Last year I decided to concentrate on Bock ads. Bock, of course, originated in Germany, in the town of Einbeck. Because many 19th century American breweries were founded by German immigrants, they offered a bock at certain times of the year, be it Spring, Easter, Lent, Christmas, or what have you. In a sense they were some of the first seasonal beers. “The style was later adopted in Bavaria by Munich brewers in the 17th century. Due to their Bavarian accent, citizens of Munich pronounced ‘Einbeck’ as ‘ein Bock’ (a billy goat), and thus the beer became known as ‘Bock.’ A goat often appears on bottle labels.” And presumably because they were special releases, many breweries went all out promoting them with beautiful artwork on posters and other advertising.

Sunday’s ad is is for Schaefer Bock Beer, and is from 1940. The brewery was the F. & M. Schaefer Brewing Co. originally of New York, New York, which was founded in 1842. Today is the birthday of Theodore Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. Before he started writing popular children’s books, he worked for a number of years doing illustrations and art for various company advertising campaigns, including for a couple of beer companies, like this one for Schaefer.