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Hi all - in my recent visit to Elkhart, Indiana, my son and I were not only able to visit the Conn mansion, but also to see the final resting place of Charles Gerard Conn (1844-1931), that larger-than-life figure of American music who created the world's best tubas and Sousaphones at one time.

In my research, I have come across many surprises about Conn, beginning with his gravesite. You would think that a man of his stature and wealth would have an elaborate tombstone, but nope - it's a small and simple one, as you can see below.

What's the story behind this? And what else did I learn about Conn's family at that cemetery? Check out my post on this fascinating topic: http://tubapastor.blogspot.com/2021/07/ ... place.html

Great blog post!

I see that there is much there for me to read and learn.
I must return to this later.
Thank-you !

Fascinating info - thank you for your efforts. I’m looking forward to read what you find out about the demise of his first marriage and his unfortunate slide into penury.

One thing that I have always found to be interesting is how obituaries used to be written back in those days; not only were they far more informative than those of today (almost in the form of a news story), but the style of writing itself is fascinating to me.

(On closer observation of that map, I noticed there are several smaller lots, not underlined, that were also owned by Col Conn).

Yorkboy wrote: ↑Fri Jul 30, 2021 8:19 pm (On closer observation of that map, I noticed there are several smaller lots, not underlined, that were also owned by Col Conn).

Indeed, there are many smaller lots with his name on it, as well as lots on other pages of the 1915 map of Elkhart - including where his mansion is located at 723 Strong Ave. in the western part of the city, and where his summer home, known as "Lawndale" is (actually was) located on the eastern edge of Elkhart. I chose to underline the main lots that could be seen on the page that showed the factory.

I should be up there in a couple of months.