Penwick Rye labeled bottle from BRAUN'S / Lima, Ohio
Rare Trade Token from
Braun's Family Liquor House,
Lima Ohio
AKA Braun's Rathskeller
The public is cordially invited to attend the formal opening of Braun's Rathskeller at the corner of Main and East High streets on [March 6 1913] Thursday evening at 6:30, MAX BRAUN, Proprietor.
It promises to be one of the events of the season. Many tables have already been engaged for the occasion and a large crowd is anticipated.
For the entertainment of the public we have secured the services of Hunter's Orchestra which will discourse sweet music.
Aside from this and the elegant meals that will be served it will be a treat to see this magnificent restaurant, and learn that Lima really has in her confines one of the best equipped and most up-to-date eating places for ladies and gentlemen, in the state of Ohio.
The furnisnings are of the best in Mission and the service and decorating is all patterned after this style. The services of a French chef and the very best assistance with all first class waiters have been secured, and the public will be royally taken care of at Braun's.
As to price after the opening: Business lunch 25c; served from 11 o'clock until 2. At the same hours, dinner 35c. A la Carte service a specialty. On Sundays we will prepare the finest meal possible for only 50c. [Source]
Max Braun
In 1890 Max Braun was a general agent of the Provident Savings Life Assurance Society of New York [Source].
In 1909, he was manager of the Lima location of the Golden Hill Liquor Company. [Source]
"N. Trotstein opened a Golden Hill outlet in Lima, Ohio, likely as an adjunct to his saloon. It was located at 34 Public Square, a prime location in downtown Lima, shown here in a period postcard. Trotstein advertised widely in local media. His shotglass advertising Golden Hill Rye is virtually identical to the Columbus-issued versions. The similarity solidifies the notion that the two organizations were closely linked. Also shown here is a Golden Hill flask from Lima." [Source: pre-prowhiskeymen.blogspot.com]
In 1913 he opened his own saloon / restaurant, the afore mentioned Braun's Rathskeller. [Source]
In 1916 he lost control of his car and injured a 5 year old boy. [Source] Fortunately the boy recovered. [Source]
On May 24, 1919, Prohibition closed Braun's Rathskeller down. [Source] -- "Max Braun, former proprietor of the cafe and restaurant at High and Main Street" -- [Source]
PENWICK RYE BOTTLE INFO:
In addition to Braun's name on the paper labeled Penwick bottle, we see that Penwick Rye is a brand of the BLOCKDALE ALLEGHENY COMPANY out of Cheswick, PA.
Cheswick is in Allegheny County and has a Blockdale Street. There isn't a Blockdale, PA. according to google maps.
According to Cheswick's wikipedia page: "One of the first industries was the Penwick Distillery. In a large brick building, the liquor was stored for years before it was sold. "
Excerpt from the Pacific Wine and Spirit review, circa 1890's:
"Bertin & Lepori were liquor wholesalers in San Francisco, so the Penwick brand was sold by many distributors all over the country, including our Mr. Braun.Bertin [&] Lepori's leading brand,Penwick Pure Rye, is achieving an enviable reputation. Retailers selling it are very pleased with the returns made and look upon this brand as a first-class seller.Penwick Pure Rye is distilled atBlockdale, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, and complies in every respect with the requirements of the Pure Food and Drug act of June 30, 1906. wholesalers, who distribute it to the retailer, who passes it over the bar and to the public who drinks it.Penwick Pure Rye, therefore, is sure to hold its own in the market, andBertin " located at 661Devisadero street [S.F., Cal.], but the spirit of unresti manifest. The management is getting very tired of itspresent cramped quarters, and the desire to be once again downtown and in the commercial district grows stronger every day. An effort is being made to find suitable headquarters amongthe other wholesalers, and before long it is hoped that its purity and flavor cause it to give general satisfaction to..."
[Image from Clarksville Tennessee in Vintage Postcards book available from Arcadia Publishing.]
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Note: These items are part of my ''Collecting Lima Virtual Museum''. They are not for sale.
If/when I find more information on these items, I will add it to the post.
Read the Introduction to my ''Collecting Lima'' Virtual Museum Project, all about my Lima Ohio Bottles, Advertising, Antiques collection.
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Ms. Dow Antiques Blog 'Tique Talk is published by msdowantiques.com
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