Goshen Historical Society

The Goshen Historical Society Museum. Dave Zollinger photo.

Goshen has a very active historical society. That society maintains a fine museum in the former Adams store at 124 S. Main Street, which is along the route of the Lincoln Highway.


The museum is located in the former Adams Store. Dave Zollinger photo.

The Adams store building was constructed in 1888 as part of the Harper Block. C.G. Adams & Sons opened their "jewelry & gent's furnishing store" in 1901. When it closed in 1997 the store had been owned and operated by members of the Adams family for the entire length of time. Pauline (Polly) Adams was the last, and I can remember visiting Polly at the Adams store to buy Boy Scout uniforms when I was a youngster.


This old photo shows the store that now houses the Goshen Historical Society museum. It's the one with lettering on the awning, directly behind the buggy. Photo courtesy of Goshen Historical Society.

Since the Goshen Historical Society bought the building in 1998 it has been the subject of major improvements to it's infrastructure and exterior. Some remodeling has been done as well.


The beautiful old building makes a fine place to house the museum. Dave Zollinger photo.

The museum is used to display artifacts that were made or in some way pertain to Goshen. Many donations of such items have been made by Goshen residents. Currently the museum is open every Saturday from 10AM to 1PM and is staffed by Goshen Historical Society members.


The museum holds a large collection of artifacts relating to Goshen's history. Dave Zollinger photo.


The Goshen Historical Society museum is easy to find. Located right along the Lincoln Highway at 124 S. Main Street, it's just two doors south of Sorg Jewelers.

Contact:
The Goshen Historical Society
"The Adams Store"
124 S. Main Street
Goshen, IN 46526
574-975-0033

Goshen's Carnegie Library

Goshen's Carnegie Library was the first one in Indiana. Dave Zollinger photo.

Goshen has a Carnegie Library, as do many towns do. But Goshen has the distinction of of having the first Carnegie Library that was built in the State of Indiana.
Located at the corner of 5th & Washington Streets, the classic building now serves as Goshen's City Hall. The current Goshen Public Library is now located about four blocks to the south at the corner of 5th & Purl Streets.


Historical marker at Goshen's Carnegie Library. Dave Zollinger photo.
Text reads:
Side one:
Indiana's first Carnegie library opened here 1903 with 3, 000 volumes. Goshen Library Association received $25, 000 in Carnegie grants 1901. Public donations, land purchase, and tax levy met Carnegie grant conditions. Architects Patton & Miller, Chicago, designed Beaux-Arts style structure. Library moved 1968; commercial and nonprofit uses followed.
Side two:
Listed in National Register of Historic Places 1983. Renovated building reopened 2001housing city offices. Original features of decorative marble, fireplaces, and domed rotunda retained. One of 1, 679 libraries built in U.S. with funds from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Indiana built more Carnegie libraries than any other state.

For travellers following the Lincoln Highway through Goshen, a visit to the building will require a detour of only 1 block from Lincoln Highway Route (Main Street).


Goshen's Carnegie Library, originally opened to the public in 1903, now serves as Goshen's City Hall. Dave Zollinger photo.


A scan of an old post card from the collection of the Goshen Historical Society showing the Goshen Carnegie Library. Date that the photo was taken is unknown. Postcard has a stamp cancellation date of 1912. Courtesy of the Goshen Historical Society.

Map to Goshen's Carnegie Library:


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Olympia Candy Kitchen

The Olympia Candy Kitchen. Dave Zollinger Photo.

No trip through Goshen on the Lincoln Highway would be complete without stopping for a visit at the Olympia Candy Kitchen.
The Olympia is truly a Goshen institution. My wife, son, and I spend lots of time there. It's our favorite place to eat. I can remember visiting the Olympia with my parents when I was young, and my parents tell stories about hanging out there as teenagers back before World War 2!


"Coca-Cola" sign on the north side of the Olympia. Dave Zollinger Photo.

In continuous operation by the same family since 1912, the Olympia offers good food, old fashioned soda fountain treats, and delicious home made candy. Everything about the Olympia today is just like it was when I was a kid, over 40 years ago. This is no retro-diner. This is the real thing. Visiting the Olympia is like stepping back in time.


Part of the candy counter as it appears today. Dave Zollinger photo.


Interior view of the Olympia, date unknown. The display case shown at the lower right of the photo is still in use today.
Photo property of Kathy Andersen, Olympia Candy Kitchen. Used by permission.



Scan of an old postcard from the collection of the Goshen Historical Society. Caption reads: "Interurban Station east side Main St. looking south from Clinton St. Goshen Ind." The date is unknown, however it shows the building before the Olympia opened at corner location in 1912.


Similar view to the one shown in the postcard above, as it appears today (Winter 2008). Dave Zollinger photo.

The Olympia is located at 136 N. Main Street in Goshen. It's right along the route of the Lincoln Highway, across from the Elkhart County Courthouse.

Map to the Olympia:


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