History of Harrison Hill

In 1915, Hilgeman & Schaaf began the development of Harrison Hill (picture above circa 1918). Hilgeman & Schaaf had previously developed Arcadia Court (1912), Oak Wood Place (1913), Oak Dale Place (1913), Englewood Court (1914), and eventually Southwood Park (1917). The neighborhood was called “Harrison Hill” due to the fact that a prominent hill south of Fort Wayne was in its place.  Harrison Street had been a long time thoroughfare through Fort Wayne. When Harrison Hill was being developed, it was said you could overlook downtown to the north and the rolling hills to the south. To this day homes on Harrison Boulevard have views of our downtown Fort Wayne Skyline. This page is dedicated to the history of our neighborhood along with our area of town. We are a proud supporter of the 46807 neighborhoods along with other South Fort Wayne neighborhoods!

History of the Neighborhood

  • History of Harrison Hill Boulevard Homes – This is an extraordinary history of the homes on Harrison Hill Boulevard written by one of its earliest residents, Margaret Wallace Newman. Although it was written in 1988, it explored the history of the neighborhood from its earliest days in the 1920s. This is an exquisite piece of history that is an absolute must read!
  • Harrison Hill – The Heart of New South Wayne – Here is the original pamphlet advertising the Harrison Hill subdivision. Hilgeman & Schaaf were partners who developed many of the historical neighborhoods in Fort Wayne but Harrison Hill was the largest at that point. It was the first to incorporate park-like settings in all areas of the neighborhoods.
  • Wayne Township – 1878 – An absolutely amazing map of our area of town in 1878. You can see from the document that the present day Rudisill Boulevard is on the map with few developments south of the road. This is an excellent map highlighting the developed and undeveloped areas within Wayne Township.
  • Map of Fort Wayne – 1907 – Here is an amazing map of the City of Fort Wayne in 1907.
  • Map of South Wayne Area – 1910 – This is an incredible map showing some of the changes in the area. While Fairfield and Calhoun were noted on the maps much of the area south of Rudisill is still undeveloped.
  • Harrison Hill and South Wood Park Pamphlet – 1918 – Here is another example of how Hilgeman & Schaaf transformed the South Fort Wayne area with the South Wood Park and Harrison Hill additions.
  • Aerial Map of South Wayne Area – 1938 – Allen County maintains aerial view maps from 1938 and on.  You can search for your neighborhood here.  This map shows more development in our neighborhood and surrounding areas.
  • Historical Leaders of Fort Wayne: Over the years, many local leaders have lived and continue to live in the neighborhood. We have done our best to provide links so you can read about each of them. Here is a list of famous residents over time: Albert Schaaf (Developer of Harrison Hill, Southwood Park, and Oakdale), Winfield Moses (Politician), Dale McMillen (Founder of Central Soya), and Benjamin Geyer (President of Wayne Pump) – Read More About Wayne Pump Company.

History of Our Homes

  • Fort Wayne Interim Report – Directory of Harrison Hill Homes – This is a fascinating historical record put together for neighborhoods throughout Fort Wayne, including Harrison Hill. Included you will find your home, the name of the home, the year built, and the style. It is an excellent tool to learn a bit more about your own home.
  • Individual Home Histories (COMING SOON) – We are hoping to maintain a list of histories for as many homes as possible in our neighborhood. If you have historical documents, or any background on your home’s history, please email Alex Krouse at alexkrouse@gmail.com.  Neighborhood members are encouraged to help us share in the history of our neighborhood.