A Brewery & 13 Saloons in Rushford!

The Rushford Brewery was built in 1867, changing hands a few times before being purchased in 1875 by Jacob Pfeiffer. The brewery could produce up to 10 barrels of beer per day.

Pfeiffer brewed beer for the saloons in north and south Rushford and other "outside markets." There were at least 13 saloons in Rushford prior to prohibition. He would deliver his brew to local saloons in his wagon, accompanied by his faithful dog.

The kegs of beer were sealed shut with rosin, which local children would pick off for chewing gum.

The aging cellar was constructed in a unique way using stacked stone forming a dome, devoid of mortar and covered with earth. The brewery and main aging cellar were located at 303 N Elm Street and had cooling cellars dug into the hillside behind what is now the Windswept Inn.

Jacob Pfeiffer's son, John, suffered a horrible death after falling into a vat of boiling water at the brewery. His high boots made escape from the scalding water difficult, and he died within 10 hours after the accident.

After John's death, Jacob (then age 78) tried to operate the brewery, but he passed away the following year due to complications from a gall stone operation.

After John's death the brewery property, also known as the Sandhill Brewery, changed hands several times before finally ceasing operations and closing in 1909.

The original brewery building was eventually purchased by Ole Bratland who, after tearing down the wooden building, reused the lumber in the construction of a residence. The arched stone cellar was left intact, being used for storage of butter, eggs, and other perishables.

Reference: Dr. Alden Droivold's History of Rushford Volume III "Whiskey, Wheat and Wagons.” Interested in learning more? Dr. Droivold included much more on this subject in his books, which are available for purchase or research at the depot museum.

Jacob Pfeiffer’s Rushford Brewery - 303 North Elm Street