William Luelleman House
Encyclopedia
The William Luelleman House (also known as the Gerhard Hehemann House) is a historic house in downtown New Bremen
, Ohio
, United States
. Designed by an unknown architect and built in 1837, it is the oldest structure in the village, and it has been ranked as a leading example of German architecture on the American frontier. Among its leading details are the symmetry of the windows and doors of its facade, the glass transom windows
above the doors, and the existence of a stoop
rather than a porch
at the entrance to the building.
Although the house is known primarily by Luelleman's name, it has been owned and used by a succession of individuals unrelated to Luelleman and his family. It was built for community leader Gerhard Hehemann, and in later years it was home to the village's post office
, a shop, and a Dutch Reformed
church. Even while it was maintained for commercial or religious purposes, parts of the house continued to be used as a residence for multiple families.
In 1975, the Luelleman House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places
because of its well-preserved historic architecture. As one of the best examples of German architecture in a heavily German community, it was seen as historically significant statewide. Today, it is the location of a museum operated by the New Bremen Historic Association, which has owned the house since shortly after its establishment in 1973.
New Bremen, Ohio
New Bremen is a village in Auglaize County, Ohio, United States. The population was 2,909 at of the 2000 census. It is included in the Wapakoneta, Ohio Micropolitan Statistical Area....
, Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. Designed by an unknown architect and built in 1837, it is the oldest structure in the village, and it has been ranked as a leading example of German architecture on the American frontier. Among its leading details are the symmetry of the windows and doors of its facade, the glass transom windows
Transom (architectural)
In architecture, a transom is the term given to a transverse beam or bar in a frame, or to the crosspiece separating a door or the like from a window or fanlight above it. Transom is also the customary U.S. word used for a transom light, the window over this crosspiece...
above the doors, and the existence of a stoop
Urban stoop
In urban architecture, a stoop is a small staircase ending in a platform and leading to the entrance of an apartment building or other building.-Etymology:...
rather than a porch
Porch
A porch is external to the walls of the main building proper, but may be enclosed by screen, latticework, broad windows, or other light frame walls extending from the main structure.There are various styles of porches, all of which depend on the architectural tradition of its location...
at the entrance to the building.
Although the house is known primarily by Luelleman's name, it has been owned and used by a succession of individuals unrelated to Luelleman and his family. It was built for community leader Gerhard Hehemann, and in later years it was home to the village's post office
Post office
A post office is a facility forming part of a postal system for the posting, receipt, sorting, handling, transmission or delivery of mail.Post offices offer mail-related services such as post office boxes, postage and packaging supplies...
, a shop, and a Dutch Reformed
Reformed churches
The Reformed churches are a group of Protestant denominations characterized by Calvinist doctrines. They are descended from the Swiss Reformation inaugurated by Huldrych Zwingli but developed more coherently by Martin Bucer, Heinrich Bullinger and especially John Calvin...
church. Even while it was maintained for commercial or religious purposes, parts of the house continued to be used as a residence for multiple families.
In 1975, the Luelleman House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
because of its well-preserved historic architecture. As one of the best examples of German architecture in a heavily German community, it was seen as historically significant statewide. Today, it is the location of a museum operated by the New Bremen Historic Association, which has owned the house since shortly after its establishment in 1973.