The Washington times., 1906-05-20


schermer. OF St. Louis. says the
New York Herald The house
stands all by itself out IN the northwest
side OF the city, only a Few blocks
from one OF the great brewertes. and
from the outside It has all the appear
ance OF an ordinary cottage" frame
and shingle cottage. with a wide porch
and add angles 10 the roof The strange
feature OF the house IS that Il is built
entirely OF beer kegs.
Schermer IS a malster by trade and 4
skilled one. having received his early
training IN a brewery at Nurnberg. and
he came 70 the United States first as
an instructor, and then after many year.
Of teaching the art OF brewing. he ac-
cepted a position as head malster with
one OF the great St. Louis brevveries.
Schermer was one OF the best known
men IN the business.
But he was a great drinker-indeed- a
famous drinker even IN the brewery.
where there were huge men who svval-
lowed hagOns OF beer that would have
staggered Thor. He IS not q big man,
although plump, and his friends often
wondered what he did with the vast
amount Of beer that he slowed away
inside himself during the course OF a
days work He would drink eight. ten,
even twelve. huge stems Of ice cold beer.
then take g drink OF whisky or brandy
10 warm his inner machinery and con-
tinue work But IN time the alcohol IN
the beer had its effect even upon his
alcohol saturated and primed body and
he began 70 lose standing IN the brew
cry.
Unlike most people who drink. hard
r~F~
a monetary standpoint. as the brewery
served drinks free TO all employees. and
being Of careful and saving disposition.
he had amassed quite a little sum OF
money at the time that the brewery 10
titled him that he must either cut doan
on his drinking or quit his job. Scher-
mer decided 10 quit drinking. but his
feelings were hurt He thought that the
firm had reflected upon his standing IN
insinuatng that he drank too much
That was nearly five years ago.
Schermer at first restricted himself 70
twenty stems OF beer a day. And he
began 70 take pride IN his ability TO DO
without beer Also, he lost flesh and
felt better
A few weeks later the building began.
Schermer purchased beer kegs that had
been used and, employing an architect.
passing thought that the brewery was
building the place as a saloon. relying
on the unique form or ths odd building
material 70 attract people. but when
they learned that Il was 70 be a resi-
dence they simply roared and went
away.
The house was built.
II was a story and a half high. the
kegs being fitted and fastened together
with cement The kegs are piled IN tiers,
eight-gallon kegs forming the double tier
for the foundation. four-gallOn kegs the
eight tiers 70 the ornamental line which
divides the first and second stories This
dividing line is formed by the kegs be
ing laid on their sides. Above that the
kegs diminish IN size-three. two, and one
gallon kegs being used The smaller
kegs are those used for extremely fine
beers and private consumption, and they
added much 10 the expense OF the build
ing
The wide front porch Is formed OF
beer kegs. the three pillars being mere
Iy piles OF kegs fastened 10 the noor
and roof. The roof plan perhaps IS
strangest OF al. The kegs were sawed
until they formed al effect ike tiling.
And SChermer is intensely pleased
with his Kew home.
One Of the unique features OF the
place is the ice box. which Is built OF
beer kegs entirely, the ice being placed
inside. and at least one OF the kegs 3
:ulI of beer at all times. Gchermer keep
Ing IL on draught for friends who come
20 see his strange home