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STORY INDEX
Introduction
Population of Indiana's
northeast counties
grew by 81 percent this century
Tracking railroads:
Since 1900, number of local lines reduced from five to two
Longtime area auto
dealers have 'seen it all'
Amish continue long-held
traditions
- except on safety issues
Cars accelerate lives
of Noble County residents
The price of cars:
How much did it cost to drive one off the lot?
Electric Interurban
connected area to Fort Wayne, beyond
LaGrange residents
rally to save historic brick streets
U.S. 6, Ind. 3: Kendallville's
routes to growth
Agriculture ever-changing,
advancing in Noble County
Comparisons: How
far did the dollar stretch?
Growing onions,
peppermint made 'scents' in early 1900s
The Gaby farm:
Family-owned and celebrating over 150 years
A changing culture
impacts 4-H
County fair continues
to be a big social event
Thriving through
the times: Downtown Kendallville adapts to a century of changes
Dekko's philanthropy
remains a 'valuable resource'
Rinkel family still
at the wheel of Greenfield Hills
Commerce nothing
new to Shipshewana: Town thrives as one of fastest-growing tourist
areas in state
Making do during
the Great Depression: Retired hatchery owner recalls tough times,
bright moments
Mill a 'Star' business
in Ligonier: Firm has been grinding wheat into flour for 113
years
Elmer E. McCray
had a major impact on Kendallville
Richard R. Cole
has long legacy
Female executive
has seen many changes in workforce
Working women: From
assisting war effort to competing in global markets
Wolcottville a center
of commerce, industry in 1800s
Mongoquinong area
was early LaGrange County commercial center
'The cheapest hired
hand we ever had.' Electricity made life brighter, easier down
on the farm
Monument company's
history set in stone
Historic Corn School
dates back to 1906
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Population of Indiana's northeast
counties grew by 81 percent this century
By BOB GAGEN
The News-Sun
During the first four decades
of the 20th century - from 1900 to 1940 - all four northeastern
Indiana counties - Noble, LaGrange, Steuben and DeKalb - experienced
declines in population, bringing their overall total down to
75,624 in 1940 from 79,747 in 1900.
After this stagnant interval, the numbers grew gradually over
the ensuing 57 years and in 1997 the four-county population was
144,462 - for an increase of 81 percent. The 1997 figures were
estimates by Indiana University's Business Research Center.
From 1900 to 1960, DeKalb had the largest population among the
four counties, fueled in part by its proximity to Allen County
and relatively strong industrial base. In 1970 it was passed,
31,382 to 30,837, by Noble County, which has remained the most
populous since that time.
Although Noble's estimated 1997 population of 41,918 is the highest
of the four counties, its increase since 1900 was only 78 percent.
LaGrange was first in this regard with a 114 percent gain, followed
by Steuben at 104 percent. DeKalb has had the lowest population
gain since 1900 with 51 percent.
The high rate of growth by LaGrange and Steuben was no doubt
influenced by the opening of the Indiana Toll Road, and the latter
by construction of I-69.
While no interstates pass through Noble County, if benefited
by introduction of dual lanes on Ind. 3 from Huntertown to Kendall-ville
in the late 1980s.
As Fort Wayne continues to spread northward the population of
these four counties is certain to continue to grow.
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