This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

'B' is for Beer in Baltimore

Brewers can trace history back to Essex, Middle River area.

I have always said the “B” in Baltimore stands for Beer.

We here in Charm City certainly have had a wide selection of favorites to choose from over the years. Brews such as Pabst, Gunther, Arrow, Hamms, Bud, Miller, Coors and of course Natty Boh top the list. Two brands that were brewed here in the “Land of Pleasant Living” have a local Essex connection.

The Bauernschmidt families were very famous brewers of beer here in Baltimore. A tradition they brought with them from their Bavarian roots. George Bauernschmidt built a brewing empire in Baltimore starting in 1864 with the founding of his George Bauernschmidt Beer brand.

Find out what's happening in Essex-Middle Riverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

He continued the brewery for more than 30 years becoming one of the most popular brews in Baltimore, eventually bringing his sons into the operation. The years passed by and wanting to slow down and enjoy life a little more, George sold the business in 1898. The sale of the business; however, angered his son Frederick so much that the younger Bauernschmidt started his own brewery.

The Frederick Bauernschmidt Brewery had so much success it eventually caused the financial downfall of the brewery founded by his father. Today you can still find old bottles from both the George and Frederick Bauernschmidt breweries on sale on eBay and other Web sites.

Find out what's happening in Essex-Middle Riverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Frederick Bauernschmidt Brewery would ultimately become the American Brewery located on Gay Street. The American Brewery was the most successful brewery in Baltimore at the turn of the century. The brewery building is still standing and has recently undergone major renovations.

Frederick married Agnes Wehr, and together in 1904, they purchased approximately 60 acres off Middle River known as Planters Point Ducking Club. We have mentioned the Ducking Club in previous columns as one founded by philanthropist Enoch Pratt who once owned the land and brought many of his rich friends to the site for hunting and fishing.

Fred and Agnes began building what we now call the Manor House sometime around 1905. It is rumored that bricks used for the foundation of the house came from buildings that were destroyed in the great Baltimore fire of 1904.

They lived in the home during summer months and hosted many parties and fundraisers there for their favorite charities. Many of Baltimore’s wealthiest residents attended these functions.

The large beautiful two-story home was probably completed sometime in 1906. It contained 15 spacious rooms and four fireplaces. The red slate roof was adorned with a huge cupola that was supported by brick columns 3 feet wide. The cupola offered a spectacular view of Middle River and the Chesapeake Bay. A large wrap-around, columned porch surrounds three sides of the building and that porch supports a balcony for the second floor.

Frederick passed away in 1933 at the age of 69. In his will, he left millions of dollars to worthy causes. In 1943, Agnes offered the property for auction. It was purchased by a developer who subdivided it into individual building lots, while leaving the Manor House in tact on a small parcel. “Miss Agnes,” as she was referred to in her Baltimore Sunpaper's obituary, lived to the ripe old age of 90 and passed away in 1963. She, like her husband was a philanthropist and left the bulk of her estate (valued in the millions) to local charities.

Since the time the house was owned by the Bauernschmidts, the home has had many different owners. Sometime in the 1980’s, the home was purchased by William and Sue Gerard. The Gerards had the house placed on Baltimore County Historic Landmark List in 1991. They remodeled the house and operated a bed and breakfast there for many years.

The Gerards sold the home a few years back and although I’m not completely sure, I believe the new owners have ceased the bed and breakfast operation. It is still a beautiful home to drive by and view.

Well, springtime is finally here and for many that means a time for spring-cleaning. As I have stated in the past, I am always searching for more historic stories and/or pictures. I would like to ask all Patch readers if, during your cleaning you come across anything that you feel might be of an historical nature or of interest to others, please contact me at Lkeithroberts@gmail.com. I would be more than happy to scan your documents and return the originals back to you. Thank you. Next week we will look at the Heritage Society of Essex & Middle River along with the Heritage Museum.

In the mean time, I strongly encourage you to go out and purchase a copy of “Anna’s Story." It is a powerful story of courage and perseverance authored by my friend and Patch colleague Anna Renault, and available at many local stores. Contact Anna to find out where you can buy your copy.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Essex-Middle River