Marshall County Historical Society announces 2 historic home tours this summer and fall

History lovers have two special opportunities ahead this year, as the Marshall County Historical Society and Museum has announced a pair of guided home tours featuring two of the region's most storied properties.

The first tour features the Dietrich-Bowen House in Bremen, a stunning Queen Anne-style Victorian home listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1901 by prominent early Bremen businessman John Dietrich, the home changed hands several times over the decades — most notably in 1953, when it was purchased by Dr. Otis R. Bowen, who used it as both a residence and a medical office before going on to serve as Governor of Indiana and later as Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Ronald Reagan. Current owners Michael and Andreea Cope have completed a full restoration and consider themselves the most recent caretakers of an Indiana landmark.

The Dietrich-Bowen House Tour will be held on Saturday, August 16, beginning at 1:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 and are limited. The home is a private residence and is not ADA accessible; visitors should be aware that there are several staircases.

The second tour showcases the Corbin-Bechaka House in Plymouth, an Italianate Cube-style home built in 1865 by Horace Corbin — Plymouth's first mayor and a former Indiana State Senator. The home was later owned by Harry and Dimitria Bechaka, Greek immigrants and owners of the popular Candy Kitchen restaurant, who nominated the property for a Marshall County Landmark award in 1995, which it received. Most recently, owners Robert Mott and Dennis Baker have fully restored the home to its original grandeur.

The Corbin-Bechaka Home Tour will be held on Saturday, September 13, also beginning at 1:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 and limited. Like the Bremen property, this home is a private residence and is not ADA accessible, with several staircases.

Tickets for both tours are available at the Marshall County Historical Society and Museum at 123 N. Michigan Street in Plymouth, or through the museum's website. For questions, call 574-936-2306.