The Footlocker That Came Home

In 1944, Mishawaka’s Elizabeth Richardson left home to serve American troops overseas with the Red Cross during World War II. She would never make it home.

But her footlocker did.

More than 80 years later, that same footlocker was discovered in the most unlikely of places: Along a creek in California.

Mishawaka historian Pete DeKever joins me to tell the remarkable story of Liz Richardson, the wartime journey of her footlocker through England and France, what happened to it after her tragic death in 1945, and the incredible chain of events that finally brought it back home to Mishawaka.

We also talk about Pete’s own journey following in Liz’s footsteps and why, eight decades after her death, her story continues to resonate.

An incredible story of war, loss, mystery, kindness and a piece of Mishawaka history that somehow found its way home.

Thank you Pete for your time and passion for preserving our local history!

Special thanks to the Mishawaka Historical Museum and M/T Box Computers for their continued support of Round the Bend Now and Then!

Thanks for listening to Round the Bend Now & Then! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves South Bend & Mishawaka history. It truly helps us continue telling the stories hiding right under our noses.

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A big thank you to the Mishawaka Historical Museum for supporting our work! Be sure to stop by and learn ALL about the great city of Mishawaka! Check out their website to learn more!

https://mishawakamuseum.org/