Columbia Brewery

On June 22, 1899, Columbia Brewery tapped its first kegs. Thousands of people showed up at its doors on Elysian Fields to show support for their new brewery and to drink some free beer. The Picayune newspaper reported that over 10,000 people drank during its grand opening.

Charles Karst was the president of the brewery at the time, and he was on hand at its grand opening. In the beginning the brewery had a capacity of about 180 barrels of beer a day, which was a huge number during this time period. The first brew master at Columbia Brewery was John Rettemeier.

As early as 1902, Columbia Brewery was being recognized nationally as a great brewery. A Health Bulletin article in 1902 stated that the best beer to drink in New Orleans was brewed by Columbia Brewery.

In 1917 the brewery bought war bonds; in 1919 just before the start of prohibition, many breweries were announcing their move to “near beers” or “temperance brews.” Columbia Brewery, however, was not in operation and not announcing any future plans. In 1924, a newspaper ad listed the sale of the brewery with all equipment included. A bill of sale in 1927 between a man in Chicago and the owner of the brewery announced that; the building was traded for a house on the south side of Chicago.