Museum Shows Off 1965 School Seats Carved With 'Benny & Linda' & Uncovers Timeless Love Story After Benny Replies

Aug 25, 2023

The History Museum in South Bend, Indiana, unveiled a heartwarming and timeless love story that spans more than five decades after posting a photo of a pair of auditorium seats dating back to 1965. The seats were adorned with a simple yet profound engraving of "Benny + Linda” and the sentimental carving turned out to be a testament to a love story that has stood the test of time.

The chairs, which were originally from the auditorium at South Bend Central High School, displayed the tender etching during a time when love was frequently shown in such subdued ways. Benny, a young man in love in 1965, took a chance by breaking the regulations of the school to engrave his and Linda's names on the arm of one of the chairs. The romantic gesture became a heartfelt reminder of their youthful days.

What captured the hearts of many wasn't just the nostalgic engraving but the unexpected response from Benny himself. After the museum shared the photo on social media in April 2021, Benny, who now goes by Ben, saw the post and offered an update about the relationship behind the carving.

The auditorium chairs were donated by John Charles Bryant to The History Museum. A descendant of the Powell family, the first Black family to permanently settle in what would become South Bend, Bryant held a wealth of knowledge about the city's history, particularly its Black community. His commitment to preserving history and his contributions to institutions like the Civil Rights Heritage Center left a lasting impact. 

Bryant, described as "a community legend, a dedicated historian, and a true gentleman," supported historical and heritage organizations in his community not just financially but also by donating artifacts, books, and personal insights that enriched their understanding of South Bend's heritage.

Upon sharing Bryant's donated chairs with the special carving, The History Museum wondered if “Benny & Linda” were still together. To their surprise, Ben posted a reply to the Facebook page. 

​​"Yes, I carved that sitting in the auditorium of Central High School my freshman year before leaving for LaSalle," Ben revealed in a comment that swiftly captured the internet's collective attention. 

"Linda (Nowicki) and I are still together after having three wonderful girls and 50 years of marriage," he added.

"Told my friends in fourth grade I was going to marry Linda and here we are heading for 51 years together on August 1. Smartest thing I ever did was marry this kind and pretty lady. Thanks for sharing."

The heartwarming update showed that true love does indeed exist and can stand the test of time. It painted a picture of a relationship that blossomed from youthful infatuation into a lasting partnership built on love, respect, and shared experiences.

“I am one of their twin daughters. My sisters and I are truly blessed to have my parents and their marriage as examples,” Karie Jo Karasiak-Peralta said in the comments. “We always enjoy hearing their stories about growing up in South Bend. Many thanks to John Charles Bryant for his donation and The History Museum for preserving this special piece of history. I look forward to seeing it!"

In February 2022, Ben and Linda were able to visit the museum with their daughters and see the chairs themselves. The story, however, took a somber turn as news of Bryant’s passing in January 2022. 

"Unfortunately, we lost Mr. Bryant at the beginning of January. He was a supporter of The History The History Museum, Casaday Costume Company, and many other wonderful associations in town," Melissa Beth wrote in the comments. 

Benny's heartwarming love story and Bryant's inspiring legacy are reminders that the threads of history, love, and community are intricately woven. Did you love this story? Be sure to pass it along to a friend or family member who may be inspired by it as well!