The reading for this week was The Northern Free Black Occupational and Housing Patterns. There were two sections of the reading, the employment and the housing of free African-Americans in urban cities. The overall goal of the reading was to highlight the injustice and the segregation that free blacks faced both economically and socially during the 19th century.
The first section of the reading focuses on the role urban cities played in the life of African-Americans. Urban cities represented the heart of economic activity and during the 19th century if anyone was seeking work opportunities there best chances were in the cities, but that was not the case for many free African-Americans. The difficulties the black community faced when seeking work opportunities were due to the legal segregation between whites and blacks. For instance, the reading gave us examples of how states would pass legislators that would hinder an African-Americans economic enterprise. One example was prohibiting free blacks from obtaining a liquor licence. As a result, blacks could not own grocery stores because a grocery was usually considered the source of selling liquor. This shows how one law could affect the black community in multiple ways. Another goal of the reading was to show the devaluing of many blacks. For example, blacks whose occupation were doctors or dentists were not recorded in the census as having professional careers but rather as cabinet makers or barbers. Unfortunately, this shows that many free blacks were neither recognized for their hard work nor successful at always getting the jobs they wanted. However, in many southern cities at least more than one half of blacks were finding occupation in jobs that were promising economic advances than in northern cities like Albany, where less than one-half of blacks were finding the same type of jobs.
The second half of the reading was about the housing condition of African-Americans. Two reasons for their living condition were landlords would rather rent to a white family or they would refuse to have black tenants. Many of this type of discriminatory attitude were often seen outside of the designated black districts. The reading states that some African-American had to live in alleys, courts or in the back of buildings and they struggled to keep a clean/healthy home. In places such as Albany in the 1830’s the worst location had the cheapest building and was near the Capitol, it was home to both the blacks and the poor whites. Another point the reading makes is the difference between the amount of blacks in a home vs. the amount listed in the directory. For example, in Albany four or more blacks who shared the same address would be recorded as one. These incomplete data would present a disadvantage when trying to look at black residential patterns in antebellum cities, but could also be an advantage when looking at head of households rather than the whole population.
The reading shows the obstacles African-Americans faced when trying to gain economic prosperity and the ways in which different cities would enact legislation to hinder blacks. Ultimately, resulted in the limiting of black employment and benefiting gained by their white competitors. The reading also discusses the living condition of the black districts which often varied from city to city, but either way the bigger the city the more likely African-Americans were confined to smaller badly maintained homes.
Questions
Why were their more job opportunity in southern cities than in northern cities?
Why was there a disproportion in the number of African-American in a home vs. the number listed in the directory?
How might living in only black districts affect African-Americans?
The locations on my tour in order are:
A.Birth of the American Union marker: While not part of the American Revolution, the Albany Plan of Union was a crucial precursor to the War and a good place to start a tour about Albany’s importance in the Revolution. (“Albany Plan of Union, 1754 – 1750–1775 – Milestones – Office of the Historian.” Albany Plan of Union, 1754 – 1750–1775 – Milestones – Office of the Historian. Accessed March 04, 2016. https://history.state.gov/milestones/1750-1775/albany-plan.)
Colonial Hospital Marker – The location of an important hospital that tended to the wounded during the pivotal battle of Saratoga
Fort Frederick Historical Marker – Another marker that shows the location of an important Fort in Albany that was the desired target of Burgouynes infamous plan to capture New York and split the colonies in two. (“ALBANY.” Albany, NY. Accessed March 04, 2016. http://www.revolutionaryday.com/usroute4/albany/default.htm.Schuyler Mansion – Home of important American Revolution General Philip Schuyler. He took part in the doomed American Invasion of Canada and in the Saratoga campaign.
(Bielinski, Stefan. “Philip Schuyler.” Philip Schuyler. Accessed March 04, 2016. https://www.nysm.nysed.gov/albany/bios/s/phschuyler1750.html.)
Cherry Hill Mansion – This mansion is the home of another Revolution figure, Philip Van Rensselaer. He was the keeper of the armory for the city of Albany during the war.
(Bielinski, Stefan. “Philip Van Rensselaer.” Philip Van Rensselaer. Accessed March 04, 2016. http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/albany/bios/vr/pvr.html.)
B. According to Google Maps, the entire tour should take about 41 minutes to walk.
C. My tour is to focus on Albany’s role in the Independence of America. Primarily that will focus on its central importance during the American Revolution, but I also want it to show Albany’s importance in influence our independence movement. That’s why decided to start my tour off on the marker for the Albany Plan of Union spot, as it was one the central and first moments of Americas movement for independence. I want this to be a tour that highlights Albanys importance in American history in a way that can intrigue visitors and make those who live here proud. This tour should appeal to more people than history buffs, as it highlights enough major events to teach novice history fans. Due to the nature of history, I feel this tour will appeal to older people more than the younger audience, especially since the first three stops are historical markers. One thing I need to do though is find a way to make the tour appeal more to younger audiences.
D. https://www.flickr.com/photos/wallyg/3810284450/in/photolist-5ikx1d-5eYpki-5eYpnD-5f3KZw-5f3KMA-5ikxb3-5f3LcA-5ikxCG-eXyt2v-5f3LoS-5ikwU9-7a3Ncx-5ikwXf-7a7CEJ-6NGGPu-6NN941-omvQ1-6NGBMj-jiFqB-89zWrf-jiFqz-7HfTGy-7HbZfT-d6pa7-6Nu2fL-5igfvH-4HuyJm-qA2fuY-oy4mTv-d6pa6-4KwmJj-7gnY16-jiFqA-6Qmm8
An Image of the Fort Frederick Historical Marker
http://www.hudsonrivervalley.com/Images/uploaded_images/scaled/Cherry%20Hill%20Albany%20(James%20Bleeker).jpg
An image of Cherry Hill Mansion as it stands today.
E. What is the extent of the role of Albany in the American Revolution, especially after the Battle of Saratoga?
What were the full roles of Schuyler and Van Rensselaer in the American Revolution?
How can i best show the importance of Albany in the Revolution with mostly just historical markers?
Druthers brewing company: This is a very new brewery that just opened in Albany in May of 2015. They have another location in Saratoga which is also relatively new. It is one of the new generation of breweries known as a microbrewery that are becoming ever so popular, especially in Denver Colorado. They usually have food and don’t mass distribute their beer due to their small size and brewing capacity.
Albany pump station (C.H. Evans Brewing company): C.H. Evans Brewing Company is another local brewing company that has recently popped up in the Albany downtown area. It offers a nice variety of in-house brews along with a great selection of food to fit a variety of tastes. It is a fairly large building which gives it the ability to host larger events such as banquets while still delivering a brewery feel.
Dobler Brewing Company: Dobler Brewing Co is one of the few breweries that survived through prohibition. After opening in 1865 it became one of Albany’s top breweries. It was located Myrtle around the corner from the Park Ave/South Swan St intersection. It was knocked down in 1860 but a building where they use to stable the horses still stands.
Beverwyck Brewery: Beverwyck never closed down much like Dobler Brewing. This was another brewery of Albany that brewed lager before the implementation of prohibition, and much like Yuengling survived using this resource in order to survive.
Hedrick Brewing company: Hedrick is another one of the very few breweries that made it through the American prohibition, although it did shutdown completely for a few years, unlike other breweries who came up with creative ways to stay alive with and open during these times. The original brewery has been torn down and replaced by the Central Towers.
Tour Length: The length of this tour is estimated at 1 hour and 28 minutes walking.
I live in PA a few minutes’ drive from Yuengling Brewery, the oldest brewery in America. They survived prohibition by being creative and adapting to the situation. During prohibition they used their refrigeration, previously used to make their Lager, to make ice cream. They were also allowed to continue the production of their Porter due to its high alcohol content. This was because they were able to sell it to pharmacies and people could receive a prescription for the porter. How awesome would it be to go to the doctor and be prescribed a six pack? This got me thinking about how if any breweries survived prohibition in this area. Turns out that Albany was one of the biggest names in Brewing back in the day. Three of these breweries were able to do the unthinkable and survive the prohibition much like Yuengling. Some used creative means, others shut down entirely and started back up after the end of prohibition. It’s amazing to me that these companies were able to be so creative in figuring out a way to adapt and survive. Any brewery that didn’t produce lager beer before prohibition was without even a chance of staying afloat. I’m sure many avid beer drinkers, not to be confused with those who just drink your everyday beer like Bud or Coors, thy can only imagine what Albany’s beer scene used to be.
How did each of the 3 older breweries survive prohibition?
Why are those breweries that survived no longer around?
What are the differences between the old breweries and the newer ones of Albany?
The Ten Broeck Mansion in Albany was built in 1797. It is a private non-profit organization who’s mission is to demonstrate the educational historical culture of Albany. The Ten Broeck Mansion holds events and is known to have hands-on programs for the community to participate in.
“Ten Broeck Mansion.” Ten Broeck Mansion. Accessed March 03, 2016. http://www.tenbroeckmansion.org/.
B) Albany Institute of History and Art
The Albany Insitute of History and Art is a museum that was founded in 1791. Its purpose is to preserve the culture of Albany and the upper Hudson Valley region. It participates in an educational outreach program that has served over 10,000 teacher, students, and families.
“About AIHA.” Nationally Significant Collections – New York Museums. Accessed March 03, 2016. http://www.albanyinstitute.org/about-the-albany-institute.html.
C) New York State Capitol
The New York State Capitol was constructed in the 1860’s and has served as the seats of the government for New York since the nineteenth century.
“Capitol Redux.” The New York Times. 2013. Accessed March 03, 2016. http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/03/10/nyregion/a-tour-of-the-new-york-state-capitol.html?_r=0.
D) Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site
Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site was built on 1761. It is the home of the historic Revolutionary War General Philip Schuyler.
“Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site.” – Albany, NY. Accessed March 03, 2016. http://www.albany.org/listings/Schuyler-Mansion-State-Historic-Site/575/.
E) Historical Cherry Hill
Cherry Hill was built on 1787. It opened as a museum on 1964. It is known to have award-winning education programs that have helped students enhance their critical thinking skills.
According to Google Maps, my Historical Buildings Tour will last for a total of 57 minutes long:
Point A to Point B = 17 minutes
Point B to Point C = 5 minutes
Point C to Point D = 22 minutes
Point D to Point E = 13 minutes
Within the first stages of choosing a topic for my walking tour, I faced great difficulty in choosing a topic. One of the challenges I faced was coming up with a topic that I valued enough to peek my interest. After days of pondering, I came up with the idea of making the focus of my walking tour of buildings that were created during the era of the nineteenth century. That topic seemed simple enough, and although one could appreciate the beauty of architectural sites, I simply thought I would have no interest in the information I gathered about each of the buildings. Shockingly, I was wrong! The Historical Buildings Walking Tour consist of many locations that share a common theme. All of the houses in the tour brings forth an educational purpose to their respective communities. The buildings have either been turned into museums or serve as political empowering places that enforce change in the community. Each building has a hands-on approach and is actively involved in their community. Members of the community are allowed to interact with the historical buildings by participating in real life walking tours for an approximate duration of thirty to forty-five minutes.
The audience for this tour consist of students, teachers, toddlers, families, and much more. Anyone that has an interest in the culture of Albany would be interested in this tour. After the visitors participates in the walking tour they will understand the historical significance each building has to Albany. They will also understand the educational and political impact some of the building have.
The three question that will help conclude the research of the project is listed below:
1) How much did it cost to create each building?
2) What are some of the educational programs that the museums provide?
3) Have the buildings been remodeled to fit the modern twenty-first-century custom?
Description: The Ten Broeck Mansion, named Prospect, was built in 1797-1798 and was originally the home of General Abraham Ten Broeck and his family. Theodore Olcott later bought the home in 1848 and renamed it Arbour Hill, after the surrounding area known as Arbor Hill. The mansion overlooks the Hudson River, which at the time was a busy trade route. After a century of Olcott family ownership, the mansion was presented to the Albany County Historical Association and is open for tours from May to October.
Citation: Albany County Historical Association-Ten Broeck Mansion. Accessed March 3, 2016. http://www.albany.org/listings/Albany-County-Historical-Association-Ten-Broeck-Mansion/244/.
Description: The Albany Institute of History & Art was founded in 1791 and was created in order to promote the collection, interpretation and promotion of the history, art and culture of Albany as well as the upper Hudson Valley area.
Citation: Albany Institute of History & Art. Accessed March 3, 2016. http://www.albany.org/listings/Albany-Institute-of-History-Art/1559/.
Description: Irish American Heritage Museum is a permanently chartered non-profit organization with the goal of preserving stories of Irish contributions in American history. The board of trustees hopes to inspire individuals to examine and understand how their heritage fits into the American cultural mosaic, which is vital for the cultural development of future generations.
Citation: Crowder, David. Accessed March 3, 2016. http://irish-us.org/about/.
Description: Located in Downtown Albany, the New York State Museum explores the cultural and the natural history of New York State. Varieties of history, science and art exhibitions are featured regularly, including many long standing favorites, as well as a fully operational carousel on the 4th floor. The museum itself if free, although donations are accepted.
Citation: New York State Museum. Accessed March 3, 2016. http://www.albany.org/listings/New-York-State-Museum/1007/.
Description: Moored on the Hudson River, the USS Slater is the only World War II destroyer escort left afloat in the United States out of the 563 built. Although it was decommissioned after the war, it was given to Greece in 1951 where it served the Hellenic Navy for 40 years. As a national historic landmark, the USS Slater had undergone a 15 year long restoration process back to its 1945 configuration and has guided tours available from April to November.
Citation: History of the USS SLATER. Accessed March 3, 2016. http://www.ussslater.org/history/history.html.
Q2) Google Maps estimates that the walking tour would take 52 minutes.
Q3)The theme of my tour is museums with interesting facts. The audience of the tour would be typically meant for tourists or perhaps “history buffs”. Museums don’t necessarily only hold interesting things, but it could have itself an interesting start up. Visiting a museum is great because it is literally almost impossible to not learn anything new by visiting one. Each of my stops along the tour has some kind of interesting fun fact about it as weak as it’s history. Each museum has also been established in different time periods, ranging from over 200 years ago to as recently as a few decades ago.The main takeaway for this is the emphasis of how important history is, similar to the ideals of the Board of Trustees who run the Irish American Heritage Museum. This is important because many of the issues faced today are similar to those faced in the past and through it, we can learn from those events in order to prevent undesirable consequences. With the proper knowledge and education about history, the future generations can avoid many tragedies and actually move forward where the previous generation couldn’t.
I. The Hampton Inn and Suites has a relaxing environment equip with Wi-Fi for guests and is conveniently placed amidst the other points on this promenade down Pearl Street for tourists.
“Why Hampton?” Hampton by Hilton. Accessed March 03, 2016. http://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/about/why-hampton/index.html.
Built during the great depression, The Palace Theatre is one of the sole venues of its kind that is still active. Its stage is home to comics, musical acts, and other forms of entertainment.
“Welcome to the Palace Theatre | Albany NY.” Welcome to the Palace Theatre | Albany NY. Accessed March 03, 2016. http://palacealbany.com/.
The first church in Albany also has historical significance as the first church in the upstate area. It was founded in 1642 by Dutch settlers and in the 1700’s served as a hospital for soldiers during the battle of Saratoga.
“History.” The First Church in Albany. Accessed March 03, 2016. http://firstchurchinalbany.weebly.com/history.html.
The Pearl Street Pub is located in the entertainment district of downtown Albany. It’s economically priced, so those on this tour route may very well want to stop in and get a bite to eat.
“Mon – Fri: 11am – 4am Sat: 12pm – 4am | Sun: 11am – 8pm Kitchen Closes at 9pm.” The Pearl Street Pub & Dirty Martini Lounge. Accessed March 03, 2016. http://thepearlstreetpub.com/menu.asp.
The Times Union Center is a sports arena that hosts basketball games and features concession stands with and without alcohol.
“Events.” Timesunioncenter-albany.com. Accessed March 03, 2016. http://www.timesunioncenter-albany.com/events.
II. Google estimates that my tour will take about 15 minutes.
III. The central focus of my tour is “A Pearl Street Promenade” because it’s located in downtown Albany; a social center of sorts in this capital region. I know that many people are doing tours down State Street, so I figured that Pearl Street would be a nice change. The audience for this tour is a wide range of young adults. This tour also caters to groups of friends and couples that are visiting, since all of my locations are walking distance from the area’s hotel. The big take away point that those who take it should walk away with is that you can do more than you think without excessive travel. Collectively, my tour has a little something for everyone from the person that just likes to relax, to some one that enjoys more of the night scene, and even those that are self-proclaimed food fanatics. On the other hand, the Times Union Center is for sports fans and it gives visitors other options for entertainment .The Palace Theatre is classic, so it adds an element of historical significance to the tour and balances out the Times Union Center. The Hampton Inn is classy and it gives tourists a good balance between the more populated places on the tour such as the Pub and the Theatre since they’d be in their room at their own discretion. People can relax after seeing a show at the theatre, and unwind even more after going for drinks at the pub. The First Church in Albany is historic, scenic, and classic. This stop on the walking tour can bring those on the tour back to a simpler time and diversify the other locations along Pearl Street. Lastly, each of these locations is in close proximity to Pearl Palooza! –an annual music festival held on Pearl Street in the summer.
IV. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/be/First_Reformed_Church%2C_Albany.jpg
-This is a photo of the First Albany Church
http://palacealbany.com/images/events/lg/Seinfeld15.jpg
-This is a picture of Jerry Seinfeld, one of the acts set to take the stage at the Palace Theatre
V. What’s so great about the Pearl Street Pub?
Who are some of the most famous people that have headlined the palace theatre?
What could a single person do on this tour with a friend?
1791 this institution was founded and is also one of the oldest museum. This museum holds historical contexts while also holding the regional’s heritage. Currently still a museum with rich history contents.
“About AIHA.” Nationally Significant Collections – New York Museums. Accessed March 03, 2016. http://www.albanyinstitute.org/about-the-albany-institute.html.
New York State Capitol
Built by 19th century architecture, which took 32 years to build and still holds the home of government of New York State since the 1880s. Also the cost to build this building was over 25 million dollars. Today it is home to assembly people and carry out government agenda.
“New York State Capitol.” – Albany, NY. Accessed March 03, 2016. http://www.albany.org/listings/New-York-State-Capitol/893/.
New York State Executive Mansion
Built in 1856, this mansion housed governors and their families, 32 of the 56 governor said yes, to the house while other declined. In 1971 this mansion earned its spot on the national historic register. Currently this mansion still houses governor and their families if they chose to.
“Explore The Governor’s Mansion.” Explore The Governor’s Mansion. 2014. Accessed March 03, 2016. https://www.governor.ny.gov/explore-governors-mansion.
Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site
This was the home to the Revolutionary War General and his family. Completion of building was in 1765. It is currently a historic museum. It was handed to the state in 1914. Today it is run by the New York State Parks.
“Mp3 Web Template.” Mp3 Web Template. Accessed March 03, 2016. http://www.schuylerfriends.org/schuyler_mansion.html.
Historic Cherry Hill
Another historic house museum, the last tenant released the house to the people of New York State. Emily who was the last tenant wanted to celebrate her ancestry. Now it is a museum with various education programs.
The theme is Historical context and landmarks, while also being great places to visited. Tourist ideally would be my main audience to get a grasp of the New York State history, as well as anyone else that might be interested, such as school, locals and folks interested in history. I personal feel anyone who is visiting the Albany area, should stop buy one of these five places, and take a look. As well as learn something new and take a new experience with them on their journey. My big takeaway is the main historical highlights Albany have to offer, nothing in particular but to entertain visitor and conclude this walking tour with a great handful of new information that can be retaught to family and friends. Each location on the map emphasize historical information about its history, which I think is great. But also these location have so much rich information to grasp. I have included two mansions which are landmarks of the New York State, as well as its Capital building and the Albany institution of History & Arts and the Historical Cherry Hill, which one can find much more information. All of these 5 places are museum and landmarks of Albany. Also all these location expect the State Capital offer educational services and programs to children. As well as great for family trips to attend. The correlation between each distinguish place its historical context that is still preserved. A fun inviting bundle of history ready to explore for anyone.
What had change over the years?
Cost to maintain its history?
How many people visit these places over a one yr. span?
A) 111 Washington Avenue – would be the first stop on the walking tour which would host a Jewish Community Center founded in 1926
67 S Pearl St. – would be the next stop on the tour. Khevre Bnei Jacob, a Russian-Jewish Synagogue first location. Purchased in 1881 and served as a Workmen’s Circle Branch after 1907
19 State St. – the next stop is home to the 1st Workman’s Circle Branch 67.
28 Fulton St. – is the second to last stop and is a synagogue for Eastern European Jews. They purchased a plot of land and turned it into a place of faith. In 1907 this address was abandoned for a new building on Herkimer street.
John A Howe Branch Library – lastly will be used as a sample view for visitors of an Eastern European Jewish Community in Albany.
B) Google Estimates the tour to be 37 minutes.
C) The main theme of this tour is to show the history of the Jewish religion in Albany. Whether it be the Synagogues developed between the 19th and 20th century or communities Jewish immigrated to and call their own, Albany is a very historic place for the Jewish. The tour will feature a couple churches that the Jewish purchased and turned into synagogues indicating that Jews were somewhat of a new wave of immigrant. I found it very intriguing that there would be such a big Jewish community in a place like Albany and felt their history would be ideal for a walking tour. The audience for this tour would be anyone interested in religion, specifically Judaism. Additionally, the audience for this tour want to learn more about the history of synagogues and Jewish communities in Albany. Ideally Jewish families from Albany can go on this tour to find out more about the history of their neighborhoods and community organizations that their ancestors have been involved in. A visitor of this tour will take away the fact that Jewish history is a staple in Albany. You cannot walk through Albany without glimpsing Jewish history. Visitors will see the changes in society that stemmed from Jewish migration to Albany. Most of the locations on this tour are places people would normally walk by and not think anything of.
D)
E) Three questions I need to research to finish this product include:
What steps need to be taken when converting a methodist church into a synagogue?
What determines the value of the churches that were bought to become synagogues?
What did the Jewish community Centers do to impact their community?
Beverwyck Brewery first opened in 1878, being one of many at the time. Once the Erie Canal opened in 1825, brewing business in Albany grew exponentially due to the access to the River, as well as a new route of transportation. The difference between Beverwyck Brewery and all but two other breweries, this one didn’t go out of business due to the prohibition of 1920. Instead of completely shutting down and closing it’s doors, this brewery had a license to produce non-alcoholic beverages instead. When the prohibition ended in 1933 Beverwyck Brewery began brewing again. When they reopened they created 6 different products. These products included Beverwyck India Ale and Porter which was produced from 1933 through 1944. From 1933 through 1950 they brewed Beverwyck Ale, Bock, Beer and Irish Cream. Sadly, the Brewery was sold in 1950 to F & M Schaefer Brewing Co. of Brooklyn, New York. In 1972 F&M Schaefer closed down the brewery for good.
Wikipedia. Accessed March 02, 2016. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beverwyck_Brewery.
“Old Beer Ads: Beverwyck Beer Newspaper Ad (1936).” Old Beer Ads: Beverwyck Beer Newspaper Ad (1936). Accessed March 02, 2016. http://oldbeerads.blogspot.com/2013/04/beverwyck-beer-newspaper-ad-1936.html.
Second location- Albany Pump Station
Advertisement and label design for Evans’ Ale, c. 1900
The original family to start the Albany Pump Station was the Evans family. Their family was in the brewing business for three generations. Their original brewery was built in Hudson at one of the country’s earliest known bottling facilities in 1786. This brewery drew in water from the Hudson River and pumped underneath Clinton Avenue. This Brewery continued to produce beer up until the prohibition of 1920. This current location opened up in 1999 when Neil Evans decided to buy the building back from the city of Albany. Neil Evans was the next generation down from the part of his family that lost the building to prohibition. He renovated the building and named it C.H. Brewing Co. This brewery is still open today, and a year after opening the Preservation League of New York recognized it with an award for project excellence.
Wikipedia. Accessed March 02, 2016. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albany_Pump_Station.
In the early 1820’s John Taylor opened up his first brewery with his partner Lancelot Fidler. He then opened a second larger brewery in 1831 when he bought out his partner. John Taylor was the first man to take advantage of the Erie Canal for use of transporting his beer to New York City, and then the rest of the world. By the 1850’s John Taylor would go on to open the largest brewery in Albany, producing over 200,000 barrels of beer a year. His fame grew from his flagship beer, which he named “Imperial Albany XX Ale”. After he created this beer, which was double the strength of a normal beer, many Albany brewery’s around him started to create their own version of double strength Albany Ale beer. At the time, his sons were running two brewery offices in Boston and New York City. Next thing they knew, Albany Ale was being sold everywhere you could imagine. In 1952 Taylor Brewery, now Taylor and Son’s Brewery, moved to their most recent location at Broadway and Arch Street in Albany, New York. The new location was huge. In fact, it was one of the largest in the country. The brewery contained two buildings that were both over 5 stories high. The buildings included a grain elevator, fire malt houses, pressure kettles, and a “pontoon” refining system. Within 30 years they were the largest brewing company in the U.S. John Taylor passed away in 1863, with a net worth today being over $400 million dollars. The Son lived another ten years and then once he died the brewery went to family. The brewery had it’s last days in 1905, but Albany Ale still lives on.
“Albany Ale Project.” Albany Ale Project. Accessed March 02, 2016. http://albanyaleproject.com/history/rise.html.
“Drinkdrank: The Session 56: Thanks to John Taylor – the Original American Big Boy.” Drinkdrank: The Session 56: Thanks to John Taylor – the Original American Big Boy. Accessed March 02, 2016. http://www.drinkdrank1.com/2011/10/session-56-thanks-to-john-taylor.html.
Fourth location- Dobler Brewing Company
Dobler Brewing Co. opened in 1865 on the corner of Park Ave. and South Swan Street in Albany New York. Dobler Brewing Company is also pretty important because it was one of the three brewery’s that out lasted the prohibition in 1920. This brewery produced a version of Albany ale that was known as XXX Amber Ale. At the peak of business Dobler Brewery produced more than 20,000 barrels a year. In April 1959 it was then sold to Hampden-Harvard Brewery’s of Williamansett, Massachusetts, and knocked down in 1960.
“The History of Beer: Albany, New York, Once the Largest Brewing Hub in America.” – Hudson Valley Magazine. Accessed March 02, 2016. http://www.hvmag.com/Hudson-Valley-Magazine/August-2013/The-History-of-Beer-Albany-New-York-Once-the-Largest-Brewing-Hub-in-America/.
“The John S. Dobler Brewing Company.” The John S. Dobler Brewing Company. Accessed March 02, 2016. http://dreimiller.com/genealogy/dobler/.
Fifth location- Amsdell Brother’s Brewery
In the early 1830’s a man by the name of William Amsdell was employed by John Taylor’s Brewery on Green street. At the saem time, he had his own small brewery that he was running pretty much all by himself. In 1840 William left working for John Taylor to pursue his own brewery with his two sons, George and Theodore. In 1854 his son George opened his own brewery at Lancaster, Dove and Jay street in Albany. Three years later Theodore would join him and they would call this brewery The Amsdell Brewery. Business grew in the 1860’s and 70’s due to the popularity of their version of “Albany XX Ale”. When the business had enough money, Theodore decided to leave and buy into Dobler’s Brewery with his son in law. When Theodore left , George then renamed the brewery George I Amsdell Brewery. He ran the business up until 1906 when he passed away. After his death, the building was bought by Kircher Brewery and shortly fell into bankruptcy. From there, a New Hampshire company bought the brewery and continued the business as is. Today the brewery is permanently closed and the original building is apartments that go by the name of Knickerbocker Apartments.
“Drinkdrank: Albany Ale: The Brothers Amsdell.” Drinkdrank: Albany Ale: The Brothers Amsdell. Accessed March 02, 2016. http://www.drinkdrank1.com/2013/10/albany-ale-brothers-amsdell.html.
For my tour I talk about the very beginning of brewing in Abany, as well as breweries that have survived the prohibition of 1920. Albany was once one of the largest beer distributors around, coining the type of beer “Albany XX Ale”.The audience for my tour would be a group of friends, or a couple, over the age of 21. They could be beer enthusiasts, or even just looking to learn more about Abany’s breweries. The big take away point from my tour is how huge Albany was in the brewing industry, and how some breweries went about staying alive during prohibition. During the mid-19th century, Albany was the second among cities with the largest capacity for beer production. With prohibition almost all breweries in Abany closed with the exception of Beverwyck Brewery, Dobler Brewery, and Hendrick Brewing Co.
Google estimated my tour will take approximately a little over an hour.
Three question I need to figure out still are:
What was being produced during the prohibition, when the three different breweries were closed, and producing non-alcoholic beverages?
1st Location – The Amsdell Brothers Brewing & Malting Co – 135 Jay Street
Workers at George I. Amsdell Brewery, Albany c.1910 toned gelatin silver print Albany Institute of History & Art Library, P2657.84
The Amsdell Brothers Brewing & Malting Company was one of the most prominent breweries within the city of Albany during the mid to late 1800s. A man named William Amsdell learned the tools of the trade from John Taylor, a bold Albany businessman who pioneered the industry during this time. Amsdell parted ways with Taylor in 1840 to open his own brewery with his sons in what is now Guilderland, NY. Sixteen years later, the Amsdell family moved operations to Jay street to establish The Amsdell Brothers Brewery. The family run company would develop into one of the most prominent breweries on the east coast; it shipped over 100,000 barrels of various brews per year at its peak. The brewery holds the recognition for being the final business to manufacture the Albany XX Ale.
Gravina, Craig. “Drinkdrank: Albany Ale: The Brothers Amsdell.” Drinkdrank: Albany Ale: The Brothers Amsdell. Accessed March 02, 2016. http://www.drinkdrank1.com/2013/10/albany-ale-brothers-amsdell.html.
2nd Location – The Dobler Brewing Co. – Corner of Swan & Myrtle
Looking northeast on Swan Street bween Elm Street and Myrtle Ave., about 1912. Photo from AlbanyGroup Archive
The John S. Dobler Brewing Company, founded in 1865, was a very unique brewery in Albany. During this time period nearly all of the local beer companies were solely brewing ales. Ales are brewed from wheat, an abundant resource in New York’s climate, and do not require refrigeration. The Dobler Brewing Co however, was one of few Albany breweries to brew both ales and lagers. While this fact may seem inconsequential, it is actually historically substantial.
Since The Dobler Brewing Company had refrigeration systems in its warehouse, when prohibition was enacted the company was easily converted to refrigerate foods and sodas. Not only that, but once prohibition ended in 1932 it became one of only three Albany breweries to re-open, joining the Beverwyck and Hedrick Brewing Companies (which also brewed lagers).
Cotch, Mark A. “A Tour of Albany’s Breweries Yesterday & Today.” A Tour of Albany’s Breweries Yesterday & Today. Accessed March 02, 2016. http://www.moonbrew.com/muggz/cotchtour.html.
Dreimiller. “The John S. Dobler Brewing Company.” The John S. Dobler Brewing Company. Accessed March 02, 2016. http://dreimiller.com/genealogy/dobler/.
Gravena, Craig. “Drinkdrank: Albany Ale: With a Wimper.” Drinkdrank: Albany Ale: With a Wimper. Accessed March 02, 2016. http://www.drinkdrank1.com/2013/03/albany-ale-with-wimper.html.
3rd Location – The Hinckel Brewery – 201 Park Avenue
The former Hinckel Brewery still stands today as an apartment complex. Photo by Paula Lemire.
In 1855, businessmen Frederick Hinckel and A. Schimerer founded the Cataract Brewery on Park Avenue. Hinckel would eventually buy out his partner and rename the company, which produces mostly sparking lager, after himself. Hinckel experienced great success as the owner of The Hinckel Brewery. Reportedly, just in the year 1886 alone, the Hinckel Brewery “produced at least thirty-five thousand barrels of beer and employed seventy-five employees”. Upon Frederick’s death in 1916, which signaled the end of operations, the brewery was recognized as one of the highest end facilities of its time. After its closing, the site of the old brewery was converted into an apartment building. Today, the Hinckel Brewery Apartments still stand and are actively being rented out at 201 Park Avenue.
Cotch, Mark A. “A Tour of Albany’s Breweries Yesterday & Today.” A Tour of Albany’s Breweries Yesterday & Today. Accessed March 02, 2016. http://www.moonbrew.com/muggz/cotchtour.html.
“Hinckel Brewery.” Hinckel Brewery Apartments. Accessed March 02, 2016. http://hinckelbrewery.com/about-hinckel-brewery/.
White, Christopher. “Finding Your Past: Genealogical Gleanings with the Albany Grave Digger.” : Brief History of German Brewers in Albany. Accessed March 02, 2016. http://findingyourpast.blogspot.com/2013/11/brief-history-of-german-brewers-in.html.
4th Location – Albany Brewing Company – 60 South Ferry Street
Albany Brewing Company Lithographer, T. Bonar ht.21 1/2″ x w.27 1/2″ Albany Institute of History & Art, 1954.59.12
In 1796, a man of Scottish descent by the name of James Boyd opened a brewery on South Ferry Street in Albany, New York. The “Arch Street Brewery”, as it was originally named, holds the honor of being the first modern brewery to open its doors within the city of Albany. The company would later be renamed the Albany Brewing Company, and within its factory walls is crafted a number of amber pale ales, India pale ales, and porters. James Boyd is also responsible for the construction of many of the brick buildings across the street from the site of the brewery.
Bielinski, Stefan. “James Boydcolor.” James Boyd. Accessed March 02, 2016. https://www.nysm.nysed.gov/albany/bios/b/jaboyd7389.html.
McLeod, Alan, and Craig Gravina. “Albany Ale Project.” Albany Ale Project. Accessed March 02, 2016. http://albanyaleproject.com/history/rise.html.
5th Location – John Taylor & Sons – 133 Broadway
An advertisement for John Taylor & Sons. Originally appeared in the 1866 City of Albany Directory.
The history of brewing in Albany, New York is decidedly incomplete without mentioning historical pioneer John Taylor. Taylor, a talented local businessman, opened his first brewery on Broadway facing the Hudson River in the early 1820s. Several years later, in 1825, the Erie Canal was completed and opened for transport. Seeing the massive potential to use the new water route to ship his products nationwide, John Taylor capitalized. By 1852, John Taylor was operating the largest brewery in the United States and shipping in excess of 200,000 barrels of beer per year. Taylor soon introduced his own in-house brew, the Albany XX Ale, which exploded in popularity due to its ‘XX strength’.
Gravina, Craig. “The History of Beer: Albany, New York, Once the Largest Brewing Hub in America.” – Hudson Valley Magazine. Accessed March 02, 2016. http://www.hvmag.com/Hudson-Valley-Magazine/August-2013/The-History-of-Beer-Albany-New-York-Once-the-Largest-Brewing-Hub-in-America/.
McLeod, Alan, and Craig Gravina. “Albany Ale Project.” Albany Ale Project. Accessed March 02, 2016. http://albanyaleproject.com/history/rise.html.
The Historical Brewery Tour of Albany is 1.4 miles in length and will take approximately 28 minutes to walk.
The tour takes participants on a scenic walk through the city of Albany, from Hudson Park to the glistening Hudson River, and introduces some of the rich local brewing history along the way.
This tour is perfect for any local residents, beer enthusiasts, or anyone who wishes to learn an interesting side of Albany history.
Each stop on the tour introduces a new location which heavily impacted the history, culture, and/or industry of ale and lager production in the state’s capital.
By the end of the tour, participants will have a better understanding of how brewing started in Albany, how Albany became the biggest exporter of beer in the United States, and how prohibition affected the area.
What other information is out there on the Albany Brewing Company?
Where exactly did the old Dobler Brewing Co building stand on Myrtle Avenue?
What products were handled within the 3 breweries that were re purposed during prohibition?
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