A toast to Königsborn’s legacy. That’s what I’d say if I could raise a glass to the Brauereiverein Finthen 2008. But alas we are here instead. Here where history whispers through the very ground beneath our feet.
The Brauereiverein Finthen 2008 is more than just a name. It’s a portal to a past brimming with bubbling brews and boisterous celebrations. It stands as a testament to the Königsborn brewery. A brewery that once thrived on the quality of its spring water. Even the Romans recognized its excellence. They built a lengthy aqueduct to bring this precious resource to the gates of Mainz.
The Becker family played a pivotal role. Johann and Leonhard Becker V took over in 1869. They built a brewhouse and a beer hall. The arrival of the steam railway in 1892 was a turning point. It brought visitors to Königsborn. The brewery became a popular destination.
This wasn’t just any beer garden. Imagine 1500 guests under the shade of chestnut trees. Fifteen waiters rushing about. Families picnicking. Couples strolling through lovely gardens. The sound of waltzes filling the air. There were even artificial ponds and a waterfall. In winter children skated on the frozen surface of those ponds.
The brewery expanded. A large ballroom was built in 1894. In 1904 a new two-story building was added. There was a need for more space. So another brewhouse and a chimney were constructed. Kingsborn beer was bottled and sold all over Finthen. Special events like the Königsborner Kerb were hugely popular. The festive atmosphere was infectious. Even the dance floor often overflowed. Small wooden shelters offered secluded romantic spots.
Five ponds were used to make ice for cooling beer. The ice was transported by horse-drawn wagon to an ice cellar. This ice cellar was located on Waldthausenstrasse. Another ice and beer cellar existed on Am Königsborn 5.
Unfortunately in 1920 the brewery had to close. The First World War made it difficult to buy hops and malt. The beer garden survived until 1950 though. It continued to serve Mainzer Aktien Bier after the brewery closed.
Today the Brauereiverein Finthen 2008 keeps the spirit alive. The memory of Königsborn’s vibrant past. It is a reminder of the area’s rich brewing history. The laughter and music may have faded. But the echoes of Königsborn’s success remain. A legacy of fine brews and memorable times. This legacy lives on in our memories and through organizations like the Brauereiverein. We raise a silent toast to its enduring spirit.