Beer fans, did you know that Richmond was the first city to sell canned beer?
This May 1934 photograph shows workers from G. Krueger Brewing Company transporting twenty-four barrels of beer on West Broad Street in a horse-drawn wagon. The brewing company, which was founded in Newark, New Jersey, joined the American Can Company in 1934 to experiment with canning beer. Instead of taking the risk and losing money with the new product in New Jersey, Krueger chose to use Richmond as test market for the canned beer product. They produced two of their beers in cans, Krueger’s Finest Beer and Krueger’s Cream Ale.
How were the first beer cans opened? American Can Co. sold a specialized beer can opener that was designed to punch a hole in the lid. For many years, the can labels featured an instructional drawing of the opener.
In 1935, Krueger sold the first can of beer and over 30 breweries followed suit. The product, as we all know, was a huge success!
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Happy National Beer Day! Here are 89 photos of beer in Richmond
8/8/2015: In May 1934, workers from G. Krueger Brewing Co. transported beer barrels on West Broad Street in Richmond. The company, which was founded in Newark, N.J., joined the American Can Co. in 1934 to experiment with putting beer in a can, and Krueger chose Richmond as test market. In 1935, it sold the first can of beer in history in Richmond, and many breweries soon followed suit.
09-06-1933 (cutline): Norman Brown, 23, drank fifteen bottles of 3.2 beer in one brief sitting...he raised an eyebrow at the word intoxication.
A 1952 image of shoppers going through the checkout line at Lafayette Foodland, located at 1007 Lafayette St. The next year, the store, which opened in 1940, published a legal notice in The Times-Dispatch that it would apply for a state license to sell beer.
04-07-1981 (cutline): Thomas M. Gresk is Brand Manager for Pabst Milwaukee Firm will sell Furstenberg in U.S. Richmond will become the third metropolitan area in the country to sample Furstenberg beer, a German import that is being introduced by the Pabst Brewing Co. of Milwaukee.
03-14-1958 (cutline): New picnic-sized beer barrels, just one-quarter the old-fashioned size are going on the market. The barrels are made of stainless streel, designed not to require a tar pitching like wooden barrels and not to put like aluminum barrels. They have a capacity of 7 1/4 gallons.
10-31-1983 (cutline): J.W. Phillips & Sons Distributor at 923 N. Meadow Street.
In July 1933, a group of Richmonders enjoyed lunch and lager at a local establishment. Virginia lawmakers were close to legalizing some beer sales as the Prohibition era was nearing its end.
In October 1976, Ronald J. Roller of Petersburg posed with his beer can collection, which totaled almost 1,300 after 18 years of collecting. He conservatively valued the trove at $5,000. Roller held two of his prized pieces: a 1934 Old Milwaukee can and a gallon can/dispenser of Gettelman.
April 1989: Men drink beer and eating shad at annual Shad Planking.
04-18-1948 (cutline): Work in the morning and fun in the afternoon--residents of West Avenue, Richmond's little city within a city, spent yesterday morning sweeping, hosing, raking and cleaning their yards. The city helped with the Spring cleanup by sweeping the streets and alleys. Then in the afternoon, citizens, young and old gathered in the yard of the Howard McCues for hot doogs, beer and ginger ale. Five-year-old Christie Payne, Jr., one of the youngest of the workers, gets an assist from Miss Wilhelmina Baughman and Giles M. Robertson, "mayor" of West Avenue.
Twelve 31,000-Gallon beer tanks are installed at Stone Brewing in Richmond on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015.
Twelve 31,000-Gallon beer tanks are installed at Stone Brewing in Richmond on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015.
26 different local beers are also served during Food Truck Rodeo at Chesterfield Towne Center on Sunday, September 14, 2014. More than 35 food trucks offered a variety of cuisines, plus live music.
Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe raises a glass of beer in front of the Executive Mansion in Richmond, VA , after it was announced Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014, that Stone Brewing will build a brewery in the east end of the city.
Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe raises a glass of beer in front of a silver punchbowl filled with Stone Brewing products inside the Executive Mansion in Richmond, VA , after it was announced Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014, that Stone Brewing will build a brewery in the east end of the city.
Urban Tavern Restaurant offers 24 craft beers.
The keg box at the newly located Buddy's Place on Sheppard St. in Richmond Va. They have 20 beers on tap.
Story is about a variety of collaborations between different local craft breweries -- some with other breweries, some with organizations.
Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, center, has a laugh and a beer with Johnny Cates, left, and Mark Stepanian, right, during a St. Patrick's Day celebration at Rosie Connally's Pub on 16th St. in Richmond, VA Tuesday, March 17, 2015.
Scott Golden uses a floating hydrometer to measure the sugar in beer he is making at his Midlothian home Friday, March 20, 2015.
Bob and Jeanne Henderson are closing The Weekend Brewer, a store in Chester established in 1988 to supply the growing home brewing and home vintner market.
Any beer tasting requires beer-tasting glasses, lined up and ready for use at the Capitol Ale House National Beer Expo at the Greater Richmond Convention Center on July 18, 2015
L-R, Virginia Agriculture and Forestry Secretary Todd Haymore, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery co-founders Patrick Murtaugh and Eric McKay during an announcement at Virginia Farm Bureau about Hardywood expanding to Goochland County Mon. July 20, 2015.
Tim Norman puts PakTech on top of cans of The Great Return beer at Hardywood Brewery Tuesday, July 21, 2015.
A sample tray of beers at Center of the Universe Brewing Company in Hanover County, Wednesday 7/22/2015.
Aaron Thackery with Strangeways Brewing held a sample of the grain that the brewery uses to manufacture its beers. Local craft brewers are opposed to regulations that would require them to operate similar to a restaurant because it would require them to refrigerate the grain.
Cups of Stone Brewing Co. beer are placed during a Raise the Roof event to celebrate the installation of the brewhouse tanks in Richmond on Friday, December 4, 2015.
People wait in line to buy a beer during Stone Brewing's company store and tap room's soft opening Friday, February 19, 2016. It will be open until 9:00 p.m. tonight and tomorrow from 11am-10 pm.
VCU professor Dr. Stephen Fong with a Hardywood beer wort sample into which was added a sample from an oak tree at Jamestown. He hopes to isolate yeast from the Jamestown site so that Hardywood can ferment a beer with the yeast. Dozens of site samples from Jamestown are being tried. May 12, 2016.
Peter Wiens, Stone Brewing Company director of brewing operations for the east coast, sniffed a sample of a beer that came off the production line at the Richmond plant, Friday 6/3/2016. Wiens said the plant began producing beer last Friday, which puts it on schedule accorging to company plans.
Beers taps at Isley Brewing on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016 in Scott's Addition.
Bill Cavender pours samples of meade for customers at Black Heath Meadery on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016 in Scott's Addition. 12/8/2016: Beer fans flock to The Veil Brewing Co. on Tuesdays, which is canned new release day at the brewery on Roseneath Road. Lesnick Photo Beer fans flock to The Veil Brewing Co. on Tuesdays, which is canned new release day at the brewery on Roseneath Road. Lesnick Photo Tuesday is new release day at The Veil Brewing Co. in Scott's Addition (Richmond, Va.). June 14, 2016 Lesnick Photo Tuesday is new release day at The Veil Brewing Co. in Scott's Addition (Richmond, Va.). June 14, 2016 Lesnick Photo A cider club event at Blue Bee Cider on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016 in Scott's Addition. Chet Strange A cider club event at Blue Bee Cider on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016 in Scott's Addition. Chet Strange Bill Cavender pours samples of mead for customers at Black Heath Meadery in Scott's Addition. Chet Strange Bill Cavender pours samples of mead for customers at Black Heath Meadery in Scott's Addition. Chet Strange Mead available for sampling at Black Heath Meadery on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016 in Scott's Addition. Chet Strange Mead available for sampling at Black Heath Meadery on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016 in Scott's Addition. Chet Strange Chuck Allen goes to pour a glass of beer on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016 at Isley Brewing Co. in Scott's Addition. Chet Strange Chuck Allen goes to pour a glass of beer on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016 at Isley Brewing Co. in Scott's Addition. Chet Strange Chuck Allen pours a flight of beer at Isley Brewing Co. on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016 in Scott's Addition. Chet Strange Chuck Allen pours a flight of beer at Isley Brewing Co. on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016 in Scott's Addition. Chet Strange
The first special release of Stone Brewing – Richmond, a special collaboration with the Governor of Virginia, is now brewed, and bottled. The Virginia Commemorative Collaboration Celebration alongside Gov. Terry McAuliffe and people behind Hardywood Park Craft Brewery and Ardent Craft Ales was introduced to the delight of the governor on December 12 at the tasting room at Stone Brewing - Richmond. At right is Todd P. Haymore, Va. Secretary of Commerce and Trade. After tasting, McAuliffe pronounced the imperial stout named "Give Me Stout or Give Me Death" the "best beer ever made." 12/13/2016: "Best beer ever made," Gov. Terry McAuliffe declared after taking a swig of "Give Me Stout or Give Me Death" during a launch event at Stone Brewing Co. in Richmond on Monday. The beer is a collaboration by Stone, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery and Ardent Craft Ales. DEAN HOFFMEYER/TIMES-DISPATCH "Best beer ever made," Gov. Terry McAuliffe declared after taking a swig of "Give Me Stout or Give Me Death" during a launch event at Stone Brewing Co. in Richmond on Monday. The beer is a collaboration by Stone, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery and Ardent Craft Ales. DEAN HOFFMEYER/TIMES-DISPATCH The first special release of Stone Brewing '" Richmond, a special collaboration with the Governor of Virginia, is now brewed, and bottled. The Virginia Commemorative Collaboration Celebration alongside Gov. Terry McAuliffe and people behind Hardywood Park Craft Brewery and Ardent Craft Ales was introduced to the delight of the governor on December 12 at the tasting room at Stone Brewing - Richmond. After tasting, McAuliffe pronounced the imperial stout named "Give Me Stout or Give Me Death" the "best beer ever made." DEAN HOFFMEYER/ TIMES-DISPATCH The first special release of Stone Brewing '" Richmond, a special collaboration with the Governor of Virginia, is now brewed, and bottled. The Virginia Commemorative Collaboration Celebration alongside Gov. Terry McAuliffe and people behind
Mark Stepanian, president of Loveland Distributing. Loveland is part of an alliance of beer and wine wholesale companies opposed to Va. Gov. Bob McDonnell's plan to privatize liquor sales.
Legend Brewery offerings are now available in 22 oz. (L) and 12 oz. sizes. Legend Brewing Co. in Richmond. 10/11/2016: Legend's popular beers include its Golden and Brown ales. The signature beer at its new location may be an oyster stout. Joe mahoney/times-dispatch Legend's popular beers include its Golden and Brown ales. The signature beer at its new location may be an oyster stout. Joe mahoney/times-dispatch Legend Brewing, which owns a Richmond brewery and restaurant, plans to open its second brewpub in the Seaboard Coast Line building along the Elizabeth River in Portsmouth. The building is being renovated by The Monument Companies of Richmond. Elyse Miller Legend Brewing, which owns a Richmond brewery and restaurant, plans to open its second brewpub in the Seaboard Coast Line building along the Elizabeth River in Portsmouth. The building is being renovated by The Monument Companies of Richmond. Elyse Miller The Monument Companies is turning the Seaboard Coast Line building (right) into a mixed-use development with 81 residential units and four commercial spaces, including Legend's 4,000-square-foot space. The Monument Companies The Monument Companies is turning the Seaboard Coast Line building (right) into a mixed-use development with 81 residential units and four commercial spaces, including Legend's 4,000-square-foot space. The Monument Companies 12/22/2016: Legendary Mug Club members Bill Lawrence (from left), Davy Crockett, Mike Boswell and David Long have been regulars at Legend Brewing Co. for a decade or more. They meet most Mondays at the brewery, located in Richmond's Manchester area. Andy Garrigue Legendary Mug Club members Bill Lawrence (from left), Davy Crockett, Mike Boswell and David Long have been regulars at Legend Brewing Co. for a decade or more. They meet most Mondays at the brewery, located in Richmond's Manchester area. Andy Garrigue Martin Andy Garrigue Martin Andy Garrigue The Richmond skyline p
Some of the Virginia craft brews that March Helms, owner/general manager of Corks & Kegs in Richmond, VA, Friday, Feb. 28, 2014, is using for the "March's Madness" chart he has done that pits Virginia craft brews against other beers from around the country and the world, similar to the chart used for basketball's "March Madness" leading to the final four in the NCAA tournament. Beers will be blind-tested by customers each day in the shop and participants can fill out their choices before competition begins, similar to basketball pools.
Sampling of some brews during the River City Beer and Seafood Fest on Brown's Island in Richmond Sat. June 9,2007.
Richbrau Master Brewer Mike Banks gives behind the scenes tours on Mondays showing how the brew pub makes beer. Photo taken Monday, February 27, 2006.
Richbrau Master Brewer Mike Banks demonstrates part of the process of making beer during a behind the scenes tour Monday, February 27, 2006. Richbrau gives free brew tours on Mondays.
Richbrau Master Brewer Mike Banks holds one of the beers he makes during a behind the scenes tour Monday, February 27, 2006. Richbrau gives free brew tours on Monday.
Bryan Hartman stacks some of the 124,000 cases of beer in a warehouse in Henrico County. Hartman is the operations manager for the Richmond warehouse where Mexican beers (such as Corona, Modelo and Pacifica) are stored. The operation is owned by Biagi Brothers.
Dave Pyle shows what whole hops look like (foreground). He and his wife Becky Pyle, both East representatives for Hopunion Craft Brewing Sales, LLC, were at the Shockoe Craft Beer Festival to talk to people about hops and brewing beer Saturday, August 25, 2007. The festival was held at Kanawha Plaza. The festival was held at Kanawha Plaza.
A beer judge sports a tee shirt with a beer fanciers oft-quoted motto by patriot Benjamin Franklin.
Mike Killelea, brewer at Legend Brewing Company, adds German hallertauer hops to a boiling batch of Legend Brown Ale. The brewery produced over 5000 barrels of beer in 2007.
A red, white and blue scarf manufactured by Peck and Peck declares "Repeal the 18th Amendment/ More Beer Less taxes.
Brats in beer with kraut and potatoes, and Legend Lager, at Legend Brewery.____Legend Brewing Co. in Richmond.
Brandon Tolbert has been brewing professionally at Extra Billy's Smokehouse and Brewery in Chesterfield County since February. His beers won two medals at this year's Virginia Craft Brewers Fest. Photo by Lee Graves
A refrigerated room filled with beer kegs at Brown Distributing on June 12, 2008.
A beer sample is poured from a tap during the first Legend Celtic & Beer Festival at The Meadow at The Boulders on 7/16/06. Beers from microbreweries and music were popular, as was the shade under a nearby treeline.
Beer, porta-potties, romance- all part of K-95's Countryfest at RIR raceway complex on 8/19/06.
Capital Ale House at Innsbrook has a large selection of beers on tap. Photo taken Monday, June 4, 2007.
Capital Ale House at Innsbrook has a large selection of beers on tap. Photo taken Monday, June 4, 2007.
Some of the 21 beers on tap at County Rib & Ale House . Feburary
Members of the South Richmond Harley Davidson Group were on hand to serve beer on the opening night of The Richmond Folk Festival.
Garry Martindale shops for beer at the Food Lion at 13530 Genito Road.
With his desire for a cold beverage evident to passers-by, Jason asks a driver for a contribution at the corner of Belvidere St. and Idlewood Ave. Friday afternoon. This driver gave Jason some money.
Volunteer Gus Guzman , with the south Richmond H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) , serves beer at the River City Beer & Seafood Festival on Brown's Island . June 10 , 2006
The Loveland stand keeps the beer flowing at the 25th annual Church Hill Irish Festival on Saturday, March 20, 2010.
March 24-25, 2018: Irish Festival in Church Hill.
For story on the rise of the local craft beer business, Feb 20, 2013 photo of the ongoing construction at Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery in Goochland. This is a farm brewery being started by Sean-Thomas Pumphrey and his wife Lisa, who are working on constructing the brewing building and surrounding infrastructure.
HARDYWOOD HEAD BREWER BRIAN NELSON displays one of the beers he has been creating for the brewery since they opened in 2011.
HARDYWOOD beer kegs lined and stacked at the brewery on 2/22/13
Trae Cairns samples one of his beers at Midnight Brewery in Rockville, Va. on Feb. 21, 2013.
Trae Cairns shows some of the malt he uses at his Midnight Brewery in Rockville, VA., just across the Goochland county line. His micro brews are available in 7 local restaurants, though he's had to turn some larger requests away because of his business' small size.
After mixing everything together, home brewer Jason Hamilton draws some of his brew into a vial that allows him to test the alcohol content of his final beer.
Jeremy Wirtes, Scott Jones and Adam Worcester (l-r) at Triple Crossing Brewing Co. on S. Foushee Street
Exterior of Triple Crossing Brewing Co. on S. Foushee Street
Prissie Nguyen (left) and Mark Thompson share a high-five and a few beers during the Carytown Craft Beer Festival, April 14, 2013.
Lee Graves, the Beer Guy, photographed Tuesday, April 9, 2013.
Tom Sullivan (left), Kevin O'Leary (center) and Paul Karns are putting the finishing touches on their brewery, Ardent Craft Ales, which will open June 13 at 4pm. It is at 3200 West Leigh Street in Richmond's Scotts Addition. May 13, 2014.
Chris Ray's baseball themed beer will be sold at the Flying Squirrels' game Thursday. the sale proceeds go to military families.
Ellwood Thompson's Local Market will serve pints on their patio starting this Friday.
Jordan Mantel, L, and Kara Belcher, R, measure the girth of Clifton Murray of Henrico during the beer belly contest at the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ festival at RIR.
Jordan Mantel, L, and Kara Belcher, R, measure the girth of contestant Andrew Karluk of Richmond during the beer belly contest at the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ festival at RIR.
Gillian Wilson of Richmond samples "Hoplar" during a tasting at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery in Richmond. Beginning July 1, Virginia law will allow craft breweries to serve full glasses of beer without having a restaurant. Current law now limits the servings to 2 oz. no-charge tastings. 9/1/2016: Gillian Wilson of Richmond samples "Hoplar" during a tasting at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery in Richmond. Beginning July 1, Virginia law will allow craft breweries to serve full glasses of beer without having a restaurant. Current law now limits the servings to 2 oz. no-charge tastings. JOE MAHONEY Gillian Wilson of Richmond samples "Hoplar" during a tasting at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery in Richmond. Beginning July 1, Virginia law will allow craft breweries to serve full glasses of beer without having a restaurant. Current law now limits the servings to 2 oz. no-charge tastings. JOE MAHONEY
Kenzie Korman pours samples of offerings from Hardywood Park Craft Brewery on Ownby Lane in Richmond. Beginning July 1, Virginia law will allow craft breweries to serve full glasses of beer without having a restaurant. Current law now limits the servings to 2 oz. no-charge tastings.
Warren Rhodes, of Specialty Beverages, retrieves empty kegs after delivering beer to The Tobacco Company Restaurant in Richmond on Friday, July 29, 2011. Rhodes had 26 deliveries on Friday.
Tasting room at Hardywood through the barrels.
The new Buz & Ned's offers a variety of draught beers and even more bottled beers. July 31, 2012.
A selection of beers at The Black Sheep restaurant includes Black Sheep Ale.
Breck Ricca (left) and Amanda Poyner of Tappahannock have a beer-drinking contest in the parking lots before the race Saturday at Richmond International Raceway. --- Richmond International Raceway; Sprint Cup Series; Chevy Rock and Roll 400
Phil Ray (right) and his brother, Chris Ray (center) and head brewer Mike Killelea opened COTU Brewing in Ashland in November. COTU stands for "Center of the Universe," which is how many locals describe Ashland's whereabouts in the cosmos. Nov. 29, 2012.
BREW GASTROPUB for the Dine section. BREW GASTROPUB offers 30 different tap beers.
Tom Martin (left) the founder of Legend Brewing Co., is celebrating the Richmond brewery's 20th year of business, with Rick Uhler (second from left), v.p. of sales; head brewer John Wampler (third from left); and David Gott, the v.p. of operations. Sept. 13, 2013.
Strangeways Brewing has a tasting room. Photo taken Thursday, August 22, 2013.
Beer is poured in Strangeways Brewing's taste room Thursday, August 22, 2013.
Brewer Christopher Cawthon fills a bucket with Belgian yeast which he will add to a fermenter to make Albino Monkey and Wood Booger beers at Strangeways Brewing Thursday, August 22, 2013.
