Utah Brews: The Untapped Story of Ogden's Becker Brewing and Malting Company
Class
Article
Graduation Year
2018
College
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Department
History Department
Faculty Mentor
Clint Pumphery
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Abstract
When one thinks of Utah, beer is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. However, despite modern perceptions of alcohol in the state, Utah has a rich history of brewing. In fact, the Becker Brewing and Malting Company of Ogden would become the only Utah brewery, and one of 311 in the entire nation, to survive prohibition. The Becker family built a successful, diversified and strong business model that led their company to profits regardless of wet or dry conditions. Unfortunately, even though the Becker Brewing and Malting Company survived prohibition, they were forced to shut down their operation in 1964. The strong anti-alcohol culture prevalent in Utah, and a series of stringent state liquor laws would appear to be the culprits behind the demise of the Ogden brewery. However, while cultural and legislative factors may have been a hindrance to the Beckers, it was nationwide trends that forced the Company to close its doors. Using research from the Becker Brewing and Malting Company Records at the Utah State Merrill-Cazier Library Special Collections and Archives, this presentation will explore the effects of national brewing industry and cultural trends on 20th century Utah brewers, by using the Becker Brewing and Malting Company as a case study.
Location
Room 101
Start Date
4-13-2017 10:30 AM
End Date
4-13-2017 11:45 AM
Utah Brews: The Untapped Story of Ogden's Becker Brewing and Malting Company
Room 101
When one thinks of Utah, beer is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. However, despite modern perceptions of alcohol in the state, Utah has a rich history of brewing. In fact, the Becker Brewing and Malting Company of Ogden would become the only Utah brewery, and one of 311 in the entire nation, to survive prohibition. The Becker family built a successful, diversified and strong business model that led their company to profits regardless of wet or dry conditions. Unfortunately, even though the Becker Brewing and Malting Company survived prohibition, they were forced to shut down their operation in 1964. The strong anti-alcohol culture prevalent in Utah, and a series of stringent state liquor laws would appear to be the culprits behind the demise of the Ogden brewery. However, while cultural and legislative factors may have been a hindrance to the Beckers, it was nationwide trends that forced the Company to close its doors. Using research from the Becker Brewing and Malting Company Records at the Utah State Merrill-Cazier Library Special Collections and Archives, this presentation will explore the effects of national brewing industry and cultural trends on 20th century Utah brewers, by using the Becker Brewing and Malting Company as a case study.