Brewing History: Gerst House historical marker unveiling set for Tuesday
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Another bit of Nashville history linked back to beer will soon be on display.
A new historical marker recognizing the original location of the Gerst House restaurant is set to be unveiled Tuesday morning by Nashville’s historical commission.
The Gerst House first opened its doors in 1955, just a year after closing the famous Gerst Brewery. Gerst’s grandson, William Gerst III, wanted to serve traditional German food as a way to continue his grandfather’s brewery legacy.
At the time, The Gerst House served as a hot spot for politicians, attorneys and journalists due to its proximity to the Metro Court House and Tennessee State Capitol.
Following William Gerst III’s death in 1968, his daughter Gene Ritter kept the traditional alive until the restaurant moved across the river as part of Nashville’s urban development plan for Public Square in 1970.
“As Nashville continues to grow, I think it is exceptional that we are still honoring the history of Nashville institutions such as the Gerst House. Every new marker that we install just adds to the richness of our understanding of early life in Middle Tennessee,” Jessica Reeves, historic preservationist with the Metro Historical Commission said.
Reeves says brewing played an integral part in Nashville’s history. It’s something local healthcare executive Scott Mertie has vested a special interest in, writing the Nashville Brewing book, owning the Nashville Brewing Company and serving as a board member of the Metro Historical Commission Foundation.
The Gerst House marker will serve as the sixth beer-related historical marker commissioned by Mertie and his wife, Candy.
- The Nashville Brewery marker was erected on 6th Avenue South at the original location of the Nashville Brewing Company (1859-1890) and the Wm. Gerst Brewing Company (1890-1954).
- The Germantown Brewery District marker can be found on 5th Ave North. It recognizes four neighborhood breweries that operated back in the 1860s in Germantown.
- Tourists and locals alike can check out The Nashville Porter and Ale Brewery marker at 1901 Charlotte Ave, which was originally established in 1815.
- Elm Hill Pike at Massman Drive is home to The Brewery at Mill Creek marker. It was also first established in 1815.
- The BNA Aircraft Observation Area on Vultee Blvd. includes The Tennessee/Spring Water Brewery marker. The brewery was first established in 1858.
“The Historical Commission is so thankful to have the support of community partners like Scott Mertie, who is a tireless advocate for remembering our past, especially when it comes to beer,” Reeves added.
The Nashville Department of Transportation along with the Metro Historical Commission will install the new historical marker at the intersection of 2nd Ave. North and Union Street near Nashville Public Square at 9 a.m. Tuesday.
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