Vigo County Historical Society

Building getting restaurant

This week’s Historical Treasure is a photograph of the E. Bleemel Flour & Feed building at 904-908 Poplar St.

It is a building rich in history which was rescued from disrepair and lovingly restored by Mike and Terri Rowe. It houses a Civil War museum and antique shop.

The Rowes are continuing expansion plans with new ways for the public to enjoy a glimpse of Terre Haute’s past.

Plans have been announced by Gary and Diane Richards of Richards Farm in Casey, Ill., for the opening of a restaurant in Bleemel’s. July is the target date for this event.

Mike Rose, who provided much of the information here, learned much of the building’s history from a March 20, 1949, article by A.R. Markle. According to Markle, the earliest production brewery in this area was operated on the north side of Poplar Street by the canal as early as 1837. It was known as the Terre Haute Brewery.

In 1848, the business was offered for sale and it was Markle’s belief that Marthias Mogger purchased it, but leased the building and ground from Chauncey Rose.

In 1857, he purchased the land across the street and built his frame construction brewery on the south side of Poplar Street, moving his operation.

By 1862, Ernest Bleemel purchased the building on the north side of Poplar Street and operated a brewery until 1874.

By this time, Mogger died of a sun stroke while delivering beer and his brother-in-law, Anton Mayer, expanded his operation.

Bleemel decided not to engage in direct competition in the beer business, but sold grain to the brewery across the street.

Anton Mayer sold his operation in 1889 and the Terre Haute Brewing Co., was formed on the south side of Poplar.

The Bleemel family continued a relationship with that brewery for many years, selling grain and leasing their building for warehousing.

Mike Rose’s abstract indicated the Terre Haute Brewing Co. installed "modern plumbing and electricity" in his building in 1900 as part of the lease agreement.

The Vigo County Historical Society will be utilizing the wonderfully restored facilities of the Bleemel building on Saturday for a member-guest party with a Civil War theme.

A program will be presented by professional actors portraying President and Mrs. Lincoln and Civil War re-enactors will greet and mingle with guests.