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The very interesting history and demise of a family run brewery in Placerville, CA

On December 13th, 1913, the Placerville Mountain Democrat newspaper announces the death of Mrs. Mari Giebenhain, if you were a resident of Placerville at this time you probably would know that name.

The location of the brewery was perfect because it had a well where he could get fresh and clean water he even supplied other businesses with fresh water as well. soon the Giebenhain brewery was doing fantastic. everyone loved the beer he made…

Fredrick died in 1875 though and the business moved on to his sons who were the ones that brought about The Mountain Steam Beer.

Which made them famous all across the country

Placerville Mountain Democrat June 5, 1897

Placerville Mountain Democrat May 29, 1897

In 1902 the U.S Health Bulletin completely endorsed the Mountain Brewery's Steam Beer.

Here’s what he said…

In 1904 Fredrick Jr. died. In 1905 William died and in 1910 henry died. Leaving only Frank Giebenhain of the Giebenhain brothers.

Frank was more interested in mining even though the gold rush was long gone by then, when prohibition came he closed the brewery

Berkeley Daily Gazette March 25, 1930

From the limited information, I was able to find in my research the brewery was handed to the Fausels, whom Mary Giebenhain (one of the Giebenhain kids) married Emil Fausel.

The Newspaper clipping above it mentions they tried near beer and soda…

However, I found they were sued in the middle of prohibition for the sale of alcohol, and also in Frank Fausel's obituary, it mentions that he often talked about how they kept on making alcohol in the more remote parts of their home’s property.

Placerville Mountain Democrat July 16 1926

Something to think about… Hysteria

Prohibition came about due to hysteria. Not the official term but it fits. People were overly emotional about alcoholism in their families and towns, they wanted the government to do something about it.

So they signed the Volstead Act into law which led to the 18th amendment.

Simply banning something doesn’t fix anything. In fact, it made many regular people into criminals, people who were simply doing business now were now labeled as evildoers and also out of work. Thousands of people were put out of work because the government deemed them to be a problem to please the mob.

History doesn't repeat itself, it rhymes

Today, Prohibition is viewed as a time of ridiculousness. Covid lockdowns were not a repeat of prohibition but surely rhymed. Both were fueled by mass hysteria and resulted in businesses closing up for good. Both were political. Both caused more harm than had nothing been done. Back in prohibition, The Mountain Brewery was closed down among thousands across the country. During the Covid lockdowns, The Placerville Brewing Company was closed down among thousands across the country. Never forget how harmful Prohibition was, never forget how even more harmful the Covid lockdowns were.

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