Establishing an Historic Landmark - 121 N Studebaker

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legal description historical nobs* This ltalianate style house at 121 N. Studebaker was constructed in circa 1870, by Frederick Ort. Originally located at 348 W. Colfax, it was moved to its present location in 1902, to make way for the construction of Central High School. Frederick Ort purchased the property at William and Colfax, Bank Out Lot 23, in 1865. He died around 1885, leaving it to his wife, who moved shortly afterward to 349 Matthews Court. Their son, Daniel, remained in a house located next door to this one, at 344 Colfax, which Frederick Ort had also built. In 1898, South Bend architect Ennis R. Austin, rented this house, and remained here until it was moved in 1902. On February 21, 1902, an auction was held and the house was purchased by Max Rothe for $551. He moved it sometime before May 15 to the Studebaker Street address, Lot 10 of Stover's Subdivision. The address at that time, before the city numbering system was changed, was 117 No. Studebaker. Max Rothe already resided at this location, indicating there was an earlier house on the site. The 1932 assessment card notes that there was a small dwelling house on the back of the lot and gives its date of construction as 1872. After 1904 the address was listed as 121 N. Studebaker. According to Howard's History of St. Joseph County, Frederick Ort was a native of Little York, Pennsylvania. He was married there to Charlotte Novis and shortly afterward the couple came to St. Joseph County and settled in Penn Township. The 1875 atlas gives the year they came to Indiana as 1850. They bought 120 acres of woodland that they cleared for farming. In addition to farming, Mr. Ort worked at Judson's flour mill. The Orts had five children: Elizabeth, David, Frederick, Henry and Margaret, who died in infancy. After some fifteen years of farming, the family moved to South Bend. Frederick Ort died October 7, 1879; his wife in 1913. Max J. Rothe was born in Saxony, Germany, March 4, 1866. In 1888, he married Minnie S. Aurich. The Rothes came to the United States and South Bend around 1891. Mr. Rothe was active in the real estate business and was a director of the Working - men's Building and Loan Association. He died December 30, 1935. The house is currently owned by the Southold Heritage Foundation, 1016 W. Washington, which is in the process of restoring it. source of information Deed Records: Book A -1, pg. 29; Book 119, pg. 625; Book 120, page 43• South Bend City Directories Howard. History of St. Joseph County, P. 787. South Bend Tribune. 2/10/1902 2/14/1902 3/27/1902 2/11/1902 2/17/1902 2/12/1902. 2/21/1902