HISTORIC: The city of Auburn was founded in 1836 by Wesley Park. The most accepted theory of how the city received its name is after the poem “The Deserted Village” which starts “Sweet Auburn! Loveliest village of the plain…” The most prominent historical business in Auburn was the Auburn Automobile Company which was incorporated in 1903. In 1924, sales were declining and investors hired a young entrepreneur named Errett Lobban Cord to manage the company. He quadrupled the company’s sales and developed it into the 11th largest export company in the United States.

Today, Auburn retains many noteworthy historic structures, including residential, commercial, and municipal properties. Auburn is home to two Art Deco structures, the Auburn Electric & Waterworks, and the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Factory, and several architecturally significant houses, including the Dr. Irvin Butchel House, the Old Madden House, and two extraordinary French Eclectic houses.

CITY AMENITIES: Auburn has many unique and interesting recreational activities: two branches of the YMCA, the Skatin’ Station, the Auburn Recreation Center bowling lanes, Bridgewater Golf Club (2 courses and club house), the Auburn KOA Campground, and NCG Cinemas. Auburn has 15+ parks and has been given the distinction of “Tree City USA”. The Parks and Recreation office offers several activities during the year including a Halloween walk, a Christmas Walk, and several activities during the summer. The Auburn Community Pool is located at Eckhart Park. Auburn houses the Eckhart Public Library and the William H. Willennar Genealogy Center are located on Jackson Street.

One of the states largest events, The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival, is held every Labor Day weekend. During the festival you can take in events for the entire family. These events include the “Parade of Classics”, an Antique Show, Quilt Show, DeBrands Chocolate and ice cream on the square, Arts and Crafts Show, the ACD Auction, Flea Market, and much more. Other events throughout the year in Auburn include Cycle Fest, an Annual Garden Walk, Annual Christmas Stroll, Annual Farm Power Show, Just For Fun Cruise-In, Festival of Lights, and the Hoosier Warbirds Fly-In. The DeKalb County Free Fall Fair takes place at the end of September, with 4-H events at the DeKalb County Fairgrounds and rides, food and games.

Along with all the historic ambiance and festivals, Auburn hosts five museums: The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum, The National Automotive and Truck Museum of the United States, Kruse Automotive and Carriage Museum, the WWII Victory Museum, and the Hoosier Air Museum.

Auburn is served by the DeKalb County Central United School District. Students attend DeKalb High School, DeKalb Middle School, J.R. Watson Elementary, or McKenney-Harrison Elementary schools.

GOVERNMENT and INDUSTRY: The mayor is the head of the city, with city council members meeting the first and third Tuesday of each month. The Police Chief heads a Police Department. The Fire Chief heads the Auburn Fire Department which has won several national awards and has a training center located at their Grandstaff Drive Station.

Auburn is located at the intersection of Interstate 69 and State Road 8 in DeKalb County. Water, sewage, and electric are provided through the City of Auburn and Northern Indiana Fuel and Light is the natural Gas provider. The City of Auburn has created theAuburn Essential Services (AES) to provide “industrial strength”, business class Internet. AES currently provides several business customers with dedicated Internet bandwidth, secure point-to-point Wan connectivity, and co-location services.

There are many diverse industries located in the City of Auburn and the area. They are home to Guardian Industries, Alcoa, C&A Engineering, Foamex International, Tower Automotive, Rieke Products, Auburn Gear, Messengers, and many more. DeKalb Memorial Hospital is located on the East side of Auburn, and has earned many honors.

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