbyterian Church. For many years, he
maintained an office on the 2nd floor of the 704 Lincolnway building.
(Surprisingly, in summer 2007, when the modern metal panels covering
this building were removed in order to restore the facade, the Morrison
name, in gold lettering, was found on the center window, as an “artifact” of
Morrison’s real estate sideline.)
Francis (see oval photo) married Maren Downing, in Kearney,
Nebraska, on June 15, 1891. She was born on May 19, 1869 in Mauston,
Wisconsin, the daughter of Wallace Annan and Susanna
Clark Downing. She and Francis had two daughters:
Georgiana, who was born in Nebraska and
Maren, who was born in La Porte.
In 1922, Georgiana married
Charles I. Ely in La Porte. They
resided in Westfield Massachusetts for a
period of time and then moved to Houston,
Texas where she died on September 27,
1992. Georgiana and Charles had two
daughters, Jane Mace and Maren Moore.
Daughter Jane’s last known residence
was in Houston. An unsuccessful effort
was made to contact her in September 2007.
Daughter Maren (Morrison) Moore’s last known
residence was in Duluth, Minnesota. No effort was made to reach her; she
would have been 96 years old (2007) and some searching indicated she died
in 2003, but this could not be confirmed.
Maren Downing Morrison died on June 9, 1957 in La Porte at Holy
Family Hospital. She was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church; past
regent of the Miriam Benedict Chapter of the D. A. R., a member of the
Woman’s Literary Society and had been active many years in the Amateur
Music Club. Francis died in Lake Worth, Florida, at the age of 99, on June
3, 1966. He had resided in a rest home in Lake Worth during the winter of
1965-66. At the time of his death, he was a director emeritus of the First
National Bank, and he retained his home at 1217 Michigan Avenue.
The Morrison monument is located on Lot #188 in the Maple Hill
Section of Pine Lake Cemetery in La Porte.
Before construction of the “new” home on Michigan Avenue, Francis
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Tuscan Timbers
Restaurant & Lounge
444 Pine Lake Avenue
La Porte, IN 46350
(219) 326-8400
Open Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
7 days a week ~ 7 AM - 9 PM
“La Porte’s Newest Fine Dining Destination”
Let us cater your next special event.
Hours:
Lunch & Dinner Tues - Sat
Tuesday -Thursday 11am - 9pm
Friday - Saturday 11am - 10pm
Closed Sunday & Monday
Delicious Italian cuisine in a
country setting.
4318 West US Highway 20
La Porte, IN 46350
Phone: (219) 872.3046
Fax: (219) 872.5239
E-mail : Info@holymacaronicafe.com
As the congregation became smaller and could no longer support a
full-time minister, the Pinhook Methodist Church was officially closed. It
was then opened and closed several times,
serving many different denominations
until 1968, when it was deeded to the
Pinhook Cemetery Association by the
Methodist Conference.
In 1977, members of the Cemetery
Association considered razing the church
for additional burial plots. A stay was
granted after appeals from community
members, and enough money was raised
to put on a badly needed roof.
In 1984, a community-minded family donated 32 gallons of paint
The Church, badly in need of attention, in 1980.
and the church was painted by men on the La Porte County Work Release
Program. The church had not been painted in 26 years. Julia Alt, being so
proud to see it all spruced up, wrote a poem about it, but did not show it to
anyone. (See poem at end of article.) She knew that there were no funds to
fix the inside, and she felt that one person
could not do it alone. The church sat
for 3 more years...home to families of
birds, raccoons, and groundhogs.
In 1987, restoration of the church
was spearheaded by Alt and Phyllis
Marks, and completed in 1989 with the
help of family, community volunteers,
La Porte County Work Release inmates,
Westville Correctional Center inmates,
local businesses and merchants, and
untold donors.
A piano donated by the Westville
Masonic Lodge, a raised altar area, carved
railings, and Dutch blue woodwork
decorate the candle-lit sanctuary. It is
now the oldest church structure in La
Porte County.
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Models of determination, Marks & Alt, in period
garb...in front of the restored church (1992).
[Alt passed away March 6, 2006.]
The cemetery, adjacent to the church, holds the graves of many La
Porte County pioneers including veterans of the War of 1812 and the Civil
War. The oldest burial stone appears to be that of Ugene Davis, aged 3
months, 12 days at the time of his death on May 6, 1850.

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Pinhook Methodist Church
8001 W. State Road 2
Built in 1847
Decorated by: Bob Alt
Pinhook Church, the little white clapboard church standing beside
the State Road 2 curve that was once an Indian trail, and adjacent to the
Pinhook Cemetery, was built from hand-hewn walnut logs in 1847 on land
donated by Levi Garwood in 1846. Carpenters McLung and Nelson Barnard
built the church, and Lester Loomis and his brother hauled stones used in
the foundation.
At the time the church was built, it originally had two front doors
with an aisle at each door (the front vestibule was a later add-on), one for
ladies and one for men (families did not sit together). The pulpit was high
on a raised platform at the front of the church, and the minister sat on a long
bench behind the pulpit.
The first sermon was preached by Rev. J. J. Cooper in the new
Methodist Episcopal Church. He stayed only a short time before being
snared by Westville and Door Village. Other ministers followed until 1854,
when folks started leaving the area to move west after the railroad reached
Westville.
This early 20th Century photo shows the Morrison house, with its fanciful, original dual roof finials (since
removed). The house in the background was razed, years later, for an expansion of the Methodist church. (The
church had not yet been built when this photo was taken.)
and Maren resided for a time at 1204 Monroe Street (still standing).
Probably the likeliest date of construction of the Morrison House is
1905, as it was reported having been “erected during the past year” in the
Argus-Bulletin in 1906. From the time the house was built until 1997, it
had remained in the Morrison Family. By that time, there were no family
descendants residing in La Porte and it was placed on the market. At that
time, Maren Moore indicated that there had been offers at various periods
to purchase it, including one from the First United Methodist Church, a
neighbor to the south, whose intent was to tear it down to make a parking
lot. She did not want this to happen or to have it altered in any way.
The exterior of the two and a half story house is in hues of yellow,
brown, and white, which duplicate the home’s original color scheme. A
three foot wide entry door leads to the foyer where there is wide, fumed oak
woodwork and stenciling of trees on the upper walls. The stenciling is a
feature throughout the house with various scenery and geometric patterns
still vivid. It was done by three artists from Marshall Field & Company. As
an aside, these artists also did the still-existing stencil work within the Civic
Auditorium and reportedly in some other La Porte houses.
The dining room features a built-in sideboard of fumed oak. Sun
porches or sleeping porches were added on the first and second floors several
years after the house was built. A family story is that there was a shelf near
the front door which the Morrisons called the “palm shelf.” It was on this
shelf that Francis placed his half-smoked cigars and other items much to
42 11

Maren’s “horror.”
At a stair landing and upstairs in the child’s bedroom are window
seats beneath original stained and leaded glass windows. The house contains
3,700 square feet with a fireplace and other amenities. A fireplace chimney
was built around a brass, bronze and marble clock.
The house was donated to Historic Landmarks Foundation of
Indiana in 1997. There were a number of protective covenants placed on the
property for the prospective buyer: The property cannot be subdivided.
The interior woodwork cannot be painted nor certain other original features
altered. The house can be only a single-family house, a bed-and-breakfast,
or a meeting space such as a club-owned lodge.
The house is on the National Register of Historical Places. It is
described in the Interim Report for La Porte County as a Colonial Revival
style. In an interview with family members in 1997, they indicated it was
of various styles—Tudor, Classical, Craftsman, Gothic and Art Nouveau.
The Morrison House was designed by Chicago architect Charles Whitney
Stevens. He has also been reported as being the architect for the homes at
1408 Michigan Avenue and 1417 Indiana Avenue.
Charles Whitney Stevens was born on May 12, 1874 in Racine,
Wisconsin. Distinguished and patriot ancestors were John Stevens, who
was a U. S. Senator, and Eli Whitney, the inventor.
Charles was educated in the McMurphy Private School in Racine
and studied architecture in the office of Willoughby J. Edbrooke [architect
of the Orr Mansion, a site on last year’s Candlelight Tour] & Franklin P.
Burnham in Chicago. He started private practice in 1900 with an office at
64 W. Randolph. He was the inventor of the Sound Proofing System known
as the “Stevens System of Sound Proofing.”
The Morrison house is not the only house to his credit as a landmark.
The Tudor Revival styled William D. McJunkin House in Winnetka, Illinois,
located at 151 Sheridan Road, is also his design. It was built in 1928-1929,
and was placed on the National Register on March 2, 2006.
The current owners of the Morrison House are Donald and Julie
Fugitt Schultz. The house was purchased by the Schultzes in July 2006.
(A lengthier, more detailed history of the Morrison family, and 1217 Michigan Avenue, is available
at the La Porte County Historical Society Museum.)
12
1114-16 Lincolnway
La Porte, Indiana
across from La Porte Hospital
(219) 362-3538
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La Porte, Indiana 46350
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UPHOLSTERY
Established in 1961
613 Andrew Avenue,
La Porte, IN 46350
219-324-8524
219-326-1725

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La Porte, IN 46350
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315 Lincolnway, La Porte, Indiana 46350 • Phone/Fax (219) 362-5511
811 Indiana Avenue
La Porte, IN 46350
219-326-6000
fax 219-326-6002

3
Cheap Chic/Talullah’s Tea Room
Originally built as the Wolf Market
316 Lincolnway -- Built circa 1880
Decorated by: Marcia Sindone
A term for what the Wolf Market building represents is adaptive
reuse; that’s what preservation experts call a building that serves many
purposes over the years. The idea is that a historic structure needn’t be torn
down but rather adapted to a different purpose than was originally intended.
Built 125 years ago as a grocery and dry goods store (commonly known
at the time as “Flour and Feed”), the Italianate style building has held up
very well and served many diverse purposes, including its current use as a
restaurant, offices for a construction firm, apartments and – how appropriate
– a store that features furnishings restored for reuse!
Records show that as far back as 1884, the building housed a retail
grocer named Peter Wolf & Sons. Wolf originally came to the U.S. from
Bavaria, Germany and arrived in La Porte on New Year’s Day, 1861. The
business was established that same year, and initially was located across the
street at 94 East Main. Upon Wolf’s sons’ partnering with him, the business
was expanded and a new building (our tour site) was built. The grocery was
in the west storefront, and featured a bakery oven at the back of the building.
In 1922, the house had arrived at its new location near Pinhook,
and was awaiting the installation of a foundation, before being
lowered back to “terra firma.”
14 39
dismantled. The beams, doors,
and flooring from the granary
were salvaged and reused in the
house for beams, flooring in the
kitchen and family room, and
the kitchen cabinets.
The Marks farmhouse was
built in the vernacular style.
“Vernacular architecture” is a
term used to describe traditional
building methods and materials,
especially of domestic, agricultural, and industrial structures. Structures in
the vernacular style are typically traditional in form, built using traditional
methods, and have little decoration.
Pinhook
Pinhook, originally
named New Durham, is
the oldest village in New
Durham Township. In
the mid-1800’s, Pinhook
experienced quick growth
and an even faster decline.
The first log cabin was built
in 1834...and the town began
to decline by the 1850’s.
At its peak, Pinhook
was a bustling village with a
post office, mercantile, hotel,
blacksmith shop, doctor’s
office, wagon manufactory,
tailor, boot and shoe maker,
and a school. Pinhook
declined quickly after the
Child star Edith Fellows (directly under the word “POP” on sign)
was visiting the Dan Jessup family near Pinhook in 1938. Her
bodyguard, Macy Barnard, was a brother to Mrs. Jessup. (Fellows
starred in “Pennies from Heaven,” in 1936, with Bing Crosby.)
railroad reached Westville, and many of its buildings were moved there.
In its heyday, New Durham and its neighbor, Flood’s Grove,
developed a rivalry. According to the History of La Porte County, “The
citizens of the Flood’s Grove settlement gave New Durham the cognomen
of ‘Pinhook,’ and the good people of the latter place retorted by naming the
settlement of their neighbors ‘Squatham.’”

7
The Marks Farm
Home of Phyllis Marks
7353 W. State Road 2 -- Built in 1849
Decorated by: Phyllis Marks
Thomas and Phyllis Marks purchased the family homestead in
Pinhook from the estate of Thomas’s parents, Garlan and Gertrude Marks,
in 1976. Garlan and Gertrude Marks inherited 60 acres of land in Pinhook
and moved the house, barn, and granary to the present location in 1922.
Built in 1849, the house and buildings are 158 years old, and
originally belonged to the blacksmith shop in Door Village. Garlan and
Gertrude purchased the buildings, which were moved on rollers by horsepull
over dirt roads. The cost of the purchase and move totaled $2,500. After
the move, the barn was modified to fit the needs of Mr. Marks’s livestock.
The granary was placed on fieldstone and remains that way to this day.
Garlan Marks was born on August 2, 1887 in South Wanatah. He
married Gertrude Teschner in Chicago in 1911. They had 3 sons (including
Tom) and one daughter. Garlan Marks died of a heart attack on April 29,
1957, as he was driving his tractor on his farm. Gertrude died in 1972.
Thomas and Phyllis Marks remodeled the home and an addition
was added on the back using wood from a granary they purchased and
A flour and feed store occupied the east storefront. At that time, the address
was 89 and 91 East Main, the street known today as Lincolnway. The cross
street, Linwood, was at that time known as “Short Street.” (Evidently, it got
longer, and the name no longer fit!)
For many a year, the Wolf family lived upstairs from the business.
Although Peter Wolf died on September 24, 1909, the Wolf family continued
to own the building up until the 1950’s. A variety of tenants operated the
grocery, including Calvin Barnhart in
the early 1900’s. Other uses included
a boarding house, a flower shop, a
housewares store, and Russel Paulis’
flooring store.
In about 1949, Chester
LeRoy left the family’s cigar store
business and followed in his father’s
footsteps (Chester’s father, Ed,
had originally operated the general
store in Union Center, eliminated
in WWII for construction of the
Kingsbury Ordnance Plant) to open
his grocery in this building. It went
on for many years as LeRoy’s Market.
Daughters and sons helped out with the business, including Bob, Tom, Jane
(Levandowski) and Mary Ann (Alban). LeRoy’s Market was famous for its
fresh meats. Look for the sign painted on the west side of the building...still
visible on the brick after over 50 years.
St. Joseph’s Curiosity resale shop occupied the building after the
grocery closed, and in 2004, after the resale shop moved out, Marcia Sindone
(owner of a beautiful Victorian home on Michigan Avenue--featured on the
1999 Candle Light Tour) created the Cheap Chic store with her interior
design business. While removing shelving from the old store, Marcia found
old kites lost behind the shelving -- never purchased -- that are now on
display in the shop.
Soon after opening Cheap Chic, Marcia’s daughter, Emily, helped
her open the Tallulah’s Tea Room in the building. The restaurant is already
famous for its special teas and desserts, including peanut butter pie and
special teas served on old English china.
As you enter the front door of the store, notice the dip in the step
worn from millions of footsteps, and imagine how many of La Porte’s
residents have walked through this door over three different centuries!
38 15
Chester LeRoy learned the retail trade at the “knee”
of his father, Ed, who operated the LeRoy General
Store in Union Center (shown in 1940).

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La Porte, Indiana 46350
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after moving to La Porte.
The Rodriguezes are struck by the
coincidence of Domingo and Carl Gustave
sharing the same May 12th birthday...102
years apart. Similarly, a commonality is
shared in Carl Gustave’s having a daughter
named Emma, and the Rodriguezes having a
daughter of similar name.
Absorbing themselves in the history of
the house, and loving its style, character, and
the building methods used, the Rodriguezes
are honored to be its caretakers. Besides
many tasks Domingo has completed to
get the house in “tip top” shape, one of the
Helena Anderson
most rewarding things the couple has done
is remove overgrown landscaping in front, in order to reveal a more open
facade, and make the house more “at one” with an active street scene.
In the front entry hall, besides the beautiful inlaid wood floor,
original staircase, and registers with their rare Anglo-Japanesque finish,
take particular note of the stained glass window at the staircase landing.
The window was painstakingly made, from start to finish, by Domingo,
based on an authentic Victorian design from a pattern book. Originally,
Domingo intended the window to be a “125th birthday gift” to the house,
based upon previous research suggesting the house may have been built
in 1882. Ironically, when detailed research of duplicate tax records was
recently completed in the County Courthouse basement, it was determined
that the current house was actually built in 1890, and a previous house had
existed on the same site for many years prior, instantaneously making the
window a “116th birthday gift” instead.
Also in the front hallway is a photograph from circa 1900. The
photo was probably taken after Carl’s 1899 death, and is believed to present
an image of Carl’s 2nd wife, Helena, and youngest son George.
Finally, the staircase newel post is striking in its own right. It seems
to suggest stylistic elements of the Art Deco era...the heyday of which was
not to come for a full 35 years after the house was built!
Importantly, the C. G. Anderson house is rated “outstanding” in the
La Porte County Historic Sites and Structures book (i.e. Interim Report), and
is one of only about 40 structures formally “landmarked” (and protected) by
the City of La Porte.
36
Season’s Greetings
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Authentic, hand-crafted displays
Bring this flyer in and receive a FREE custard cone with any purchase.
Locally Owned and Operated
Exit 34B off of I-94
Michigan City, IN
219-872-5065
Historic Home for sale
1250 Monroe St. was built, in
the 1890’s, on land owned by
the Morrison family, at their
direction. This exceptionally well
built, “transitional Victorian,”
four-square house had, until
recently, been in the ownership
of the Juranek family (since the
late 1930’s). With the passing of
Jeanette Juranek (in her late 90’s)
several months ago, this significant house is on the market for the
first time in 70 years!
Features include: 2200+ sq. ft., gorgeous original staircase,
horsebarn/garage, original kitchen cabinets, 4 bedrooms (possibly 5),
and 9 ft. ceilings. In a very good location, and in need of considerable
work, this house offers a tremendous restoration opportunity. Very
attractively priced...at only $79,900. Call (219) 324-5087.

Helen Anderson died on April 26,
4
1905, at age 50. The house remained in
the family for nearly 15 years more, as the
children “stuck together,” with the three
daughters from the first marriage apparently
helping rear those of the 2nd, and Carl Jr.
becoming the eventual primary householder.
In May of 1919, the 7 Anderson
children (all unmarried) sold their collective
interest in the house to John P. Baer and wife
Alvena (Meinke) Baer for $5000. The house
remained in the Baer family for 40 years.
John Baer played baritone in the La Porte Carl Gustave Anderson
City Band for 56 years and, for several years in the 1920’s to early 1930’s, he
served as conductor of the La Porte Theater Orchestra. Baer made a living
in the printing business, working as superintendent at the Argus newspaper
and, after the Argus merged into the Herald in the mid 1920’s, continued
with a successor, Service Printing Co., for a total of 54 years.
The John & Doris Ault House
Alvena Baer died in 1943, and John Baer remarried Della Winchell
Home of Larry & Diana Campbell
in 1944. Baer died on September 26, 1954. His widow eventually sold 101
2252 S. U.S. 35 -- Built circa 1947
“E” Street in September 1959.
Decorated by: Larry & Diana Campbell
From late 1959 through 2006, there were 5 different owners of the
house, including, in more recent years, one-time PEP members Steve and
Kristi Chance (owners from 1986-1995) and Kane and D. J. Benson (1995-
On October 30, 1945, John and Doris (Kanney) Ault purchased 120 2006). Significant improvements and restorations were made to the house
acres of ground, along with a previous farmhouse located on this site, from in these years, with the “painted lady” color scheme being instituted by the
Bertram and Mabel Connelly. Over the next generation, John Ault (born Bensons.
in Kingsbury in 1915) farmed the ground, and upwards of 180 acres of
Domingo and Luz Rodriguez purchased 101 “E” Street in October
additional land he leased nearby. Ault grew corn, beans, hay, oats, and 2006. The Rodriguezes live in the home with their 2 daughters, Emmaline
wheat. In the earlier years, he also raised chickens, hogs, and beef for and Evelyn. They also have a son, Joel, who completed a tour of duty in
slaughter, kept 10 or 15 dairy cows, at any given time, and sold milk to the navy from 2000-2004. Hailing from Hammond, the couple literally did
the former Lennick’s dairy. A naturalist of sorts, in his later years, Ault not realize a place of La Porte’s tremendous architectural richness was in
incubated pheasant and quail, and released them into the wild. He was their own “backyard.” They found 101 “E” Street on an internet search,
active in the Farm Bureau, was on its board of directors at his death, and had and, when they came here, they were immediately sold on La Porte for
served as a past president.
its “people-friendly” and “Mayberry-like” feel, as well as the beauty of its
With a mutual love of planes and flying, the “spark” in John and Doris historic built environment.
Aults’ relationship may very well have been their watching the planes take
Domingo retired 3 years ago as a steel fabricator, having worked at
off and land at La Porte airport. Both eventually got their pilot’s licenses, Inland Steel (now Mittal) for 30 years. He was born in Puerto Rico, and
and flew single engine planes for pleasure. (It is said that Doris, also a nurse moved stateside at age 20. Luz was born in East Chicago. They are proud
at Holy Family Hospital, is believed to be the first woman pilot in La Porte to be members of PEP, and to have joined the group only several months
18 35

County.) The couple married on New Year’s Day, 1942.
During, or shortly after World War II, the government decided it
wanted to make U.S. 35 south of La Porte into a 4-lane divided highway.
As the plan was to make the existing 2-lane road the northbound lanes, and
to build the southbound lanes to the west of the existing road, the original
Ault farmhouse was in the way. (The old house was located where the
ditch is today.) Consequently, the government paid the Aults for the old
farmhouse, and the Aults directed the building of a new brick house (our
tour house) directly behind the old one. This new house was constructed by
builder Fred Luebker. While the new house was being completed, the Aults
continued to occupy the old house. When the new house was finished, the
old house was taken down. (The highway was completed in 1950-51.)
The Aults had one child, David, born in 1945. John and Doris Ault
died relatively young, with Doris dying
of an embolism during back surgery in
February 1958 (at age 49), and John
dying in December 1968 (at age 53).
After having served in Vietnam in the late
1960’s, David returned, married Cathleen
Cook in May 1969, and they moved into
the home around 1970. They have 4
children (now grown). Also about 1970,
111 of the 120 acres were “split off” and
sold to Dr. Peter T. Kesling. At that time,
David, not desiring to carry on a life in
farming, took up employment with public
works contractor Woodruff & Sons, and
has been with that firm for the last 38
years. Cathleen (Cati) raised the children,
and remains a homemaker.
Eventually, the 6 member family outgrew the house, and David had
a new house built directly north at 2218 S. U.S. 35. The family moved into
the new house in 1982 (keeping 4 1/2 acres), and sold the old house (along
with 4 1/2 acres), again to Dr. Kesling. Dr. Kesling leased out the house for
nearly 20 years, before “splitting it off” from the remaining 4 1/2 acres, and
selling it, along with just over 1 acre, to Larry and Diana Campbell, in June
of 2001. (Kesling retained, and continues to utilize, the 3 outbuildings that
you see south of the house...the red barn, the metal-sided pole barn, and the
old granary...which all remain from John Ault’s farm days.)
Larry Campbell was born and raised in La Porte, and Diana moved
19
A rare photograph of David Ault, on the elegant
staircase of the prior farmhouse, circa 1947.

a time, the three brothers affiliated as “Anderson Brothers,” a premier
residential contractor-builder that had, according to Carl’s 1899 La Porte
Herald obituary, built “many of the finest residences in La Porte, as well as
Michigan City, [which are] monuments of his skill and ingenuity.” The firm
had a reputation for quality that was virtually unmatched.
In March of 1881, Carl and Matilda purchased a previously existing
house at 101 “E” Street from a New York couple for $1000. Matilda died
on June 6, 1886, aged 33, before the “new” house was built. Carl remarried
Helena Gronberg on Jan. 11, 1888. With her, Carl had four additional
children, including Olga Anderson (of Olga Anderson Dress Shop renown),
Carl Jr., Cora, and George.
In 1890, having lived in the “old” house for 10 years, said house was
either dismantled, moved, or razed (it is unknown) and Anderson built the
“new” house. This house (the one you are touring) is of Queen Anne styling,
as indicated by the
massing, steep
roof pitch, the
mix of materials
(siding and wood
shingles), and the
bay windows.
Between 1907
and 1912, the
original small
front porch (see
photograph) was
replaced with a
more elaborate
w r a p - a r o u n d
porch.
This photo shows the Anderson house with its original front porch. (The current
wrap-around porch was added somewhere between 1907-1912.)
Anderson was a prominent member of the Swedish Lutheran Church
(now Bethany Lutheran), serving in various capacities over the years,
including as secretary, trustee, deacon, and, until the very end, superintendant
of the Sunday School.
Carl Gustave Anderson died of tuberculosis at his 101 “E” Street
home on September 16, 1899, aged 48, and is buried in Patton Cemetery.
It is reported in his obituary that the service was to begin at 101 “E” Street,
and conclude at the Church, where “the classes of the Sunday School will
attend the funeral in a body and at the grave will render Mr. Anderson’s
favorite song.”
33

6
The Carl Gustave Anderson House
Home of Domingo & Luz Rodriguez
101 “E” Street -- Built in 1890
Decorated by: Carlena Kellums
This house was built in 1890 by Carl (aka Charles) Gustave Anderson,
replacing a previous house located on the same site. Anderson was born in
Skeperstad, Jonkoping lan, Sweden, on May 12, 1851, and came directly to
La Porte at age 17. (A brother, Frank, and uncle, Jonas, were already here
at that time.) Anderson was penniless, and possessed only the clothes on his
back when he reached La Porte, as he was robbed of money, clothing, and
provisions when he arrived in New York, on the steamer from Europe. He
learned the carpenter’s trade, and in time built up for himself a business of
which he could rightly feel proud.
Carl married his first wife, Matilda Johnson, on Christmas Eve 1877.
Four children were born of this marriage, Anna, Emma, and Agnes...with
one son dying in infancy.
In 1880, Anderson went back to Sweden to visit his parents for 6
weeks, and, upon his return, brought his brother Edward back to the U.S.
[The Edward Anderson house, at 615 First Street, was a site on last year’s
Candlelight Tour.] Later, brother Emil also came to the States, and, for
here during her high school years from the Mississippi River town of
Keokuk, Iowa. Larry has worked at the New Energy ethanol plant in South
Bend for the 23 years it has been open. (The ethanol is exclusively used
as an additive in gasoline.) Diana works for Nephrology, a dialysis unit, as
an intake coordinator. The Campbells have 3 grown girls. Diana says that
driving south on U.S. 35 over the years, they had always admired the “little
brick house” nestled amidst the “thick overgrowth.” When it came on the
market, they bought it...but discovered it was really more house than they
intended, as the modest appearing mid-century ranch actually has about
2200 square feet!
The house’s exterior remains essentially unchanged from when
it was built. Intriguingly, salvaged materials were partially used in the
construction of the house, as Larry discovered, when putting insulation in
the attic last fall, that the roof decking is actually “recycled” tongue-andgroove
(some with paint on it), and not plywood. Also, some of the joists
in the basement ceiling are the thicker wood typical of 100 or so years ago.
There is speculation that the previous farmhouse may have been partially
“dismantled from within” while the Aults continued to live in it (floorboards
taken out of the attic, etc.) to help build the new house, but, after nearly 60
years (even talking to John Ault’s 84 year old only-surviving sibling, Mary),
memories are getting a bit hazy.
The house is a work in progress. It was built with plaster walls and
quality 3/4” hardwood floors throughout...and the Campbells are intent,
most of all, to bring back the wood floor in the dining room. The layout of
the house appealed to Larry and Diana, particularly the main floor laundry,
which the house has always had. Larry and Diana especially like the old
black walnut and oak trees about the property, a testament to the fact that
human activity dates back much further than the age of the house would
suggest. The Campbells also enjoy looking out upon the open space of the
farm fields. Today, the fields about the house are owned by Dr. Kesling,
and leased out to farmers. But the uplifting thing, above all, is that farming
continues on the ground about the house...as it has for generations.
Special thanks to Mary E. Ault, sister of John Ault, and David Ault, his son, for gracious assistance
in researching the history of 2252 S. U.S. 35.
32 21

5
The Swan-Thrush House*
Home of Thomas & Dea Rock
1020 Indiana Avenue -- Built in 1871
Decorated by: Thomas & Dea Rock
George Frederick Swan, born in Cherry Valley, New York on
September 26, 1847, came to La Porte at age 16. On October 4, 1871,
Swan purchased Lot #6 in the Burson’s Heirs addition to the city of La
Porte from the estate of Samuel Burson for $650. Without delay, Swan had
an Italianate style house built for the lady who was to become his bride,
Emma Porter. The two were married on January 4, 1872. Emma became
pregnant, but, tragically, died less than 2 months after the marriage, on Feb
28th, 1872, at age 21. By April 16, 1872, a despondent Swan had already
sold the house to Jacob H. Vining, for the sum of $2700.
Throughout much of the 1870’s, Swan operated a men’s clothing
store, in partnership with his brother, directly across from the County
Courthouse, in downtown La Porte (see illustration). The widowed Swan
*While the house has commonly been referred to in modern times as the “Swan-
Anderson house,” it is more appropriately referred to as the “Swan-Thrush
house,” with Swan commissioning the building of the house, and the Thrush
family owning it for the longest period of time, by far, of any family (75 years).
22
Mon. - Fri. 10 - 5:30
Sat. 10 - 3
(219) 326-0544
1-800-455-8517
mail@houseofstitches.com
1700 Lincolnway Place
Suite 4
La Porte, IN 46350
www.houseofstitches.com
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The current owners are Thomas and Dea Rock. The Rocks have 5
children, with one son, Dylan (a former student of Mrs. Bransford), living
at home. The Rocks purchased the house in October 2002.
While much work remains to be done, Tom and Dea have arguably
put their most notable “stamp” on the house by creating a “Safari room” off
the dining room. They removed wallpaper and replaced the ceiling. The
finishing technique on the walls is referred to as “sponging and glazing.”
The overall effect is rousingly successful, capturing the perfect sense of
“relaxed elegance.”
This past summer, the Rocks repainted the house’s exterior, using
autumn colors of “gingery” for the trim, and “creamery” for the body. (It
also just so happens that the family dog is named “Autumn.”)
One of the special things about 1020 Indiana is that it shows
how, through the application of applied detail (elaborate porch, window
“hoods,” cornice brackets, side bay window, front double doors with
transom, and original 135 year old shutters [currently off the building
and in the process of restoration]), an otherwise “basic” gable-front
house can be turned into a stunning example of high-styled, period
architecture. Arguably, the Swan-Thrush house vies with any other for
being the most significant example of frame-constructed Italianate-style
residential architecture remaining in the city!
Special thanks to Judith Fenker and Karen Burden, whose original research on 1020 Indiana
provided the source for much of this narrative.
PLANTS - FLOWERS - GIFTS
EST. 1906
1-800-759-0978
PHONE 219-362-6202
1010 FOX STREET
LA PORTE, INDIANA 46350
E-mail: sales@angelo-bernacchi.com
Web site: www.angelo-bernacchi.com
George F. Swan’s store, excerpted from a
lithograph found in the 1874 La Porte County
Atlas. The store (established in 1864, and located
at 198 S. Main Street) specialized in “hats, caps,
ladies and gents furs, and buffalo and fancy
robes,” according to an 1870’s advertisement.
30 23
married Kate Lower in 1876 (who died in
1888 at age 34) and they had 5 children
together. Swan worked as assistant to a
number of county officials over the years,
which culminated in his being elected
La Porte County Recorder in the early
1890’s. In his later years, he devoted
himself to the insurance business. He
died in 1926, at age 78, and is buried in
Pine Lake Cemetery.
Jacob H. Vining was the next owner
of 1020 Indiana. He and his wife, Lucy,
came to La Porte in 1869, from Maine.
According to the 1874 La Porte County
Atlas, “In autumn of 1871, he succeeded
in obtaining the cooperation of a few of
the most wealthy citizens, and established
and put in successful operation, under
state law, the La Porte Savings Bank...”
He worked as the bank cashier (a position
of high responsibility and trust) through
1884, and had at least one child, A. A.
Vining, who lived at home, and worked
as a teller at the bank. Jacob Vining was
also the first preacher for the new Society
of Friends (Quaker) Church. The brick
church, built in 1869 and located at the
southeast corner of Alexander and A
Streets, stands to this day (but has since
been converted to a two family residential
dwelling).
The Vinings sold 1020 Indiana to
David Thrush in April of 1877 for the
sum of $4400. Thrush, youngest of 11
children, was born in Lancaster, Ohio in
1832, and came to La Porte in 1853. He
married Ann Eliza Miller in Rolling Prairie
in 1859, and they had one daughter, May.
In addition to serving two terms on the
La Porte City Council, for over 50 years,

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again felt a “freedom to live.” During her
years with her mother, the women lived a
rather cloistered life. The shutters were
always closed, the house was gloomy, and life
was austere. With her mother’s passing, May
opened the shuttered windows, had a deep red
carpet laid, began buying beautiful clothes...
and travelled the world. She also hired a
chauffer. After living for another quarter
century, she died on June 7, 1952, at age 91.
Childless, May Barnum willed 1020
Indiana to her second cousin and close friend,
Mrs. William Anderson. The Andersons (who
were actually married in the house years
May Thrush-Barnum
earlier) moved into the house in 1953. One of
the things they did was change the railing on the front steps from wood to
iron.
William Anderson died in 1964, leaving Helen in the home alone
through 1970. That year, Helen (who later died in 1980) sold the house to
Paul and Judith Fenker. The birth of the first Fenker child, Allison, in 1971,
represented the first child ever born in the (then 100 year old) house. Two
more daughters, Rachel and Victoria, were born while the Fenkers lived at
1020 Indiana. The Fenkers restored the railing on the front steps back to
the original wood. Then, and to this day, Paul Fenker operates the storied
Fenker’s Finer Furniture Store in downtown La Porte, a commercial
“anchor” of the city since 1903. (Daughter Allison has carried on in the
family business, and co-manages the store with her father.)
In the fall of 1976, the Fenkers moved south to 1510 Indiana Avenue,
and sold 1020 Indiana to Jack and Margaret Bransford, who lived in the
house for a generation, raising twin girls.
UP TOWNE SHOPPES
Antiques, Crafts, Gifts and Clock Repair
623 State Street • La Porte, IN 46350
(219) 325-3929
Sharon and David Snakenberg, Proprietors
Thrush (2nd from left) operated meat markets at several locations in downtown La Porte for over 50 years. This
is clearly one of his earlier locations (exact address unknown), before his late-career partnering with Edwin
Barnum. (Back then, proprietors proudly displayed their wares at streetside for the buying public to see.)
Thrush operated a highly reputable meat market (see above photo), later
partnering with his son-in-law, Edwin Barnum, and operating as “Thrush
& Barnum.” (Edward Barnum married Thrush’s daughter, May, in March
of 1895, and the Barnums lived a few doors north at 1008 Indiana...a house
which still stands today.)
With Edwin Barnum’s death from diabetes in 1909, and David
Thrush’s becoming quite ill, Thrush & Barnum (then located behind the
former Teegarden hotel at 711 Monroe Street) was sold to Zahrt Bros. [Otto
Zahrt’s house at 1524 Monroe was on the 2005 Candlelight Tour.] A few
years later, on June 13, 1912, David Thrush died. It was said that he had
“suffered from neuralgia for the last 25 years...and the end came...from a
complication of diseases.” Funeral services were held at the house, and he
was buried at Pine Lake Cemetery.
By this time, May Barnum had moved back in with her widowed
mother at 1020 Indiana. On April 14, 1926, Thrush’s widow died, aged
88. Funeral services were again held at the home, and burial at Pine Lake
Cemetery.
Oral tradition has it that with the death of her mother, May Barnum
28 25

4-5 Sue Grissy, Katie Riley,
Kayla Brennan - Clarinet Trio
5-8 Music
2007 Entertainment Schedule
Saturday, December 1st Sunday, December 2nd
Saturday, December 1st
Sunday, December 2nd
St. Peter Catholic Church, 1101 Michigan Avenue
4-5 Duneland Chamber Ensemble
5-6 Betty Wiegand - Organ
Ava Brewer - Cantor
6-7 Mass: Paul Hannon - Voice
Stephanie Sobecki - Piano
7-8 Carpenter’s Tools
Don & Julie Schultz, 1217 Michigan Avenue
4-5 Andrew West - Piano
5-6 Rosemarie Dure - Piano
6-8 Eleanor DeMarco - Piano
Cheap Chic/Talullah’s Tea Room, 316 Lincolnway
4-5 Erica Nowatzke - Guitar
5-6 Roscoe Hoffman -
Voice & Keyboard
6-7 Anthony Brewer -
Voice & Keyboard
7-8 Music
1-2 St. Peter Folk Choir
2-4 Keenan Baxter - Keyboard
4-5 Delores Van Ulzen, Laura Dietz,
Beth Ann Ast - Voice & Flute
Elaine Crozier - Piano
1-3 Kim Burnett - Piano
Camille Burnett - Voice
3-4 Mary Tannehill - Piano
4-5 Tim Stabosz - Piano
1-3 Emily Lanham - Guitar
3-5 John Lemberis - Guitar & Voice
Larry & Diana Campbell, 2252 S. U.S. 335
1-2 Sarah & Mary Daniel -
Violin & Viola
2-3 Brian Warren - Guitar
3-5 Olivia Steele - Viola
Bree Morgan - Violin
Thomas & Dea Rock, 1020 Indiana Avenue
4-6 Becky Wooden - Dulcimer
6-8 Morgan Sleeper - Cello
4-5 Tom Rothbauer - Dulcimer
5-6 Taylor Chartier - Cello
Matthew Landry - Bassoon
6-8 Bob, Sheila, & Corey Thompson -
Fiddle, Guitar, Mandolin
4-6 Isabel O’Connell & Bob Brooks -
Cello & Violin
6-8 William Wilke & Phil Koss -
Old Time Mountain Music
4-6 Bruce Johnson - Piano
6-7 Miranda Steele - Viola
Sisi Chen - Flute
7-8 Peter Steele - Piano
26 27
1-2 Jake Maxey - Violin
2-4 Karen Leeds - Keyboard
4-5 Richard Lang - Keyboard
Domingo & Luz Rodriguez, 101 “E” Street
1-3 Morgan Sleeper - Cello
3-4 Michelle Price & Jennifer Kugler -
Clarinet Duet
4-5 Duneland Flute Quartet
Phyllis Marks, 7353 W. State Road 2
1-3 Brian Dragos & Elle Dragos -
Guitar & Voice
3-5 Susan & Gary Brown -
Guitar, Dulcimer, & Voice
Pinhook Methodist Church, 8001 W. State Road 2
1-2 Jan Ribordy - Piano
2-4 Mary Kay Barkow - Piano
4-5 Music