Studebaker guard shack stands sentinel at Building 113 after 10-year campaign
The Studebaker Corporation guardhouse on Sample Street has a place in history. The photos of that day in 1963 are etched in the community’s mind.
The workers filed past the gate to the outside world with troubled looks. It was December and not a pleasant way to enter the holidays. It is the moment in history when the company announced it was closing.
The factory building on Sample was demolished in 2008. Yet the guardhouse was dismantled and stored in another Studebaker building.
There it stayed.
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Granger resident and Studebaker fan Tim Janowiak didn’t think that was going to work just gathering dust. It needed to be rebuilt.
With some pushing, fundraising and thoughtful discussions, the guardhouse has been rebuilt on Lafayette Street by Building 113.
It is right near the new home of The Tribune offices. Guarding journalism, no doubt.
It is 122 square feet and roughly 3,800 bricks. Not a big place, but it means so much.
Tim is happy and hopes there is more coming with the original gates and posts (which were also stored) joining the guardhouse.
Tim said there was a lot of support with the Studebaker Drivers Club. “It is a community thing.” He added that it is important to the Studebaker employees and those who love the community.
The guard house was completed last spring. It had a grand opening during the Studebaker Drivers Club event in the summer. A big rain storm cut back on the ribbon cutting event.
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It is an attractive addition to the complex.
It has made people stop even more since a mannequin guard was added. It is worth a drive by.
Patrick Slebonik, executive director of the Studebaker National Museum, said builder Kevin Smith was enthusiastic about honoring the heritage of the company and the history.
The museum donated to the cause, as did the drivers club.
“It is a great addition to the site. Kevin has brought new life into the old factory. With the gates, it will add to the historic context. It will be a vibrant addition,” Patrick said.
A developer, businessman and inventor, Kevin likes to say he is a visionary builder.
He has brought new life into the old factory buildings. Look at the updates. Looking good. Visionary works.
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“Rebuilding the guardhouse has a cathartic effect for the community,” Kevin said. “It was the end of the company. We have a spirit to move on.”
Kevin added that it is part of the history of the city that we have embraced.
How long did it take to get the guardhouse project off the ground? “About 10 years,” Kevin said.
Kevin said the project was special to him. And so is the mannequin. “It is named Earl, after my dad.”
Earl Smith died in November. He gave his son good business sense through the sheet metal trade.
From the obituary, it was obvious he was a visionary, too.
Contact Kathy at kfborlik@yahoo.com.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: South Bend history: Studebaker guard shack back on duty
