Architectural Tour of Mount Joy: Bube’s Brewery
Central Hotel / Bube’s Brewery / Cooper Shed
102 North Market Street
Mount Joy, PA 17552
Bube’s Brewery is the most important and still surviving late 1800s brewery and one of the few late Victorian hotels in intact condition, remaining in Lancaster County. The entire complex, including the brewery, cooper’s shed, and bottling works buildings, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
image courtesy of bubesbrewery.com
The Central Hotel and Brewery buildings were built on the site of a residence and brewery, the latter thought to have been a small brewery operated by the “maltster” Philip Frank. Born in Bavaria in 1851, Alois Bube was trained as a brewer, and he came to the United States in 1869.
By 1878, Bube had his own brewing operation and in 1889 erected a larger brewery and the Central House Hotel. Large vaults were dug beneath the hotel and brewery for the proper storage of the beer products. These vaults remain as part of “the Catacombs,” now a special dining area.
image courtesy of bubesbrewery.com
The Mount Joy Brewery and Bottling Works was known for its strict adherence to the use of only malt, hops, and pure water from a well on the site and the most sophisticated bottling equipment. A fire in 1893 caused extensive damage to the original two-story hotel building and brewery, which prompted the original mansard roof on the hotel to be replaced with a full third story.
Bube died at age 57 in 1908, and his estate operated the business until 1914 when it was purchased by John Hallgren, who operated it until 1917 when business conditions and the impending Prohibition Era forced him to close and sell the plant. Henry Engle, the husband of Josephine Bube (one of Alois and Pauline’s five daughters), took over the brewery and hotel property around 1920.
image courtesy of bubesbrewery.com
The Engle family operated the Central Hotel until 1965. During and following Prohibition, the brewery was not in operation, and it fell into disrepair.
This three-story, five-bay brick structure is a fine example of the Italianate style. An elaborate bracketed cornice made of pressed metal, segmental-arched window heads, decorative brick patterning, and the central bay has projecting brick piers supporting a bracketed balcony/overhang at the main entrance. The present owner, Sam Allen, has done much to restore the original brewing facilities.
image courtesy of bubesbrewery.com
Bube’s Brewery features the interior design work of Pennsylvania School of Art and Design Students: Jo Ann Barton, Melissa Rutecky, and Cheryl Swatski.
For more information, visit Bube’s Brewery’s website.
History Tour at Mount Joy
This is an edited excerpt from the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County’s 2001 Architectural History Tour in honor of the Borough of Mount Joy’s Sesquicentennial.
Consider following the Trust on Facebook for more architectural information and history from all over Lancaster County. Learn more on the Trust’s blog.
Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County
The Trust was established in 1966 to help “stem the rapid destruction of historic properties in Lancaster County.” Through the years, the Trust has been active in helping to preserve many historic properties in Lancaster County that contribute to their respective communities as unique places for people to live, work, and play.
Our equation for success has been working for over 50 years. Look around you and know that our advocacy and direct action have resulted in saving hundreds of historic structures and other sites throughout the county. The flip side is that not everything can and should be saved. The Trust continually faces this delicate balance and works closely with all parties involved to reach an equitable decision for all. Sadly, it sometimes takes an irreplaceable loss to a community before preservation moves higher on the priority list.
Consider joining the Trust today.