An Incomplete History of St. Joseph County, Indiana

by Aaron Helman

Did you know that the founder of New Carlisle is credited with introducing ice cream to Japan? Or that a famous slave trial in South Bend would reverberate through the country and lead to the start of the Civil War? Did you know that Mishawaka was once the Peppermint Capital of the World? Did you know that Indiana and Michigan almost went to war over the narrow strip of land that contains most of St. Joseph County? AN INCOMPLETE HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY tells these stories and more. Throughout the tales of twelve epic bike rides spanning more than 500 miles, you’ll discover the history of the towns, cities, rivers, industries, and commerce that have made St. Joseph County what it is today. If you’ve ever wondered what an episode of Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown would look like if it was instead a book about the history of the place called St. Joseph County, wonder no more.

Genres: Nonfiction

150 pages, Perfect Paperback

Published January 1, 2022

Reviews

[Leanna Fecher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you enjoy the strange yet engaging storytelling of David Sedaris? The deeply researched writing with a hilarious spin of author Mary Roach? Does the straightforward reporting of everyday life from Ira Glass excite you? Well then friends, you are going to love this book! Whether you are a history buff, a regular nerd, or someone who enjoys reading great content, you will enjoy this book from cover to cover.

A fascinating, fast-paced read about an important county located in Indiana. The author’s insights, attention to details small and large, wit and humor will engage you from beginning to end. Along with that is the reminder: adventure and history are all around us waiting to be discovered, including our own place in it all.

[Nathaniel Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

For perspective, I am a resident of St. Joseph County, but I admittedly know very little about my locale. This book, as told from the perspective of a series of bike trips around the county, relays an astonishing amount of history, drama, and tragedy that make up this seemingly simple county. This book is so chock-full of information that I will certainly have to read it twice. Reading chapter by chapter, I found myself at times inspired to learn more about my home and other times distraught over choices our geographical ancestors made that shaped, for better or for worse, the future of this county. While this is told in a bike around the county format, there are some deeper underlying themes regarding our ecology, racial disparity, and capitalistic ventures. It makes one sad for what was lost but also grateful for what we have. Ultimately, this is a well written biography of a county that I now appreciate more and am inspired to become more a part of.

[MATHEW Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having always had the river play a part in my life as well as cycling this work touched a special place inside of my eternal existence and I have already generated a waiting list of friends and family who I insist must read this account of local history as told through bike riding

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not even a local history buff, but Helman brings the past to life and kept me hooked with interesting anecdotes, nuggets of information, and a keen insight into the motivations of historical figures. The book made me look at the town I’ve lived in for over 20 years with brand new eyes.
I also love how this history is personal to the author, and how he included stories about his own past and present, as well as cycling stories. Now I can go back and use his gps files to complete all the rides that interest me.

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book and I wish there was a sequel! I knocked a star off because this book lacks any sort of citation or bibliography or any acknowledgement of the historians the author talked to while writing the book. I know the man who did the research on the founder of New Carlisle, and he deserves to be credited.

[Kenneth Chanko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Skimmed for research purposes; an index would’ve been helpful.