Elkhart Truth Collection Archives

Civic Plaza met the moment. Is its time fading?

When Civic Plaza was built, downtown finally had its meeting spot. But the story may be ending for the looming clock tower and often-dry fountain.

Our people: Herbert and Ruth Tolson “inspired a neighborhood”  

The Booker T. Washington Community Center closed its doors in February 1956. It took just over 34 years for ground to break on something to replace it. But the couple […]

Traffic headache lasted three years at the Johnson Street bridge

Johnson Street bridge improvements took 20 years to plan. Construction delays and political squabbles turned it into a project to forget.

1969 homecoming put focus on Elkhart’s simmering race issues

The homecoming queen didn’t receive her honors, and the football crowd was subdued. Racial tensions were at a boiling point in 1969 Elkhart.

Famous Kelby Love mural defined community response to gun violence

When a 19-year-old man died tragically in September 1993, the community’s heart began to beat with purpose. Rev. Duane Beck and artist Kelby Love were anxious to help.

Library bookmobile: Elkhart invented. And now reinvented.

The library bookmobile was invented right here in Elkhart. A century later, it's now the vehicle for Free Books to Feed Minds.

The best newspaperman Ernie Pyle ever knew called Elkhart home

Ernie Pyle was a legendary writer, but he often told friends the best newsman he knew worked in Elkhart, Ind.

Jazz fest delivered fantastic high notes at ill-fated Midway Motor Lodge

The hotel never quite delivered on its promise, but it gave life to the city's biggest event.

Palm Sunday tornadoes revealed Huffman’s strong will and steady hand

The Palm Sunday tornadoes brought death and destruction to Indiana in 1965. The photographer capturing that history had a story of his own.