New Orleans Beer History At Antique Stores

Hit some antique stores in Ponchatoula today looking for furniture pieces for the house. I love seeing the New Orleans breweriana stuff. Jax Brewing, Falstaff Brewing, Regal Brewing, Dixie Brewing, Union Brewing, and New Orleans Brewing Co. The prices were way too damn high, but it was neat to see them. Here is what I saw today.

Ain't Dere No More: Jax Brewing

If you've ever been to the French Quarter and Jackson Square then you will know that massive building with the Jax Brewing sign on it. Here is a little history on the brewery:

Jax Brewery was founded by Lawrence Fabacher in 1890 as the Jackson Bohemian Brewery. It was later renamed Jax Beer and eventually became Jackson Brewing Company, inspired by Andrew Jackson and Jackson Square. It quickly established itself as a leading regional brewery, and alongside Dixie Brewing, was one of the few New Orleans breweries to survive Prohibition.

In 1935, Jackson Brewing Company entered a legal battle with Jacksonville Brewing Company over the "Jax Beer" trademark, which both companies used. A compromise was reached, granting Jacksonville exclusive rights to sell in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina, while Jackson Brewing retained rights to the western states. The brewery expanded in the 1940s due to rising demand, but faced increasing competition from larger national breweries in the 1950s. In 1954, Jackson Brewing acquired exclusive rights to the Jax trademark after Jacksonville ceased operations, making it the 10th largest brewery in the U.S. and the largest in the South.

In 1974, the brewery faced some serious financial issues and was acquired by Pearl Brewing Company out of Texas. Production of Jax Beer continued into the mid-80s until Pearl was acquired by Pabst Brewing.

The old brewery now houses some shops, restaurants and the WWOZ studios. I'm not sure if the old museum is still upstairs.

Location: 600 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130

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