Joseph Schnaider’s late 1880’s were a time of trusts – well capitalized businesses that created monopolies in certain industries. Railroads, steel, oil, tobacco and even beer faced stiff competition, buyouts, and consolidation. Coupled with rapid technological advances in the beer world, a business advantage was created for those who knew how to play it. One of the first breakthroughs was mechanical refrigeration, eliminating the need for caves. Refrigeration enabled year-round production, and when extended to railway boxcars, led ambitious brewers to develop regional and national distribution. Mass production reduced costs all down the line. Large breweries like Lemp and Anheuser-Busch took early advantage, establishing filling depots and rail centers across the country. Pasteurization and improved bottle closures extended shelf life and made global distribution possible.
Continue reading “1910: Schnaider’s Beer Empire – Part 3”Tag: Joseph Schnaider
1881: Schnaider’s Beer Empire Part 1
Joseph Schnaider (1832-1881) was a man with beer in his DNA. Born in the Baden area of what is now Germany, young Joseph was already working as a brewers apprentice at the age of 15. He became foreman of a large brewery in Strasburg three years later. Attracted by the published charms of America, and seized by a travel bug, he toured France and then headed across the Atlantic. He somehow wound up in the friendly Germanic confines of St. Louis.
1902: The Cracker Castle
Hardtack crackers were rumored to be bulletproof. Along with coffee, they’ve long been what an army marched on, and they sat in ones stomach undigested long enough to create a sensation of fullness. Making hardtack was dead simple; it consisting of flour and water, with a bit of salt for interest. It’s still with us today, in a merciful form, as saltine crackers.