Imagine, if you will, nomadic Native Americans once roamed where we stand in Calumet. These early inhabitants fished and trapped along the Little Calumet River. They sought waterfowl, muskrats, and minks for survival.
Calumet City’s story is one of transformation. It evolved from a Native American hunting ground to a haven for European pioneers. These pioneers sought refuge from the congestion of port cities.
Hans Johann Schrum was Calumet City’s first resident. This German immigrant arrived in 1863. He and his wife Louise bought 275 acres for $17 an acre. The Schrum family grew maple syrup and potatoes. They also ran the Calumet Dairy and Calumet Pickle Works. Their pickle business delivered goods to various cities. These included Gary, Hammond, and East Chicago. They became quite wealthy.
In the 1880s, German Lutherans flocked to West Hammond. This area is now part of Calumet City. They desired a place of worship. St. John’s Lutheran Church was founded in 1888. Polish pioneers then settled south of the German enclave. The first Catholic Mass was held at St. Andrew the Apostle Church in 1892. This church faced many challenges. A tornado destroyed the first church. A fire later struck in 1918 requiring another rebuild in 1930.
West Hammond officially became Calumet City in 1924. The city grew quickly with a diverse population. Irish, Polish, and Italian families arrived in increasing numbers after World War II.
Calumet City faced infrastructure challenges. Sidewalks and paved streets were lacking until the mid-1900s. Despite these challenges, the city thrived. Factories provided employment opportunities. These included Standard Oil and Pullman Standard Car Co.
Calumet City became known as the “City of Homes”. People lived, worked, worshipped, and raised families here. A remarkable fact is that people once swam in the Little Calumet River.
Calumet City was once known as “Sin City”. In 1916 alcohol was prohibited in Indiana. West Hammond became a destination for drinkers. Bootleggers like Al Capone capitalized on this. They arrived during the Prohibition era. Residents changed the name to Calumet City in 1923. They hoped to shed its negative reputation.
Today, Calumet City is celebrated in popular culture. It is referenced in movies like “The Blues Brothers”. The “Have a Nice Day” smiley face water towers are a landmark. These towers stand proudly on Ring Road near River Oaks Mall. Calumet City is a vibrant place with a rich history.