Think “forefathers of American brewing,” and names like Busch and Stroh come to mind. But equally notable is John Siebel, the founder of Chicago’s own Siebel Institute of Technology, a 143-year-old leader in brewing research and education that has taught both of the above dynasties a thing or two about beer. Here are a few highlights from the school’s long history.
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1868
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The German chemist John Ewald Siebel founds the Zymotechnic Institute, the first U.S. facility dedicated to beer research, on Wells Street in the Loop.
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1900
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The renamed Siebel Institute of Technology on Belden Avenue graduates its first class of diploma recipients.
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1901
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Siebel offers its first course in English. Up to this point, all instruction had been in German.
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1919
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The 18th Amendment is ratified, paving the way for Prohibition. Siebel converts to a baking school.
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1933
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With Prohibition’s repeal, the school returns to brewing instruction and research.
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1952
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Siebel moves to a new facility on Peterson Avenue.
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1959
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John W. Stroh Jr. graduates.
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1961
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August A. Busch III graduates.
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1977
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Deborah S. Simpson becomes the first woman to receive a Siebel diploma.
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1989
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Greg Hall, former Goose Island brewmaster, graduates.
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2000–1
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The Siebel family sells the institute to Lallemand, a Canadian yeast manufacturer; the research labs relocate to Montreal and San Diego. The school remains in Chicago but partners with Doemens Academy in Munich, allowing students to study abroad.
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2003
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Classes shift to the Goose Island Brewpub on Clybourn Avenue.
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2008
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Siebel moves down the block to its current home in Lincoln Park.
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Photography: Courtesy of Siebel Institute