Louis Wehle Last of the Rochester Beer Barons |
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by John DeVolder #499 (Excerpt from article published in Summer 2010 edition of The Keg) |
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| When you think of Rochester Brewing, you probably think of Bartholomay, or Genesee, depending whether you are a collector of pre-prohibition, or post pro. Certainly Henry Bartholomay made an impact: arriving in Rochester in 1852. Together with a Phillip Will, Henry opened a brewery which produced the first lager beer in Rochester, that same year. As with other northeast cities, the lager beer was met with great reception, and almost overnight transformed the the city to lager beer drinkers. After selling controlling interest to an English syndicate in 1889. Henry continued on until 1894, when he retired and moved back to Germany, where he died in 1906. Henry was cremated, and thought enough about Rochester, that he had half of his ashes buried in his beloved homeland, and half in Rochester, in Mount Hope Cemetery. Enter Louis Wehle. Louis was born the middle of five sons on September 22, 1889. His parents, John and Elizabeth lived at 74 Gibbs Street, in a small home that was owned by his grandfather, Casper Wehle. Casper was a successful Sausage maker in the city, and one who would influence Louis in his early life, as he was a dignified and well respected business man. His father, John, was superintendant of the Bartholomay Brewing Company from which Louis would gain invaluable knowledge in his early years. He would often drive his father to the brewery with horse and carriage, and while there would help his father in the office or fraternize with the help; enjoying the give and take of the workers, the big wagons, strong horses, their harnesses, and the smell of beer. He was especially fascinated that the beer would come out crystal clear ever time. Bartholomay was the best! More ... |
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