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Cheers To Liberty
Raise a glass to 250 years of American brewing! Issue 260 celebrates our nation's birthday with a patriotic toast, exploring Altoona, Pennsylvania's surprising railroad-town brewing legacy and the fascinating Dewiana breweriana shaped by Admiral Dewey's wartime fame. Get the scoop on the ABA 2026 Convention, relive the fun from the Tampa Beer Show, and uncover downstate Illinois sales history, vintage Helles On Wheels lore, and a jaw-dropping auction of rare pre-war signs. Packed with stars, stripes, and suds, Issue 260 is a spirited celebration of liberty and the beer that helped build it.
On The Cover
Let's celebrate the 250th anniversary of America by honoring the brewing heritage of this incredible country! (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
10 / ABA Library & Research Center
Features
16 / Brewing In Altoona, Pennsylvania
by Rich Wagner
Success of early breweries prove Altoona is much more than a railroad town.
26 / ABA 2026 Convention
Suprises and lots of fun await attendees at the upcoming ABA Convention in Springfield, Illinois!
42 / The Marketing Of Admiral Dewey, War Hero
by Dave Helman
Admiral George Dewey's legacy lives on through unique and colorful breweriana.
Vignettes
25 / Tampa Beer Show A Hit With Attendees
by Rick Natter
Spring fun at the Yuengling Brewery
33 / Who Was Bigger And How Much
by Gary Pappas
Sales data detailed for Downstate Illinois breweries
40 / Helles On Wheels
by Tim Bowers
45 / Auction Reveals Pre-War Signs
by Bret J. Smith
Auction yields breweriana surprises
Departments
14 / National Brewery Museum
w/Karen Curran
29 / ABA Media Library
w/Tom Rejmaniak
35 / Tray Collector
w/Larry Handy
46 / Coaster Source
w/Kelly Kuehl
48 / Back Roads
w/Bob Pirie
50 / ABA Exchange Reports
51 / Advertising & The Hop Vine Classified
52 / Upcoming Breweriana Events