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An historical marker was installed and dedicated at the Luelleman House at 120 N. Main St., New Bremen.
NEW BREMEN- One of the oldest buildings in New Bremen, the Luelleman House at 120 N. Main St., has been on the National Registry of Historic Places since 1975.
Sunday, a marker was installed and dedicated to commemorate its place on the registry, with the goal of bringing in more local interest and tourists during Auglaize County's 175th anniversary.
The marker was paid for with a grant from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation of Syracuse, New York. The foundation is focused on historic research and preservation and has funded more than 2,000 markers and plaques in 48 states since its inception.
"This is one of the last Pomeroy markers we're installing as a part of Auglaize County's 175th Anniversary," Rachel Barber, Auglaize County Historical Society Administrator said. "The Pomeroy Foundation actually wants to highlight Auglaize County for all the markers that we have installed. So now that this is done … we'll enjoy some national recognition for our efforts to document the history of Auglaize County. We're really grateful for the cooperation of the New Bremen Historic Association."
An historical marker was installed and dedicated at the Luelleman House at 120 N. Main St., New Bremen.
The Luelleman House is situated on a lot included in the original plat of the town in 1833, according to the New Bremen Historic Association website. The lot was chosen in 1833 by A. H. Schreiber, a member of the City of Bremen Society. The empty lot was later sold to Gerhard Heinrich Hehemann. He and his first wife Maria Engel Rolf built the home in 1837.
"Hand-hewn timbers were used for the exterior walls," the website states. "Then using the materials and methods of construction available at that time mud and straw (also called daub and wattle) and brick noggin (inserts) were used between the timbers to complete the building."
Its namesake is derived from William H. Luelleman and his wife, Anna Catherine (Beckmann), who purchased the house in 1868 from Susanna Portune. The museum was named The Luelleman House because the family owned it for more than 100 years.
"This house represents the influence of New Bremen's German heritage," according to the website. "The windows and doors are plain and symmetrical, the stairway is located in the front and the house is adjacent to the sidewalk. The building served as a residence and a shop, with an addition built on about 1846."
Purchased by the New Bremen Historic Association in 1973, the Luelleman House now serves as a museum and is home to many items from the village's early days, such as military displays, early schoolroom items, vintage clothing, items from New Bremen notables and businesses and more.
The group is currently working to secure a plaque to commemorate the village of Amsterdam, originally located between Minster and New Bremen, which existed for just a few years from 1837-1849, according to New Bremen Historic Association member Genevieve Conradi. All of its residents fell victim to cholera.
The New Bremen Historic Association also owns The Pape House at 236 N. Main St. in New Bremen, which serves as a museum. The home was purchased by the association in 2013 and features displays of furniture made within the village.
Visitors can visit either museum for free by appointment, by contacting 419-629-2764.
