Daily Independent Journal from San Rafael, California • Page 30

M8 Jlnbrprnbrnt-Jimtrnal. Saturday, July 14, 1962 gppiJiW 5 jDfay -W A Bf sSsr WP w. -wt RELICS OF A BYGONE ERA form a tableaux from the past. In the background is an ice shovel. An old bottle capper and a steam beer glass stand beside a foaming glass of today's beer.

A Marin resident, Lawrence Steese of Mill Valley, has been waging a de- termined fight to save steam beer, which he regards as an important part of the San Francisco area heritage, from extinction. After facing numerous setbacks, it now looks like he has won his struggle. (Photo by Mary Hill) How A Marinite Rescued Steam Beer By MARY HILL and SARAH DAVIS Steam beer, as San Franciscan as cable cars and the Golden Gate, is being rescued from extinction by an enterprising Marinite, Lawrence Steese. As owner and brewmaster of Anchor Brewery (now Steam Beer Brewing lone survivor of some 40 enterprises that once produced He's Keeping Alive A Tradition Of The San Francisco Area steam beer for San Franciscans, Steese has had an uphill fight to keep in operation the little brewery smallest in the United States and the only one of its kind in the world. Steam beer is not a warm beer, though warmth does not crush its flavor.

The origin of the word is a bit of a mystery. Some persons, who claim to know7, say that it refers to Transmission Trouble? Sec- Automotive Specialists Co. 39 Mill St. 454-7481 San Rafael FABULOUS FLOORS by el FLOOR COVERING Armstrong, Kentile, Amtico Auburn ot FREE ESTIMATES 456 3656 Francisco SAN RAFAEL A New You! Afternoon, evening and Saturday classes for girls and women of all ages. JOHN ROBERT POWERS 1000 Fifth San Rafael Glenwood 3 2272 the (carbonation) of the vats during brewing.

Others, equally sure of their information, say a (whose first name has been given variously as Frank, Heintz, and Charles) invented the process. One thing is certain: There is no steam used in the making of it. SOME THREE years ago the requiem for steam beer was being played, and the sad demise of a California tradition was being mourned. At that time Joe Allen, owmor of Anchor Brewery, announced his retirement. There was no one skilled in the exacting art of steam beer brewing to take his place, and no one, it seemed, who cared to take the time and trouble to learn from the old master.

No one, that is, until Lawrence Steese decided like to try. Joe Allen was more than willing to teach. And since his official these three years past, Allen has spent his days at the brewery as professor of steam beer brewing. The making of steam beer is not like the brewing of other beers. Steam beer is naturally carbonated; neither additives nor preservatives become it.

Sincere it is called by some. IT IS TRULY a its devotees assert, containing more malt and hops than other beers, and without corn or rice to lighten it. The peak of its natur- Continued on Page M-10.