Frisch Auf! (Freshen Up!)
In 1860, Heinrich Kreische, a German immigrant and stonemason, built Kreische Brewery in a ravine on his property outside of La Grange. It was one of the first commercial breweries in Texas. By 1879, the brewery was the third largest in the state. The brewery’s Kreische’s Bluff Beer was a favorite with locals.
The brewery hung the Frisch Auf! Banner to let the local community know that a new batch of beer was ready. It was also an invitation for major social events on the grounds. People gathered to enjoy the beer, shooting competitions, large picnics and dances.
Banner
The large ornate banner is 42 ½ inches tall and 64 ¼ inches wide, has a silk body with muslin backing and silk cording on the edges. “Frisch auf!” is embroidered with silk yarn in the center of a wreath of oak leaves with acorns.
