- The John Graf Co. of Milwaukee, Wisconsin Large Clear Glass Bottle
- No chips, no cracks, this bottle is in Great Condition for being underwater all of these years! There is some scratching throughout the bottle. We cleaned it the best that we could, and any other remnants just add more character to this amazing piece of history!
- SOLD: AS IS
-Bottom of bottle says: JOHN GRAF CO MILWAUKEE WIS DES. PAT. 135998 1-12
- The John Graf Co. of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was one of the most prolific independent beverage manufacturers in the state's history, evolving from a local 19th-century Weiss beer brewery into a massive mid-20th-century soft drink producer. The company began in 1873 when German immigrant John Graf Sr. partnered with Phillip Madlener to form Graf & Madlener, producing soda water and Weiss beer on Elizabeth Street. Between 1877 and 1883, the operation relocated to 530 National Avenue under the name South Side White Beer Brewery. John Graf became the sole owner in 1883, renaming the business the John Graf South Side White Beer Brewery and eventually moving it to 2201 West Greenfield Street before officially incorporating as the John Graf Co. around 1913.Following the founder's death in May 1930, leadership shifted to his daughter, Sylvia Graf, and her brother, followed by grandson Lawrie Graf in 1963. Under this generation of family leadership, the company's signature "Grandpa Graf's Root Beer" achieved national recognition. At its peak, the business ranked among the largest carbonated beverage producers in the country, introducing regional favorites like 50/50 grapefruit-lime soda and bottling major brands like Dr Pepper and RC Cola. Family ownership ended in 1968 when Lawrie Graf sold the company, which subsequently passed through various corporate hands including Canada Dry and Canfield's. Although the original Milwaukee facility eventually closed, Grandpa Graf's Root Beer continued production long after the historic site shut its doors.
-11 3/4” Tall 3 1/4” Wide
-We cleaned this bottle out of Wisconsin waterway!
-Ed the Diver & Christie B. Stickers & signed picture postcard included with order!
- Tax & shipping costs applied at checkout
