In early 2008, the city was preparing to demolish the massive former South Bend Lathe facility at 400 W. Sample St., a vestige of the former Studebaker complex.

In 1868, Leighton Pine came to South Bend to establish a Singer cabinet factory. First located on the East Race, by 1900, the plant had outgrown these facilities.

SOUTH BEND — It was a deep, emotional hurt. Like an aging prizefighter whose strength weakens, the payroll of the city’s largest employer shrunk from more than 22,000 employees in 1950 to ...