By Rachael Fleming
Photos courtesy of the Bank of Stockton
Information obtained at the Caesar Chavez Public Library Stockton Record Archives.
Though it may come at no surprise for a settlement so close to the gold mines, breweries were one of San Joaquin County’s first industries. Though there were numerous business founded during this era, perhaps one of the most well-known was the El Dorado Brewing Company whose “Valley Brew” was enjoyed throughout the Central Valley at numerous restaurants and saloons.
Two brothers, Peter and Daniel Rothenbush, founded this brewery in 1853. Though the original building was partially destroyed in a fire in 1877, it was quickly re-built from brick, and continued its booming business on the corner of American, Stanislaus, Park and Oak Street in Lodi. These brothers quickly gained prominence for their distinct product known as “Steam Beer.” This beer, made with lager yeast and without refrigeration, was created out of the tougher conditions of the Gold Rush and was considered a lower quality. The El Dorado Brewing Company was very successful at producing their steam beer, so much that other breweries soon began making their own.
By the beginning of the 1900s, it became their most popular product and went on to win many awards at numerous fairs including the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, Mo., the 1905 California State Fair and the Panama-Pacific Exposition in 1915.
With the passing of the 18th Amendment in 1919 the production, transportation and sale of alcohol was outlawed, which as you can imagine, greatly affected the El Dorado Brewing Company. Unlike numerous other breweries, El Dorado did not close, but instead, were the first to develop a near beer (produced with less than .5 percent alcohol). They duped it “Special Valley” and it was widely successful, earning multiple awards and 12 gold medals. In addition, the brewery created multiple sodas and other such products.
By the passing of the 21st Amendment, which repealed the 18th Amendment, alcohol was again legal and El Dorado Brewing quickly resumed the production of beer and was restored to its former success.
In 1953 the brewery celebrated its 100th anniversary! A true accomplishment as the brewery began as a single family operation, run from one location. Despite the brewery’s anniversary, it shut its door in October of 1955. El Dorado Brewery was no longer able to compete with the other breweries that produced great quantities, and with the ability to ship their product throughout the nation. Despite closing 60 years ago, the legacy of El Dorado Brewing is still visible throughout the modern breweries of San Joaquin County.
