The Adam Scheidt Brewing Company was founded in 1861 in Norristown, Pennsylvania. Adam Scheidt Sr. and his brother, Matthias, began their brewing business in the family’s basement. They used traditional German brewing methods to create their first beer, which they named “Old Dutch.” The beer was popular in the local area and quickly gained a reputation for its high quality and smooth taste. Some of the products they produced included Lager, Porter, Standard Ale, Brown Stout, and Lotus Export.
In 1884, the company was renamed the Adam Scheidt Brewing Company after Adam Scheidt Sr. passed away and his son, Adam Jr., took over the business. Under Adam Jr.’s leadership, the company expanded its operations and began producing a wider variety of beers. This expansion led to the construction of a new brewery building in 1899, which would remain the company’s headquarters until it closed in 1975.
During Prohibition, the Adam Scheidt Brewing Company was forced to halt its beer production and instead began producing soft drinks and other non-alcoholic beverages. However, the company struggled during this time and was eventually forced to file for bankruptcy in 1939.
After Prohibition was repealed in 1933, the Adam Scheidt Brewing Company resumed beer production and quickly regained its status as a top local brewery. The company introduced several new brands of beer, including the popular Valley Forge Beer, which was named after the nearby historic landmark.
During World War II, the Adam Scheidt Brewing Company played an important role in supporting the war effort. The company produced a special beer for soldiers called “Scheidt’s Victory Beer,” which was shipped to troops overseas. The company also contributed to the war effort by collecting scrap metal and other materials for recycling.
In the 1940s and 1950s, the Adam Scheidt Brewery continued to grow and expand its operations. The company introduced new packaging techniques and began distributing its beers to a wider geographic area. The company also began sponsoring local sports teams and events, further cementing its reputation as a beloved local institution. Despite its success, the brewery faced increasing competition from larger, national beer brands in the 1960’s. In 1965, the company was forced to close its doors due to declining sales and financial difficulties.
Today, the legacy of the Adam Scheidt Brewing Company lives on through the Norristown Preservation Society, which has worked to preserve the brewery’s historic building and educate the public about the company’s important role in local history. Some of the brewery buildings have since been converted into office and aprtements. The Adam Scheidt Brewing Company was a pioneer in the American brewing industry, using traditional German brewing techniques to create high-quality, flavorful beers. The company’s commitment to quality and innovation helped it to become a beloved local institution for over a century.
Below are a few examples of Adam Scheidt, Valley Forge Beer, and Rams Head Ale advertising items:
