Akron, Ohio

The M. Burkhardt Brewing Co.

The original location was in a ravine along wolf creek. The
creek provided some of the area's purest water for brewing.As
it grew, it extended to Grant street - one block over.

By the mid 1870's annual production was well over 2,000 barrels.
In June 1879 the wooden brewhouse was completely destroyed
by fire, causing $4000 in damage.

By early next year - a completely new and enlarged brick
brewery had been built and was ready for operation.

Two years later, Burhardt died at the age of 32 of blood
poisoning. His wife took over the company and was very
successful. It became known as"Burkhardt's Brewery, Mrs.
Margaretha Burkahardt, proprietor." The company stayed
strong for 40 years. When a tornado went through the area
in 1890, it caused $3,000 in damage to the brewery.

The Burkhardt's two sons began working there shortly after
becoming plant manager and office manager.

1902- Burkhardt's Select Export Lagor Beer was the company's
promary brand.

A new six-story brick brewhouse was built in 1904. Virtually
the entire plant was rebuilt and was turnning out 40,000
barrels a a year.

After statewide Prohibition was approved by voters in the
election of November 1918, all alcohol production ceased.
The brewery was a consolidation of the realty company,
beverage production in the brewery, and the management of
the City Ice & Coal Co.

Production dwindled then came to a complete halt in 1930.
The plant was then occupied by the Akron Malt Products (a
manufaturer of malt syrup).

Then in 1933 Burkhadt returned to beer production after
the repeal of Prohibition. The building was completely
renovated with new equipment and was the country's first
completely air conditioned brewery.

The company's success continued through World War II.

They then celebrated their 75th anniversary in 1955.

The company went bankrupt and closed in 1973. Akron's
brewing industry was ground to a halt for the first time
in 119 years.

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