In 1861, Jacob Grob built Ypsilanti's first brewery. Chapman says of it, "The brewings are generally successful, and the beer is said to be much appreciated by those who use it."
Sources:
- Chapman, 1888, pg. 1140.
- New Corner in Ypsilanti, Michigan Beer Guide.
Jacob Grob was located on 5 Forest Avenue from 1861 to 1915. Grob must have been successful to last 54 years only to close in the face of Prohibition, but he also spawned two competitors, both opened in 1866. The H. Lee brewing concern (1861 - 1943) survived under a number of different names and owners including Foerster, Hoch, Liberty, Ypsilanti, Vogt and Dawes. The Eagle Brewery on East Congress also began in 1866 but closed ten years later.
