Yuengling Brewery History

When David Yuengling began brewing beer in his home in Germany, I’m sure he had no idea what his legacy would be. After Mr. Yuengling and his family immigrated to the United States, he would change America forever. In 1829, he started the Eagle Brewery on Centre Street in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. But things weren’t easy. In a short 2 years the brewery was destroyed by a fire. Refusing to give up, Mr. Yuengling relocated to Mahantongo Street in Pottsville, and strive to bring his dream to fruition.In 1873, his son Frederick joined forces with David and the brewery changed their name to D.G. Yuengling and Son, still keeping the recognized eagle that emblazoned their products. From here Yuengling would grow rather quickly. By 1895 they had started a bottling operation. Throughout the years and family passings, the brewery continued to thrive, while still maintaining their family roots.

But things were soon going to get tough. In 1919 when Prohibition was passed, the family legacy of Yuengling almost came to an end. But thanks to some quick thinking, the brewery found a few ways to survive. They started brewing near beers, essentially a nonalcoholic brew, but what may have saved the brewery was an idea to make ice cream. They purchased a separate building across the street from the brewery, where the tasty treat was made.

On the brewery’s 100^th anniversary in 1929, the closest thing to beer they were brewing was their near beer. But when Prohibition ended in 1933, it didn’t take long for Yuengling to get rolling again. They sent a special batch of beer to President Roosevelt. Finally, Yuengling was able to get back to doing what it does best, brew beer. From this moment on there was no more looking back. As the brewery kept with its great, long, traditional recipes, its fan base continued to grow. In 1976, the brewery was recognized as being the nation’s oldest brewery. And in 1985, they were placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

But Yuengling had another drastic change shortly thereafter. In 1987 due to a larger demand for darker beers, the brewery reintroduced their lager. This would forever change the brewery. The continued growth and success only kept the family ties stronger.Today the lager brand is so popular, folks in the Mid-Atlantic states need only ask the barkeep for a lager and, without a second thought, will be poured a nice cold Yuengling.

Yuengling Ice Cream

When you think of Yuengling you usually think of beer, more precisely lager. But what most don't know is that ice cream may have helped to save the brewery. During prohibition Yuengling was no longer allowed to make alcoholic beer. They instead made a non-alcoholic near beer, but it may have been the creamery across from the brewery that kept the Yuengling name afloat. The ice cream packages back in those days also contained baseball cards, many of which are quite valuable today, and often difficult to find. The amazing thing is how long they continued to churn out ice cream even after prohibition. The Yuengling creamery continued serving customers in the nearby communities up until 1985 when they closed the creamery for good.

Yuengling Mansion

In 1914 Frank Yuengling, owner of Yuengling brewery, and his family moved into a large mansion on Mahantongo street in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. The home had a total of 20 rooms and also housing quarters for maids. But long since the Yuengling family moved out, their spirits may still remain.

The house served as a home to 3 generations of Yuenglings. In 1978 the home was deeded over to the Schuylkill county council for the arts. And in 1979 the home was placed on the national register of historic places. But many believe not all the members of the Yuengling household have left completely.

Many paranormal investigators have visited the home and have discovered some unnatural phenomenon. Most of the sightings take place on the third floor which housed the maids, and where the young children of the family favored to play. There are thought to be two spirits which roam around the top floor and also the various staircases in the home. One spirit is thought to be a former maid who lived in the home with the family, the other spirit is that of a young, female child. EVP's of both spirits have been captured, cold spots have been felt throughout the third floor, and other strange activity has been also witnessed. The house isn't the only place on the property thought to be haunted. The nearby carriage house has also been investigated and strange anomalies have been sighted as well. A recent investigation team noticed a large brown orb floating near the carriage house.

I have found no reported deaths to have taken place on the property or in the home. Perhaps these spirits died many years after leaving the house, and maybe this is the place they'll always remember as home.

Our Yuengling Brewery Tour

On a rainy weekday, we decided to have an adult day while the young one was away. We took a pleasant drive up Route 61 to the Yuengling Brewery in Pottsville. They run 2 tours: 1 in the morning and 1 in the afternoon. We opted for the afternoon, as I like my beer after my cereal.

Apparently quite a few other folks had the same idea. We all met in the gift shop, which also acts as a small museum, giving you the history of the Brewery and displaying bottles from times past.

The tour begins in the famous Tap Room, which is featured in quite a few commercials. When specialty networks do a piece on the Brewery this is also the room that’s usually used. There you receive some history from an educated guide and learn about the rich family history of this brewery.

From there, it’s off to see the beer made. They’ll show you the entire process from start to finish. The day we were there we got to see bottling done. Having been a loyal customer of Yuengling’s for many years, the smell in the bottling area brought back memories: some good and some bad.

The tour ends in the caves where the beer was made many years before refrigeration was available. You’ll see the wall the United States Government put up during Prohibition and learn how Yuengling survived during this tough time.

Then it’s back off to the taproom for some free samples. They have all of their beers to chose from as well as birch beer for the young ones or nondrinkers. Though the birch beer is very tasty, I still opted for the Porter