OUR HISTORY
The Gasconade County Health Department was established by the people of Gasconade County with a mil tax, and it operates under the direction of a Board of Trustees. The Gasconade County Health Department fulfills a wide variety of public functions aimed at preventing disease, protecting residents and promoting a healthy way of life.
The Gasconade County Health Department's main office at 300 Schiller Street in Hermann, Mo., has its own unique story. The building was constructed in three major phases, with the first of those phases coming in 1845 when merchant Hermann Brukhardt established his storefront, saloon and residence at the location.
After the addition of a second part to the buiding, P. William Hinke purchased it in 1881 to use as a dry goods store. The building was one of the earliest imposing structures in Hermann, and it soon passed to Fredrick Koeller in 1882. Koeller added the building's third portion and a summer garden.
The property eventually passed to Vern and Ada Behrmann in the 1950s. After her husband's death, Ada moved into the upstairs apartment and the Gasconade County Health Department moved into the building's main floor. Ada posthumously turned the building over to the department in 2006, spurring a massive renovation effort.
Using significant funds from a grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health, the Board of Trustees and staff members spearheaded renovations including a replacement of the heating and cooling, the phone system and the design of the office.
The physical improvements of the office give the dedicated staff a modern environment to provide quality customer service to Gasconade County residents.
To view a pdf presentation with pictures of the building and renovation, click here.
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