It’s a funny thing how easy it can be to ignore the history
of a place. I’m afraid we live too
casually, letting our harried selves set up impenetrable routines. For three
and a half years when I lived in South Bend, there was never a reason for me to
drive by the corner of Washington and Taylor, and so I never did. It wasn’t until I was hunting for the
closest parking space to downtown without a two-hour parking limit, which I
found on those very streets, that I first physically stumbled upon Tippecanoe
Place. I had heard of a fancy brunch place in an old mansion where you took
your parents when they came into town, but I had never taken the time to go the
necessary couple of blocks out my way.
And it wasn’t until several months after that initial,
ignorant brush with South Bend history that I finally made it to the
aforementioned brunch with two of my closest friends. For those of you in the
know (I’m sure all of you), Tippecanoe Place represents the pinnacle of South
Bend industry. It was the official and palatial Studebaker residence from 1889
to 1933, designed by a famous Chicago architect, and named, ostensibly, in
honor of the family’s friendship with President Benjamin Harrison. Since then,
the house has been transformed into a renowned restaurant and event space.
Even on a dreary Sunday morning in May, the house looked
impressive. Inside, preserved Victorian remnants surrounded heaping trays of
brunch food. To give you some
indication, we finished the made-to-order omelettes and then went back for
Belgian waffles. After brunch, with the wait staff’s permission, we were able
to explore the unused upstairs portion of the house filled with dusty velvet
curtains, shiny wooden banisters, and small bits and pieces of a South Bend
dynasty.
Since that morning in May, two of us have moved away from
the city. So now, whenever I think of Tippecanoe Place, I think of them, and it’s always
somewhat bittersweet. You see it’s a funny thing how even once you learn about
the history of a place, the people you’re with while you’re there matter more.
For more about the fascinating history of Tippecanoe Place,
go here.
Location and Contact:
620 West Washington Street
574.234.9077
One of our South Bend treasures!
ReplyDeleteI had several relatives who worked at Studebaker (who didn't?), including my Aunt June, who was one of the very last employees. She was there to do payroll even after the factory shut down, because they still supplied parts. I'm also a bit of a history buff, so I'd read quite a bit about the Studebaker brothers.
Anyway, when it came time to choose a place for my husband and I to get married 10 years ago, Tippecanoe Place was an easy choice. It was a small wedding, and took place in "George and Ada's room." Also, a few years ago I planned a business dinner for a conference my husband was hosting in South Bend, and chose Tippe Place. The people I worked with planning the events couldn't have been nicer or more helpful, and everything went perfectly. Those from out of town were especially impressed with the beauty of the place.
It's not only a great restaurant, it's a great place to hold events, whether business or family. It really is one of our city's gems!
Beth, thank you for sharing your beautiful stories with us! The history and character of the place (and the great people there) really make it a SB treasure.
ReplyDeleteNicolas Studebaker here, this is amazing!
ReplyDelete