Today, if you venture to 29 East High Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana, a delightful coffee house is open to meet the diverse needs of anyone yearning for a unique coffee experience, from the rich aroma of beans roasted on site to a thoughtfully crafted made-to-order sandwich that satisfies even the most discerning palate. There are comfortable tables and chairs, along with cozy couches that invite you to relax and enjoy your meal amidst a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Artisan drinks are meticulously prepared in the back room, where skilled baristas blend creativity and expertise to deliver beverages that not only invigorate but also delight the senses. On the charming side wall, an array of handmade crafts, showcasing local talent, are available for purchase, allowing patrons to take home a piece of the community’s artistry. This coffee house embodies all the trappings one would expect in a vibrant establishment in the year 2025, blending modern conveniences with a touch of local flair and a commitment to quality that keeps you returning for more. One hundred years ago, the place was Hoffmeier Bakery.…..today it is Funny Farm Coffee Company.
I have written about the ancestors who were farmers and had a connection to the land. Today, I am going to introduce you to one of the family who was a baker, I like to think as an entrepreneur he knew times were changing in society—and took a chance to meet the needs of consumers in the early 1900’s and earn a living. The first record I could locate referring to Anthony Hoffmeier (1871-1953) is in the 1900 US Census. He is listed as a lodger, residing on High Street, and his occupation is a baker with 6th Grade education. (Anthony is not to be found in the 1890 Census, but I wonder if he tried farming during some of those years before he became a baker. Plus, with so many siblings, not all would be able to make a living off the farm.) Either way, this indication of his profession suggests an inclination toward the culinary arts, which would become a significant aspect of his life and livelihood.
In 1901, Anthony, the younger brother of Jacob Hoffmeier, purchased the real estate at 29 East High Street from H. M. Nordmeyer for 2000 dollars, marking a pivotal moment in his journey as an entrepreneur. The seller, H. Nordmeyer, I am thinking that he was Grandma Dorie Kirchgassner’s father, a connection that deepens the narrative of family ties intertwined with local history. His son, Joseph Nordmeyer, was also a baker and worked in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, for several years before relocating to Chicago, where the bakery scene was burgeoning with opportunities. Joseph could have worked for Anthony, as some records state that in 1902, Anthony was in Louisville, Kentucky, learning the trade while Joseph Nordmeyer was employed as a baker during that time. This intermingling of family and business shows how the craft of baking was shared within the community.
By 1910, the bakery business must have been flourishing, as Anthony had living in his home, Frederick Baywinger and Martin Hodapp, both from Germany and also bakers. Their presence not only signifies the growth of Anthony’s business but also illustrates the cohesion of a tight-knit community, where skilled tradespeople came together to support one another. In addition to the help, Anthony’s mother, Margaret Kern Hoffmeier (1834-1917), and sisters Caroline (1869-1932) and Margaret (1876-1938) also assisted in the bakery, further emphasizing the family’s collective effort in sustaining the bakery operations. It was during that time in America when homemakers, faced with rapidly changing lifestyles and increasing demands on their time, were becoming more inclined to purchase some ready-made foods rather than spending hours baking at home. (Reference point: Crisco, Oreos, Jello and Moon pies were available for the first time to consumers during the early 1900’s and are still available today.) This shift in consumer behavior likely presented both challenges and economic opportunities for Anthony, as he navigated the evolving landscape of the baking industry from home cooking to store purchases.
Throughout World War I and the Great Depression, both significant times in US History, until the late 1930s, Anthony operated the bakery with unwavering dedication and commitment during this time when basic products such as eggs and dairy products were scarce. Not only did he provide a place for people to buy necessary supplies, such as bread and other baked goods, (bread might have been the only substance some had in a day) but he also established a warm gathering place for the community to come together, share stories, and catch up on local and national news. The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air, cost per loaf was from 6 to 9 cents, creating a comforting atmosphere that fostered camaraderie among neighbors and friends, allowing them to feel a part of the fabric of the surrounding community. Throughout this challenging period, Anthony took care of his mother and sisters until their passing, balancing his responsibilities with grace and compassion. Additionally, with his economic means allowing him to improve their living conditions, he successfully moved the family’s living quarters above the bakery to a more spacious residence at 45 Tebbs Ave., Greendale, Indiana, which was in a quiet residential area.
In 1938, after retirement, his sisters deceased, Anthony decided to take a much-needed vacation to Florida, where by chance, he encountered Mrs. Alberta Gordon Mullins, (1883-1973) a kind-hearted widow who worked diligently as a nurse. Their meeting blossomed into a deep friendship that ultimately led to marriage. Anthony was 67 years of age when he married for the first time. Once again, a Hoffmeier took at least a decade younger bride for his wife, further establishing a family tradition of love transcending age and new beginnings in life’s journey.
The following was printed in the Lawrenceburg Press on May 6, 1938, a day after the wedding: “A quiet wedding of interest to the many friends of the groom was that of Mrs. Alberta Gordon Mullins, of Miami, Florida, and Mr. Anthony Hoffmier, a lifelong resident of Lawrenceburg. The marriage ceremony was performed at St. Lawrence Church early yesterday morning by the Rev. Mnsgr. William Kreis in the presence of only the immediate family of the bride and a few intimate friends of the groom. Attendants were Mrs. Walter Shavalier, of Olean, N. Y., sister of the bride, and Mr. Victor Hoffmier. A wedding breakfast was enjoyed at the home of Mr. Hoffmier in Greendale and they are enjoying a short wedding trip. They will be at home to their friends in their attractive home on Tebbs Ave. The marriage was the culmination of a friendship begun during a recent trip Mr. Hoffmier made to Florida. Mrs. Hoffmier is a charming, cultured woman. Mr. Hoffmier is well and favorably known here, having been owner and operator of the Hoffmier bakery on High St., for many years. He retired from the business some years ago and with his sisters made his home in Greendale until their deaths. Since then he has lived alone. Congratulations and best wishes of the community are extended to Mr. and Mrs. Hoffmier.” (Note the spelling of Hoffmeier.)
Anthony and Alberta (Albertine) lived together on Tebbs Ave. until Anthony’s death from a cerebral hemorrhage in June of 1953. Alberta passed twenty years later. Both are interred at St. Martin’s Cemetery in Yorkville, Indiana.
Some of the younger family members who are 5 generations out from Anthony are trying to hone their skills at baking over the past couple of years. (The 4th generation are outstanding cooks, but that will be covered in future blogs.) I have have sampled some of the cuisine of Joe and Sam Kirchgassner, in addition to Owen Mersmann. They have presented delicious foods to family and friends—I am delighted that they enjoy creating quality confectioneries, breads and pasta from scratch…..without the use of preservatives just as Anthony did over 100 years ago. After reading this blog, they will now know that baking is part of the Hoffmeier family tradition!
The next blog could be rather lengthy—I have all the research completed as I will be introducing you to the Nordmeyer family and relating to you why dad was named Robert Lee. You will see how the Hoffmeier, Nordmeyer and Trossman Families have been interconnected well over a hundred years. (Thanks for marrying into the Kirchgassner family Floyd. You keep the tradition going….) Also, I will be meeting with tech support on Tuesday—hoping to learn more about formatting the blog and make it more attractive. Tell then, “Fan Go Maith (stay well in Irish) and Blessed Be God!