Jehle Magnets
Description: The Alton Brewery (also called the Jehle Brewery) was located on Upper Belle Street, north of present-day Lyons Glass, near the Alton Acres Housing Complex. This brewery was originally owned by John Fischbach and Jacob Hund. It was advertised as a brewery and malt shop on the “plank road,” north of the Alton city limits, and south of Buck Inn [North Alton]. Beer cellars or caves were dug to store their products as early as 1859. The beer in the caves was kept at the proper temperature while it fermented. The entrance had a brick arch, which led to a stone room, 40 feet x 40 feet, and 25 feet high at the peak. There were several rooms further back. These caves were discovered by William Threde, who later owned a brickyard on the property.
