Even though we never met, I sometimes wonder about the family business and how it impacted the lives of the people around it.
So, you may or may not know that in the 1920’s, before prohibition, my great grandfather James Schwarzenbach owned the Schwarzenbach Brewing Co. in Hornell, New York. So was working in the brewery hard work? I am sure it was, hauling ingredients and barrels around all day. I would imagine the beer making process isn’t too much different from what it is today. So what was it like to work for my great grandfather? As a businessman, I would like to think he was stern, but fair (if only I could ask the people that worked for him).
So what kind of beer did they produce? They made several. I have an empty bottle of one of their more popular beers, the Schwarzenbach Brewing Co. Crystal Ale. The tagline on the bottle promotes that the product was Pure, Healthful and Nutritious. It sounds delicious, I would absolutely try it, if it was still produced today. Being a home brewer, I have often thought it would be fun to recreate it, but I believe the recipe is long gone. As a side note, I found it interesting that it was produced in a 12-1/2 fluid oz bottle and not the 12 oz we are familiar with today.
My great grandfather was a well respected member of the Hornell community and when he passed on, a monument with fountain was erected along the Route 21 highway in his memory. It was a fun family event to visit the monument last year and reminisce about the past.
Today, we have so many wonderful venues around us that offer a variety of food, beverages and live entertainment. What was it truly like back then? Maybe not so different. I would be willing to bet that people valued the same things we value today. Getting together with family and friends and enjoying good food, drink and conversation. Have an awesome day. Cheers!