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News
December 18, 2008 A Personal Reflection by Frank Friorenza When Potosi was invited to the American Breweriana Association annual meeting in June of 2003, held at Stevens Point, Wisconsin, I didn’t know what to expect. I knew little of the Association and thought I might be attending a wild convention with revelers wearing funny hats wandering up and down the hotel hallways at all hours of the night. How wrong I was. The first thing that struck me, from my initial meeting with Stan and Chris Galloway to subsequent conversations with Herb and Helen Haydock, Tye Schwalbe, Larry Bowden, Otto and Jeanne Tieggs, Rich and Sharon Horrocks, Matt Knoblauch, Bob Post, and so many others too numerous to mention, was the warmth and friendliness of the members. The conversations were easy and relaxed and I instantly felt that I was among friends I had known for many years. The second thing that was readily apparent was the knowledge and the seriousness of this group of collectors of breweriana. I listened to individuals talk about their collections of labels or trays or coasters or steins, or how they had specialized in collecting memorabilia preserving the history of a particular brewery. This was a group of dedicated historians and collectors, and their combined knowledge on the history of breweries was more than just impressive – it was inspiring and even a little intimidating. After making a presentation on the Potosi Brewery restoration project, and following the second presentation by board member Steve Freese, the enthusiasm from the Breweriana Association was palpable. This was the third impression -- genuine excitement that perhaps, after several years, the Association might finally realize their dream of a national museum where members could showcase their collections. At this point, I had not come to know Len and Kay Chylack or Tom and Sue Rejmaniak, or Herb Page, but that would soon change. I left Stevens Point encouraged, but not knowing how it would all play out. In December of that year, Potosi was visited by Len Chylack and Tom Rejmaniak. Their initial visit to the brewery site was far from impressive. When they saw the condition of the buildings, I am sure they were ready to return home, but a meeting was scheduled for the following day in the recently built fire department/rescue squad facility. Here is where Len and Tom showed their leadership. Good leadership remains open to possibilities, and by the end of a day-long session, Len and Tom, based on the enthusiasm of the Potosi Brewery Foundation as well as the state of the art public safety building, were willing to do an about face. They were willing to take a chance on Potosi just as the Potosi Brewery Foundation was willing to take a chance on the ABA even though we really knew little about each other. Their influence played a key role in Potosi being selected as the site for a national museum at the Denver meeting in 2004. As with all relationships, there would be hills and valleys. Miscommunication or lack of communication could create tensions. Different ideas would have to be reconciled. Divergent needs would have to be addressed. Fund raising would have to continue, but through it all, both organizations remained true to their goals while honoring their commitments to each other. The end result is a work of art. In the first six months approximately 35,000 visitors have toured the facility, and the displays have reflected a diversity of breweriana interests. The dedication of people such as Len and Kay, Tye and Sandy, Tom and Sue, Otto and Jeanne, Herb Page and all others who worked to make this a reality leads me to my fourth impression. Is there a more dedicated group of individuals willing to work “to make it happen”? I doubt it. In point of fact, there are probably not two such dedicated groups such as the ABA and the PBF. Both have demonstrated commitment and enthusiasm, and a willingness to compromise when necessary and to cooperate when needed. To continue on the path of success, all of us need to do our parts to sustain what has been accomplished through donations, through advertising, through fund raising, through visits, and through exhibiting various collections. What has been built will remain a lasting tribute to both organizations only through the continued efforts of ABA and PBF members. It is odd and unpredictable the twists and turns the paths of our lives take. My path intersected with the PBF and eventually with the ABA, and for me it has been a rewarding journey. I am proud to be a member of both organizations, proud of what the two groups have accomplished, and can only hope for both a long and successful association. My only regret is that I couldn’t in this brief article mention by name all of the people I have met or worked with, whether from Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Louis, the east coast, the west coast and all points in between. What I do know is this: together something special has been created that is a credit to all involved, and something for all of us to take pride in. Frank Friorenza PBF Board Member Potosi Village President  Other News September 7, 2010 ABA National Brewery Museum™ American Flag Donation read article... August 27, 2010 Pictures from the Past read article... August 24, 2010 Beer Trucks From the Past “Bring Me A Beer! read article... August 2, 2010 Backyard Beer read article... More... |
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