Hobart, one of the oldest communities in Lake County, Indiana, has a fascinating history that dates back to the arrival of three related families, the Siglers, the Mundells and the Hursts. Nearby, the Englishman George Earle had invested heavily in Lake County land and was trying to establish the city of Liverpool at the crossroads of the Deep and Calumet rivers. Liverpool did not prove viable, and in 1845 Earle moved five miles up the river. Here he built a dam to feed sawmills and grinding mills, creating a pond that came to be known as Lake George.
Earle moved the post office from Liverpool in 1847 and engraved the plot for the new town in 1849, naming it after his brother, Frederick Hobart Earle, of Falmouth, England. In the 1920s, when nearby Gary flourished and new roads bypassed Hobart, the city lost its function as a commercial and transportation hub. However, it is still home to many thriving businesses in its downtown business district, including the historic Art Theatre. Hobart is also home to Lake George, a popular place for people to gather and stroll along the city's shoreline.
Additionally, it is home to the Indiana Botanical Garden, which is the country's largest and oldest herbal retailer. Hobart Light & Water Company was founded in 1898 and was one of the few municipal owned utility companies in the state. Similarly, two NRHP sites are located in downtown Hobart: The First Unitarian Church of Hobart and the Carnegie Library in Hobart. Most of the city is within the school city of Hobart, although other parts of the city are within the River Forest Community School Corporation or the Merrillville Community School District. Indiana Public Media is also based in Hobart and is home to WFIU Public Radio WTIU Public Television, which includes your favorite NPR and PBS programming.
The series is produced by WFIU Public Radio in partnership with Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations (IPBS). Another manufacturing company based in Hobart since 1952 is Midwest Products, a manufacturer of materials for hobbyists and drone models. Thus, we can see that Hobart has a rich history that dates back centuries. It was named after George Earle's brother from England and has since become an important part of Indiana's culture. From its thriving businesses to its beautiful lakefronts, there is much to explore in this historic city.
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