By Mandy McFarland Staff Writer
BREMEN — When Historic Bremen, Inc. formed back in 2002 with a vision to restore the old train depot on North Center Street, they probably never dreamed of all they would have to go through to see that dream come true.
Seven years and a seemingly endless stack of paperwork later, the first stage of that dream has finally become a reality as the depot settles into its new location next to the Welcome Gazebo east of town.

In the ensuing months, work will begin to secure the depot  in its new spot and restoration to the building's exterior will take place. Later, a second restoration phase will include renovations to the interior and formation of a Bremen railroad history museum.
About Historic Bremen, Inc.
The 1920s-era train depot closed its doors in the 1980s when passenger train travel to Bremen ceased. Since then, it has sat next to the tracks, empty and nearly forgotten, as the dozens of freight trains that whizz by every day have no use for it.
Historic Bremen, Inc. formed out of a concern for the history that was slowly being lost as the building sat uncared-for year after year.
Originally, the group believed it would take only a few years to get the project off the ground. However, when they learned of the potential liabilities involved in opening a museum next to a very busy railroad track, they realized they would have to get the depot itself off the ground ... and moved to a new location.
This delayed the project and brought on a long checklist of fundraising events, like the annual Depotpalooza, among others. An 80/20 grant, where 80 percent of the funds were granted to the group and they had to raise the other 20, made the costly move possible.
While the depot will not open to the public for a while, Bremen residents can drive by and see the restoration progress.
Fundraisers
It is not cheap to move and restore a historic building. While they were able to receive a grant, Historic Bremen, Inc. still had to supply 20 percent of those funds. They did this through special fundraisers like their annual Depot-palooza, featuring musicians from throughout Bremen and Marshall County. This year’s Depotpalooza takes place Aug. 22 at Shadyside Park. Information on time and performers will be available at a later date.
Anyone can get in on the fundraising. For a $100 gift, donors will receive a brick engraved with just about any message they wish. Because of the size of a standard brick, they must keep these messages to 15 characters or fewer (including spaces). These donations can be made to Historic Bremen, Inc., P.O. Box 471 Bremen, IN 46506. Donors can also call 574-546-4340 for more information.
So far, Historic Bremen, Inc. has around 100 bricks engraved. These will go into the walkway leading up to the depot.