Fremont Brewery: Fremont, Ohio

Fremont Brewery

Northwest Corner of Oak and Knapp Streets, Fremont, Ohio
(undated)

The Fremont Brewery  was founded in 1857 by Charles Geisen at its location on Oak Street. Under the leadership of Julius Walde, the plant grew to ever larger proportions. According to the "Toledo Critic," the Fremont Brewery was recognized as one the very best in the state of Ohio. Walde developed extensive sales in Fremont and the surrounding area. The company advertised in the 1904/1905 city directory "Pilsner and Lager made from the choicest malts and hops."

Julius Walde was born in 1848 in Germany where he was educated. There he learned the trade of cooper. His father served as an officer in the regular army as did Julius, who was recognized for his gallant service  in the Franco-Prussian War. Following the war, he came to America, settling in La Crosse, Wisconsin. where he worked in a brewery. He later moved to Chicago, working in a brewery there as well. After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and a strike at the brewery, he left Chicago and traveled to Norwalk, Ohio. There he worked as a cooper in his uncle's shop before moving to Fremont. He soon took a job in a Tiffin brewery. Walde then bought an interest in the Fremont Brewery and became its manager, He operated the brewery until 1902 when he sold his interest.