The Berkshire Brewing Association of Pittsfield was producing up to 100,000 barrels annually and employed some 150 before being done in by Prohibition.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — One can only wonder what John White and Jacob Gimlich would have thought as federal officers poured 15,000 gallons of locally crafted beer into the sewer on an early May morning in 1922.
Gimlich and his brother-in-law White had first purchased a small brewery on Columbus Street in 1868 from Michael Benson. First called simply "Jacob Gimlich & John White," the business began at an output of just six barrels a day, but would grow to be a major manufacturer in the West Side Pittsfield neighborhood.
Both men had immigrated to the country from Germany in their youth, and both served tours in the Civil War. Gimlich worked briefly for the Taconic Woolen Mills before going into the beer business with his sister Rachel's husband.
By 1880, operating as Gimlich, White & Co., the brewers erected a much larger facility in a five-story brick building measuring 40 by 80 feet. The expanded plant employed from 15 to 20 men and was shipping about 16,000 barrels a year.
Gimlich and White built houses directly across the road from their plant on John Street, and as their fortunes grew became increasingly prominent members of the community. Gimlich in particular became enmeshed in a variety of financial and civic affairs. From 1884-1885, he served as the city's representative in the Legislature, and was one of the organizers and directors of City Savings Bank. Gimlich likewise served on the board of the Berkshire Loan and Trust Co. and of the Co-Operative Bank, was a past chancellor of the local lodge, Knights of Pythias, and member of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts and of the local Sons of Veterans.
"Pittsfield has been pleased with the success of Gimlich & White and they are counted among the town's leading, liberal, and most public spirited citizens," states one Pittsfield Sun editorial of the time.
By the early 1890s the torch was being passed to the next generation, with sons David Gimlich along with Fred and George White taking on more leadership of the company when it reincorporated as Berkshire Brewing Association in 1892. An additional four-story building was added, with the brewing complex now taking up the full block along Columbus Avenue between Onota and John Street to Gilbert Avenue.
Among Berkshire Brewing's most popular products were Mannheimer Lager Beer, Berkshire Pure Malt Extract, Lenox Half Stock Ale, and Berkshire Pale Ale, considered to be one of the finest India pale ales then on the market. The plant also churned out bottled mineral waters, ginger ale and other soft drinks.
The elder Gimlich and White passed away in 1912 and 1916, respectively, but the enterprise they founded continued to see steady growth. The only brewery of the kind within 50 miles of Pittsfield, Berkshire Brewing Association had something of a monopoly in the region, along with a thriving distribution throughout the east coast as far south as the Carolinas. At its peak, it employed 150 workers and put out 75,000 to 100,000 barrels worth of beer annually. Records indicate between 1910 and 1920, Berkshire Brewing Association paid $1 million in federal taxes, in addition to state and local taxes and fees, including $1,200 a year for a brewer's license and $800 for an annual bottling license.
The company was not without its occasional hiccups, such as a lengthy strike in the fall of 1911 by the Pittsfield Brewers Union, culminating in the reinstatement of a dismissed employee.
Real crisis came at the end of the decade, as increasing restrictions on alcohol grew into total national prohibition. They first ceased brewing beer temporarily in December 1918, after a directive from the National Food Administration following the passage of the the Wartime Prohibition Act. Even after the passage of the Volstead Act the following fall, BBA voted to remain in business, focusing on bottled soft drinks while hoping the ban to be a brief legislative phase.
They also continued to brew beer, as did several major brewers throughout the country at first, seeing the government's lack of resources tasked to enforce the rule. Finally in spring 1922, federal officers arrived to turn off the taps, disposing of 15,000 gallons worth and estimated $15,000 to $20,000 at the time.
Ironically, the company waited it out until nearly the end of the failed domestic policy, the board of directors voting to close down in January 1929.
The brewery building was dismantled soon after; for a time, the Siegel Furniture Co. operated out of the former bottling building, which later became the Warehouse Furniture Co. In 1975, this, too, was cleared as the land passed to the Pittsfield Housing Authority, which developed the Christopher Arms housing project that occupies the former site of the brewery today.
Bottles, openers, and other memorabilia bearing the Berkshire Brewing Association or Gimlich & White labels are considered somewhat valuable among collectors of breweriana, though they are common enough that they do not command high prices compared to more rare items from smaller breweries. Prices of some bottles and other ephemera currently listed online range from $10 to a $100.
This column is born out of an attempt to break new ground, or at least break out of a certain habitual mold of local history storytelling. While the Berkshires have enjoyed many great historians and much outstanding historical writing, it is my belief that there is a great deal that may have fallen by the wayside in its attempt to hammer out a unified narrative in its vision (and marketing) of itself.
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Gov. Healey Urges Preparedness Ahead of Winter Storm
Staff Reports
BOSTON, Mass.—The Healey-Driscoll Administration is asking Massachusetts residents to plan ahead and review winter weather safety tips this weekend and into early next week, ahead of the anticipated winter storm.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an Extreme Cold Warning for western Massachusetts from Friday at 7 p.m. to Saturday at 1 p.m. with wind chills as low as 25 degrees below zero expected in some spots. A Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect from 10 p.m. Friday evening to 10 a.m. Saturday morning for the rest of the state with low wind chills to 20 below zero.
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect from Sunday morning through Monday evening.
According to the NWS, wind chill temperatures will be in the single digits and below zero across much of Massachusetts on Saturday. The snowstorm, which is expected to intensify during the evening and overnight hours on Sunday into Monday will result in total accumulations above 12 inches for much of Massachusetts with some communities potentially receiving up to 2 feet of snow. Slippery road conditions are expected throughout the state with the Monday morning commute expected to be especially difficult.
Governor Maura Healey directed non-emergency Executive Department state employees not report to their workplaces on Monday, Jan. 26, and is urging employers to consider having employees work remotely to the extent possible.
"This weekend, we will be reminded of the extremes that winter weather can pose for us here in Massachusetts with extremely cold temperatures on Saturday and high snow totals expected on Sunday into Monday," said Governor Maura Healey. "This kind of weather can be dangerous, so please take precautions to stay warm when the temperature drops, stay home to the extent possible, and look out for one another."
The State Emergency Operations Center will be activated at the headquarters of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) in Framingham. MEMA will also be activating regional emergency operation centers in Agawam, Tewksbury and Franklin.
"MEMA is prepared to respond to any requests for assistance that communities impacted by this winter storm may have," said MEMA Director Dawn Brantley. "It's important to stay informed of the latest conditions and to take precautions to stay warm when outside and safe while on the roads during and after the storm."
How Residents Can Prepare
Plan ahead and take care when traveling on the roads. Clear snow and ice from your vehicle's windows, lights, hood and roof before driving. Utilize safe winter driving practices, including leaving extra room for braking and stopping in slippery travel conditions. Don't crowd plow or maintenance vehicles. Stay back at least 200 feet and don't pass on the right.
Prepare for possible power outages. Fully charge your cellphone, laptop and any essential electronic devices before the storm. Ensure you have extra batteries for medical equipment and assistive devices. Take stock of your emergency kit and ensure it includes seasonal supplies, such as extra winter clothing and blankets.
Test your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms to make sure they work correctly and have fresh batteries. During and after the storm, check your appliance exhaust vents, making sure that they are not obstructed by snow or ice.
If you use a generator for storm-related power outages, follow the manufacturer's instructions. Never use a generator indoors, not even in an open garage. Point the exhaust away from doors and windows. Turn the generator off and wait for it to cool before you refuel it. Plug appliances in using outdoor-rated extension cords.
Follow recommended safety precautions when using space heaters, a fireplace or a woodstove to heat your home.
If you are able, clear your nearest fire hydrant of snow and ice for three feet in each direction.
Additional tips on what to do before, during, and after a winter storm can be found at Mass.gov/Snow.
MassDOT
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is advising travelers that snowfall is expected to impact travel in many regions of the state, from Sunday evening through Monday morning. Travelers should allow for extra travel time and check forecasts for their routes and destinations. With significant snowfall amounts forecast, MassDOT crews will be pretreating roadways in advance of the storm and will be deploying snow removal staff, with over 3,000 pieces of equipment, available for deployment as necessary across the Commonwealth.
"With a significant winter storm expected to bring over a foot of snow across Massachusetts, transportation crews are preparing to keep roads safe and passable," said Interim MassDOT Transportation Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phil Eng. "We urge everyone to plan ahead and limit travel, if possible. If you must travel, slow down, allow for extra time, keep a safe distance from plows and other vehicles, and be mindful of changing conditions. Public transit riders should check for service updates and official alerts. Our teams will be working throughout the storm and into recovery to support safe travel and we ask the public to do their part so everyone can get where they need to go safely."
"MassDOT crews are fully prepared and will be working around the clock, starting with efforts to pretreat roadways before the storm arrives, and continuing throughout this weekend as the system moves across Massachusetts. Our top priorities are keeping roadways safe and responding quickly to changing conditions," said Undersecretary and State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. We are asking travelers to consider public transportation options and to use caution if they must be on the roads. Thank you to our crews that will be clearing snow and ice from our roads, bridges, and interchanges."
For more information on traffic conditions, travelers are encouraged to:
Download the Mass511 mobile app or visit www.mass511.com to view live cameras, travel times, real-time traffic conditions, and project information before setting out on the road. Users can subscribe to receive text and email alerts for traffic conditions.
Dial 511 and select a route to hear real-time conditions.
Follow @MassDOT on X, (formerly known as Twitter),to receive regular updates on road and traffic conditions.
MBTA
For service updates immediately before, during, and after a storm, MBTA officials urge riders to subscribe to text or email T-Alerts before snowfall for real time notifications about service disruptions. We also encourage riders to follow the MBTA on X (the site formerly known as Twitter) @MBTA, @MBTA_CR, and @MBTA_CR_Alerts for information. During and after winter storms, the Commuter Rail and bus routes may need to reduce service and operate on storm schedules. The MBTA will update the Commuter Rail schedules and bus schedules to match. Riders can also visit the T's Winter Travel Guide at mbta.com/winter.
Crews will work to clear snow and ice throughout the system, but riders are asked to use caution on platforms and at bus stops.
Massport
Boston Logan International Airport will remain fully operational throughout the weekend though many airlines are cancelling flights and few flights are expected during the storm. Many airlines are waiving change fees so passengers should check with their airline about rescheduling their flight. For passengers with confirmed flights, heavy snowfall and potential slick roadways are expected at times, and passengers should allow extra time to get to and from Logan.
For any additional questions, passengers can contact our Passenger Service team via our website, by calling 1-800-23-LOGAN or the free FlyLogan app.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is monitoring the forecast and preparing its snow removal equipment for the agency's parkways, sidewalks and properties in anticipation of a plowable event. DCR prioritizes plowing on primary roadways and parkways, as well as designated sidewalks, pathways and crosswalks that provide safe passage in the immediate proximity to schools while school is in-session. The agency anticipates activating its statewide storm center on Sunday.
To ensure safety and accommodate winter storm operations, DCR is closing all agency-managed recreation facilities including all visitor centers, the Melnea A. Cass Recreation Center, and Dillaway Thomas House on Sunday, January 25 and Monday, January 26. All programs at parks across the state will be canceled on Sunday and Monday. All of these facilities are expected to reopen for normal operations on Tuesday, January 27.
Additionally, DCR is closing the following agency-operated skating rinks at 12 p.m. on Sunday, January 25: Emmons Horrigan O'Neil Rink in Charlestown, Private First-Class Robert M. Devine Skating Rink in South Boston, Alexander S. Bajko Memorial Skating Rink in Hyde Park, Kelly Outdoor Rink in Jamaica Plain, Private First-Class Steven J. Steriti Memorial Skating Rink in the North End, Francis L. Murphy Ice Memorial Ice Skating Rink in South Boston, and the Lieutenant James F. Reilly Memorial Rink in Brighton. These facilities are expected to reopen on Monday, January 26 after snow removal operations are completed.
DCR may implement parking bans for agency-managed roadways and designated DOT managed roadways. The timing of the parking bans will be consistent with local municipal bans. Please refer to local parking ban announcements for current restrictions. All parking bans on DCR parkways apply to both sides of the road, and vehicles parked on these areas during an active snow emergency will be ticketed and towed. Parking bans are expected to be lifted shortly after the completion of snow clearing operations.
Learn more from DCR on how to make your own more environmentally friendly liquid salt brine. Liquid salt brine – a mix of salt dissolved in water – serves as an anti-icing agent to prevent snow and ice from binding to the road surface, allowing for easier removal, fewer applications and faster return to a clean paved surface. This snow removal technique is more cost effective and environmentally friendly for municipalities, state agencies and consumers.
Department of Public Utilities
The Department of Public Utilities and the Electric Distribution Companies (EDCs) continue to monitor the weather forecast and are updating their Emergency Response Plans accordingly. The DPU and EDCs remain in close communication as the storm develops. The EDCs conduct daily storm planning calls, provide regular updates to the DPU regarding storm preparation activities, and the companies will put in place their Emergency Response Plans if and when necessary to swiftly address any potential outages. These Plans include increasing the number of troubleshooters and dispatchers to help customers quickly and adding more engineers and line crews to work on any on-site incidents.
Should customers experience any power outages, report the issue directly to your electric company. Please stay far away from any downed wires at all times and report them immediately to 911.
Additionally, the DPU's Winter Shut-off Moratorium is still in effect and applies to residential customers of the investor-owned electric and gas companies and Municipal Light Plant customers. These utility companies cannot shut off heating service to residents who demonstrate they are experiencing financial hardship. Learn more about your rights and the moratorium.
Department of Environmental Protection
To address the handling of excessive snowfall amounts, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) provides Snow Disposal Guidance to local governments and businesses. The online guidance assists with snow disposal site selection, site preparation and maintenance, and emergency snow disposal options that are protective of wetlands, drinking water, and waterbodies. MassDEP also has an online mapping tool to help communities identify possible snow disposal options locally.
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The Berkshire Brewing Association of Pittsfield was producing up to 100,000 barrels annually and employed some 150 before being done in by Prohibition. 
