New Bremen Historic Association

In the early days of the Miami and Erie Canal in New Bremen, what was later referred to as “the Thompson House” was the lockkeeper’s house and New Bremen’s major overnight lodging establishment. It was the job of the lockkeeper to keep canal boat traffic moving through the lock. Boats coming from the north would be pulled into Lock One and raised to the summit level to travel across the Continental Divide and then to continue south on their way to the Ohio River. Boats coming off the summit level would be locked through Lock One and then would continue another 123 miles on their descent to Lake Erie.

The lockkeeper was responsible for tending the lock on the canal day and night and so a house close to the lock was necessary. The original lockkeeper’s house stood on the west bank of lock one until April 1968 when it was destroyed in a practice session for the New Bremen and other area Fire Departments. The foundation of the house was uncovered during the renovation of Lock One in 2006. The house was referred to as “The Thompson House” because Mr. Thomas B. Thompson was the lockkeeper for many years.

The Village of New Bremen, MECCA, Chamber of Commerce and the New Bremen Historic Association are combining efforts to reconstruct a Lockkeeper’s House on the same site as the old one. The new building will measure approximately 26’ x 48’ and will be used as a Visitors’ Center. A museum will house and display historical artifacts of the Miami & Erie Canal and will tell the story of the canal and the important role it played in the development of New Bremen. The Chamber of Commerce office will be housed on the first floor. The MECCA Director’s office and a meeting room will be located on the second floor. All floors will be accessible by elevator, including the basement.

The New Bremen Village Council filed for a grant for the project and a Transportation Enhancement Grant was obtained for $522,300. To meet the grant requirements, we must provide 20% matching funds. Our share is $130,000-$135,000. All donations towards this project at any level of giving will be appreciated. If this amount is raised, construction can begin by July 1, 2009. Occupancy would be anticipated by early 2010.

Your gift is tax deductible because the N.B. Historic Assoc. is a 501(c)3 organization. Suggested donation levels are:

Partners in Building - $100.00

Cornerstone Club - $1000.00

[At the $1000 level your name will be placed on

a bronze plaque and you will be included in the

Grand Opening Celebration.]

Memorials are also accepted.

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Please send your contributions to:

New Bremen Historic Association

P.O. Box 73

New Bremen, OH 45869-0073

Lockkeeper’s House Fund Raiser #2

One thousand keys have been made, one of which will open the door to the new Lockkeeper’s House when it is completed. These keys are still being sold for $20.00 each, with the “lucky” key holder being the winner of $1,000 cash as well as various gift certificates from local merchants. True Value Hardware furnished all keys, including the one that will open the Lockkeeper’s House. The first key was sold Tuesday, January 13th, to Mayor Jeff Pape at the Village Council meeting. Anyone who wished could come to the open council meeting and purchase a key for themselves that night. Keys are available at the Chamber of Commerce office or by contacting Delores Stienecker at 419-629-2685. The drawing will be held when the Lockkeeper’s House is dedicated.

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Annual Summer Picnic - 2009

The Annual Summer Picnic was held on June 8, 2009 at the Museum. The weather was beautiful and the picnic was well attended. The Pie Baking Contest had 22 entries judged by the Golden Triangle’s Village Administrators - Wayne York, Don Harrod and Jeff Eschmeyer. The three top pie winners were: 1st Place – Beverly Applegate, 2nd Place – Joyce Gilberg, and 3rd Place – Karen Eckert. The pies were auctioned off by Tim Eiting with the proceeds going to the New Bremen Historic Association. Chicken dinners prepared by Wagner’s IGA were served and enjoyed by everyone. The meal included pie and ice cream for dessert. Entertainment was provided by the Walt Schmitmeyer band. The winners of the candlelight Christmas dinners were Dot Ouwerkerk and John Dickman. [Gen Conradi]

1st Place Winner – Bev Applegate

2nd Place Winner – Joyce Gilberg

3rd Place Winner – Karen Eckert

Dancing to the music

Village Administrators – Pie Judges

Jeff Eschmeyer (New Knoxville), Don Harrod (Minster),

Wayne York (New Bremen)

[Photos & account by Gen Conradi]