Historical Images of Porter County

Strongbow Turkey Inn
Valparaiso, Indiana

Date: Circa 1950s
Source Type: Bus Advertising Card
Publisher, Printer, Photographer: Unknown
Postmark: Not applicable
Collection: Steven R. Shook
Remark: Catering to banquets, wedding parties and meetings. Strongbow turkeys are grown on our own farm. Why not take one home? Strongbow Turkey Inn. On U. S. Hiway No. 30, 1/4 mile east of Hi-way 49, 50 miles east of Chicago Loop, Valparaiso, Indiana. B. Russel Thurn, Owning Manager. Steam heated cottages. Phone 1648-M3. The Strongbow Turkey Inn began operation in 1937 when Dr. Walter Thrun and his wife, Bess, moved to the Alanson Finney farm. The Thruns began breeding turkeys, which were obtained from Texas, in 1938. Bess Thrun became well known for the roses planted around the farm and restaurant. In 1986, the restaurant underwent significant changes as the kitchen was modernized and building expanded to accommodate as many as 250 patrons. Beginning in 1940, eight cottages were available for rent at the Strongbow Turkey Inn at prices ranging from $6 to $8 per night.

Return to Valparaiso Restaurants Images Index
Return to Porter County Photographs & Historical Images

Please contact the Porter County GenWeb Coordinator if
you can provide any additional information concerning this image.

Image and related text prepared by Steven R. Shook