Weddings That Make History

 First settled in 1801 by Colonel Daniel Boone and his son-in-law, Flanders Calloway, Marthasville became central to trade on the MKT railway (now known as the Katy trail). The Mittler Addition, where Preserve was built, was incorporated into Marthasville in the late 1800s. The Mittler's were the entrepreneurs of their day. Charles H. received a patent for an animal trap he designed in 1888 and the Mittler Building was built in 1905. Much is still left to learn about the initial intent of the Mittler Building. With a stage in the lower level, pressed tin that adorned the walls and ceilings, the turnbuckle suspended floors, and the sheer size, it was too grand to be manufacturing and too large to serve the small community. But we do know that the building was sold in 1925 to become The MO Valley Corn Cob Pipe Company, which was then bought out and closed by a competitor in 1933. 

According to the Marthasville Record as of January 20, 1933, once the pipe factory was closed, "No plans have been made for future use of the building which will be vacant." Reading through old articles and talking with locals, it appears that it served Marthasville as a community center - hosting plays and local meetings, in addition to hosting the high school sometime between 1933 and 1940. This photo is from the 1936 - 1937 yearbook and labeled "Bull Dogs Growl." Although we must replace the decorative windows you can see behind the students, we are working hard to preserve the originality of the style. 

The Mittler's weren't the only family that made a tremendous impact on Marthasville. Most locals still refer to the Preserve building as "The Driemeyer". The Driemeyer Motor Company was founded May 1, 1928 by Charles H. Driemeyer Sr., and then taken over by his son Charles H. "Chuck" Driemeyer Jr. after returning from service in World War II. Learn more about Chuck's impressive military history here:  Driemeyer Worked to Make His Name Known in the Area | Senior Lifetimes | emissourian.com. In the 1930s, the business expanded to include Allis-Chalmers tractors. The line was known for its bright orange farm tractors. "The company at first made only one size," Driemeyer said. "I was the one who brought Kubota tractors into this part of the country. I thought there was a demand for small, compact tractors." In 1995 the Driemeyer Farm and Lawn Equipment was closed, and the building has been closed to the public until now.

In the olden time, Marthasville was a regional trading hub, with local businesses including a steam-powered saw, flour and planing mills, blacksmith shops and a hotel. By the time the M-K-T Railroad came through Marthasville in 1892, the community had over a 40-year history of trading and commerce. Our building has served the community in many ways - corn cob pipe factories, schools, community center and tractor dealership and garage.

Now, over 100 years later, we are thrilled to breathe life and excitement back into this Marthasville epicenter. We look forward to hosting wedding celebrations, live music, and create a space for the community to gather for food, drink and cheer.