COA APPLICATION #2020-0302: NORTHERN INDIANA HISTORIC SOCIETY INC. V. SOUTH BEND HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION

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Part 3: Additional Comments The Northern Indiana Historical Society (NIRS) came into possession of the cabin in 1895, and committed In perpetuity to its preservation, recognizing its historical importance and value to the community. However, over the years, the cabin's frequent relocations have been more oriented toward moving it out of the way to accommodate the needs of the Pumping Station, not improving interpretation. After its last move, well-intentioned efforts to periodically develop ornamental beds around the cabin provided aesthetics that were not likely present during Navarre's time. A review of the Leeper Park Timeline (Talley, 1996) meticulously accounts for park budgeted funding to support the former zoo and zoo staff, with no entries showing any allocations of funds for the cabin or its site, which could be read to indicate that the city did not consider the cabin a part of the park or operations. The cabin also does not feature or was even Indicated in the 1915 Kessler plan for Leeper Park, indicating it was not considered an Important part of the landscape. After the Boy Scouts discontinued its use as a meeting place, there is no indication that anything was done to care for or preserve the cabin. Mature trees were removed, further eliminating the desired natural context. We recognize the NIHS could have done a better job to preserve the cabin in the 201" century. By the early 2000s the structure had deteriorated to the point of serious disrepair. The efforts and results of the cabin reconstruction project shows the Society's renewed commitment to preserving this important piece of local history, The Historic Navarre Cabin is a powerful teaching tool. But its current location in Leeper Park makes using it to its fullest potential very challenging. We seethe cabin as an asset to be used year-round. Daily tours will benefit from trained docents who can provide interesting facts and answer questions. Classes will be scheduled for area school groups with our educator and volunteers serving as interpreters. To provide for family learning opportunities, weekend operations are planned. Combined with new public programs, the Navarre Homestead will become a bona fide tourism destination, its potential recognized by the grant received from Visit South Bend/Mishawaka last year. We understand there may be concern about removing the cabin from its site of the last 60+ years. Many local residents have fond memories of attending Cabin Days in the park. At the new site, Cabin Days will continue as a dedicated school program, with the benefit of more complete interpretation and additional dates due to its new context. In 1988, the Common Council of the City of South Bend resolution 1602-88 designated the Navarre Cabin an honorary local historic landmark. The resolution lists many deserving characteristics of the cabin, including Navarre's legacy and the historic nature of the cabin. However, it does not list the cabin's location as contributing to the designation. In 1996, the Council passed ordinance 8735-96 declaring Leeper Park a historic landmark, a designation that is well- deserved. The ordinance includes criteria for landscape status from the Historic Preservation Commission. Though the cabin is mentioned in the description of the site as a local landmark, it is not mentioned as contributing to these criteria. What is mentioned is the park as an example of early 20" century suburban park planning as part of the City Beautiful movement, notably under George Kessler's master plan —of which the Navarre Cabin is not a part. 45