Imagine stumbling upon a hidden treasure, a piece of history frozen in time! That's precisely what happened during renovations at the Rhinegeist Taproom in Cincinnati. Crews, while giving the building a much-needed facelift, unearthed a stunning, century-old mosaic, revealing a glimpse into the city's rich brewing past.
Hidden for decades beneath layers of paint, brick, and mortar, this vibrant tile mosaic dates back to the early 1900s. The discovery was made just a few months ago when construction workers began prepping the building's exterior. As they carefully removed old paint, colors and shapes began to emerge, hinting at something extraordinary. "We started pulling off more of the paint, and little by little, the century-old mural began to show itself — hidden in plain sight for decades," explained Vince Vickers, Superintendent at Buckeye Construction & Restoration.
The mosaic itself is a captivating work of art, depicting a man and a woman seemingly enjoying a beer together. Above them, the words "Moerlein’s Bottle Dept." are inscribed, along with the date 1896. This is a direct nod to the building's former life as the Christian Moerlein Brewing Company's beer bottle plant, which operated there for about a decade in the early 1900s.
But here's where it gets controversial... The Moerlein brand, established way back in 1853, was a major player in Cincinnati's brewing scene. However, like many breweries of the time, they were forced to cease operations between 1919 and 1920 due to the onset of Prohibition.
Fast forward to January 2010, when a devastating fire ripped through the upper floors of the former barrel house. Despite the need for 85 firefighters and thousands of dollars in damages, the building's sturdy infrastructure saved it from being torn down.
Three years later, Rhinegeist moved in, opening its doors to the public in June. Recognizing the building's historical significance as a former Moerlein packaging facility, the brewery's owners chose the name "Rhinegeist" – "Rhine" as a tribute to the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, and "Geist" to celebrate the resurgence of breweries in Cincinnati. The brewery is now honoring its predecessor by keeping the mosaic uncovered and open for public viewing.
And this is the part most people miss... This discovery is more than just a cool find; it's a testament to the enduring spirit of Cincinnati and its brewing heritage. It's a reminder of the layers of history that exist all around us, often hidden in plain sight. What other historical gems might be waiting to be uncovered in your city?
What do you think of this incredible discovery? Do you believe preserving these historical elements is important? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
