About this episode
This episode explores the history of Drewry's Brewery and its significance in South Bend's industrial heritage through an interview with historian Wes Weaver.
For decades, the massive Drewry’s Brewery complex on South Bend’s northwest side stood as one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Long after production stopped, the towering brick buildings along Elwood Avenue remained a reminder of South Bend’s industrial past. In this episode, I sit down with Drewry’s historian and collector Wes Weaver to uncover the incredible story behind the brewery. From its roots as the historic Muessel Brewery, to Prohibition era intrigue, Detroit organized crime connections, federal investigations, corporate mergers, and the eventual collapse of regional breweries - this is a fascinating dive into one of South Bend’s most iconic industrial giants. A huge thanks to Wes for sharing his incredible research and passion for preserving brewery history. Be sure to check out Wes's article: Born in Canada, Built in Detroit, Brewed in South Bend. The Story of Drewrys Limited USA Check out the Brewery Collectibles Club of America website: https://bcca.com/ _________________________________________________________ Big thank you to Dan Berry Insurance for supporting the show. I’ve trusted them for over 25 years - their customer service and commitment to our…
People in this episode
Host: Matt Emery
Guest: Wes Weaver
Topics covered
- history
- breweries
- industrial past
- Prohibition
- organized crime
- regional breweries
Keywords
- Drewry's Brewery
- South Bend
- Wes Weaver
- Muessel Brewery
- Prohibition
- industrial history
- brewing
- organized crime
Sponsors
Dan Berry Insurance, Allie's Cafe
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Drewry’s Brewery, Muessel Brewery, Brewery Collectibles Club of America
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