J Walter and Co Eau Claire WI

Inscription reads “J. WALTER AND CO. EAU CLAIRE WIS.” The Walter brothers emigrated from Germany to find a better life in America. Their path led them from Hamburg, Germany, to New Orleans, Louisiana, and lastly to Wisconsin. Wisconsin had a large German immigrant population at the time. Their father was a cobbler. Family legend had them learning the brewing trade in Milwaukee before striking out on their own. Martin Walter's company began making beer in 1898. The company closed during Prohibition and was reopened by his son, then closed permanently in 1975 after winning several awards.