For most people, family archives are pictures tucked in photo
albums, scattered among family members. Now, descendants of Peter
Straub, as well lovers of Straub Beer, can hold an archive that
fits right in their hands.
“Straub Brewery” – part of the Images of America books
collection by Arcadia Publishing – combines Straub family history
along with a timeline of the Straub Brewery.
The collection was compiled by St. Marys man John Schlimm II,
whose inspiration for the book was part emotional, part
practical.
“I was always inspired by the story of my
great-great-grandfather, Peter Straub, who founded the brewery,” he
said.
Straub was 19 when he left his homeland of Germany to live the
“American dream.”
“As an educator, I am always in awe of the spirit of young
people. Unbridled imagination,” the adjunct professor at the
University of Pittsburgh at Bradford said. “His story confirmed
that.”
On the practical side, Schlimm knew the brewery – a St. Marys
staple – didn’t have a cohesive archive.
“The history of the brewery has never been put down in one
place,” he said, including memorabilia and photos.
“They are actual pieces scattered among the brewery family
members.” These family members are not just blood descendants of
Straub, but also people who have the beer coursing through their
veins.
“We’re all one big family. It belongs to everyone who has
enjoyed a Straub,” he said. “Now, everyone can have a Straub
archive in their hand.”
Schlimm said when he was approached by Arcadia Publishing about
doing the book, it seemed the perfect time to put history to
paper.
Arcadia has published may other books, including one about Zippo
Manufacturing Co.
For Schlimm, it seemed only natural for him to take on the
task.
“My cousins make beer and they do a good job,” he said. “I write
books.”
He added this is his way of contributing to Straub’s history of
brewing and its product.
When he was asked about doing the project, his instant answer
was yes.
“All the stars aligned,” he said. “I’ve wanted to do this.”
One problem, though, was that they wanted it done in four weeks
so it would come out in the fall.
“That’s not much time,” he said. Thankfully, he already had a
good idea who had some of the photos he wanted to use.
The book contains about 200 photos ranging from family events to
how the beer is brewed.
One thing he definitely wanted to use were photos of the brewing
process.
“Tours are very popular. We put a tour in the book for those who
can’t get to the brewery.”
And for those who have toured it, now they have a “cool
souvenir.”
Schlimm also chronicles how the labels have changed throughout
the years, which acts as a timeline for the brewery.
There’s also images of such items as a ledger used after Straub
died.
“What a great piece of history.”
Some of the items Schlimm retrieved were in what he calls the
“attic” of the brewery.
As he and his cousin sorted though file cabinet after file
cabinet, he realized they were the first two people to see these
items in about 80-90 years.
“It was like I was shaking hands with the
great-great-grandfather I had always heard about.”
In that attic, he found “real gems of information, pictures and
documents” that are now in the book.
“The book almost wrote itself in offering up those items.”
In addition to brewery history, the book also contains family
history.
“For the first time, the brewery as well as myself and various
relatives, have opened our personal archives to share the story of
one young man’s inspiring and unwavering dedication to successfully
achieving the American dream.”
Images of parades at the Fourth of July picnic offer a glimpse
into the lives of Straub descendants.
“I love that tradition. It’s held us together as a family.”
But Schlimm’s favorite picture?
“The one at the end of the book,” he said, stressing it must be
kept a secret. Once he saw it he realized “it was a huge
explanation point. This needs to go in.”
In the end, he said the beer itself is the “star of the
product.”
“The book is a celebration of Peter Straub, what he accomplished
and what continues to go on.”
