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Get Your Kicks In 2026
Grab a cold one and hit the open road — this issue of American Breweriana Journal is a road trip through brewing history. As the ABA heads to Springfield, Illinois for its 2026 Convention, we follow Route 66 through neon motel signs, roadside giants, and Illinois beer lore, including a remarkable auction of rare downstate beer crowns. Discover how one Wisconsin family built a brewing legacy in Fussville, uncover the surprising true history of floating breweries, and learn how temperance-era women waged their own quiet rebellion in the Hatchet Party. Add in our regular collector departments, and Issue 259 is a well-crafted companion for anyone who appreciates the stories behind the hobby.
On The Cover
Join your fellow ABA Members this year in Springfield, Illinois for the annual Convention. Springfield and the surrounding area has a storied history in brewing and there will be a lot to see and do! (Background photo courtesy of FreePik.com)
Association News
4 / Editor's Page
5 / President/Executive Director Report
6 / ABA Update / In Memorium
7 / ABA Donations
8 / ABA Library & Research Center
Features
18 / On Your Way to the ABA...in Springfield, Illinois
by Tim Hornseth and Dale Van Wieren
Lots of fun awaits ABA members who head to Springfield, Illinois for the annual ABA Convention
37 / Beer Crowns of Downstate Illinois
by Gary Papas
An auction yields rare downstate Illinois crowns from the Kentucky Table
27 / ABA 2026 Convention
Registration form and ABA Convention information
Vignettes
14 / A Brewery in Fussville, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
by Carole McGibany
How one Wisconsin family shaped a town's brewing history
22 / A Schooner of Beer, Literally!
by Dale Van Wieren
Discover the fascinating history of "floating breweries"
40 / The Hatchet Party and Hatchetations
by Dave Helman
Women serve up an alternative to drinking during America's Prohibition era
Departments
12 / National Brewery Museum
w/Karen Curran
24 / ABA Media Library
w/Tom Rejmaniak
34 / Tray Collector
w/Larry Handy
42 / Coaster Source
w/Kelly Kuehl
44 / Back Roads
w/Bob Pirie
46 / ABA Exchange Reports
47 / Advertising & The Hop Vine Classified
48 / Upcoming Breweriana Events