Sunday’s ad is for “Rheingold Beer,” from 1957. This ad was made for the Rheingold Brewery, which was founded by the Liebmann family in 1883 in New York, New York. At its peak, it sold 35% of all the beer in New York state. In 1963, the family sold the brewery and in was shut down in 1976. In 1940, Philip Liebmann, great-grandson of the founder, Samuel Liebmann, started the “Miss Rheingold” pageant as the centerpiece of its marketing campaign. Beer drinkers voted each year on the young lady who would be featured as Miss Rheingold in advertisements. In the 1940s and 1950s in New York, “the selection of Miss Rheingold was as highly anticipated as the race for the White House.” The winning model was then featured in at least twelve monthly advertisements for the brewery, beginning in 1940 and ending in 1965. Beginning in 1941, the selection of next year’s Miss Rheingold was instituted and became wildly popular in the New York Area. Miss Rheingold 1958 was Madelyn Darrow, who came from a prominent Hollywood family. Her father was motion picture landscape artist and her mother had been a silent screen actress. She was the youngest of three daughters, and her sister Barbara Darrow was a B-Movie star, mostly with RKO. After graduating from Hollywood High, she became a cover model and landed a small part in the film “Guys and Dolls” in 1955 and the following year in “The Ten Commandments.” But her career as an actress was slowing, so she moved to New York for modeling work, and was elected Miss Rheingold shortly thereafter. After her Rheingold year, she married tennis star Pancho Gonzales and they had there daughters together, divorcing in 1968, remarrying in 1970, but divorcing again the following year. She remained in California for the remainder of her life, staying out of the public eye, until she passed away in 2015. This ad, from the Fall of 1957, introduces her as the new Miss Rheingold with the headline: “Millions elected Madelyn Darrow Miss Rheingold 1958.”
Archives for May 14, 2023
Beer Birthday: Brian Stechschulte
Today is also the birthday of Brian Stechschulte, former executive director of the San Francisco Brewers Guild, who then worked for Speakeasy Ales & Lagers as their Public Relations & Media Director for a time, but since late 2017 has been the Director of Marketing for Drake’s Brewing, although most recently decided to step back from working. I’m just guessing at Brian’s age, but by my reckoning he’s got to be about 44 this year. In addition to his regular work, he also wrote online at All Over Beer and Bygone Beer. Brian’s a terrific ambassador for beer and a great addition to the industry. I think of him as a kindred spirit. Please join me in wishing Brian a very happy birthday.
Brian’s profile picture, used without permission but begged for here in the hopes that in the spirit of its use will be granted magnanimously.
Brian and me with former San Francisco mayor, the late Ed Lee at the SF Beer Week opening gala a few years ago.
Bob Brewer, from Anchor Brewing, with Brian at GABF a couple of years ago.
Brian after grad school graduation in 2003. Notice the can of beer he’s drinking.
[Note: The first and last photos purloined from Brian’s Facebook friends, blame them.]
Beer Birthday: John Martin
Today is the 63rd birthday of John Martin, one of the founders of Triple Rock Brewery & Alehouse in Berkeley. John, with his brother Reid, started one of the first five brewpubs in the U.S., and the only one that’s still owned by the same family that founded it. John also owns Drake’s Brewing and the Jupiter Taproom, too. He’s active in the local beer community and also with the CCBA, plus he’s a great guy with a very distinctive laugh. Join me in wishing John a very happy birthday.
Me and John last year at Sour Sunday a few years ago.
Christian Kazakoff, former brewer at Triple Rock (now at Canyon Club) with John during the 2008 Firkin Fest.
John, with his brother Reid, and Triple Rock brewmaster Rodger Davs at the brewpub’s 25th anniversary.
John, me and Peter Hoey at the opening gala for SF Beer Week a few years ago.
John in the brewhouse with his brother many years ago, on opening day.
Beer Birthday: Dan Carey
Today is the 63rd birthday of Dan Carey, the mad alchemist brewer of New Glarus Brewing. I first met Dan at Hop School in Yakima, Washington many years ago, but I’ve been enjoying his beers far longer than that. He’s a fellow lover of brewing history and a terrific person, as well as one of the industry’s finest brewers. Join me in wishing Dan a very happy birthday.
Dan and me at GABF in 2010.
Two Dans: Daniel Bradford and Dan Carey at the Rare Beer Tasting 2009 at Wynkoop.