Tippecanoe Place

Growing up in South Bend, Indiana, I realized at a very early age that there were several power players within the city that made it what it was today. One of those families was the Studebaker families. The family originally created covered wagons taking settlers to the West and then later switched to automobiles. In 1884, Clem Studebaker decided to build  mansion that showed the success of his wagon industry and plans commenced to build the mansion that would wow the city. The family moved into their 24,000 sq ft home consisting of 40 rooms in 1889. The family spent $250,000 for construction and $100,000 for furnishings. In today's currency, construction of the mansion would be $6,352,204.40 and $2,540,881.68 for furnishings. The building still sits on the corner of W. Washington and Taylor Streets today.

 Clem Studebaker's Magnificent Mansion

While the house was lived in by members of the Studebaker family until 1933, the property shifted. From 1947- 1970 the house was Occupied by the E.M. Moris School for Crippled Children. The property was then restored by Southhold Restorations and finally in 1980 became a restaurant.
If you were to go to the old Studebaker mansion today, you would find a restaurant within its walls. Guests can sit in bedrooms, sitting rooms, and verandas enjoying food and drink where the Studebaker family and distinguished guests such as President William Henry Harrison sat. Harrison's catchy campaign slogan was "Tippecanoe and Tyler too" and it is said that the unique home was named Tippecanoe place after Clem's close friend, William Henry Harrison. Walking through rooms with large chandeliers, beautiful fire places, and exquisite wood work, you can feel the elegance of the family that once lived in this house. You can almost feel the guests making their way up to the third floor ballroom for a night of music and dancing. If you are ever in the area, make a trip to see this landmark. Their chocolate mousse is to die for!

Sources 

http://www.tippe.com/about/
http://www.in2013dollars.com/1889-dollars-in-2017?amount=100000

Picture

https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/04/54/2b/ef/day.jpg