Rudolph J. Schaefer, Jr. was my great-grandfather. We knew him as “Pie.” In 1980/1981, about a year before his death, he published “The Schaefer Story”. It’s a written account of his family – the Schaefer family – from 1752 in Wetzlar, Germany through May, 1981 in the suburbs of New York City. The foreward is from July, 1980 but there are notes included from 1981 – making me think there were some additions after the original writing. There are a total of 5 chapters in The Schaefer Story. Chapter IV is currently the only chapter included here due to the fact that it presents the entire Schaefer Beer story – it’s the public side of The Schaefer Story and the side that will be interesting to beer historians, fans of beer and all Schaefer People. Chapter IV is also a first-hand account from the man who ran the brewery from 1927 to 1968. The other 4 chapters touch on the brewing business but are more about the life of R.J. Schaefer, Jr and his family before him. We’ll see how it goes with Chapter IV before getting into the other chapters. At the very least I will add some brewery-specific excerpts from those chapters.
The text was tape recorded by RJS, Jr. and transcribed by Mary C. O’Connell, which was her profession. As a result the text tends to ramble, tack, jump and jibe. Chapter IV is 10,760+ words and there was no breakdown in the original text. My intent in rewriting The Schaefer Story is to stay as close to the original text as possible. Therefore, in lieu of inventing my own break down, re-chaptering, etc. I’ve chosen to simply break Chapter IV into 4 sections of somewhat equal length. So, if you intend on coming back to it, keep tabs on the section you’re reading.
Any comments, additional info, critique, etc. is welcome and is a major contributor as to why this is in a blog format. Also, from what I know of Pie, as a creative and forward-thinking marketing mind, I think he would have embraced the digital age, social media/networking, etc. and would enjoy reading The Schaefer Story on the web.
As the blogger, I am simply trying to preserve the history of The F. & M. Schaefer Brewing Company which, after becoming somewhat intimate with the text, transcends the history of just one brand of beer and enters into the realm of the history of the brewing industry, and maybe industry in general, from 1842 through Prohibition and into 1981 – 139 years in all. Within and throughout the text you’ll notice highlighted links to other web pages/sites. Hopefully these links will help paint a bigger, broader picture of the story.
There is much more to come in this story – both from the original text and other on- and off-line sources. Max’s Diary was just added – Maximilian’s (the M in F. & M.) personal diary from his Wetzlar, Germany to NYC voyage. In fact, the story is still developing. Schaefer is still a brand, now owned by the Pabst Brewing Company, and is still America’s oldest lager. I’ve setup a Twitter channel where I try to share small bits of Schaefer history, aggregate and share what others are saying about Schaefer, etc. If you are “Schaefer People,” following @schaeferstory on Twitter will be a good way to stay in, and become part of, the story.
Enjoy and please bring your comments.
The Schaefer Story 
Started in 1949 in Local 59 to wherever they sent me…mostly Budweiser in Westbury…and for Schaefer I was an employee from 1951 till 1982… started in Brooklyn as a yard truck jockey and left as a delivery man . Early days in Brooklyn we had two “Steinewitz” bars open for a half hour in those days… our foreman was called “Shakey Joe”.
I still remember to this day the big “beer strike” in 1949 that hit NYC… I did picket duty on the waterfront…
After Brooklyn I moved up to Westchester County operations and delivered beer until 1982, working as a driver.
Thank you for your efforts on this website… still Schaefer People.
Thanks so much, Ed. You’re the kind of people I was hoping would find this blog. The Schaefer Story just got much richer.
All the best,
Bill
I am great great granddaughter of Maximillan Schaefer, great granddaughter of General Emil Frederick Schaefer, granddaughter of Frieda Elsa Schaefer. Would love to hear from relatives of original Schaefer family. Nancy (Wyatt) Rife rifenancy@live.com
Hi Bill, I have daguerreotype photos of Frederick and Maximillan Schaefer from the Schaefer estate in Stonington, CT. Also other family photos. Do you have any interest in them.
Bob
Rudy came to our house in indianapolis some time in the sixties. He was related as am i. I still keep the schafer name. My grand parents were carl and marie schaefer. Love to make contact.
I grew up watching Brooklyn Dodger Baseball. The games were sponsored by the F&M Schaefer Brewing Company of Brooklyn, NY and ……. Massachusetts. Can you give me the name of the city? Where can I buy a 6 pack? Thanks.
As I recall, Schaefer Beer was the TV sponsor of Brooklyn Dodgers baseball games. Rheingold had the New York Giants & P. Ballentine & Sons had the N.Y. Yankees. Dodgers games could be seen on channel 9, while the Yankees & the Giants shared channel 11. Sadly, all that ended when the Giants & the Bums moved to the left coast.
Hello – My Aunt Gert worked for the Schaefer family for years (many years ago). She always spoke very highly of them.
sounds like you’d know my dad, john o’malley, from schaefer — also i worked at harbor as a drivers helper — i was in the truck that was bulown up & burned on jericho tpk in 1971
I was at a garage sale today and saw an electric clock that had a sticker on the back that said:Property of The F. & M Schaefer Brewing Co. New York, N. Y. Display #615. I purchased the clock and brought it home. It runs but not sure how well. I’ll run it over night and see how it does.
Hi! I worked in the Advertising Dept back in the mid to late 60’s. Those clocks were promotional material generally given to bar owners for over their back bar display. It was lite from the back. It was clear glass showing the numerals. The shape of the glass was like a sail and the bottom naturally coordinated. I worked for several of them in Advertising and the Ad mgr. there was John Nemish. My boss was Mike Carty.
My dad was Jack Geise, he worked for Schaefer most of his career in sales. I have one of those clocks, his presidents circle ring and some beautiful charms. Wonderful company and people!
I should change my name for this group to my maiden name: Mary F Hickey. There was another Mary Hickey in Accounting, so we always had to use our Middle Initial. Hers was “C”.
My 90 yr old dad, James (Jim) Moloney worked with Jack. Be use is a name I remember. We probably met at so.e picnics!
Laurrie:
I remember your father well. He was a fine gentleman.
You are 100% correct–Schaefer was a wonderful place to work.
Jim McElligott
I have no idea how I received this email but sure glad I did. I joined Schaefer in the Manhattan office, located in the Bronx !, in 1963 as a Merchandiser under Gus Koslow. Went to Fairfield in 1965 and worked under Tom Sullivan, then to Albany under Don Sonnenberg, then to NY HQ under Alan Schuster. Left when Stroh took over. I think of the wonderful people I worked with. Bob Leonhart, Bob Romeo, Joe Bellusci, Bob Haubert, etc. So many memories.
James(Jim) Moloney age 90, is my dad. Jim knows all those names!!
My name is Richard Fischer. My grandfather, Louis, his sons Louis Jr., George and Frank and myself all worked for Schaefer in the bottle house, packaging plant, accounting and sales.
I was told that a lady I knew in Albany whose name was Mary Partida married into the Schaefer family years ago. Can anyone confirm ? This would have happened about 45 years ago. I may have the spelling of the last name incorrect.
my grandfather worked in Brooklyn whose name was Rudolf Wallitsch
Hi there, I know someone who has a 100 club pin from Schaefer Brewing. I was wondering if you knew what it is. Thanks
The company used to give out employees a nice remembrance for their service. I got a 10k charm depicting their home in Weisfal Germany. With that I received a “certificate” for five years of service. I still have that charm but changed it to a tie tac so I could wear it more often.. We were Schaeferites alright – my co-worker gave me a gold stein charm to add to my bracelet. The lid also was on a hinge with embellished HB is script (Hoffbrau). When you got to 10 years you got another charm.
Ed, Did you know my grandfather John Reddy?
my dad was a beer salesman for Schaefer Brewing company for many many years, it was the best company he every worked for. He passed away last year and we are reluctant to get rid of any memorabilia. I have a Schaefer tie pin that I have held on to for many years I am not sure why or how he received it but, it is precious to me. We have plastic money banks, light up signs, cotton bags etc.
Thank you for your informative blog!
3 years ago I met my future brother in law. The first question I ever asked him was “what’s your favorite beer?” he promptly replied “Schaefer”. Being in his early 20’s and living in Minnesota, he never actually tried Schaefer beer, but liked the fact that they shared a common name. And he was quite familiar with the Schaefer beer history.
They’re getting married in June, and being a homebrewer, I’d love to take a stab at brewing the lucky couple a batch of Schaefer beer. I know they’d love it because they thouroughly enjoy history. After extensive searches online, I can’t find any references to any Schaefer beer recipes.
I’d much appreciate any recipe help with making a Schaefer beer for their wedding!
Thank you,
Josh Mahoney
Hey Josh –
Cool idea. Unfortunately we do not have the original recipe but I can check with some family members. If he’s never had Schaefer you may be ok with any light lager recipe. Miller has been brewing Schaefer for Pabst for a number of years so the original recipe is no longer in use – and probably hasn’t been for decades.
I would go with a brown bottle and get some unused Schaefer labels from Ebay. Just go to ebay.com and search for “Schaefer Beer labels” – just checked and there are a bunch on there. In the meantime, I’ll check for that recipe.
Thanks for getting in touch!
THANKS! I am working on some family genealogy and the story has entwined itself with the Frederick Schaefer family. Your site has been of great interest, and also provided some valuable information. Here is an obscure link the Will of Max Schaefer. It gives a glimpse into the family workings and names in 1923.
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cannf/unknown_wills_rudolphschaefer.htm
Have you come across a Hans George Schaefer in your research? I’ve been looking for info on him. He was living and working in the Adorndacks in 1963.
My father was a salesman for the company following a letter he wrote to the company while in combat during WWII. He retired as a regional sales manager. I witnessed much of the growth of the company with the traditional dinner table conversations over the years. I got to sail on Mr. Schaefer’s yacht “WERLOU” and on the replica “AMERICA”. My brother got to deliver a case of beer to California in the late ’60’s because of a letter requesting a 25th anniversary surprise of a case of beer were it wasn’t sold, sent to Mr. Schaefer, and his request that my dad “take care of this”. When there was an issue with insurance coverage for teenage drivers of the company car, somehow the problem got mentioned to Mr. Schaefer who told someone responsible for insurance to “take care of this”.
Schaefer son William (Billy) was being shown the details of the family business in the mid ’60’s and his time with my dad ended with dinner at the house with the family. He held the chair for mom and helped clear the table after dinner and knew his way around the sink and loading the dishwasher. Perhaps there is no better proof to the way the company was run then to appreciate the way the “Boss’s” kids were raised.
Hi Bob, Just found out about this site. I knew your Dad very well and liked him very much. I worked for Jack Morris, VP of Marketing and then President of Schaefer. Whenever your Dad came in for a meeting, he always brought me Jersey tomatoes and corn which he claimed he and your Mom picked in their garden. I always sent a thank you to your Mom. Years later, I learned from your Dad’s secretary that he never had a garden and allways picked up the veggies at a roadside stand. I think he enjoyed the joke. I always wondered what your Mom thought. Connie
Connie:
I could not pass up the opportunity to say hello to you after all these years. Hope things have been well for you.
I have never worked with a finer group of people than you, and the other Schaefer people and I hold all in the highest regard.
Warm regards,
Jim McElligott
Thanks for the kind words Connie….it’s true that he never had a garden, but he did have an Irish wit and loved to do those kind of things.
Connie
I remember you very well…Jack Morris’ terrific sect’y. I am Tom Villante from BBDO.
If you can, ps emal me at omc@aol.com..love to hear from you
Connie,
I just stumbled on this web page while looking up Rudy III’s address in CT. Almost fell of the chair when I saw your name on the blog. Have no idea if this email will get to you, but if it does, I hope you are well. Let me know if you are “out there” someplace.
Pete Fearon
Pete–so nice to hear that an old friend is still around. Hope all is well with you.
Jim.
Connie, did you not also work for John Nemish, the Advertising Manager? You were in the office opposite us. We worked together in Advertising – there was Mike Carty, my boss, then Dick Schnetzer, Bob McKinley,(aka Mickey), James Tartar, John Silva, Tom McGloin, and Frank Traynor. I worked there from 1963 until 1969. At some point I went to Internal Auditing and worked under Dave Webster. It was my first job after school. I had been given an application from my teacher. Apparently the company sent applications in to various schools. I applied and right then and there was my only application I ever needed. It was great working for the advertising group.
Hi Connie,, Do your remember me? Wes Booth. work, then Manhattaned both in sales and marketing. All those names stirred my memory of a great company and people. Jack Morris, Bob Murrey, many, many more as I left after ten years; I was Sr. Marketing Mgr., Metro NY. then into sales Manager at Queens then Manhattan, then Regional Mgr New York Stateand New England/ Glad to havefound this site. Hope to,return an d chat more.
Hi Connie – I am Joseph Romond’s son – Bruce. I loved your story about my Dad – never heard about that. Bob has passed away but I am finding the resurgence of the brand very interesting. unfortunately, we live in Florida and it is not available here.
Rob,
I just stumbled across this website while looking up something else on the web. Hard to believe that I’ve seen so many familiar names. I would only offer one correction to your description of your Dad as a “salesman”; I guess we all were, but he was exceptional. We worked together when he was the Regional Manger for Pennsylvania, etc. (I was in Brooklyn working for Walter Lee and Bob Murray.) Years later, I was managing a distributorship in Florida and the brewery rep for Stroh’s lived at Frenchman’s Creek and told me that your dad was working there as a starter on the golf course. Needless to say, I jumped in the car and we had a great visit…just talking about the old days, and how great they were.
I don’t know if this will get to you, but if it does, please know that I was not the only one who thought the world of your Dad.
Pete Fearon
Hello Pete, I joined Schaefer as Sr Marketing Mgr. at 52nd St & and Ave, Bob Murrey convinced me that Sales was the place to work in the beer business…What a great guy for giving me the opportunity to work for him as Branch Mgr Queens. Then Manhattan, then Regional Mgr for New York State and New England States. Oh the wonderful Schaefer people I worked with and the many sports and advertising and other celebs including Jackie Robinson, Bob Gibson, And many NY Giant football greats and Joe Frazer and Muhammad Ali too thanks to the boxing ref who was my PR guy in Queens and reffed a couple of their fights. Art Mercanti, I think.
Hope you are well and .happy. I live outside York,PA now and retired on a small farm, Drop me an email if you remember me and want to recall the often hillarious stories about our Schaefer days.
PS Did you see Tom Villantie’s note to Connie? I tried to email a note to him but this blog would not take any of my email addresses.
My late father owned a tavern in New Jersey and Schaefer was one of his beverage vendors He received a print of the replica of the America yacht recreated by Rudolph Schaefer in 1967 that hung on the wall of his tavern. I would love to know more about this very rare print. Please contact me if you have any information, much appreciated.
I met a young Schaefer woman in Nashville at a Cajun Restaraunt on night. We spoke for approximately 20 minutes about her family business. She was one of the most interesting people I have ever met. I do not remember her name anymore but I can certainly see why the history of Schaefer Beer is so interesting and I can also see that the Schaefer Family kindness has been passed down to another generation. Big Fan!
(It probably didn’t hurt that she was beautiful as well!)
What a great blog– my dad & grandfather & uncle worked for Schaefer. Dad got my g’father’s union book after he died during WW2. My dad spoke very warmly and respectfully of Rudy Schaefer. He wound up in management and left when the company was sold to Busch.
My Grandfather worked and retired from Schaefer Brewery. I still has his employee ID card. He also lost his leg in an accident at the brewery. While recovering, Schaefer gave him a small settlement and would pay for his wooden prosthetic until he turned 75. My Grandfather returned to work when he recovered. My Grandfather used to visit hospitals and encourage other people who lost a leg that they could live a full and happy life, including dancing. My Grandfather lived until 82 years old and without question, Schaefer continued to pay for a new prosthetic leg every year until he passed away. I also have a half wooden barrel, that hangs on the wall and holds Schaefer glasses, that I believe he received when he retired or when he reached a certain number of years working for the company. I also have Schaefer serving trays. My Grandfather was proud to work for this company. He worked the night shift and I stayed over every Friday night and waited up until he returned home. My grandparents lived in Woddhaven Queens and I miss them everyday.
what ever happened to frederick schaefer jr b 1845 he married my great grand aunt elizabeth euler know as lizzie i have a family photo of him if your interested
Hey Robert – I’m from the Maximilian (Frederick Sr’s brother) side, so I’m not sure but I’ll look into it and see what I can find.
I enjoyed the site and just wanted to add a bit of Schaefer trivia. In 1978 I worked as a stained glass artist and developed a technique for cutting bottles and creating 3D objects using traditional Tiffany copper foil methods. I used 12 oz. and 32 oz Schaefer bottles (they were beautiful) to create a lamp that won first prize (in crafts) in the Washington Square Outdoor Art Show. I went on to law school but the Schaefer lamp remains one of my prize works of art.
Awesome! Do you have any pictures?
Like his father before him, my husband worked for the brewery as a keg man for twenty years. Always he spoke with the greatest respect for Rudy Schaefer. Rudy, apparently, wasn’t the typical head of a successful company. Sometimes he would visit the yard on Kent Avenue. Knowing the men and their families by name, and that he took the time to talk to them, clearly impressed my husband. Rudy Schaefer wasn’t an average man but he didn’t forget the average man.
Wow, Kathy. Thank you – VERY nice to read your words.
I want you to know how much working at Schaefer meant to me. I started at 18 in the legal Deptartment on the executive floor and worked with all the VP’s and when Mr. Schaefer Jr. secretary was out sometimes for him. He was such a gracious gentleman and was Mr. Schaefer III. I learned so much about business, etiquette and professionalism during my 7 years with the Company. I can still remember typing at the top of each letter we sent out the phrase “Our….Year”. I have my charm bracelet that was awarded to the ladies who worked there after 5 years and we both still have our id cards.
I meet my husband at work and your great grandfather gave us a beautiful wedding gift that I still treasure. He treated us like family.
Here is a funny story. When we became engaged he stopped into Mr. Heutchy’s office to see me and asked to see my engagement ring. His response was. ” I think we are paying the Traffice Department guys too much, that is a very impressive ring.
Oh for the days of civility in business. thanks for the blog
linda
Whaddya hear in the best of circles? SCHAEFER ALL AROUND!
Schaefer is the one beer to have when you’re having more than one!
We’ll never forget our Brooklyn Dodgers & we’ll never forget
Schaefer Beer!
Just found your site. What fun! I will forever remember my times at 1 Bay Avenue!!!
Hollis Chesley Annibale
Named my son Maximilian Emile…after our Grandpa Schaefer as well as the ‘ originals.’ We have enjoyed the printed copies of this history, as well as the photos, made available to us by Jan Schaefer ( a.k.a “Aunt Jan” who was known for her sweet attention to our Grandma Helene Schaefer which included and was not limited to peach roses ). Thank you for creating a blog! Helene Chesley Purdy , Hamilton, VA
Do you know why schaefer beer split max’s family seemed to take over and frederick’s dropped out edward went to banking george and albert drifted away theresa left even his daughter went back to germany
would you like a picture of frederick jr was in my family album
Would love one! You can email it to schaeferstory@gmail.com
My parents worked for Janet and Rudolph Schaefer at their house in Mamaroneck from 1970-1974. We lived above the garage. My most vivid memories involve Christmas at the house, a trip to the yacht and the dogs.
That’s cool, Tom. I was at that house once; probably around 1980. What did your parents do there?
Thanks,
Bill
Actually, it was ’71-’75. We came from Yugoslavia and my parents’ first jobs in America were as a domestic couple.
Thomas, I just found this site by accident, my dad worked as RJ’s private chauffeur. He drove a 1972 dark blue Oldsmobile 98. His name was Henry Gerold, I am sure your parents would know of him.
All the best, Gary
Oh my gosh, Tom! I am one of ‘Pie’s’ granddaughters and I think you gave my brother and I pigeons! We brought them home to Pa. And our dad built a pigeon cage for them!
I remember the pigeons your parents raised. Your father gave my sister and I each one to take back to pennsylvania. I am Rudy’s grandson, Thomas combs. Thank you for the great memories.
How interesting. My great grandparents (Catherine and Joseph Huber) owned a stable and inn, back the day in Mamaroneck. Joseph would bring the beer up to Westchester and the horses stay in the stables. There must have been an old family connection, because the Schaefer family send a champagne bottle to her on Catherine’s 100th birthday. Where was their house?
After serving in VietNam in 1967, I was fortunate enough to become a Schaefer beer salesman, in Manhattand and later Long Island, from 1968 – 1974. My first branch manager was Des O’Connor in the office on Williamsbridge Road in the Bronx. Pilar and Ellie were office staff there. Reporting to Des were District Sales Managers Tommy Hutchinson, Frank Green, Jack (a super guy) , and Joe O’Rourke. Later, I reported to Eddie Brown and then Ralph Cassanova. Back then, Schaefer salesmen were required to wear not only suit, white shirt, and tie, but a hat as well. I was a charter member of Schaefer’s President’s Club for sales excellence and received a personalized world series sized ring as an award.
Among my proud possessions is a vintage can of schaefer that was cream in color with a red logo along with the slogan “Our hand has never lost it’s skill. I also have a copy of the company magazine, “Foam,” with my picture on the cover. Also, I have a “boat clock” and a pie sized Schaefer branded thermometer, each in like new condition as I treasure them.
Schaefer people, as well as Schaefer training, were nothing but the best. I got my start from a senior salesman, Paul Dawson. I am fortunate to have followed Paul as he was the best. Wonderful, wonderful folks worked for Schaefer; I know that the good people were a reflection of the boss, Rudy Schaefer. Needless to say, I much appreciate the start I received at Schaefer as well as the many, many, fond memories I hold.
Joe Anderson
Wow, Joe! Thank you so much for sharing. You’ve added some really cool pieces to The Schaefer Story.
Joe, just happened to end up on the Schaefer beer site and saw your note. My dad, Albert (Al) Geiger was a salesmen for Schaefer for over 30 years, in the 1960`s-70`s and 80`s. He worked in the City, upper east side then in Queens. He too was a member of the President`s Club and my son (his grandson) has his rings. Just wondering if you knew him??
Rich Geiger
Hey Joe,
I just found this blog after looking up history on Rudy III’s involvement with the Schaefer Art Museum in Mystic, Ct.
I wonder if you new my dad,
Jack Geise? I remember Des O’Connor’s name and my dad was in the Presidents Club too!
Hi Joe. My dad was Frank Greene. A true Brooklyn boy who started out as a Schaefer tour guide naturally found his way to sales. He loved Schaefer. He always kept his employee i.d. and a gift from guys in the Navy who thanked him for a great tour. He was able to raise a family of seven children working for this great company. It was nice to see his name here along with others I remember. The girls in the office gave him a good laugh when the movie Love Story came out. He is in a scene filmed in NYC walking by Ryan O’NEAL. They hung stars in his office as a surprise. I remember he was tickled by that. He used to talk about his good dried Jim Stokes. That was in NJ. We eventually moved to NH when he took on a district manager job in New England. He retired in Naples, Florida. Passed in 2004.
I found this site trying to research my family history. My great-grandmother was Theresa Nohe-Benz. Her mother’s name was Wilhelmina Schaefer. She came to America from Germany in 1889 and lived with a Schaefer family in Brooklyn, NY. I was told that the family she stayed with was the Schaefer’s of Schaefer Brewing. I would greatly appreciate if you had any information that would help my search.
Thank you for your time,
Barbara
Thanks for touching base, Barbara. I’ll dig into this and let you know what I find.
Happy New Year,
Bill
I look forward to hearing from you.
Happy New Year to you,
Barbara
Bill: thanks so much for this wonderful tribute to a brewery that was pretty good to my family over three generations. I was hired as an 18 year old merchandiser in Broolkyn in 1975 and worked through college. My aunt Conne worked in the corporate offices on Madison Ave for J. Morris. My dad, two uncles, grandfather all worked there too in different functions. Thanks for the memories. We all talk about our Schaefer days.
Dennis:
I remember your aunt Connie. When she worked for Jack Morris I also reported to Jack when I was Director of Distribution.
It certainly was a great Company with many many outstanding people.
Jim McElligott
Jim:
I agree with the statement “outstanding people”. Connie remembers you. She left Schaefer in 1974 when I started. Keep in touch, it’s always fun to catch up with people with common ground.
Dennis Garone
HI JIM…HOPE YOU REMEMBER THE SOFT BALL GAMES ……ERNIE FESLER
Hi Ernie–I remember them well.
Nice to hear from you and hope life has treated you well.
Jim
Is your Aunt Connie – Connie Funaro – is if she is – please let me know – we were friends and she attended my wedding, lost touch after we moved to Connecticut. Thanks
Linda :
Yes. Connie Funaro. She started at Schaefer in the late 50s and left in 1974. Is Connie Cicio your cousin? And is Abate your married name?
Dennis Garone
Yes Dennis, my cousin is Connie Cicio and my married name Abate. Connie now lives in Florida at the Villages. She lost her husband Lou about 2 years ago very suddenly just as he retired. I left Schaefer in 1972 when we moved to CT . We have lived here all these years and have two children, Greg who is 39 and married and lives in CA with his family and our daughter Lesley 35 who lives in RI and is married and just had our new granddaughter. My husband Pat worked in the Traffic Department and I worked in the Legal Department. Please give your Aunt Connie my email if you like. Thanks Linda
Hi Linda, It’s amazing to hear from people after all these years. I recently connected with Julie Rutowski Carrol through my cousin in New Mexico (who also worked for Schaefer back in the day). And now to hear from you, another member of our luncheon group, is unbelievable. I do keep in touch with Connie and I knew about Lou. Two years ago, I visited her in East Meadow. We are always meaning to get together but she doesn’t drive and I’m getting older and don’t like to drive far anymore. We always exchange Christmas Cards. Keep in touch.
Hi Connie,
here’s my email loapfa@comcast.net if you would like to chat. also on facebook. love to hear from you. I remember you and Pat dancing the polka at Julie Rutkowski’s wedding! Also, Peter Watson from engineering lives in Madison. He is retired from the real estate business and also Henry von Wotke lives in Ct. Great to hear all those old names. Was wondering if Alice Schilling is still with us?
Hi, I recently bought an old home in New Rochelle NY. We found a trap door that led to a room with a dirt floor. I believe it was used during prohibition. I found an old F&M Schaefer bottle. The number 460 is on the bottom. Any idea how to date this?
Hey Chris – my dad was actually born in New Rochelle! Not sure what the number on the bottle might mean, but I’ll do some digging.
Thanks for getting in touch,
Bill
speaking about archivess….. came across a beer stein with lid in highly finished ,,,,bottom (partially) read SCHAFER CLUB,,, INSIDE OF LID IS MARKED///S AND Q WITH OUT LINRD OF BEET MUG….. ANY INSUGHT ON ITD ORIGIN OR MEANING/////Z????
Bill: thanks for the memories. I worked at Schaefer for over 20 years, until 1972. In my last position I was Director of Distribution for the Company and reported to the Vice Chairman, Howard Jones.
Nothing but wonderful memories of great people- Rudy Sr., Rudy Jr., Billy,
Jack Morris, Bob Murray,Bob Schantz, and Al Heutchey to name just a few..
Please keep the memories coming.
Jim McElligott
Thank YOU, Jim! Love that you’re touching base with other folks on the blog. I’ll keep it coming…
Bill: is this site still active? Haven’t seen any new messages in quite a while.
Regards
Jim McElligot
Jim, my grandfather was Bob Murray. Do you have any good stories to share?
Sean:
Your grandfather was one of the finest gentlemen I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.
One of my fondest recollections of Bob is when he made a position in his operation as a favor to me for someone who really needed a job. This is the kind of man he was
He also carried me into my house after I broke my ankle at a Company picnic (and requested my wife to make him a cocktail).
I think of him often.
Sean,
Your grandfather was my mentor, friend and inspiration. Had more influence on my life than anybody else I can remember. I can share more than just stories about him and your grandmother and would love to do so. peterjfearon@gmail.com
Pete Fearon
Hi, Jim! Do you remember my grandfather, Jim Hewson, by any chance? He was a sales manager for Schaefer, certainly overlapping with you in time. He lived in Mamaroneck and his wife’s name was Helen. They had 2 children, Phyllis (my mom) and Roger. When I saw the name Al Heutchey, it rang a bell. Was his wife Lorna?
I have a photo of Granddaddy with Rudy Schaefer from October 1958.
My email is y2kshel@comcast.net and my phone is 443-553-5358.
Best,
Shelley Evans
Bill – I’m happy to have found your website, and greatly enjoy hearing the words of some old friends. I started with Schaefer in 1969, hired by Joe Cahill, and reported to Alan Schuster in PR, to be assigned to the Lehigh Valley Brewery. Watched it being built, wrote the script for the tour program, and arranged for opening ceremonies in 1972. Remained until the end, arranged the final shareholders’ meeting in Detroit, and then joined Stroh, in government relations, full time until 1989, and as a consultant until 1999, when Stroh sold to Pabst. Had the pleasure of working with wonderful people like Mr. Schaefer, Rudy and Bill Schaefer, Peter Stroh and his family in Detroit, Bill Weatherston, Pat Fox and Norm Swanson, to mention just a few Stroh people, and, of course, those Schaefer names like Jack Morris, Bob Murray, Joe Romond, Norm Bowes, Frank Banko, Bob Leonhardt, Alice Murray, Peggy Redmond, Bob McCarthy, Pete Fitzpatrick, Joe Fitzpatrick, Bob Romeo, Ed Kennedy, Tony Grau, and the list goes on, and on, and on.
Incidentally, one of my final duties at Schaefer was to take the priceless Schaefer Stein Collection from Park Avenue to Tennessee in 1982, to be placed in The Stroh House, one of the highlights of the 1982 World’s Fair. It was then sent on to Detroit. For memories of Schaefer Center at the New York World’s Fair in ’64 and ’65’, I suggest contacting dear friend Alan Schuster, new in retirement in South Carolina, who presided over Schaefer Center, as well as the building of the “America” in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, working directly for Mr. Schaefer. I could go on forever, but for now, thanks for the memories. Jim Finnen, Easton, PA.
Hi Jim – Just realized I never responded to your post. I was actually born on June 15, 1972 – the day the Lehigh Valley brewery was dedicated. I have the scissors that cut the ribbon and a couple of small programs, etc. My dad was given the first two bottles off the assembly line for “giving” his grandfather a great-grandson. Turns out those two bottles of beer were drank when my dad’s celebration ran out of beer.
THANK YOU for getting in touch. I’m assuming you read Alan’s blog post, but if not here is a link:
https://theschaeferstory.wordpress.com/2012/09/30/stories-from-a-schaefer-pr-man/
All the best,
Bill
Jim,
Do you remember “Marcy Hopkins” and the trip to the Superbowl in California?
I had 18 wonderful years with Schaefer, and went on to 29 years with Dr Pepper.
Carol passed 3 years ago but Suzanne has a 4 year old Samantha, both loves of my life.
And, Bob Murray Jr. is my Newtown neighbor.
All the Best.
Bob Finn
Bill: I heard from Jim Finnen a couple of days ago – on his 80th birthday no less – and he mentioned this wonderful blog. It would be quite an honor to add some comments to it, and I plan to do so in the next week or so. I’ll need that much time just to make a list of so many memorable experiences I had in the company of this great man. P.S. My thanks to so many guys listed above who brought back more memories of other Schaefer people I had the pleasure of knowing and working with.
Thanks, Alan. Looking forward to your comments.
I really enjoyed working for you. Too bad for me that I did not exert myself, to the degree you did.
Bob Finn
I had the pleasure of meeting Alan Schuster in the late 1990s when I was the golf coach at Wabash College, where Alan was an alumnus. When I called Alan to gather some information about South Carolina golf courses, he quickly invited me to bring the team to his home on Dataw Island, where they had two fine courses. Four years in a row, I took the team to South Carolina, and each time we stopped for a visit and some golf with Alan. When he told me that he was involved in the development of the Stroh’s 30 Pack, I knew he was my kind of guy, and a true Wabash man.
I thought of Alan today (and found this blog by Googling his name) after my wife brought home a 35 Pack of Diet Coke. Imagine that — it only took three decades for Coca Cola to make the jump from the 30 pack to the 35. From One Beer Lover to Another, this … Diet Coke’s for you!
My Dad work for Schaefer for 25 years as a deliveryman, so naturally Schaefer was the only beer that was served in our home and it was what I grew up drinking (and still do).
I was curious if anyone knows of any place that you can currently purchase Schaefer in bottles?
I have no problem locating it in cans and still enjoy it that way but it has been years since I’ve been able to locate it in bottles.
I live in Nassau county but would be willing to travel in order to get a supply.
Thanks!
Awesome, Ed – welcome to The Schaefer Story! It’s unfortunate, but Schaefer is not available in bottles – cans only, MAYBE 40oz’ers… Start writing Pabst and tell them to BRING BACK THE BOTTLES!
My father John McGrath started on the dock unloading hops with a large vacuum from barges and then was a helper on trucks to New Jersey bars in the 1950’s to 1970’s. I remember getting a newsletter at home each month that included a puzzle for kids , you mailed it in and they sent you a prize. Also Rudy would hand out free turkeys for Christmas. My father had great memories. I remember walking the strike line when I was 7 in 1949 or so.We still have the coasters and trays. B.McGrath
Unreal! Thanks, Brian.
Brian,
Did you have a relative, Margaret McGrath, working in the Legal Department of Schaefers? She was one of our ‘lunch group’!!
Peggy
I worked with Margaret McGrath and Alice Schilling in legal department in the late 60’s until 1971. My husband worked in traffic. We moved to Ct. Was wondering if anyone keeps in touch ith Margaret and Alice. Linda Orlando. Abate
Hi I’m new to this site!
This is awesome! I’ve been looking to connect with anyone who has worked for Schaefer Beer, or is related to any one who worked for Schaefer Beer Company!
My father worked for Schaefer (Brooklyn NY) back in 1974.
Does anyone remember working with ” Philip Vega” ??? He was a delivery truck driver 🙂
Thank you
M.Aldamuy
Yes I recall Phil . I also was a driver in the delivery dept.
Hello, Ignatius (Iggy) Abruzzo,
Thank you so much, for replying to my comment. Is there a way you can email me? I would really like to know if you can please share some of your memories, working with my father, Philip Vega?My email is Jssgkids6@aol.com
Thank you, again!
🙂
Millie Aldamuy
Iggy, Do you or anyone else remember a truck driver Edward (Ed) Beck who drove for Schaefer from after WWII until he retired?
Thank You. Terry
Eddie Beck worked for me when I ran the Distribution Dept.for Schaefer.
Ed was an excellent and valued employee. He also was a good bowler>
Jim McElligott
My family all worked at the Brooklyn, NY facility. The Fischer family.
My grandfather, Louis, and uncle George in the Bottle House.
My uncle Louis in the Packing Plant.
My father Frank in the Accounting Dept.
Myself in the Sales Dept. out of Queens.
Regards,
Richard Fischer
Hi Richard,
When was your uncle Louis in the Packing Plant? I remember working with a Louie Fisher when I first started at Schaefers. If it’s the same ‘Louie’, he was a kind-mannered and lovely gentleman.
Peggy
Louie was still there in the 60’s. I don’t remember when he retired.
I would be very interested in learning more about the life of Rudolph Schaefer. I already read chapter 5 on this site and I own a copy of the 100 Years book. I also read other material and articles available on the internet about the Schaefers and their beer, not to mention the many hours I spent watching Youtube videos and old vintage tv commercials. I like beer a lot and I like history and beer history is the best. Also, Schaefer beer is my favorite brand, even though its technically Pabst/Miller now. Still, its the closest thing you can get to the real deal. I guess it goes without saying that the history of something you like is by far the most interesting history to read about. So, not just beer history but Schaefer beer history – I’m interested. Did RJS ever publish the Schaefer Story in book form? Would it be possible for me to go on ebay or Amazon or somewhere and purchase this book like I did with the 100 Years book? Or was it more of just a family diary that he left just to his descendents? I read chapter 5 but I am also curious about the chapters where he writes of his life. He was obviously a very interesting man. And, the last brewery of the company, the one in Lehigh Valley, PA, it is still there, looks exactly the same and it is still in operation today. Today it is owned and operated by the Boston Beer Company and they make Sam Adams there among other brands. It is not far from my home in Lebanon, PA, and often they post job ads on their website. I always apply with the hope of oneday working in a brewery, but in this case, not just any brewery, but in the legendary Schaefer brewery of PA. Thanks!
Bill,
Just thinking of it now, is there any chance at all – I know it sounds entirely unrealistic and all with the competitive market place, the economy and the taxation and regulations in this country today, not to mention high start up costs and the need for large capital investments and so forth and all the other tedious stuff on the business side of things, but is there any chance at all that maybe Schaefer Beer could make a comeback of some kind? Have you and your family ever thought about or discussed the idea or the possibility of buying back the name and rights and recipes of the company from Pabst and re-starting the F&M Schaefer Brewing Co.? Maybe even buying back some of the still-existing breweries from their current owners and resuming operations as if nothing had ever happened? Because that would be totally awesome if original Schaefer beer were to be reborn and revived. I know its far-fetched, but just an idea, just a thought.
Hello. I remember your grandfather well. He was a lovely man, generous with his time for an english nanny far from home Its been so long since we all spoke. Ithink about you all often and hope you are all well. I look foreward to reading your final version of the Schaefer Story.Wint
I had thoughts along the same lines. With the explosion of micro breweries and craft beer the past few decades, technology, shipping and today’s marketing/social media, I don’t see why it wouldn’t be plausible. And for a leg up, Schaefer has a history unmatched, so the nostalgia would be there as well.
It saddens me in a sense I can buy a craft-beer from 2300 miles away at my local grocery store, but it’s nearly impossible to find anyone who sells Schaefer, with only one distributor I believe in the entire state. I mean, I have a friend from Honduras who knows Schaefer beer. There’s just no advertising anymore, younger generations have never even heard of it.
I too would enjoy seeing a comeback before it’s too late. I do think it’s entirely possible.
Here in North Jersey Schaefer was King of Beers My Uncle owned a Tavern and Shaefer was four of the six taps . Beer was sold in cardboard containers from the tap ! Every picnic everyone drank Schaefer. Then sometime in the early Seventies everyone stopped drinking it /said the recipe had changed everyone said the Beer gave them a headache ….What went wrong Did they change the Recipe ..I would like to hear from some workers from that time.. But Still remember when Schaefer Was The King Of BEERS
Hi., I have enjoyed learning your family history, thank you. I started researching this because we were curious to know the value of a lithograph we found while cleaning out my mother in laws home. It’s titled Christmas At The Inn, which I believe was the Ancestral home of your great grandfather in Wetzlar Germany , It was originally painted by Homer Hill. Very cool to learn the history behind it. Now to see if I can figure out what to do with it, we live in Florida and while it is a beautiful winter scene, not very Sunshine state looking.
Thank you for the history lesson,
Caryn
The ABC series 666 Park Avenue is filmed inside of the former Schaefer Brewery in Brooklyn.
http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2012/11/666-park-avenue-the-devil-sets-up-shop-in-brooklyn-where-williamsburg-hipsters-have-yet-to-tred.html
Awesome, Ed – thanks for the link!
Lorraine Cheney I worked at the brewery from 1960-1963 in personnel records. I remember John Anderson in Insurance, Mr. Tilley (my supervisor),, Maureen Golden (personnel) & Valerie Pettit.I remember that Valerie was dating a guy named Pat Berkery. I was on the bowling team at the lanes in Greenpoint. I bowled on a team with Connie Funaro. Glad I found this site. Thanks.
Lorraine,
Just found this site by error actually. I was secretary up in the Comptroller’s Budgeting Department. I remember you used to be in Personnel, right? I sure do remember the bowling team at Greenpoint Lanes. One night, my (future at the time) husband came to meet me at the lanes, brought a box of Cracker Jacks, and asked if I wanted some. Well, long story short, my engagement ring was in that box of Cracker Jacks and almost got swallowed!! Great memories. Are you still in the neighborhood?
Peggy
I have a painting by Homer Hill of the Historic Royal Orb Inn(Zum Reichsafel), Wetzlar, Germany, Ancestral Home of The Schaefer Brewing Family. Christmas At The Inn. I was wondering if you have any information about it that you could send me. Thank You
Wow – yep, The Royal Orb… I’ll work on getting some info for you.
Thank you very much. I have had this picture since the 1960s’, and never knew much about it. I appreciate your time doing this for me.
I also have the same painting, I thought it was a print. I love that paining! My father worked at the plant in Baltimore. I would also like more information. Thank you for asking!
Hi,
My great great grandmothers maiden name was Schaefer. When my great grandmother moved here from Germany, she lived with the schaefer s I think in Brooklyn. Her name was THeresa Nohe. Also her husband had a pub in New Rochelle and had the Schaefer contract, his name was HErman Benz. Was hoping there might be something in your book that might help with my family history as I was told her relations were those of Schaefer brewing.
Thank you!
My great grand father Joseph Huber would drive delivery wagons of Schaefer beer up to Mamaroneck. They must have know each other. I will inquire about with local family there to see if there is any connecting records with Herman Benz.
My mother Claire Keane would have loved this site. Unfortunately she passed away in January of 2012. My mother worked in the office at both the plant in Brooklyn and in Maspeth. She started in March 1967 and continued until Maspeth was closed. She loved working for Schaefer and remember her years there fondly.
My grandfather was captain of Schaefer’s replica yacht “America”-maybe her first captain; I know it was in the late 1960’s. His name was Walter Karl Johanson. I’d love to learn of any logbooks, photos (!), and stories involving him and that lovely boat.
Paul,
So cool that your Grandfather was one of captains on the replica of the “Schooner Yacht America”.
My Uncle, Lester Graham Hollett, was the very first Captain on her.
The vessel was built in 1967, at Gowdy & Stevens Shipyard in Boothbay Maine. I have a rare, original 16 mm film of the building and launching if the America. I have a lot of documentation about the America, again, some of it may be one of a kind.
If you are interested in more information, contact me at my E Mail;
wahollett@gmail.com
Regards,
William Alec Hollett. (Bill)
Where exactly did u actually pick up the suggestions to write
““The Schaefer Story”? Thanks for your time ,
Amelie
Help! I’m looking for a picture of Schafer Brewery in Albany, NY in the 50’s-60’s. There is a pub in Albany (Stout) that has a picture displayed on their wall and I want to find one just like it. I have searched the internet everywhere and cannot find any pictures. Anyone out there know where I could find this?
Hi Cindy,
My father used to run the Schaefer plant here in Albany. I just found a couple of pictures from that era. Could not figure out how to attach them to this reply. Please email me directly and I can send them to you: wschaefe@nycap.rr.com
Bill Schaefer, Jr.
Bill: please say hello to your father for me. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him at both Albany and Brooklyn.
Jim McElligott
Anybody from Albany remember James (Jim) Dillon ???
NYS Archive aerial shot.
I work for the City.
There were 3 guys I work with that worked in the Albany plant, as well as one active city employee in my facility that worked there.
My great uncle was Albert Schaefer who married Marie T. Beck. I am looking for information on their marriage date, how and where they met. I have other information on them as well as pictures on my ancestry site. I have even visited their graves in Woodlawn Cemetery.
I bought a bronze pitcher at auction with this brewery in 1842 carved in relief from the Wendell August Forge. Does anyone know anything about this? Its the same as the painting. Thanks.
Does anyone know where, if any place, employment records are archived? Thanks
My grandmother was Billy Schaefer’s nanny in the 1940s. I just discovered some pictures that she had of Billy and also of Lucia. Please contact me, I would like someone in the family to have these pictures.
Hi Kelly – I’m sure Billy would love to see them. You can email me at schaeferstory@gmail.com and we can make plans.
Thanks so much,
Bill Combs
Still looking for information on my Great Uncle Albert Schaefer? Anyone out there know something about him? I know he was married but had no children so no close relatives to research.
Thank you for creating this space. I’ve been looking and reading as much as I can about the F&M Schaefer Brewing Co., as well as my own ancestry I know almost nothing about. There seemed to be a complete lack of history until I happened upon this site. I’m so glad to read the information here, and to see everyone’s stories, it’s refreshed my desire to continue my own search.
I have always wondered if I was a decendant of the Schaefer Beer family…no for any monetary gain mind you, but because I am unsure the best way to find out. I have always wondered where from Germany my family came from and was hoping that any information you may have may help me find out. Thanks!!!
I was told I was. I heard the bar is open in Munich
I have inherited my dad’s Schaefer gold charm bracelet. I just purchased 2 of the charms that he did not have. He was Dick Meineker and he was a salesman for the Albany branch. Does anyone know how many total charms there were? I now have 9. Thanks in advance.
My husband received the charm bracelet and 5 charms as sales incentives in the 60’s- 4 steins and the first charm with the company logo. I did not know there were more. Sorry I can not help you but I would like to know how many charms were made. Thanks
I have to count, I inherited 2 bracelets. Both bracelets are completed filled!
I would love to know the total issued also. I believe I have them all.
My uncle Bernie Coogan worked as a salesman in Greenpoint Brooklyn. Does anyone remember him? I remember he loved working there. I just recently came upon a picture of him and I am guessing Rudy Schaefer.
Pat Kerrigan
I remember a Barney Coogan as a salesmen, I worked at Schaefer from July 1953 to Aug 1978 (25 yrs) The last 15 yrs. I worked as a company cashier
Hi mike I recall you when you worked as a cash dept.
Hi Mike, by any chance do you remember “Philip Vega”? He worked at Schaefer too, back in the early 70’s.
Millie Aldamuy
Hi Mike,remember me bill Fay son Donald Fay 21127 employee number,lol. your Dad was my boss.God do I miss Schaefer’s,Proud to have worked there.. Sorry It
had to end.. Take care…
Does anyone remember George Waldron who was production manager from the end of WW II until about 1952. He designed and installed the new (then) high speed bottling and canning machinery, etc. Our dinner table conversation all those years was the innovations in the production and marketing of beverages. Schaefer sponsored the Dodgers and its advertising mascot was Suds, the parti-color cocker spaniel.
I worked with son-in-law, Dick Grinnell at New England Mutual in NYC/ He was quite a guy!
Love this blog and all things Schaefer Beer. Does anyone know anything about the “Stein & Quaff Club” at the Kent facility? All Google could tell me was that there were Schaefer membership cards and stoneware lidded steins marked Schaefer Beer, one of which I just purchased on ebay at a bargain price because it was listed as “Shaefer” without the c.
Dave,
The Stein and Quaff Club was Mr. Schaefer’s luncheon club. it was pretty much limited to some of the senior people at the Brooklyn Brewery. I remember when I was asked to come to the inaugural luncheon, I showed up late and my empty chair was right next to Mr. Schaefer’s. He was so gracious. Unless it changed, the stein given to members of the Stein and Quaff Club did not have any Schaefer identification on it except for a makers mark on the bottom of the stein. The lid had the recipient’s initials engraved on the top. (I have mine in my china closet.)
Hope this helps.
Pete Fearon
Can anyone tell me anything at all about the Stein & Quaff Club at the Kent facility?
All google has is that there were Schaefer membership cards and stoneware lidded steins marked Schaefer Beer 1842, one of which I just scored on ebay at a bargain price because it was listed as Shaefer without the c.
My father (age 92) still has the “zip tab” tie clasp he received in the early-mid 1960’s when Schaefer first came out with zip-top cans. (Dad worked in the Continental Can Co. plant which was adjacent to, and exclusively served, the Schaefer brewery in Albany, NY.)
My uncle was Albert Keller, President and General Manager of the Ritz Hotel Corp. He was married to the sister of my father, Julius Bakos (known as Bill). Rudolph Schaefer and Col. Rupert were close friends of uncle Albert. His son, also Albert was a madcap kid, the model for Rudolph Bemelmans. When Col. Rupert would come for a visit, Albert Jr would put Schaefer beer in the cooler, and when Rudolph Schaefer would visit, junior would put the Knickerbocker beer in the cooler. My father had very good memories of the Schaefer family and spoke of them with fondness.
I wrote to you back in Feb. about the picture of the Historic Royal Orb Inn, and you said that you would send me some info on it, and I still haven’t received any info. I hope that you can still send me the info. I would appreciate it very much . Thank you.
Looking for any and all information regarding the Stein & Quaff Club that existed at the Kent facility back in the day.Recently acquired one of their Steins and am curious about the Club, who it was for, memebership, years of operation, etc…
I just purchased one of these steins at an auction in Manassas, VA. I too am interested in any information about the history of the club and approximate age of the steins.
The Stein and Quaff Club was Mr. Schaefer’s luncheon club. it was pretty much limited to some of the senior people at the Brooklyn Brewery. I remember when I was asked to come to the inaugural luncheon, I showed up late and my empty chair was right next to Mr. Schaefer’s. He was so gracious. Unless it changed, the stein given to members of the Stein and Quaff Club did not have any Schaefer identification on it except for a makers mark on the bottom of the stein. The lid had the recipient’s initials engraved on the top. (I have mine in my china closet.)
Hope this helps.
Pete Fearon
Back in the 1960’s Schaefer had a TV commercial that featured a beautifully built scale model of the old brewery that I think was in Brooklyn, are there any photos of this beautiful model still around ? if so could they please be posted ? thank you. Karl
my grand father’s friend Les Hendricks worked at the brewery in Albany does anyone remember him
My father in law had a book signed by Fritz Sheafer it was a first addition of Uncle Tom’s cabin and was curious if anyone know information about a Fredrick Lehne that was book keeper for them.
My father, Frederick Anderson worked as a delivery driver for Schaefer’s Brewery from 1934 until he passed away in 1967. His Godfather, Eddie Manning got him the job right after Prohibition ended. During WW II Eddie drove one of the two teams of horse driven wagons that Schaefer used during the war. I remember my father working double shifts during the war because of the manpower shortage. I also remember the family hardships caused by the 1949 “Beer Strike”. During the mid 50’s my father was able to get me part time summer work as a helper on a delivery truck to help me pay my way through college. I developed tremendous respect for my father after working on the delivery truck and discovering how physically demanding delivering kegs of beer was. I can honestly say that because of the stability of his job at Schaefer’s, our family lived a good life and that my father’s dream, that my brother and I have an easier life than he did, came true.
I just found this site by sheer luck. My uncle Lester G. Hollett was the first captain on the replica of the Schooner Yacht America that Schaefer had built at Goudy and Stevens in Boothbay Maine. I have a 16 mm film of the construction and sailing of her. I remember as a young boy watching them build her on a vacation to Maine. Found memories for sure.
Hi! My husbad’s Great Aunt Bernice Hollett, nee Evans was married to Lester Hollett. Lester asked my husband to sail in a race in Newport RI in 1967-8 on the Replica of the America. He went to Bath Maine while it was being built. Highlight of his summer. Still talks about it. Admired his uncle Lester Hollett greatly.
Bill:
I sailed with your uncle a few times in the 1960’s when I was employed at Schaefer.
Do you happen to have any copies of the film for sale?
Jim McElligott
Bill:
Any chance that I could purchase a copy of that film?
I was a Schaefer employee for over 20’years and sailed on the America often.
Is the film you have the one showing the recreation of the first race, filmed with members of the Maine windjammer fleet standing in for the originals? If so, would you be willing to get it transferred to DVD so I could get a copy?
I sailing in the Boothbay region and knew many of the people at Goudy & Stevens.
Thanks in advance for your response,
Michael
In 1948-1949, I roomed across the hall from a Rudy Schaefer of the brewery fame at the Choate School in Wallingford, CT. In June 1950, his Father had a truck full of Schaefer beer kegs backed up to their home for our graduation celebration…lot of beer drunk, lot of hangovers.
Can you tell me where Rudy is now?
I would like to know were i could find the schaefer beer
Bil, I finally found your blog and have enjoyed reading post from so many people i used to know both in Brooklyn and Albany When Rudie (lll) and I lived there. thank you for what you are doing to let people reconnect with their happy memories of Schaefer
Hi Jane! I’m sorry to say it’s been too long since I’ve logged in to the blog. I just promised myself that I’ll be better about this going forward. I approved a ton of comments people have been making so give it another look when you have a chance. So happy to see the connections being made! Love, Bill.
hello,
i’ d very interested to hea more about what you kow. My famly tree does incorporat the
schaefers as distant relatives, and I would be willing to provide proof. I found it through following my Van Thomme blood line, which is my grandmother whom i love dearly. Please feel free to e-mail me back, we may be related!
My father ( Philip Vega ) used to work for the company, back in 1974. Does anybody remember him, or does anybody know someone that worked with him? 🙂
I’m also wondering if anybody has a Group photo, or photos with the company’s Employees? “Especially with truck drivers?”
Thanks, Good Day to All!
Millie
Jssgkids6@aol.com
Millie, I don’t remember the name Phillip Vega but if I saw an old picture good chance I would of knew him. I was 43 when I left Schaefers right before they closed. My dad worked there for 30 years
Hi Mike,
Thank you, for responding.
I’ve been searching for my father, for over 23 years, not having a picture of him, has made my search even more difficult. However, I won’t give up, searching. Thanks again 🙂
Millie
My name is Glenn Frederick Schaefer and I live close to Rochester, N. Y.. My Grandfather was Frederick Schaefer and I was told I was related to the Schaefers who owned the Schaefers Beer Garden in Germany. Is it still open?
I’m the great-grandson of Frederick Maximilian vom Saal (the grandson of Maximilian Schaefer).
Here’s a photo of Maximilian (far left) and my G-Grandfather (child in carriage): http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w83/ianvomsaal/MaximilianSchaeferandFredMvomSaal_zpse5b6b24d.jpg
I’ve been told a different account from what’s been published (or not published) about how Frederick & Maximilian acquired the original Sommers brewery – originally Fred and Max were actually teamsters working for Sebastian Sommers. The brewery basically fell into financial ruin, so when he couldn’t pay them they got the brewery as payment. I know it doesn’t sound quite as nice as ‘the brothers dreamed, and planned, and saved and were eventually able to buy the brewery from Sommers’, but it’s the truth.
There’s a picture of F&M entertaining the Schaefer family in the Schaefer 100th year book (I think it’s on page 10). Everyone is sitting in front of a gazebo (this was actually the bandstand on the estates property). Here’s another picture in front of this bandstand with Maximilian in the back (my Great Grandfather is the child in front of him):
http://vomsaal.org/family/photos-old/historic_Sharon_Springs/880x660_SHS2000p091_jpg.htm
This is the actual bandstand they were sitting (notice the band playing – if you follow the path to the left you get to the Magnesia Temple – continue walking and you get to the Schaefer house):
http://vomsaal.org/family/photos-old/historic_Sharon_Springs/880x660_SHS1997p71_jpg.htm
This is the Magnesia Temple seen in the background left of the bandstand picture (this was quite big; people would dance to the bandstand music inside this):
http://vomsaal.org/family/photos-old/historic_Sharon_Springs/880x660_SHS1997p241_jpg.htm
This fountain was in a small corner of the Temple (to get an idea of it’s size):
http://vomsaal.org/family/photos-old/historic_Sharon_Springs/880x660_SHS2000p10_jpg.htm
This is the Schaefer House (aka the vom Saal estate). My Great Grandfather, Grandfather, and Father grew up in this house – This is where Schaefer grew the hops for their beer:
http://vomsaal.org/family/photos-old/historic_Sharon_Springs/880x660_SHS1997p42_jpg.htm
I don’t want to bore you with any more as I’ve taken up quite a bit of space here, but hopefully someone here will find this a little interesting.
it was so nice to find this site, My dad, John Campion worked as a truck driver for Schaefer from the forties until his retirement in the seventies, He always talked about the owners and how kind they were of the workers. We lived in the Bronx, and he drove in every type of weather to Brooklyn every day. The funniest story , he told was that there was a little newsletter for the employees; One day it mentioned that my dad John P Campion, had died. He called the office and I guess there was some mistake, the women on the phone was so upset!!!!!
Hi, Max! My grandfather, Jim Hewson, was the regional sales manager in the NY area for Schaefer Beer at least in the ’50s. I have a 1958 photo of him with Rudolph Schaefer, signed by Mr. Schaefer, receiving what appears to be a pin of some kind. I’m happy to email you a copy if you like. Regards, Shelley Evans
Forgot to mention that my mom, Phyllis Hewson Evans (Jim’s daughter) kept up with Helene Schaefer until Mrs. Schaefer’s death in 2001. (Mom died in 2012.)
Does anyone recall the implosion of the Schaefer Brewery in downtown Albany going very badly? As in, it blew UP instead of in, and pieces went flying? I recall a Knickerbocker News or Times-Union photo of a new aluminum block car (a Chevy Vega?) skewered like a cocktail wienie right through the hood with a piece of structural steel that flew off.
If my memory serves they had to wait out unexploded material and ended up soaking it for safety and then demolishing it the old way with a wrecking ball. Am I crazy?
I am searching for Schaefer Music Festival poster, circa 1969 to reproduce in an art book I am writing, please contact author: pieliasoph@fairfield.edu –Not to buy – just get a clear pic of poster. I am an art historian – but have fond memories of those rock shows in Central Park –Thanks, Philip
I’m trying to find a photo of an electric, moving sign for Schaefer Beer from the mid-1940s that depicted female juggler Trixie performing several tricks as the sign moved. Does anyone know of any photo or video of this?
My father worked for F&M Schaefer Company in Baltimore. I have may pilsner glass and I believe I have some of the coasters. I also have a print of the original brewery or the original family home in Germany, that was given to him and the matching Christmas card. I remember that he enjoyed his job and the people he worked with. I will have to gets some pictures of the glasses and the print and share them with you.
I am Kathleen Quinn. My great grandfather, Terence J Quinn was a partner in the old Quinn and Nolan Brewery.
I have a few questions for you. email is the best way to communicate
Canny,many years l wondered what happened to those Schaefer people l worked with 16th years. It was pleasure reading the blog. Hope you guys remember me. Eddie Ortega l was Office Manager. I worked with Bill Fevola, and managed the mailroom and printshop. You may remember Angel Colon, Mark Cruz and Jimmy Ligthtell.
My friends Dad worked &loved his job at. Schaefer so all of Amityville favoite. I loved their Larger Beer & Rheingold. Today in NY.& Fl. you can’t find either. I am now a Yuenglings drinker but would love to have a Schaefer because I never drank just one, always had more then one.
Well, I notice that the comments have died off for the past year or more, but I figured I’d post anyhow. I still enjoy Schaefers as a nostalgic reminder of a great tradition in brewing. Of course that nostalgia is based on my grandfather Bears many happy years with the company, and the stories I’d heard as a child, but hardly remember much of. Even my mother Eileen told stories of times she’d been to the plant with him, but I was too far young to commit it to memory at the time, and this would be about the only place I feel I could pick up some valuable info of his years with Schaefers.
I don’t know much of his tenure, or even which plant(s) he worked at, but I do know that he retired from Schaefers in 1973, and I have the engraved mug he was presented on retirement as well as a rimmed serving tray from the 70s(?) that he’d always kept around. This question was asked already, but I see no indication of reply. Is there anyone or some place to find past employment records?? I also, am trying to piece together a geneology report, but these just happen to be missing years in my grandfathers history, and it would be great to fill them in with cerebral memorabilia of the years he cherished most.
My grandfather was Albin E. Bear, and I’d assume that to retire, you’d have to have put in your time. That being said, I would love to hear from anyone who has stories, or maybe pictures from the plants and workers. Thank you in advance for reading this, and for any replies!
Hutch
My Dad, John Flannery worked at the Brooklyn plant of Schaefer brewery from the early 1960’s to August 1975. He was a victim of a homicide on Fordham Road in the Bronx.. He was always talking about the national breweries underselling the local breweries and it would eventually put the little guys out of business. He said that the union would lobby the state senators to try and prevent this from happening. Ironically the brewery closed in 1976. I wonder what would have happened to my father if he lived. I worked part-time as a helper on the trucks. Eddie Cantwell worked in the traffic department and was a friend of my Uncle’s from the Korean War. Never thought it smelled good while it was brewing, but it sure tasted great. The one beer to have when you’re having more than one.
John Flannery, Orange County, NY
My dad Jim Moloney worked with John. I remember the name. My dad is now 90.
I am looking for a lady by the name of Mary Partida who I was told married in the Schaefer family years.
ago. Any update would be appreciated. She had a daughter whose name was Courtney.
I am very interested in obtaining a complete copy of the book about the history of the F. & M. Schaefer Brewing Company.
My father worked for the company from 1947 to 1973 when he had to take early retirement for health reasons.
I worked for the company from June 1968 until September 1978 when I was laid off because of economic cut backs. I started in the mailroom, but then transferred to the packaging plant in 1969.
My main responsibility was to read all the beer meters and package counters. These readings were then used to show how many barrels of beer were pumped through the beer lines in the last 24 hours, how many cases of beer were packaged in that same time period, and what was efficiency of each of the various beer lines, whether 12oz., 7oz., 32oz., etc.
It was very interesting work for a young teenage boy just out of high school.
I am Schaefer!!! I had no idea there was a website. I’m looking forward to checking it out further and obtaining some gear too. Yay!!!
That would be awesome if a job position became available to me and I worked there. Let me know !!
I was the first female to work at the F& M Schaefer Brewing Company on Conkling & O’Donnell Street in Baltimore, Md in 1976 I met the owner on several occasions, he would come through and stop to speak with all his employees as though they were family. Although before this job, I only worked office jobs, this was my favorite job in all my life, wonderful people to work for and with.
My name is Bob HEISE I worked for the company from 1964 – 1969. It was a great company we enjoyed every day we went to work
My father was manager of production and maintenance of Schaefer brewery Lehigh Valley, Pa, from 1968 to 1974.
I have a print of the painting “Christmas at the Inn “, hanging in my basement. As well as a number of steins and advertising.
Have a great day.
Interesting blog. By dad worked for the American Can company, and for over 20 years, he made virtually every Schaefer Beer can the company produced. Anyway, I am working on a project related to beer and baseball. I notice you touch on the Dodgers sponsorship in the posted chapter, but was wondering if you had any more information related to that and the Schaefer Circle of sports. Thanks
What Wall Street firm took them public?
My dad, Hank Coment, had a diesel repair shop across the street from the Schaefer Brewery in Albany back in the 1950’s (maybe earlier). He and his other mechanics worked regularly on Schaefer’s trucks. I remember great fun riding with my dad when he would finish work on a Schaefer truck and drive it over to what I seem to remember being a kind of underground truck garage. The aroma in the air around the brewery is etched in my memory too. We moved to Florida in 1957 but the family returned to Albany just about every summer through my teenage years to visit family and my Dad’s friends in Albany. We would always stop by the brewery and visit his old friends there and even get an impromptu brewery tour. It never got old. Fond memories.
Hello! I am Brazilian and the initials of my name is also RJS … That is, Renan Josiah Schaefer. I want to congratulate you on the page. Proud to be Schaefer! Congratulations!
Having new insulation blown into our attic, when one of the guys brings down an old Schaefer beer bottle(!) The label lists breweries in Albany, NYC and Baltimore, so it must have been up there since the original construction in 1970!
I have a copy of, J. E. Buttersworth: 19th Century Marine Painter, By Rudolph J. Schaefer. In the book there is a note to Geoffry C, Armbrister that is signed by Rudy Schaefer on June 29th, 1975. There is also a letter on company letterhead to Mr. Armbrister that is signed “Rudy.” I was searching for information and came across your blog.
Hello Bill,
I really enjoyed and am enjoying learning more about the family story.
I have a bit of a weird question/request. My grandfather who is 88 years young, is a member of the 50 pounder club. He’s told me stories for years about it. He’s been very upset that he lost all documentation of his catch and membership in this exclusive club. I would love to surprise him and get something to commemorate this, hang it on his wall with all his other achievements. I was wondering if have any archives from that time. He mentioned that there was a New York Times article about it.
If you can help me find something I can present to him, I would truly appreciate it. I know that it was in 1966 at the end of November.
Thank you and keep up the great work!
One of your commercials was filmed circa 1978-82 in a backyard. It featured a barbecue by a pool, with the grill chef holding and feeding a puppy hot dog bits. The puppy was ours, borrowed for the commercial which was filmed next door, in Hewlett Neck on Long Island in NY.
Any chance you have or could point me to video of the commercial? It’s simply nostalgia for my family
I am looking for Vintage all original 1960’s/1970’s electric bar brewery Schaefer Brewing Company to replace my late Grandfather’s that has broken. Can you help?
Hi, I’ve just been appoint as the new brand manager for America’s oldest lager. The i’ve read are great, but i’d love to connect with you to learn even more. Our goal is to bring back an iconic American beer and I know we have to appreciate our past to build a future.
Schaefer Beer just created a new Facebook page. Check it out and feel free to add to it
https://www.facebook.com/schaeferlagerbeer/
Thanks!
I just purchased a silver plate trophy and it says F & M Scheafer Brewing Company Prediction Log Contest 2nd place 1967 – I can’t find anything about it online and wondered if you had any information about it
shaefer beer was number one in delawre 60s 70s shlitz undercut their keg price to takeover stone balloon
I was a Schaefer beer drinker for years. The Champange of bottled beer. I loved that light pilsner taste. To bad that has all changed. Since the original tasre isn’t there any more, you can not distinguise it from some other beers like you could in the past. Bummer—- not the best any more.
My father was awarded the distribution rights for Delaware and Schaefer beer was responsible for our family’s continued success in the beer wholesale business.
What happened to Hank?
Hello Schaefer Story!
My name is Haley Watt and my grandfather was Bob Murray, VP of Marketing I believe until he passed away suddenly in 1973. I would have been his youngest granddaughter and I’ve always been eager to learn more about my grandfather who I’ve heard was a true class act. A couple years ago I had to do a school project creating an advertisement on prohibition, so I painted the classic Schaefer lady with the Dodgers hat. I’d be happy to share a picture of it on here, as I’m busy finishing my summer, painting copies for my aunts & uncles, Bob’s 7/8 children. I am heading into my sophomore year at Roger Williams University, but my family still lives on Long Island and I’d love to find some more history about my grandfather, as I am majoring in Marketing & Graphic Design, I guess you could say it’s in my blood just as much as the Schaefer taps were in the Murray house walls growing up!
The Schaefer picnics in NY were so great. Late 60’s. First time I had lobster. My dad was Frank Greene, sales and district manager. Brooklyn and then NJ. What a company.
Hi, Bill – was Lt. James G. Schaefer (killed in WWII) a member of this Schaefer family? Thanks.
Hello my name is Jill Funaro. I was wondering if anyone knew my parents they both worked at Schaefer. My dad was a salesman his name was Louis j Funaro and my mom was a secretary Florence Garvin( Funaro) they worked in Brooklyn. I’m hoping someone remembers them. Thank You!
Bill, my Grandfather, Eugene (Gene) O’Connor worked in the Albany NY brewery and I have fond memories as a young child of touring the brewery with him. If you have any company info about him that you can forward, it would be greatly appreciated. On another note: Rudy Schaefer (had a boat named “Foam 2”) bought my fraternal Grandfathers house on Mamaroneck Road in Scarsdale, NY.
Any information about Gene’ s tenure at Schaefer would be greatly appreciated!
Merry Christmas!
Patrick O’Brien
Pobrien@swiftelectrical.com
My grandmother, Frieda Elsa Schaefer , was the granddaughter of Maximilian Her father, Emil Frederick, was not very involved with the brewery. Her mother Aurelia Runk Schaefer kidnapped her and her sister, Eleanor. When found in Canada, my grandmother came and lived with her Uncle Rudy at 6 Beach Avenue. My sister, Nancy, and I are the only grandchildren of Frieda and have always been very interested in our Schaefer ancestry. Please feel free to contact me as I believe we are related.
Dear Mr Combs
I have in my possession an original lithograph of ” A Winters Day at the Original Schaefer Brewery”. It says Broadway and 19thSt. NYC 1842. Which is an AMC movie theatre today.
I was wondering if there is any interest in purchasing this lithograph from me. I’m giving you first dibs this as it is part of your family history before I try and sell it elsewhere.
My uncle Jack McClaughlin was a floor manager in the late 60’s to late 70’s for Schaefer Brewery.
So with that said, looking forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Maria OToole
Mariaotoole327@gmail.com
Hey Bill, just was reminiscing about the past and was thinking about Bill Shaefer and family. I wet to school with him at Tabor Academy(1980) and was a neighbor and good friend of his on Nantucket. I found it remarkable that his dad was struck by lightening not once but twice. It was always delightfully entertain to be around his family. His family defined elegance. Are you his cousin? I have since moved far away from The Grey Lady and last I heard he was living up around Loudinville, NY. Anyway, let him know Jon Haddon said “hello”. Interesting blog. Look forward to reading more.
I have been told that my great grandfather Zeiss came from Germany to be head brewmaster at Schaefer Brewing. His daughter Minnie Ziess went to Catherine Gibbs, came to Princeton as Gerald Lampert’s (of pharmaceutical fame) personal secretary and married my father’s father Alfred Neilsen a Dane who latter “Americanized” his name to Nelson.
It looks like some years have passed but I would like to add that my Father Joseph Gemmell worked at the Brewery in Brooklyn from 1965 till its closing in the mid 70’s. My father worked in the maintenance crew and he says till this day (he is 93) that working for Schaeffer was the best and happiest job he ever had. My father was from Scotland and because of his accent everyone referred to him as “Scotty”.
Great info ! I have been doing research on my family history and looks like I had some Schaefer Relitives in the NY area before they somehow got to Wausau Wisconsin.
Do you have any info or knowledge in your research of family in Wausau ?
Thanks in advance ! !
Hello,
I just found your blog and would like to get in touch with you. My mom worked for Schaefer beer in the late 1950’s and has some photos you might be interested in. She received them from the Wholus family whom we believe was a friend of Mr. Schaefer. One of the pictures is of a horse drawn delivery and the other a banquet dinner. She thought you might like to have these photos. Please let me know if you are interested in them and we will forward them to you.
Thanks,
Donna and Doris (my mom)
Sorry for such a slow response, Donna. What a treasure! It would be great to have any old photos. Are they scanned so you can email them or are you wanting to mail actual photos?
Thanks,
Bill Combs
Was this beer once spelled without the “c”?
Wes Booth
Just wondering if there are any of my fellow employees from the queens and/or Madison Ave offices who visit this site. I had many great years from @ 1967-1977 serving in sales, regional manager, special accounts manager,,,
My Best To All,
Wes Booth
bwes818@gmail.com
HI Wes – I’m not sure how I found this site, but my dad was Jack Geise. He loved working for Rudy and “young Rudy” as he called him for many years. I know he worked on Long Island, in the Queens office and NJ for a time. Sadly, he passed away in 2008. My family always remembers the fun times at fireman’s fairs, events at the Garden and of course The Schaefer 500. We all still have our Schaefer bags, clocks and trays which we all cherish.
Lauri: I knew your Dad quite well. We bowled together for a few years.
He was a real gentleman and a fun guy.
Is this blog still active??
It is, Jim, though I don’t have as much time to spend on it these days. I’m going to try to reengage as much as possible. Sorry for the slow reply, but thanks for getting in touch!
My dad worked at the brewery in Albany and knew Bill Schaefer fairly well. He cleaned and serviced Bill’s beer tap in his home. He always said what a nice guy he was and wonders how he is. My dad is 98 and still enjoys an occasional beer. His name is Ed Zimmerman.
Thanks for the Schaefer history. I’m just getting started researching my husband’s ancestors.
My name is Tony Greene I went to Camp Norway in Vermont with one of the Schaefer children a Daughter named Edna or Edma is she still with us?
Really glad you reached out, Tony. My grandmother was Edmee Schaefer. She passed years ago. Her youngest brother, Billy, is still alive but was 12 years younger than Edmee. He doesn’t recall that camp name, but likely wouldn’t since he was so much younger.
Ed Did you know my dad and uncle Bill fay and my uncle Harold Fay I working yard and traffic
My dad John John campion and my grandfather both worked at Schaefer. He mentioned that he would come and greet the workers every day.
My 90 yr old dad Jim Moloney worked with Al Geiger. I remember him from company picnics back 8n the 79’s. My dad still wears his President Club rings.
I would like to receive updates to your work.
Does anyone have ANY information on one of the younger sons, Albert Schaefer (1867-1935). I have some but not marriage information- I am on Ancestry but information about him and his wife Marie T. Beck Schaefer.
This is crazy….I was reading about our brewery in Pittsburgh (duquesne brewery) and thought of our friend, gerry (or Jerry) Combs, back in the 1970″s. We sailed on his family’s skipjack on Long beach
Island, and then in the Chesapeake. He went to the University of Pittsburgh, our hometown. we were friends for years! we even borrowed his cat to feast on unwelcome visitors in our basement! He was a great buddy…I’d love to reconnect.
becky friday
That’s awesome, Becky! Jerry is my uncle. I’ll let him know you were in touch. If you send me your contact info I’ll get it to him. My email: combsiv@yahoo.com
Is there any information on Albert Schaefer, early 1900’s, who was my great uncle? Like when he was married etc?? Can’t find much personal information about him!
Marita Varnes
Sent from my iPhone
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Hi Bill, I posted multiple pictures and info about the Schaefer family back on January 11, 2015 but never heard anything back. I’m the great-grandson of Frederick Maximilian vom Saal (the grandson of Maximilian Schaefer).
– Ian C.T. vom Saal
Try a variation of Albert as that is not how it would be spelt in the German language. Maybe Albrecht?
My dad was Albert Geiger, he was a salesman in the 1950’s to 1980 mostly in the city , upper east side , and also Queens. We had a basement filled with Schaefer memorabilia….great stuff. I remember the Schaefer picnics at Eisenhower Park on Long Island, great memories, great company.
I thought that some of you might be interested in this:
https://originalschaefercompany.com/
I was able to purchase some recently , it is not the same taste but still good.
This “Deed to a bit of Ireland” was passed down to me from my great grandfather, i’m wondering if anyone has any information on these? any info would be great, thanks!
https://ibb.co/Rj8rQw1
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10159200589097462&set=gm.5492042810862728&idorvanity=316562165077511
Thanks for sending this on- I had already read the info on the Schaefer Story but am looking for more personal info on my Great Uncle Albert Schaefer. Have very little on him. Marita Varnes
Sent from my iPhone
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Good luck, Marita! I only have a few things here and there on my grandfather, Jim Hewson, per the Schaefer mag page I posted on Facebook yesterday. If I come across any tidbits that mention your Great Uncle Albert Schaefer, I’ll be sure to post them! When was he alive?
Uncle Albert passed away in 1935, I believe. I have been trying to find out when he and my Great-aunt Marie were married. He lived in New York and she lived in Peoria, Illinois- can’t figure out how they even met. I have some passport info on them from 1906 so they probably were married some time before then
My grandfather started with Schaefer in October 1933, so it’s unlikely they overlapped. However, as I said, I’ll keep an eye out!