Miami and Erie Canal, New Bremen
Lockkeeper's House
The Lockkeeper's House was the residence of the Lockkeeper and his family. The Lockkeeper was on duty 24 hours a day, seven days per week, and was responsible for operating the lock as needed to move boats through the lock. This photograph is oriented to duplicate the view one would have had in 1910 of Lock One and the Lockkeeper's House while facing south at this location.
Impact of the Canal
New Bremen became a prosperous community due to the canal. By supplying jobs during construction and providing businesses and farmers a means of transporting their goods to market economically, the Miami and Erie Canal and Lock One North had a definite impact on the development of New Bremen. Mills and lumber companies in New Bremen were powered by canal water which they would rent from the state. Ice companies obtained their ice from ponds along the canal when it was frozen over. Rabe's Pond in New Bremen was one such source. The numerous pork-packing and poultry processing facilities used the canal to export products to markets in Toledo and Cincinnati. New Bremen had five hotels and ten saloons which were built to accommodate canal boat passengers.
Marker is at the intersection of West Monroe Street (Ohio Route 274) and South Washington Street (Ohio Route 66), on the right when traveling east on West Monroe Street.
Courtesy hmdb.org
