Pittsburgh-based Dusquesne “Duke” Beer was a staple at the bars and restaurants of the summer resort for many years.
Western Pennsylvania was home for the majority of the resort’s visitors during the period 1930-1960. Having the hometown brew at their summer resort was like bumping into a neighbor while traveling.
Rudy Herzog, who owned Ohio Products, distributed the beer in Ashtabula County.
The top photo from a 1956 “New Year’s Party” at the Swiss Chalet shows a table of revelers enjoying Dukes. The New Year’s celebration was held in the summer.
Below, Dusquesne Beer was served at DiFabio’s, as well. Of course, the owners, Lou and Gloria DiFabio, happened to be from Western Pennsylvania, as were many of the individuals who started their businesses on The Strip in the 1950s and 1960s.
Dusquesne Pilsener was a working-man’s beer and sprouted and matured in the Pittsburgh area’s industrial era. The “Prince of Pilsener” disappeared in 1972 when the company was forced to sell its labels to C. Schmidt & Sons. The south side Pittsburgh plant had been brewing beer for 73 years.
The brand was revived in 2008 by Pittsburgh area attorney Mark J. Dudash and his wife Maria. Dusquesne Pilsener returned in August 2010, “in the spirit of the Pittsburgh classic but with improved ingredients.”
If you are 21 or older, the company’s website.