Cool Beer

Saturday, July 14, 2012

In the taverns of the 1880s, beer tended to be stale, especially if there was any delay between servings. On this date in 1885 one Bismarck bar owner installed a brand new invention that utilized a pressurized air cylinder connected through tubing to kegs of beer in a cellar ice box. Also connected to the kegs were tubes through which the beer flowed to taps just under the bar. The beer ran through coils surrounded by chipped ice, providing a cool brew to a thirsty crowd. As one grateful patron put it, C. R. Williams, the tavern keeper, was ever striving to do something for the benefit of mankind.

Dakota Datebook written by Jim Davis

Source

The Bismarck Tribune July 16, 1885