Last Call for The Breweries of Oshkosh

A couple years ago, Oshkosh Breweriana collector Ron Akin and myself gathered our resources and wrote a book about the history of beer and brewing in Oshkosh. The people of Oshkosh were especially kind to us and The Breweries of Oshkosh sold well. Ron kept a couple of boxes of books in reserve to sell at breweriana trade shows and now he’s releasing those remaining books to anyone who would like a copy.

The Breweries of Oshkosh, Their Rise and Fall tells the complete story of beer and brewing in Oshkosh from 1849 to the present. It’s a hardcover book printed on high-quality paper and includes more than 400 illustrations, many of them in color. Beer Cans & Brewery Collectibles Magazine says, “Readers will have no problem sticking around to the end of this entertaining book... highly recommended, and not just for Cheeseheads.” It would make a great gift for that beer and history lover in your life.

The Breweries of Oshkosh is available for $39.95 at the following locations in Oshkosh:

• Camera Casino
• Caramel Crisp
• Jansen’s Restaurant
• Originals Mall of Antiques
• Paper Tiger Book Store
• Star Gallery Art & Antiques
• Or you can call (920) 233-0865 for free local delivery

This is the last call for this book and there won’t be a reprint.

Free Beer Next Monday at the Library

OK, so that title is an utter lie. There will be no free beer given away at the library next Monday. But there will be a whole lot of free talk going around about beer and the history of brewing in Oshkosh. Monday February 25, at 6:30 p.m. in the lower level meeting rooms A-B of the Oshkosh Public Library, I’ll be giving a sudsy overview of Oshkosh’s incredible history of beer making. I’ll be covering everything from pre-civil war brewing in Oshkosh up through today’s craft and homebrewing scenes in our city. Ron Akin will also be on hand displaying pieces from his unrivaled collection of Oshkosh breweriana. Ron and I will also have copies of our book, The Breweries of Oshkosh, available for sale and signing. The talk is free and open to the public and it’s going to be good time. It’s all about Oshkosh beer, how can it not be!

Rusty Red & the Breweries of Oshkosh at O’Marro’s Public House

Our Secret

Our moment is at hand, the most spectacular beer event ever to occur between 7-10 p.m. tomorrow night!!!! How’s that for empty bluster? Anyway, if you have nothing doing on Thursday evening (January 24), drop in at O’Marro’s Public House and have a beer with me. O’so Brewing will be there to tap a fresh keg of their Rusty Red on nitro and I’ll be hanging around hawking books as I soak up beer. If you already have a copy of The Breweries of Oshkosh, bring it in and I’ll gladly lessen it’s value with my signature (I’ve graduated from crayons and can use a real pen now!). Here’s a special offer to anybody who buys a book tomorrow night: after you purchase the book, whisper the secret word to me and I’ll buy you a pint of Rusty Red Nitro or tap beer of your choice. Our secret word is: Würtzer - don’t worry, no funny accents required. Check out the O’so Rusty Red Nitro & Oshkosh Breweries Signing event page on Facebook. See you Thursday.

The Breweries of Oshkosh

Have a beer freak or history buff on your gift list? The Breweries of Oshkosh will hit ‘em where they live. This hardcover, full-color beauty is now available for a mere $39.95 at all the fine establishments listed below. If you’d like a signed copy (at no extra charge & with free delivery in the Oshkosh area), get in touch with me via email at OshkoshBeer@gmail.com

Still Going Strong

In 1956, the Oshkosh Brewing Company threw a big party at the brewery to celebrate its 90th anniversary. On Saturday – 56 years later – we in Oshkosh had another big party that was all about Oshkosh beer. This time, the party was at Fratellos where we gathered to celebrate our city’s beer brewing heritage. And we were drinking the same brew that was served at the OBC party back in 1956. It was an incredible day and I’d like to thank everybody who came out to make it such a complete success.

One last thing about the 1956 party: The Monday following the party, OBC placed an ad in the Northwestern thanking all of their visitors and well-wishers. The message was simple and heartfelt and captures the close relationship that existed between this brewery and the people of Oshkosh. It shows the open doors of the garage where the party was held with the caption, "through these doors have passed the nicest people in the world." I know just how they felt.

An Event More Than 160 Years In The Making!

Well, here we go... The Breweries of Oshkosh lands on Saturday, September 22 at 1 p.m. at Fratellos, here in Oshkosh. And thanks to the fine folks at Fratellos and Fox River Brewing, we’re going to have the perfect beer and book pairing. Here’s a rare opportunity to get a taste of a classic Oshkosh beer. Hope to see you then!