Dublin Core
Title
Fox Head Brewery Sign
Subject
Business
Brewing
Brewing
Description
Although collectors items today, back-lit signs like this one were often free merchandising to bars and taverns from distributors. The Fox Head Brewing Company of Waukesha (1893 - 1962) is best recognized by its logo, as seen in this stein. Nicknamed “Headley,” the fox began as a realistic image, transforming over the years to a more animated cartoon, and finally a stylized logo as seen here.
The business began as the Imperial Spring Brewery, a venture started by Chicago liquor dealers looking to capitalize on the reputation of Waukesha’s water and the proximity to the established brewing market in Milwaukee. Two investors, Charles Manegold and August Lindemann became sole operators by the turn of the century. Renamed the Milwaukee / Waukesha Brewery, products included Health Beer and Tonic Lines, along with ales and porters. Emilie Lindeman became president in 1928, reorganizing as the Fox Head Beverage Company. After prohibition, she oversaw the launch of a new flagship beer, Fox Head “400,” which became one of Fox Head’s most successful brands.
The brewery was smartly located along Williams Street, nestled between the Chicago & Northwestern and the Soo Line. Several mergers in the mid-20th century sought to maintain the brewery’s market, including a merger with neighbor Weber Brewing in 1958. The Heilman Brewery in La Crosse bought and closed the brewery in 1962. After falling into disrepair, the building was demolished in 1967.
Donor: Donald Portz
Adopt an Artifact Sponsor: Bonnie Byrd & Matthew Riffe
The business began as the Imperial Spring Brewery, a venture started by Chicago liquor dealers looking to capitalize on the reputation of Waukesha’s water and the proximity to the established brewing market in Milwaukee. Two investors, Charles Manegold and August Lindemann became sole operators by the turn of the century. Renamed the Milwaukee / Waukesha Brewery, products included Health Beer and Tonic Lines, along with ales and porters. Emilie Lindeman became president in 1928, reorganizing as the Fox Head Beverage Company. After prohibition, she oversaw the launch of a new flagship beer, Fox Head “400,” which became one of Fox Head’s most successful brands.
The brewery was smartly located along Williams Street, nestled between the Chicago & Northwestern and the Soo Line. Several mergers in the mid-20th century sought to maintain the brewery’s market, including a merger with neighbor Weber Brewing in 1958. The Heilman Brewery in La Crosse bought and closed the brewery in 1962. After falling into disrepair, the building was demolished in 1967.
Donor: Donald Portz
Adopt an Artifact Sponsor: Bonnie Byrd & Matthew Riffe
Creator
Waukesha Fox Head Brewing Company of Waukesha
Date
1950's
Rights
Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum