c 1889

C.L. Centlivre Brewing Company Drinking Glass Set

C. L. Centlivre Brewing Company Drinking Glass Set-Alsatian

Charles Louis Centlivre, a native of Lutran, France, immigrated to the United States in 1850 leaving behind the political strife and economic hardships Napoleon's reign brought to the Alsace Territory. On 27 September 1862, Charles established the first major brewery in Fort Wayne-Centlivre Brewery (originally the French Brewery) located next to the St. Mary's River on Lima Plank Road, now known as Spy Run Avenue. The brewery consistently expanded to include a malting plant in 1868, bottling plant in 1876, and artificial refrigeration in 1886. The Centlivre family were keenly business minded, which no doubt helped them weather the storm of local and out-of-town competition in the late 1800s. During Prohibition they survived using revenues from cold storage, ice and a very low alcohol content beer called "That's It." The family held shares in the company until 1961 when they sold the brewery. It was renamed Old Crown Brewing Corporation and operated until 1973.

A fire destroyed the brewery in July 1889. The beverage set includes four glasses bearing the company emblem, and a blue glass tray with an image of the Centlivre Brewery as it appeared in 1890 after the brewery was rebuilt.