As you may or may not know, when Chris Frey came to Michigan almost 10 years ago he had no idea that he had family roots here or that the family had owned a brewery.  I recently found the following information about both.   Below is an excerpt from a book originally published in 1900 documenting the “prominent” people of Grand Rapids, Michigan at the time, in this case, Chris’ great grand Uncle, Adam Frey.   (Note the names of Chris’ great-great grand parents).

“Adam Frey, deceased, was at one time a very prominent business man of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and had a large interest in one of the early breweries.  He was born in Germany, May 14th, 1839 and was a son of Christian Frederick and Christine Magdalena (Erhardt) Frey, the former of whom died in his native country, and the latter still living, having her home in Kent county Michigan”.

“Adam Frey had but limited opportunities for an education in youth, but attended school sufficiently long to secure a moderate education, which enabled him to take a comprehensive view and intelligent cognizance of events as they passed before him, and thus he became a practical business man.  His earlier working days were variously employed, but when his judgment had been well matured he learned the trade of miller in all its details.  He worked at this trade in Germany until 1866, when he was induced by representations of friends already resident here to come to the United States, to better his fortune, if not secure a competence, and in the latter he succeeded.  He came direct to Grand Rapids and soon found employment at his trade, and, his knowledge of this being very comprehensive and accurate, his services were eagerly sought by others than his first employers.  He kept fully abreast with the latest and most improved methods of milling and milling machinery, and was thus employed until 1874, when he was offered a position in the Grand Rapids brewery, later became a stockholder and partner, and continued at the business until his death, July 5th, 1883”.

“The mother of Adam Frey now lives near Conklin, Ottawa county Michigan, about eighteen miles from Grand Rapids, with her daughter Mary, her three elder children, Adam, Christian and Charles, being deceased”. 

“Adam Frey married, November 25, 1866, soon after his arrival here, Miss Magdalena L. Shaupp, whose acquaintance he had formed in the old country.  They began their wedded life poor, but Mrs. Frey was a willing helpmate and a most amiable woman, and aided her husband in every way in her power, the result being a competency.  To this marriage were born eight children, of whom five still survive, viz: Charles, who has his home in Grand Rapids, but not under the parental roof, being in business for himself, and Lena, Christian, William and Henry, still with their mother, at her pleasant home, No. 520 Ottawa street”.

“In politics Adam Frey was for some years a republican, but during the latter part of his life affiliated with the Democratic Party; nevertheless, he was governed in the exercise of his franchise more by the character of the various nominees and their fitness for office, than by the dicta of party.  He was always recognized as an upright, industrious and competent business man, was a fond husband, indulgent father and a firm friend, as well as a useful and progressive citizen”.

“A brief extract from a not very recent publication will give some idea of the brewery with which the late Adam Frey was so long connected as a stockholder.  It was established in September 1871, in a frame building, 20 x 50 feet, by Carl and Christian Frey, just then from Germany, and with the assistance of two men, they turned out 500 barrels of the amber fluid the first year.  In 1881 this brewery now known as the “Coldbrook” and operated then by Carl, Christian and Adam Frey, was of brick, 80 x 40 feet, three stories high, devoted to the bottling department, and the output in the last named year was 10,000 barrels”.

Belgian Beer Recipe

Well, I was pleasantly surprised to see a big turnout in the middle of summer, figured everyone would be on vacation. Chris started off the meeting by collecting entries for the Michigan State Fair Homebrew competition. It was agreed that anyone who won a monthly competition this year would get their entry fees paid for if they entered that same beer. Chris also announced that Paul Gatza, the director of the AHA, would be in town to help scope out sites for the 2000 National Homebrew Conference which will be held somewhere in S.E. Michigan (more info on this from Crispy later in the newsletter).

Jim Racine appealed to the club for help with the upcoming annual Beer-B-Q to be held September 18th. Jim can be reached at 313-277-5516 if you want to volunteer before we start assigning duties. Jim also passed out some past due ribbons for the label competition. As usual, Gary Shewchuk took top honors this year... nice job Gary! Tony Tantillo also collected a first place ribbon for his mead, yum!

We had 2 new members join, Theresa Young and Craig Rinrel. I had a stack of Rapids catalogs to pass out as well as a newsletter from the Great Lakes Brewing Company. Our friends from Adventures in Homebrewing were in attendance with many fine samples of homebrew to share, way to go guys! Gabi announced that the September meeting (9/22) will be at the Dragonmead Brewery in Warren, can't wait for that one!