Utica, New York has a long and rich history of brewing ale and beer. From the 1790s to today, there have been over forty breweries active in the city. Owners and names changed often, but the city supported the industry with breweries that lasted a year or two to some in operation for a century or more.
German and Irish immigrants brought the Old-World beer styles along with brewing experience and skills. Changes in technology aided the growth and production of high-quality lager beers.
The Oneida County History Center will host “The History of Brewing in Utica,” a program with Bob Allers set for Wednesday, June 7th.
Allers will look at the people, products, and locations associated with Utica’s brewing history using maps, images, and accounts from the History Center. A companion bicycle tour will take place on July 19th at 6 pm starting from the Saranac Beer Garden.
Allers is a retired teacher, former National Park Service Park Ranger, and fan of local history. He researches coopering (barrel making) and breweries in Oneida County. He is also a living history interpreter who demonstrates and teaches the art of coopering. This program is available both in person and virtually.
Register for the virtual presentation here. The in person program will begin at 5:30 pm at the History Center. For more information or to register, call (315) 735-3642 or visit the History Center website.
Photo of workers of the West End Brewery in Utica, c. 1910 provided.
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