Merritt W. Bremer is only twenty-six years old, but he has already made a noteworthy success as the manager of a large retail grocery establishment in Utica. He may almost be said to have grown up in the business, for he is the son of the late Charles H. Bremer, who founded the enterprise now run under the name of Charles H. Bremer & Company in 1882 and was active in its management until his death six years ago. The father was a man of superior business ability, successful to a marked degree in his chosen line of work and highly respected by associates and contemporaries. Merritt W. Bremer's mother bore the maiden name of Cassie McMullen.
Born in this city, Merritt W. Bremer has lived here all of his life, acquiring his education in the local schools and graduating from the free academy. He entered his father's business establishment in 1915, when he was seventeen years old, and has been there ever since, now holding the position of general manager. This store, operated by the firm of Charles H. Bremer & Company, is the largest retail grocery house in Utica and enjoys the reputation of being the best in the city. It carries a complete line of staple and fancy groceries and renders its patrons that type of dependable service which wins customers and keeps them. The fact that the establishment has maintained the high standards inaugurated by its founder during the past half dozen years is due in a large degree to Mr. Bremer's comprehensive understanding of the grocery business and his unflagging zeal in promoting the development of his trade. The other members of the firm are: President, Carlton H. Bremer, an older brother of Merritt W.; Mrs. Frank Bremer, vice president; and Curtis Alliaume, secretary and treasurer.
Mr. Bremer was united in marriage to Miss Esther Filkins, daughter of W. B. Filkins of Utica, on April 21, 1920. Mr. and Mrs. Bremer have become the parents of a son: Charles Henry, born January 20, 1923. The family is identified with St. John's church of this city and Mr. Bremer is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Thoroughly progressive in his point of view, he is anxious to help in those movements concerned with the betterment of his community and is one of the active members of the local Kiwanis Club. His membership in the Utica Golf and Country Club indicates that his favorite recreation is the popular and wholesome game of golf. Some people make their opportunities in life, others inherit them. That the latter always have the better of the situation is by no means the case, for it is often more difficult for a young, inexperienced man to fill the position handed down to him by one of the older generation whose judgment has been seasoned and tried by the test of years, than it would be for him to make his own way in the world, taking on added responsibilities as effort developed his powers. Mr. Bremer is one of the few who have been called upon to take up the burden laid down by men of successful attainment. That he has been able to fill this position of trust so well is no small tribute to his abilities and devotion to his work. Utica rightly regards him as one of her coming citizens and business men.