Businessman, councilman reflects on the path he’s traveled
By Sue Hughes | For The Times-Post
PENDLETON — Jerry Burmeister, 69, went to his first auction when he was 16.
He was hooked.
He discovered that he loved auctions and antiques. He also loved to refinish furniture, and eventually figured out a way to combine all of those loves.
Burmeister graduated from Anderson High School in 1973, and — like a lot of other people at that time in Anderson — went to work at Delco Remy. He also had a dream since he was a little boy of being a fireman.
He was fortunate enough to become a firefighter in Anderson. But that didn’t deter him from pursuing that other dream, too.
Twenty-three years ago, Burmeister bought a building in downtown Pendleton and opened an antique shop.
He began running the store while he was still a fireman.
With help from friends and family he was able to do both jobs.
Four years ago, he retired from the fire department after 35 years of service. During that time, he achieved the rank of captain on Engine 8. He also served four years as deputy chief.
Since moving to Pendleton, along with his antiquing, Burmeister has been involved with many volunteer organizations.
“I like to give back to the community,” Burmeister said.
In 2023, he was asked to finish the late Chet Babb’s seat on the Pendleton Town Council. When that term was up, he ran for the town council and was elected to a four-year term in November 2023.
Before the election, he had been appointed to the Pendleton Board of Zoning Appeals, a position he resigned from to take the town council seat. He also serves on the Pendleton Waterworks Board.
Burmeister is a volunteer on two historical boards. He is past president of the town’s Historic Preservation Committee and president of Historic Fall Creek, Pendleton Settlement.
“With all the growth coming to Pendleton, we need to protect the downtown,” he said.
Every other Thursday evening, Burmeister can be found helping out at the Fall Creek Christian Church food pantry.
The church on east U.S. 36 gives away donated food starting at 6 p.m.
At Christmas he volunteers his time to the Salvation Army, ringing the bell at Needler’s Fresh Market.
“The building my antique store is in has lots of history in Pendleton,” Burmeister said. “In the early 20th century, it was a millenary business owned by a woman, Sarah Welch.
“It was unusual for a woman to own a business then. Her name is on the building. She sold hats and paper goods.”
Welch and her husband held several patents, including being involved in the creation of the dental chair.
“I’ve met so many nice people over the years,” said Burmeister. “Former Pacer Rick Smits stopped in one day; when I told him that my grandson was a big fan, he gave me an autographed poster.”
“Another time Ohio State Baseball coach Mike Stafford came in. We ended up trading antiques for football tickets,” he said.
When he is not busy with his other activities, Burmeister likes to go antiquing. He sometimes buys out estates.
“It’s the thrill of the hunt,” he said.
Burmeister, who has two daughters and four grandchildren, said “I feel like I know a lot of people in Pendleton, I’ve been blessed, there are many great people in this community.”
