Bremen has always been a musical town, with top-notch bands, orchestras, performing  troupes. At times, it bubbled over into singing in the streets.

Not always appreciated.

Carry me back to Tennessee - Enquirer_Sat__Jan_2__1886_.jpg
Bremen Enquirer – Jan 2, 1886

“Ella Ree” is an 1853 ditty by James W Porter & Charles E Stewart/Steuart.

The lyrics are rather morose…. Click the image to display a larger version

Carry me back to Tennessee -lyrics

The lyrics were altered multiple times, usually to be more optimistic, but even so this Carroll Clark recording from about 1910 is probably a more authentic sound.

Bremen in the 1880s. Click an image to display a larger version

1888 Corner of Plymouth and Jackson - looking east

1884 - 100 block E Plymouth looking NE