100 Things to Do
The Historical Society of Ogden Dunes & The Ogden Dunes Prime-Timers presents Joseph S. Pete 100 Things to do in Gary & Northwest Indiana Before you Die You thought you knew Northwest Indiana. Joseph leads us to: places to visit, unique dining, music and entertainment, sports and recreation areas, cultural and history sites, and, of course, shopping. Join us for a fun filled virtual trip to places you know and places that you will learn about. April 25, 2021 at 2p online program at: https://depaul.zoom.us/j/96325959454 or connect by phone: 312 626 6799 Meeting ID: 963 2595 9454
Program on Genealogy Basic, March 21, 2021
Just a reminder…. – this Sunday March 21, 2021 at 2p CT Online https://depaul.zoom.us/j/97456252454 or by phone 312 626-6799 – Meeting ID: 974 5626 2454 On your computer just click on the colored https above or paste it in your browser and you can see the live presentation or phone in to hear it.
1980s and After: “The Aging of the Community and the Efforts to Protect the Beach”
The population of Ogden Dunes peaked in 1990 with 1,499 residents. Since that time, given the absence of additional buildable lots and the natural aging of the population, the Town has evolved from a child-centered community to an adult-centered one. Despite the decrease in the population and its aging, the major community organizations remain active, including the Women’s Club, which celebrates it 80th year in 2018, the Home Association, the Volunteer Fire Department, the Community Church, the Lions’ Club, the Historical Society, the Sandpiper Co-op Nursery, and the Prime Timers. Also since the 1970s, with...
1970s: “Thawing of Tensions”
For the United States the decade of the 1970s marked the end of the Cold War with the improvement of relations with both the U.S.S.R. and China. For the residents of Ogden Dunes the community came to accept its new neighbors - the Town of Portage, the National Lakeshore’s West Beach, the Port of Indiana and Midwest and Bethlehem Steel. At the same time, the growth of the Town was limited by the fact that only a few lots remained for building homes. 1970: The 1970 Census indicates the population of full-time residents is 1,361....
1960s: “Turmoil and Resolution”
The 1960s began with the residents of the Town very divided over whether to cooperate with the industrial development to its east or to continue to fight what appeared to be an unwinnable battle. Ultimately, Congress imposed a compromise in 1966 that allowed industry to take nearly seven miles of shore line and dunes. This compromise also created the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore to protect the dunes directly west and south of Ogden Dunes, as well as thousands of acres east of Bethlehem Steel and the electrical generating plant. 1960: The 1960 Census shows 947...
1950s: A Residential Community and the Battle for the Dunes
In the 1950s the population continued to increase and new community organizations were formed to meet the needs of this residential community. At the same time Ogden Dunes and its residents struggled to prevent the complete industrialization of the lake shore both to its west and to its east. 1950: The Census indicates that the Town has a population of 429 full-time residents. The realty map listed 180 homes and cottages with the majority owned by full-time residents. The “Sandpiper” listed 80 K-12 students and 28 in college. 1950s: National Steel (Midwest Steel) began construction...
1930s: “Struggle for Survival: The Great Depression”
The Great Depression nearly marked the end of Ogden Dunes. The closure of the Ogden Dunes Ski Jump in 1932 was a major blow. The recovery, stimulated by the New Deal and the coming of World War II, led to the creation of an active community by 1940. 1930: Port Williams: port and steel mill proposed east of Burns Ditch 1930: The Census lists 50 full-time residents in 14 households 1930: The 2nd Subdivision was platted and recorded (Hillcrest on the east, Tamarack, Locust, Linden on the west and south). 1932: The Realty map shows...
1920s: “The Beginnings”
In the mid-twenties three external events influenced the development of Ogden Dunes. One, the completion of U.S. 12 “Dunes Highway” directly linked Chicago to southern Michigan. Two, the construction of the Burns Waterway (Ditch) directly east of Ogden Dunes that linked the Little Calumet River to Lake Michigan and drained the watershed south of Ogden Dunes. Three, Samuel Insull’s purchase and upgrade of the South Shore electric railway. 1923: Ogden Dunes, Inc., led by Samuel Reck and included Colin Mackenzie and Joseph Boo purchased over 500 acres from the estate of Francis Ogden. 1925: Alice...
1940s: Becoming a Residential Community
World War II brought together the full-time residents and the owners of cottages. Nearly every family had a member who was called for military service. The community became united by the war effort. With the return of peace, Ogden Dunes became an attractive residential community for former GIs and their young families. New homes were affordable for the emerging middle class in America. 1940: The Census lists the 144 full-time residents residing in 45 households. The “Sandpiper” newsletter listed 30 children in the Portage Township schools. 1940: The plat map indicates 132 homes and cottages....
