Feature on Wooden Shoe. Topic: INDUSTRY
Written by Tom Homan in April, 1996
WOODEN SHOE: A BREWING TRADITION IN OHIO'S DUTCH COUNTRY...Pg 2 |
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| In 1883, the brewery was sold to the
Steineman brothers. It was in the same year, that German native Joe Brinkman would serve
an apprenticeship at the Wiedemann brewery in Newport, Kentucky. He was employed at the
Minster brewery in 1884 as a cellarman, and would eventually become a key part of the
business. Business went well until a fire leveled the building on June 28, 1888. It was rebuilt in 1890, and was once again sold on Nov. 5, 1890. The five men forming the new company were: Peter Mittler, Matt Goeke, A.W. Gerwals, Ben Frierott, and Frank Herkenhoff. Over the next 13 years, there was a period of modernization, including the installation of a new beer cooling system and some expansion. Bottles were still filled and capped by hand as late as 1892, but this method was discarded the following year and a modern machine that washed, filled and capped faster and better than before, was put into service. In 1895, there was a complete renovation, and the main building was expanded with the addition of a 40 x 80 foot cellar on the East side. Upon Peter Mittlers' departure in 1898, Joe Brinkman took over as brewmaster. He had the respect and admiration of everyone who knew him. His reign would last until his death. On October 31, 1901, they bought a new ice machine and installed a 100 hp steam engine. There was a constant upgrade of equipment. A dramatic turn of events took place on May 26, 1903, when manager Ben Frierott Sr. died. The decision was made to disband the old company, and form a new one with new management. The name of the brewery was changed to the Star Brewing Company on July 1, 1903. |
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