“The Dietrich-Bowen House is a brick turn of the century structure located on the major north-south street in Bremen, Indiana…[It] is notable both for its architectural merit and its past and present owners. Locally the house is important as a surviving example of the Queen Anne style of architecture. The irregular projections, circular turrets, and porches with gable roofs are the predominate features which indicate the Queen Anne style. The fact that original exterior features and interior woodwork and fixtures have been preserved with only minor alterations makes the house valuable as an example of craftsmanship which existed at the turn of the century.
The structure derives historical significance from its associations with the Dietrich family and Governor Otis R. Bowen.The Dietrich family was important in the commercial development of Bremen. John Dietrich, the family patriarch, came to Bremen from Switzerland in 1853. He found a happy combination in serving the town as a cabinet maker and undertaker. By 1861, he was able to establish a small merchandising operation. His timing was excellent. Bremen had been platted in 1851, and the Dietrich business prospered as the town grew and developed…
Dietrich sold the house in 1922 to Frank L. Thomas. Dr. Otis R. Bowen acquired it from the Thomas family in 1953. Before he was known in the state politics, Bowen, as a medical doctor, was important to the community. Bowen used the house as a residence and medical office until 1973 when he took office as Governor of Indiana. He was Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives for four of the twelve years that he served in the General Assembly. His term as Speaker is longer than that of any other man in Indiana history. In 1972, Bowen became only the second medical doctor in history to be elected as the State’s Chief Executive. His re-election in 1976 again made history because he became the first Indiana Governor since 1852 to succeed himself.”
The building still exists today as a private residence.
The house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
https://secure.in.gov/apps/dnr/shaard/r/1cba9/N/Dietrich_Bowen_House_Marshall_CO_Nom.pdf
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