~Upon the Northern Sea~

 

Felix Weidmann, family patriarch, was a determined young man, with a dream. His determination is evidenced by an ability to found a thriving business at the time of great suffering by a war-torn community. He was a foreigner with a skill when he arrived to Meridian from Mobile, Alabama. He could see an eatery was a needed addition for a small town in the midst of rebuilding, rising up from the American Civil War, when in 1864 the City had been totally burned.

 

War was not a new experience for Felix Weidmann. Hailing from Zurich, Switzerland, Felix had witnessed turmoil as the city recovered from conflicts. Located on the convergence of the Limmat and Sihl Rivers, Zurich had been victim and aggressor of warfare since it was settled in the medieval times.

 

Late August 1867, the “Meridian Gazette” newspaper reprinted a story from sister newspaper, the “Jackson Clarion,” “Meridian presents decidedly a city-like appearance. It has sprung from its ashes, and has taken a new growth which gives promise of its very considerable importance as a city at no very remote day.

 

And by 1869 public confidence had returned to the Meridian business community. In addition, new hotels opened or as they were known at the time, houses. These houses had eateries, plus there were new churches, schools, an active newspaper and businesses of every sort: dry goods, confectionery establishments, a large furniture store and druggist plus several smaller enterprises located from Lee Street to High Street (present day Sixth Street).

 

This was the culture in Meridian at the time Felix and Clara boarded an ocean liner in Zurich where the agreement was he would serve as chef to pay passage to Mobile, Alabama. As husband and wife survived a three-month treacherous, voyage upon the northern sea, they were excited to begin a new life in America. The trip was dangerous, but their dream was stronger.

 

The two settled in Mobile the first year and eventually moved to Meridian. At first the couple sold produce for their livelihood, but by 1870 they opened a four-stool café, named the European House, in the Union Hotel located on Front Street. The small eatery was conveniently located across from Union Depot, which was a lucrative spot for getting something to eat when one arrived to the City by train.

 

It is interesting to note that the original European House was at one time owned by co-proprietors, Sheriff R. J. Mosley and Clara Weidmann. It is recorded that on November 15, 1870, these two terminated their partnership for unknown reasons, therefore not only was Clara Weidmann an immigrant but she was a businesswoman by her own right.

 

Although Clara held ownership with a partner, Felix was definitely there as well. The good reputation of the eatery brought many customers to the café and by 1884 the husband and wife opened a 36-room house, known as International Hotel, located on the northeast corner of Front Street and 22nd Avenue.

 

To be continued …

 

Next week — ask me about Clara’s lamb.