News:
First Lager Beer in America
Saturday, December 1, 2001 at 2:00 P.M. at American and Poplar Sts. Philadelphia: We dedicated a Pennsylvania Historic City Marker to commemorating the First Lager Beer Brewed in the United States by John Wagner in 1840.
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American Street was originally named for St. John's Church. When John Wagner brewed the nation's first lager beer the address was 455 St. John Street. |
This stone street marker is visible on the west wall of the house on the corner of St. John and Poplar Sts. |
In his role as colonial brewer, Rich Wagner calls the ceremonies to order and represents the memories of all the city's brewers; past, present and future. Click here for the text of his speech. |
Janet S. Klein, Chair of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission participated in the dedication ceremony. |
Charlie Lieberman, retired Master Brewer, reads his poem "The Brewers Yeast" in honor of the occasion. Click here for an interview with Charlie. |
See the program for the dedication ceremony
For More On This Story:
Lyke, Rick. "Business of Beer." Mid-Atlantic Brewing News. June/July, 2001.
Russell, Don. "A Heady Historic First for Philadelphia?" Phila. Daily News. Oct. 2, 1998.
Russell, Don. "A Thirsty First." Phila. Daily News. April 13, 2001.
Wagner, Rich. "Tracking a Legend." Mid-Atlantic Brewing News. June/July, 2000.