Discovery Sites & Their Stories

As part of Allen County’s 2024 Bicentennial, the City of New Haven presents the story of its first 100 years through a series of arresting and enlightening “discovery sites.” The sites chronicle a wilderness transformed by transportation, placed along the path where history was made.

Eight discovery sites located throughout New Haven feature uniquely distinctive furniture made from retired wind turbine blades including benches, planters, a swing and a picnic set. The collection brings to life the story of the city’s heritage through an immersive new experience for residents and visitors. Each piece of furniture showcases historical artwork painted by local artist, Kim Linker, and includes a QR code that shares a digital story of the City’s first 100 years.

The project was spearheaded and overseen by Barbara Snyder Crosby, a native of New Haven and fifth-generation descendent. Barbara researched and authored the historical narrative, then worked in close collaboration with the artist to select scenes that best reflect the history made at each location. The City’s Community Engagement leaders and furniture manufacturer Canvus also played integral roles on the project team.

These alluring spaces not only celebrate and preserve New Haven’s heritage, but they also offer new experiences and ways for people to interact that will be enjoyed for years to come.

The story told at each site follows.

Willow Bench Side 2Willow Bench

Maumee River

(Pioneers tame the wilderness)

The first pioneer arrived in 1820 to clear the dense forest for settlement; others soon joined him. The Willow bench brings the pioneers’ rugged inauguration to life. Relax on the bench. You’ll be surrounded by towering trees to contemplate what the early settlers experienced as they arrived in the wilderness to make a new life for their families.

Belle Bench Side 1Belle Bench

Downtown Entry

(Wabash & Erie Canal opens to activity)

Canal boats were pulled by mules or horses on a “towpath” running alongside the Canal. Locks raised and lowered boats between different levels of water. Visualize Canal activity and New Haven’s Gronauer Lock at the Belle bench. Rest on it to imagine you’re in a passenger boat traveling along the Canal.

Gus Bench FrontGus Bench

Canal Landing

(A "canal town" is born)

Canal activity drew both settlers and visitors to the newly platted village to fuel its vitality. The Gus bench places you in the center of that vibrant atmosphere. Watch the dock workers readying a freight boat for transport. Or be part of the activity in the village. Wave to the folks going by in a passenger boat and window shop at the stores.

Deborah Swing Side 2Deborah Swing

Post Office

(A transformation is in "full swing")

By 1920, New Haven was a thriving “transportation town.” The Canal was no longer evident but what may have been lost from its absence was more than restored by the railroads and automobiles that followed. At the Deborah swing in front of the post office, you will find postcards of downtown buildings as they appeared then, drawn from actual photographs. The buildings depicted remain today.

Carole Picnic Set Side 1Carole Picnic Set

Broadway Street Railroad Tracks

(Railroads pick up steam)

Railroads provided many advantages over canals and attracted industries that would simply not have been viable with the canals. For a time, both the Wabash and the Nickel Plate railroads ran through New Haven. They eventually became part of today’s Norfolk Southern. As you sit at the Carole picnic set and watch a train pass by, imagine instead a train of yesteryear driven by steam-locomotive roar by.

Beacon Planter FrontBeacon Planter

City Hall

(Life moves along the Lincoln Highway)

New Haven and its City Hall are privileged to be located along the Lincoln Highway, the first highway to run from coast-to-coast. As you pass City Hall, take note of the Beacon planter and the vehicles that traveled along the highway in its early years. And pull into the parking lot to see on the back the Interurban electric railway that ran along the highway between Fort Wayne and Lima, Ohio. 

Faye Bench FrontFaye Bench

State Street

(Our transportation heritage in one place)

New Haven is a city of some 12 square miles, yet the essence of its transportation history is captured within a few, short blocks west of downtown. If you seldom have a reason to pass along State Street, the Faye bench now provides one. Its amazing art depicts all the modes of transportation that shaped New Haven’s heritage and converged in this area.

Beacon Bench BackBeacon Bench

Schnelker Park

(New Haven: First 100 Years)

Schnelker Park is the “granddad” of New Haven’s parks, having celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2022. It’s fitting that the summation of New Haven’s first 100 years be on display in Schnelker Park. The scenes depicted on the Beacon bench allow you to reflect on the story of New Haven’s “transformation through transportation” simply by strolling around the bench.