Bremen Indiana, A Historic Water Tower, and the Downtown'r Restaurant

The road from US 6 into Bremen Indiana presents a sign with the description “Bremen: A Good Town”. I immediately felt welcomed. Most towns and cities intimidate a visitor with greetings such as “You won’t want to Leave” which prompts my apprehensions. But Bremen presents a humble, inviting, “you’re my friend” kind of reception which is quite pleasant.

   I drove from Elkhart, my town, to get a few photos of the historic water tower in town. I decided to have breakfast at the “Downtown'r” which is at 101 Plymouth. Upon entering the door I was greeted by the owner, Anna, with a “Hello!” Anna seems to greet everyone coming through that door. She certainly presents a “you’re my friend” kind of reception. Yes, I was already beginning to think that “A Good Town” was honestly promoted. Anna greets many of the folk by name. She says many of the customers are regulars.

   This is one of the very few restaurants that I know of that open for business at 4:30 AM. Anna says it is to accommodate the factory workers and the retired farmers.

   Folks, the food is great. If you are visiting Bremen, I suggest you visit Anna at the Downtown'r. And tell her Mike sent you.

   Hours for the Downtown'r are 4:30-1 Monday through Friday. They are open on Saturday and Sunday, but I did not catch the hours. You can call to confirm hours at: 574-546-5458.

   But as I said, I was there to get some photos of this beautiful piece of history, the water tower which is on Jackson street.

   The tower, built in 1892, is a cylinder shape with the name of the town in vertical letters.

   The cement stone identifier reads: “Bremen Water Works: Trustees J.P Glass, I.F Wine, H.J. Ringle, William May, T.F Knoblock. With James Madden as Contractor.

Hopefully, I got all of those names right. If I did not, let me know at cmsettles@juno,com

   Also, on August 10, 1975, it was recognized as part of the celebration for the bicentennial of the nation’s Declaration of Independence in 1976.

   They were even thoughtful enough to provide a gazebo with a resting seat, and aromatic lilacs to attend a visitor.

   Bremen, you are indeed a good town. I felt pretty good every moment I was there, in the Downtown, walking the clean streets, visiting this historic site of which you are obviously proud.

   Also folk, not to worry, Bremen also has a contemporary water tower overlooking a beautiful cemetery.