Autopsy of Architecture

Stories Behind the Nation's Historic Buildings & Structures

Tag: Elbert Gary

The Gary-Alerding Settlement House

Photo © 2020 David Bulit, Gary-Alerding Settlement House - Gary, Indiana

In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, many workers including those in the steel industry faced unsafe working conditions, long hours, and low wages. Unions were organized to address these issues but they were hardly successful in improving workers’ conditions. The situation improved briefly during World War I as companies were concerned with strikes

City Methodist Church

Photo © 2019 David Bulit, City Methodist Church - Gary, Indiana

Since the city of Gary’s founding in 1906, there has always been a Methodist church within the city. In 1916, Dr. William Seaman became its pastor, a man with a dream of a new church to serve the burgeoning city. He wanted a religious presence in the neighborhood which was dotted with numerous brothels and