As soon as demolition funds become available Kaier's Brewery will be demolished as part of Mahanoy City's Streetscape project. That site will eventually become a park.
Kaier's was founded in 1862 by Charlie Kaier. By age 43 Charlie Kaier was literally on top of the world in Schuylkill County. He owned 1 of the largest breweries in the state. He operated a grand opera house, hotel & restaurant, & ice company. He was a bank president & controlled the Anthracite Light & Power Company. We can't forget Charlie owned 40 Mahanoy City taverns, a whiskey rectifying operation, & retail liquor business. He passed away in 1899.
Kaier's survived Prohibition & flourished when booze was legal again in 1933. A 1951 report showed Kaier's cranked out 183,500 barrels of beer--2nd only to Stegmaier that produced 500,000 barrels. Yuengling,America's oldest brewer, did 115,000 barrels that year.
Like many coal region companies, Kaier's fell victim to changing demographics, tastes, & trends. Product loyalty faded & beer drinkers were switching brands. Kaier's sold out to Ortlieb Brewing in 1966, who stopped production of Kaier's beer in 1968. That is when the Mahanoy City brewery closed & has been vacant for decades. It's been said there are trees growing inside that old building.
Want to learn more about Kaier's Brewery & the Kaier's family. The Mahanoy City Historical has done a wonderful job on their website. Visit www.mahanoyhistory.org/kaier.html. We encourage you to LIKE their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/pages/Mahanoy-Area-Historical-Society/362392223784444.
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