From Troy Hill home to neighborhood dive bar
The Unique Story of Brehm’s Return
The unique history of Brehm’s Return is rooted in the history of the Troy Hill neighborhood. Using Pittsburgh historical maps, census records, and Ancestry.com, the history of the bar was traced back to the Brehm family. The family immigrated to Pittsburgh from Bavaria in the early / mid-1800s. According to the 1870 census, Henry (49 yrs) and Teresa (50 yrs) occupied the home at 147 Return Street (which we currently know as 1354 Goettman Street). They lived there with their four children.
Henry and Mary Brehm
By the 1880 census, Henry and Teresa had deeded the home to their son, Henry Brehm, Jr. and his wife, Mary (photo above). Henry Brehm, Jr. worked as a Chief Engineer for the City of Pittsburgh Water Department for 39 years. He remained in this role until his retirement at the age of 68. After the 1907 annexation of Allegheny by Pittsburgh, the city changed “Return Street” to “Goettman Street” to avoid duplicate street names. Brehm’s Return pays homage to the original name of the street prior to the annexation.
Transition to Neighborhood Dive Bar
The Brehm family sold the home at 147 Return Street in 1915. The building remained a residence until the 1950s. At that point, it opened its doors as “Janczak’s”. Over the next 70 years, Troy Hill residents gathered together at “Bummer’s,” “Orgals,” “Boulpen,” and most recently “Tammy’s Place.”
The origin of Brehm’s Return
Each chapter of the building’s long history adds color to the story of Brehm’s Return. Ultimately, the bar pays homage to the history of the building, previous owners, the Troy Hill neighborhood, and to Pittsburgh’s past and present. Come see the Brehm’s sign made from “Tammy’s Place” drink tokens, the original artwork by Pittsburgh’s own William “Butchie” Elias George (known by George Romero fans for his roles as a biker in Dawn of the Dead and Night of the Living Dead (1990)), the tables crafted from salvaged wood from the Wilkinsburg neighborhood, an original “Rialto Theatre” cinema light box and to the many other quirky finds that adorn the walls of the bar. Here is what Pittsburgh is saying about Brehm’s Return. Join us for breakfast and lunch / dinner to understand the hype!
