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This article was originally published in the Grand River Valley Review Vol. VIII, Number. 1

It later appeared in the Fall 1991 edition of NABA's
The Breweriana Collector magazine

All brewery photos & portraits, unless otherwise noted, compliments of Dr. Wilhelm W. Seeger, The Grand Rapids Public Museum, or the Michigan Room of the Grand Rapids Public Library. Dr. Seeger also wishes to thank Gordon Olson, The Grand Rapids City Historian for his help.

Using the latest in techniques and equipment from both the United States and Germany, the Grand Rapids Brewing Company produced a variety of fermented cereal beverages, including "Silver Foam" beer, "Hops and Malt" beer (Ed. Note - This was actually a "malt tonic" or unfermented health drink), porter, bock beer and Pilsner. The company's market expanded to encompass not only local consumers but also those in many other western Michigan communities and in surrounding states as well.

The huge company's only local competition came from the Petersen Brewing Company. This company was the successor to the old Michigan Brewery on West Bridge Street. Launched by Peter Weirich in 1856, the company was managed by its founder until his death on April 1, 1887, and then run as the Peter Weirich Brewing Company by his heirs, who sold it in 1894 to Julius R. Petersen and Jacob Wipfler. A year later, according to the city directory, Petersen was the sole proprietor.

Grand Rapids Brewing Co.
Brands

Petersen Brewing Co.

During the first decade and a half of the twentieth century, the local beer industry flourished as never before. The Grand Rapids Brewing Company, the largest producer of beer in western Michigan, continued expanding its already huge facilities. In 1900 the addition of a large new bottling department was an "absolute necessity," according to company officials, since the "fame of their Silver Foam brand has spread from state to state until it is demanded in all parts of the country." Another building, constructed in 1905, contained an auditorium, apartments and storage area. Plans for the building were drawn up by Christian G. Vierheilig, a local German-American architect.

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Revised: December 30, 2006