Who made Wagner brand citrus drinks and what happened to the company We used to drink the grapefruit and orange juice from glass bottles?

Answer 1

August Wagner, like many other brewery founders, immigrated from Germany in the late 1800's. In1906, the Gambrinus Brewing and Bottling Company was established at South Front and College Streets. Most brewing consisted of two brands--Augustiner, and Gambrinus. The company survived prohibition under the name The August Wagner and Sons Products Company, Incorporated, and in 1933 was renamed The August Wagner and Sons Brewing Company, with expanded plant capacity at South Front and Sycamore Streets. In 1937 the company was renamed (for the final time) Augus Wagner Breweries,Incorporated.

The brewery remained in family hands until 1968, when it was purchased by a group of Detroit investors. Renovations to the brewery were made in the late 60's, and in 1970 August Wagner Breweries purchased The Little Switzerland Brewing Company of Huntington, West Virginia (the former Fesenmeier Brewery). The idea was to take over their accounts, increase distribution,and brew Augustiner at this plant. It didn't happen, and in 1971 the WVA plant was closed for good. With national brewers able to sell beer at a lower cost (not to mention millions in advertising), the brewery was closed in January of 1974. By that time, not only was the brewery paying almost $10,000 in federal excise taxes per day, but the old plant (dated to 1906) was powered by coal and only 50% efficient.

The bank called in the loans,and there were over 140 creditors.

In March of that year, the land was sold for $800,000 to the Dispatch Company, and the brewery was razed. Currently the land is an empty lot, and the only remaining signs are the horse stables next door, and the statue of King Gambrinus, which stands at the corner of Front and Sycamore (it is said Wagner himself was the model for the statue). Brands were sold to Pittsburgh Brewing company, and sold until the late 70's.

In 1994, Gambrinus Brewing Company was founded and today brews and bottles Augustiner and Gambrinus

I don't know about all of the above beer references, but when I was a kid my grandma used to buy Wagner's Orange Drink and Grape Drink in a glass bottle. Best tasting orange drink I've ever had. Would love to know if it still exists somewhere. We used to shop at Eagles Supermarkets to get it. If anyone has info about this, I would appreciate it!