In 1919, J. J. McVicker of Chicago published the Pictorial Souvenir of South Bend to show a complete portrayal of South Bend as an unsurpassed city in which to locate businesses and build homes.
Here is one photograph from the book, bearing the title The River at Howard Park, remastered as a large format print for the modern-day South Bend home.
"No fairer spot for a city could well be picked than the gently undulating banks of the St. Joseph River upon which South Bend is built."
