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Don Hardy of Westmont, IL.
When you say Meister Bräu, you might as well also mention Don Hardy’s name in the same sentence. Meisterbräu was the famed flagship brand of the Peter Hand Brewing Company, which when it closed in 1978, was the last active brewery in Chicago at that time. But before its collapse and even after the acquisition of the brand by The Miller Brewing Company, Meisterbräu produced an abundance and diversity of point-of-sale advertising items.
This is what attracted Don to focus his collection on that legendary brand in the first place. It became a challenge to find most—if not all—of the variety of items created. Don has met that challenge. The lower level of his home exhibits a jaw-dropping array of the many types of Meisterbräu breweriana that ever existed, in addition to a substantial beer can collection. Don’s “Meisterbräu Bar” is well known among collectors and is an ideal setting to enjoy any brand of beer.
Don's collection shows the artistry and craftsmanship of vintage beer advertising. Learn about the history of beer made in the USA and the breweries that have shaped the nation's brewing culture.