Amack's Well
Amack’s Well Coffee House offers a warm and friendly atmosphere with exceptional customer service, free Wi-Fi, a spacious conference room, expertly prepared espresso drinks, and locally sourced baked goods. Customers love our rotating art displays, showcasing professional, amateur and student artists. Need a gift? Amack’s Well gift cards are always the perfect size! Stop by our beautifully restored historic downtown building - we know we’ll quickly become your favorite meeting place.
The Sherman
The Sherman, previously The Sherman House, is one of the oldest buildings in Indiana and was comprehensively, but gracefully renovated to retain the building’s origins as a coaching tavern. Always a place to stay or dine, The Sherman has been a favorite destination for weary and hungry travelers since the time of Lincoln.German immigrant Johann F. Brinkmann built The Brinkmann House in 1852 as a modest hotel next to the railroad depot (since demolished). The building expanded into its current size over time. The original two-story frame building featured clapboard siding and shuttered six-over-six double hung windows, the current lobby, kitchen, restaurant, and today’s Rhine room. An outside stairwell provided access to upstairs guestrooms.Brinkmann renamed his hotel in 1865 in recognition of General William T. Sherman and the 83rd Indiana Volunteer Infantry, who participated in Sherman’s Civil War “march to the sea.” The name remained The Sherman House from 1865 until 2017 following renovations when the name was modified to The Sherman.At least seven individuals, including a Mrs. Obergfell who won a lawsuit in 1887 to gain possession, owned the building before August Bloemer purchased it in 1900; he owned it for ten years. Porches added in 1912 transformed the building into a favorite lounging spot for patrons as well as travelers awaiting trains. During this time, the building housed about 35 regular boarders and hotel guests.In 1923, John Hillenbrand purchased the property and over the next decade, four additional buildings were connected to form a single structure. The architect on the project between 1923 and 1933 retained most of the original timber frame of yellow poplar girders, 30 inches by 90 feet, which were in perfect condition after 80 years and are still in place between the first and second floors. In 1953, the corner restaurant was modeled after European café drawings. Hoosier artist W. Harold Hancock fashioned murals on the interior walls, which were restored in 2016.Renovations in 2016 led by Georg Heringer of Bavaria strengthened the German heritage and reestablished the building as a central facility of commerce, travel, and social life. With updated utilities, remodeled guestrooms and the additions of the Black Forest Bar and Sherman Biergarten, the Sherman House is still a favorite stopping place of travelers and the most talked about dining spot in Southern Indiana.
Gibson Theater
Dr. C. W. Gibson built a new theatre in 1921 on Main Street with up-to-date plans for regular theatrical plays as well as moving pictures. It began bringing the most celebrated screen plays in production in 1922. "Talking pictures" were installed in 1929. Electrical pianos had long been in use following hand and player pianos. Victrolas, gramophones and local orchestras were all replaced by sound pictures.Today, the Gibson is a quaint structure reminiscent of one of the neon-lit buildings one would find along historic Route 66. One of the unique features of the Gibson is it's balcony seating. It is truly like stepping back in time when visting the Gibson.
St. Louis Catholic Church
Rev. John Paul Gillig was appointed the first pastor in 1868 while serving as resident pastor at St. Mary's Church, Greensburg, where he had been appointed pastor in 1867. This intrepid missionary, according to information gleaned from "A CENTURY OF CATHOLICITY IN MILLHOUSEN, INDIANA," was born in Gilzen, parish Eisenach, in the diocese of Trier, Rhineland, Germany, on March 1, 1832. He made his classical studies in Trier and Paderborn. With his mother and two brothers he emigrated to America and arrived at Vincennes, Indiana, August 5, 1854. Here in the episcopal city he made his seminary course of studies and was ordained on the feast of the Immaculate Conception, A.D. 1859. His first assignment was St Mary of the Rocks where he built the church and enlarged the log church of St. Philomena at Wolf Creek. The founding date of St. Louis parish is reckoned from the date Fr. Gillig was appointed pastor, which was probably some time late in the year 1868. He passed to his eternal reward on April 25, 1908 at St. Edward's Hospital, New Albany, Indiana, and lies buried in Millhousen, Indiana. Even before Fr. Gillig took over the reins of the fledgling parish, there was agitation for a church right here in town. The three miles to "the Village of the Spires" or to Morris was never convenient, and in bad weather was at times impossible, even though some of, the parishioners could use the "Brookville-Napoleon" post road. For all too many, it meant walking that distance or even farther on Sundays when there was no Mass in Batesville. Farmers, and some of the townspeople, did have horses and a buckboard wagon or perhaps, if more affluent, a carriage. Still, the town was building up and needed a church. It was also a matter of pride. A drive was started for funds to build a worthy edifice. The oldest document in the parish achives is a promissory note dated July 19, 1867
St. Louis Catholic School
It was apparent to everyone that a flourishing parish needed a school Accordingly, in 1871 the congregation joined with Fr. Louis in construction of a school house of brick. It was a square boxy-looking affair with a belfry on top in the middle where the roof came to a peak. It was not built for looks, but for useability.There were two rooms for classes downstairs, heated by pot-bellied stoves in winter. Fuel from the surrounding woods was abundant. The same material served as an instrument of discipline when fidgety youngsters misbehaved in school.Upstairs the area was partitioned into living quarters for the Sisters. There were only four grades. Sister M. Julitta had the little room and Sister M. Blanche the bigger children. The cost of the building was $5,000.These Sisters were from the Oldenburg Community of Franciscan Sisters founded by Fr. Rudolf. They have continued to serve the school without interruption all these years. Their example of sacrifice and their educational methods have been one of the biggest blessings that God has bestowed on the parish. The fine spirit of Catholicity prevalent in Batesville is testimony to their efforts.
Romweber Marketplace
The Early Years.Our unique history dates back to the late 19th century and the three companies from which we evolved: the American Furniture Company, Batesville Cabinet Company, and Batesville Coffin Company. Each company started in 1879, making us one of the nation's oldest case good furniture manufacturers.American Furniture Company manufactured bedroom furniture while Batesville Cabinet specialized in dining room furniture. Of course, Batesville Coffin is self-explanatory.When these companies merged, they shared a sales force. The salesmen traveled the nation, calling upon owners of furniture stores and directors of funeral homes - often one in the same. Products were sold and shipped coast to coast, quite a rarity at the time.1930 - 1959The Depression was a challenge to most business, and ours was no exception. Our survival hinged on our ability to adapt and make products that were in demand during these lean economic times. In fact, RomWeber made five-pound fruitcake boxes to survive those tough years.Our versatility came to the fore again during World War II when we made ammunition boxes and pontoons for American troops, and furniture for officers' quarters.The 60s and beyond.Romweber furniture went to college with the baby boomers. Schools like Purdue, Indiana University, Xavier University, Miami University of Ohio, and Notre Dame bought it for dorms and classrooms because of its durability. Forty years later, it still is in some of these schools.No Romweber collection, however, was more popular than our Viking Oak Collection. Word has it that in the early 1930's, R. J. Romweber, grandson of our founder, took a trip to Norway and was inspired to create a line of furniture, based on Nordic design. The result was the Viking Oak Collection, which thrived from 1935 - 1987, making it the longest continuing, commercial furniture collection.Renowned people and places have been among Romweber customers. U.S. presidents and Saudi royalty have purchased our furniture. So have fine resorts, including the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island in Michigan, and The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.In addition, we have helped furnish the Carter Library at Emory University, as well as governors' mansions and distinguished homes nationwide.The RomWeber name:American Ingenuity. A Legacy of Old World Craftsmanship.RomWeber has been a leader in the home furnishings market for over 130 years. Our name has stood for extraordinary quality at an exceptional value. During our manufacturing years, we built, using mostly maple solids with hand matched veneers, a product line consisting of entertainment units, wall systems, bookcases, home office units, storage cabinets and occasional pieces. More than 90 individual, signature pieces were in our collections – with new product introductions made twice a year.Grounded in tradition, our 450,000 square foot facility is an interesting combination of old world craftsmanship with first cut timber, hardwood floors throughout, brick walls, hand hewed post and beam construction enhanced with today’s modern amenities. One of Batesville’s oldest buildings built by the Greeman Brothers in 1863 is still part of our complex. Visitors from surrounding metropolitan areas will find a touch of the past with a taste of small town charm. We remain today as we began so many years ago, a family-owned company.RomWeber's New Lease On Life:In 2009 the RomWeber decided to repurpose the 180,000 sf. ft. of factory space into a unique shopping experience with a marketplace environment to serve the lack of retail alternatives within the Batesville community. Furthermore we will continue to run the already popular RomWeber Factory sales and will also be exploring the options of holding a variety of other events to both promote the Marketplace and bring tourists into the historic town of Batesville.RomWeber Flats is centrally located in downtown Batesville, Indiana and offers senior living in a convenient life style with modern amenities. Within walking distance of churches, restaurants, city parks and the farmers market, RomWeber Flats is a great choice in a friendly environment. After undergoing an $8,000,000 renovation RomWeber Flats is an energy efficient building that has attained a gold leed status. RomWeber Flats consists of 84 apartments, with one and two bedroom options. Thoughtfully designed, these apartments offer many unique design features for seniors, helping them maintain their independence. Eight apartments have been specifically designed with residents that are physically handicapped. Washers and dryers are provided in each apartment. A central elevator provides easy access to each floor and basement that has secure resident storage at no additional cost. RomWeber Flats is protected by a sprinkler system and has a central security, limiting access to residents and their guests. Residents can relax and socialize in many common areas including a movie room, an atrium room with 50’ foot ceiling, and the award winning Big Four Café, located on the first floor, serves breakfast and lunch daily. They also provide meals for the assited living residents.
