History Hour: Plowing Through the Competition: The Olivers and the Chilled Plow

Sun, 14 Jun, 2026 at 12:00 pm UTC-05:00

631 Washington St., Michigan City, IN, United States, Indiana 46360 | Michigan City

The Barker Mansion
Publisher/HostThe Barker Mansion
History Hour: Plowing Through the Competition: The Olivers and the Chilled Plow
Advertisement
Step back in time with History Hour at The Barker Mansion.
Deputy Executive Director, Kristie Erickson, and Curator of Copshaholm, Amber Gabel, will present the history of the Oliver Chilled Plow Works of South Bend. In 1857, James Oliver invented the chilled plow, revolutionizing agriculture. His son, J. D., made the company a global name, and the Oliver plow became the best-selling plow in the world. Erickson and Gabel will discuss the plow works as well as the history of the Oliver family, their continuing legacy, and their home in South Bend, called Copshaholm.
Guest Speakers:
Kristie Erickson, Deputy Executive Director
Kristie Erickson is the Deputy Executive Director at The History Museum and has been with the museum for 18 years. Born in South Bend, Kristie attended Purdue University as well as Yale University and worked as Curator of Copshaholm before becoming Deputy Director in 2018. Though today she has much broader responsibilities, her history with Copshaholm and the Oliver family means they hold a special place in her heart.
Amber Gabel, Curator of Copshaholm
Amber Gabel is the Curator of Copshaholm at The History Museum. She is an Ohio native who moved to South Bend three years ago when she accepted a position at the Museum. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and a Master’s in Library & Information Science from Kent State University. She previously worked as a tour guide and librarian at the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums in Fremont, Ohio. Taking care of a historic home is challenging and a big responsibility, but she enjoys knowing she is helping preserve it for future generations.
Advertisement

Event Venue

631 Washington St., Michigan City, IN, United States, Indiana 46360

Tickets

Icon
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Ask AI if this event suits you:

More Events in Michigan City

Foreigner Tribute - Feels Like The First Time at Live at the Lakefront
Sat, 13 Jun at 08:00 pm Foreigner Tribute - Feels Like The First Time at Live at the Lakefront

1 Franklin St, Michigan City, IN 46360-3233, United States

Blue Chip Casino
Sun, 14 Jun at 01:00 pm Blue Chip Casino

Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa

Watershed Ramblers -Sunday Summer Music at Shoreline Brewery
Sun, 14 Jun at 03:00 pm Watershed Ramblers -Sunday Summer Music at Shoreline Brewery

Shoreline Brewery

Huge Parish Rummage Sale!
Thu, 18 Jun at 09:00 am Huge Parish Rummage Sale!

1719 E Barker Ave, Michigan City, IN 46360-5336, United States

Michigan City Juneteenth Celebration
Fri, 19 Jun at 12:00 pm Michigan City Juneteenth Celebration

Guy Foreman Ampitheater

The 1985 - Totally 80's Mixtape Live! at Live at the Lakefront
Fri, 19 Jun at 08:00 pm The 1985 - Totally 80's Mixtape Live! at Live at the Lakefront

1 Franklin St, Michigan City, IN 46360-3233, United States

H.O.P.E. Reunion \/ Becky Williams Day
Sat, 20 Jun at 01:00 pm H.O.P.E. Reunion / Becky Williams Day

HOPE BUILDING

Michigan City is Happening!

Never miss your favorite happenings again!

Explore Michigan City Events