#9  HAVILAH BEARDSLEY HOUSE

On the northwest corner of Main Street and Beardsley Avenue is the home of Dr. Havilah and Rachel Beardsley, the first brick residence built in Elkhart in 1848. The house underwent a major renovation in 1874 by Havilahs son James Rufus Beardsley and his wife Susie Ray Beardsley. James Rufus Beardsley ran for mayor of Elkhart the following year and won, becoming Elkharts second mayor. The History Hike for Fitness is a partnership between Ruthmere, Beacon Health System, and the Elkhart City Parks.