The Woodward Chronicles

In this episode of The Woodward Chronicles, Historian Emeritus Ronald Woodward takes us on a fascinating ride through the early days of the automobile in Wabash County. Discover how the arrival of cars transformed everyday life, hear about the county’s first roadway accidents, and learn the surprising story of automobiles that were once produced right here in Wabash County.This captivating journey through local history reminds us how innovation, progress, and community have always been deeply intertwined in Wabash County’s story.Listen now and experience how the roar of early engines changed the course of our local history.Hear vivid stories of:The first automobile ever seen in Wabash County—and the awe, excitement, and skepticism it stirred.The county’s very first car accident—a tale equal parts fascinating and humorous, offering a window into a time when no one quite knew the “rules of the road.”Local manufacturers and automobile-related industries that sprang to life, fueling economic growth and putting Wabash County on Indiana’s early automotive map.How the rise of the car reshaped commerce, travel, and opportunity in small-town life.This episode is a delightful blend of history, storytelling, and local pride—reminding us how innovation, even in rural places, can ripple across generations. Buckle up for a journey through Wabash County’s roads of the past.Ronald Woodward has been bestowed with the title of Wabash County Historian Emeritus by the Indiana Historical Society. Follow Mr. Woodward's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Learning.local.history Wabash County Historian to see more photos and stories of Wabash County! If you enjoy local history, we invite you to visit our History and Culture section on our website: visitwabashcounty.com/arts-history-entertainment/If you would like to meet with the current Wabash County History, please reach out to Alec Guenin: [email protected] special thank you to our supporters: The City of Wabash, Lisa Gilman Investment Fund, Sandra Kunkel Trust, Mark & Amy Ford, PaperWorks Industries, the Community Foundation of Wabash County, and Visit Wabash County for making this podcast possible. This podcast is produced in partnership with Destination Wabash County.

In this episode of The Woodward Chronicles, Historian Emeritus Ronald Woodward takes us on a journey to explore the good times enjoyed by those who came before. Wabash County today may feel quiet, but beneath the calm lies a rich history of amusement, spectacle, and community entertainment.In this episode, we explore the vanished amusement park with Indiana’s first roller coaster, traveling circus stories, historic theaters and dance halls — and how all that laid the groundwork for today’s arts and culture in Wabash County.Ronald Woodward has been bestowed with the title of Wabash County Historian Emeritus by the Indiana Historical Society. Follow Mr. Woodward's Facebook Page: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/Learning.local.history⁠ Wabash County Historian to see more photos and stories of Wabash County! If you enjoy local history, we invite you to visit our History and Culture section on our website: ⁠visitwabashcounty.com/history-museum/More local resources: The North Manchester Center for History: ⁠www.northmanchestercenterforhistory.org⁠The Wabash County Museum: ⁠https://www.wabashmuseum.org/⁠ Alec Guenin is the current Wabash County Historian and can be reached at ⁠[email protected]⁠A special thank you to our supporters: The City of Wabash, Lisa Gilman Investment Fund, Sandra Kunkel Trust, Mark & Amy Ford, PaperWorks Industries, the Community Foundation of Wabash County, and Visit Wabash County for making this podcast possible. This podcast is produced in partnership with Destination Wabash County.