Raise a glass in celebration at the brewery

The Anaheim Brewery plans to host Founders Day events this month to celebrate the 166th birthday of one of the company’s early owners, Friedrich Conrad.

The event will take place from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. May 23 at the brewery, 336. S. Anaheim Blvd. An anniversary celebration featuring Mayor Tom Tait was also planned for May 16.

The brewery has a history made complex by Prohibition and various owners. The initial Anaheim Brewery began pouring in 1870 under founders Solomon Goldstein and Samuel Davis, according to the brewery website. It was downtown and then moved to two more locations nearby.

“Meanwhile, Bavarian-born Anaheim resident Friedrich Conrad started his first brewery, the California Brewery,” the website states. “Located at 113 Adele Street between Lemon and Los Angeles Street (now Anaheim Boulevard), the brewery did well. In 1888, he purchased 10 acres on Broadway in West Anaheim. There he built a large brick building and named it the Anaheim Brewery, famous for its ‘Anaheim Beer.’”

Conrad sold his business in 1904, and Prohibition shut things down in 1920. The company was reestablished as the Anaheim Brewery in May 2011 by Greg and Barbara Gerovac.

On May 23, the brewery will host the first Friedrich Conrad Look-Alike Contest, which is open to all ages and genders.

German music artist Almrausch Tanzlmusi and Blues master solo guitarist Brother Yusef will perform.

Food will be provided.

Bob Garcia