The sites on the Jewish Heritage Tour will reflect five themes- purpose, leadership, people, community, and impact. Each of these themes is a thread that runs through the 175-plus years of Jewish history in Fort Wayne.
Throughout the tour, we will be celebrating many of the people of Congregation Achduth Vesholom, who lived near the Temple. This tradition goes back to the mid-1800s. German Jews began immigrating to Fort Wayne in the 1830’s, working as peddlers, merchants, and craftsmen. By 1848, they were numerous enough and ready to form the state’s first congregation. The city’s German Jewish population settled on the near west side, close to the first Temple. However, Fort Wayne’s first Jewish resident, John Jacob Hayes, predates the congregation.
During the 1890’s, Jews immigrated from Russia, Poland, Romania, and other Eastern European countries. This group lived on the east side of the city near their synagogue, B’nai Israel Congregation.
Congregational and community leadership happens at all levels and from many directions. As you drive by past homes, you will encounter an impressive sampling of congregants, highlighting their contributions and professions that enliven 175 years of history.
Congregation members have been active in many businesses and industries throughout the years, some of which continue to this day. This began with the earliest pack traders in the 1700’s to scrap dealers who became major industrialists, entrepreneurs, small shopkeepers, retail giants, and professionals like architects, doctors, and lawyers.
Sadly, some of the oldest businesses and historic sites have been demolished and replaced with newer buildings. The Jewish impact on downtown Fort Wayne began with Fredric Nirdlinger in the early-mid-1800’s and has never stopped.