Just the Facts
1920-2000
Nibbyville, nicknamed for the Niblock family, was so well-known during those years, that it was shown on some maps, even today, as if it were a Town. Mr. Niblock was a naturalist and an animal lover, and the small glass greenhouse next to the main house (which was torn down when the property was sold in 2000) was his special place. He raised unusual plants there and even kept a zoo of animals, including a kookaburro (an Australian bird) and a small black bear, named Judy.
According to Don Niblock, the bear cub had come from a store in Edwardsburg, Michigan, where it was shown as a novelty, but didn't get the best of care. Once Judy arrived at his farm, she became somewhat of a local celebrity. Many kindergarden classes during the late 40's and early 50's made trips to visit the menagerie at Nibbyville. Sadly, Judy made headlines when she had to be destroyed after escaping from her cage in the 1960's.
Nibbyville Campground
Separate from the Biddle Estate, the campground still operates in 2010 under management of a campground association comprised of campers themselves, many from Anderson, Indiana, on land leased from I&M Electric, now AEP. Although the campgrounds are often flooded by the surrounding St. Joseph River, many campers have permanent set-ups there, and come back year after year.
Public Access Site
Since closure of the Public Acess site for boaters at County Rd. 17 due to the on-going bridge construction, the campground has been the alternate site. It is rumored that AEP may be considering ending the lease with the campground association and instead developing the site as an expanded Public Access.
2000: Nibbyville - Memories of a Legend
From the 1920's until the Auction held in November of 2000, the property along the North River Road (Co. Rd. 8) between Bristol and Elkhart was owned by the Niblock family. The familiar "Nibbyville" sign signified a recreational fishing spot, a campground that still exists in 2010, and a former Western Store.
Attending the auction in 2000, Don Niblock, brother-in-law of the owner at that time, told the history of the property. Last known as the Harold Biddle Estate, it consisted of 6 parcels of land, including the historic home, barn and former western store. The other parcels are small homes that were constructed and use as rentals for a fishing camp.
Don Niblock's grandfather who retired from ownership of the Niblock Nash Sales and Auto Garage in Elkhart bought the property in the 1920's and moved to the farm that had been owned by the Brant family. He built rental cabins, the barn and the building that would house the store. He considered the area a great fishing spot and created a recreational area where his friends and acquainntances could come to enjoy the river.
The auction was conducted by Auctioneer Emon Schmucker, along with Majorie Kurtz of the Trust Dept. of Lake City Bank, and they supplied details of the family history of the property. The property was sold to new owners later that year, and the Songbird Creek Housing Development was built on the land behind the red barn.
Follow BristolSun on Twitter
