Dedication June 6 for Studebaker marker as Drivers Club holds car show, meet in South Bend

SOUTH BEND — A new historical marker commemorating Studebaker Corp. and its history, roots in Indiana and lasting contributions to the nation will be dedicated at 4 p.m. June 6 at 635 S. Lafayette Blvd.

The public is invited to attend the dedication ceremony. Former Studebaker employees and families are encouraged to attend the ceremony, and parking is available in the lot adjacent to the site and on side streets in the area.

The marker is dedicated in memory of Nancy Lea Jones Pfahler. Sponsors for the marker include the Studebaker National Museum, the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, and Kevin and Sue Smith.

For over 100 years, the Indiana Historical Bureau, a division of the Indiana State Library, has been marking Indiana history. According to a news release from the Studebaker National Museum, state historical markers commemorate significant individuals, organizations, places and events in Indiana history.

Since 1946, the marker format has been the large roadside marker, which has the familiar dark blue background with gold lettering and the outline of the state of Indiana at the top. Over 750 of these markers have been installed over the years.

The marker is the 25th marker installed in St. Joseph County.

Studebaker Car Show

The dedication program will coincide with the 42nd annual Studebaker Indiana Drivers Club Zone Meet taking place June 6-7 at the St. Joseph County 4-H Fairgrounds at 5117 S. Ironwood Road.

Among the swap meet/car corral events June 6-7 are a Studebaker cruise-in event from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 6, in downtown South Bend as part of the First Fridays celebration.

Open car shows for both Studebaker vehicles and classic cars will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 7, at the fairgrounds.

Admission is $5.

The show is hosted by the South Bend chapter of the Studebaker Drivers Club.

For information about the Indiana Historical Marker Program, including details on this marker, a listing of other markers in the state, or other resources about Indiana history, visit the Indiana Historical Bureau’s website at http://www.IN.gov/history or call 317-232-2535.

Email Tribune staff writer Greg Swiercz at [email protected].