The Story of South Bend's Storyland Zoo

This is the story of South Bend's Storyland Zoo...
For almost a quarter century, from 1957 until 1981, over a million children and families built lasting memories in a special place that today, is simply a wooded area in Rum Village Park that bears no evidence of any of the magic that many once enjoyed here.
Utilizing dozens of historical pictures, over one hundred South Bend Tribune articles, on the scene videos of the present day area, as well as a priceless home video from the late 1960s, you will learn all about this once popular spot in South Bend, IN.
A huge thank you to the Jerry V. Limbert family for allowing me to share your home video that truly captures the joy that Storyland Zoo once brought.
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Click below to purchase a ONE OF A KIND Storyland Zoo mug!
forms.gle/RYXTu6Jv7Vh6z3oW8
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Thank you to InRugCo for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to visit their shop at 220 E. Mishawaka Ave in Mishawaka... across from the Central Park entrance.
Check out their website and you'll see why I'm so enthusiastic about partnering with them!
indianarugco.com/
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Thank you to the Mishawaka Historical Museum for sponsoring this episode! If you're a fan of our content, you'll be a fan of the museum! You'll experience the most comprehensive collection of artifacts and historical background all specific to Mishawaka!
Give them a visit at 121 S. Main St. in Mishawaka, just south of the Lincolnway and Main St. intersection. Check out their website to learn more!
mishawakamuseum.org/
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[@johnbanicki7232]

As someone who went to StoryLand Zoo many times as a kid with the family. Then as a teenager terrorized the train operator (rumor has it someone might have been tied to the train tracks LOL) This video brings back many fond memories. Thank you for sharing.

[@RoundtheBend574]

I appreciate you watching! Haha! Nothing wrong with a little fun with the engineer!

[@IndianapolisGerry]

I grew up visiting this attraction, and I remember my Grandmother and "Milly," our babysitter who lived just north of Walker's friend. As well as my parents taking me and my brother there.
Ice cream cones (was there ice cream, or is this confabulation) but mostly I remember the train, and the fire truck (not mentioned) are my most vivid memories.
This would have been in the 70's as I was born in 67. Probably 73-76. First through about 4'th grade?
Two other attractions in the same era, Enchanted Forest (amusement park) and Deer Forest (petting zoo), were the two other staples of my childhood. These would be in Chesterton and Coloma, Michigan, respectively. Deer Forest had a resurgence not that long ago. But sadly accusations of mistreatment of the critters abound. It was a different time with different sensibilities. I choose simply not to think about that.
Thank you for this. I just lost my Mom & Dad in the past few months, and have moved away from South Bend long ago. I'm kind of holding back tears of joy as I write this....those were good times. I MAY have some video to share for an update -- I need to dig deep for that.
I'd give anything to ride that train with my Dad just one more time.

[@RoundtheBend574]

Oh thank you so much for sharing all of that! I'm sorry about the loss of your mother and father... so tough. I'm glad that I could help you relive some of those cherished memories with them. This video has sparked memories in others as well! I've received multiple messages and comments stating the same type of sentiments. I wasn't born until 1978 so I missed out on it. Thank you SO MUCH for watching and reaching out! Much appreciated!

[@MoeLarrycurly1]

👍 neetoo

[@RoundtheBend574]

As always, thank you for watching!