Bechaud Brewing Co.(pint), Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin

This dark amber pint is a Baltimore loop seal blob top beer bottle embossed with "Bechaud, Brewing Co, Fond Du Lac, WIS." in four lines on the slug plate. The glassmaker, "S.B.& G.Co." is embossed in a straight line across the base of the bottle.

Bechaud Brewery began operating in Fond du Lac, WI in 1871 and sold their last bottles of Empire Beer in 1941. Three brothers from Bavaria, Germany: Adolph, Frank and John began the company and came to own several saloons also. The three industrial brothers brewed an ale called Empire Beer in amber bottles that are today highly sought after by collectors. The company operated under different names; A.G. Bechaud & Bros., Empire Brewery and Bechaud Brewing Co.

In 1880-1884, the Bechauds’ accomplishments were built on their “indomitable and praiseworthy perseverance and by making a quality beer equal to any, and many who ought to know it say it is the best made.” -- Holland’s City Directory.

Their beer dominated sales of all others in Fond Du Lac, so the business expanded with the addition of a barley storage and malt house. Bechaud produced 50 barrels daily of lager beer, and Frank was in charge of the sample rooms and offices. Adolph served four years during the Civil War and was captain of Company B of the 13th Illinois Cavalry. He came to be known fondly in the community as “Captain.” John served two years in the 1st Michigan Cavalry.