Friendship Gardens has deep roots. Once home of the Pottawattamie Indians, it was the place where Fr. Pierre Marquette blessed a spring which still exists. Near the West entrance, Jean Baptiste Du Sable, the first resident of Chicago, lived and traded with the Indians.

Fast forward to the 1933-34 Chicago World's Fair "A Century of Progress International Exposition." Still in the throes of the Great Depression, the Fair was future oriented with science as its theme. It was a mixture of carnival, science exhibits, famous personages, and beautiful gardens strewn along the Lake Michigan coastline between 12th St. and 39th St.

Tucked in this array of attractions was a small garden originally dubbed 'An Old Mill Garden.' It was developed by the three Stauffer brothers, Virgil, Joe, and Clarence from Waukarusa, Indiana, who had a nursery in Hammond, Indiana. The garden concept was changed to become the International Friendship Gardens.

It was while visiting the Chicago World's Fair that Dr. and Mrs. Frank Warren of Michigan City, one hour drive East of Chicago, developers of Pottawattamie Park and Warren Clinic, were so impressed with the garden and theme, Peace and Friendship To All Nations, that they made an offer of a site near their home if the brothers would consent to make an International Friendship Garden.

The brothers were a gifted trio who grew up on a farm. Virgil was an opera singer; Joe, and Engineer, and Clarence was a banker, developer, and inventor. They accepted the offer to come to Michigan City.

In 1936, International Friendship Gardens opened to the public. Consisting of fourteen ethnic gardens, the Symphony Theater, the unique Theater of Nations built on an island with natural seating for an audience on an adjacent hillside and scene of ballet, drama, and concerts brought thousands each week to enjoy " music under the stars. "

Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands donated 200,000 tulips. The King of England sent plants and a Royal Gardener to make an English Garden. The King of Persia sent roses for the first Rose Garden. Other governments responded with seeds, plants, and statuary. A Peace Bell ended its travel to each State following WW !!, and other bells donated locally can be seen or heard on the grounds. The mission of the International Friendship Gardens struck a responsive chord in the world as well as in local leaders. No wonder kings and presidents have visited the gardens.

In its hey-day, which was 1945 to the early '60's, the 106 acres constituted an unsurpassed visual treat with Trail Creek winding through it and Lake Lucerne, with the island Theater of Nations, and its many floral and arboreal displays as well as its varied terrain.

Virgil and Joe died in 1956. Their sister, Sadie Ehret assumed the operations of the Gardens until her death in the early '60's. Clarence and his wife, Frances, returned and continued the brother's dream. Mrs. Jean Houck, amateur horticulturist, came in 1970 and became assistant to Clarence. Little did she know the important role she would play in the history of International Friendship Gardens. Suffice it to say that the Gardens became her passion.

In 1986, Clarence died at the age of 100. He asked Jean and her husband, Richard, to continue the gardens and restore them. By then, the gardens were neglected and overgrown, and in a sad state of decline. It was through the determination of Mrs. Houck, a lively, energetic lady that a Board of Directors was formed and the Gardens attracted volunteers who shared her passion to keep the Gardens open to the public. Mrs. Houck was indefatigable in reaching for community support even utilizing prison crews. It was in the mid-nineties that the Board of Directors who shared Mrs. Houck's zeal, made a crucial decision to restore the Gardens to their original beauty. This was a huge commitment and undertaking to develop a site considered by many residents second only to the lakeshore in importance. In 1995, the Gardens became a public non-profit organization.

Although Mrs. Houck had to retire due to health reasons, she still maintains an alert interest in all Garden events and is an active Director Emerita.

Buoyed by successful efforts of an all-volunteer operation, a major moment occurred on Aug. 5,2000, when a twelve-year Master Plan was unveiled to the public. Under then President Barry Criswell the focus changed from restoration to development.

Following Mrs. Houk's retirement, a young mother of two children, Mrs. Tammy Steinhagen, became an unpaid Executive Director. She brought high energy and devotion to the Gardens from mowing lawns to planning programs. She left in 2005. She assisted in bringing the Gardens into a new era, but not without great trauma, which was overcome. In 2002, the Gardens suffered two major arsons destroying the Alaskan Cabin, which contained historical works and statuary, and the Service Administration Building, burning all tools and much machinery.

The decision was made to go forward. This new era saw the dredging of Lake Lucerne, the development of a modern parking lot, a new Service Administration Building, and a new Greeter's Cabin with indoor toilets. From nine weddings per season it now averages twenty-three. More musical and artistic events are planned including Annual Garden Tea and Turkey Walk on Thanksgiving Day, live turkey and Pilgrim as greeters. Three more gardens - Scottish, Greek, and German - are being developed.

International Friendship Gardens is proud of its achievements and its serene, botanical beauty, and welcomes visitors from all nations to see what we are doing.