Marine Villa in St. Louis, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
1905 - 09 Cherokee
They Chose America
— Cherokee-Lemp Historic District —
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 23, 2019
Julius Dittmaier was the 21-year-old son of a German immigrant. George Brosch was the 18-year-old son of Bohemian immigrants. The United States entered the War on the side of the Allies, England and France. The American Army would soon be helping the Allies destroy the armies of Germany and Austria, killing their young German and Bohemian draftees.
Both these young men put on the uniform of the American doughboy, knowing that they could be shooting at their own cousins.
While tens of thousands of young men were left dead on the battlefields of Europe, Julius Dittmaier and George Brosch came home to America, got jobs, and started families. By 1929, they were neighbors on Cherokee Street.
Julius Dittmaier earned his living as a stock clerk, a private watchman and a maintenance man while he and his family rented the upstairs flat of this town home. George Brosch was a baker when he moved to Cherokee Street. He and his wife paid $20 a month rent for the second floor flat at 1909 Cherokee.
The two World War I vets were neighbors on Cherokee Street throughout the Great Depression, and were still neighbors on December 7, 1941, when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and plunged the United States in World War II.
Erected 2007 by NiNi Harris.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • War, World I • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Missouri, St. Louis, The Cherokee-Lemp History Walk series list. A significant historical date for this entry is December 7, 1941.
Location. 38° 35.552′ N, 90° 13.142′ W. Marker is in St. Louis, Missouri. It is in Marine Villa. Marker is on Cherokee Street west of Lemp Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1909 Cherokee Street, Saint Louis MO 63118, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Simon Complex (a few steps from this marker); 1901 Cherokee (a few steps from this marker); The Corner Store (within shouting distance of this marker); The Blacksmith Shop (within shouting distance of this marker); The Wagon House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Elusive Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); Settlers' Homes (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); International Shoe (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Louis.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 23, 2019
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 30, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 279 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 30, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.