In the late 19th century, planned communities were growing in popularity throughout the US. For example, George Pullman wanted to attract and retain talented workers for his business in Chicago. He believed that providing a quality standard of living would keep workers happy, productive, and less likely to strike.
South Bend did not have anything quite that organized; instead industry leaders used residential new construction to compete for workers. In 1919 the Citizens Home Company was formed as part of the Studebaker Corporations’ housing company.
Adam Toering, Historic Preservation Administrator with the City of South Bend, will talk about the various neighborhoods that were built by the Citizens Home Company, providing quality worker housing for Studebaker employees at a discounted price. The Rev. Dr. Charles A. Lippincott, a former First Presbyterian Church minister, hung up the frock and went to work for Studebaker labor relations, spearheading this exciting program.
ABOUT SPEAKER SERIES
The Studebaker Museum Speaker Series, presented by the Campisi Family Education Fund, is held in the Wiekamp Auditorium. Regular Speaker Series admission is $2. Regular admission fees apply to tour the Studebaker National Museum and The History Museum. Studebaker National Museum and Campus members are admitted free!