PEORIA, IL --Get Acquainted With Peoria Whiskey Baron Joseph B. Greenhut, Nov. 14, 2:30 PM at the GAR Hall, 416 Hamilton Blvd, Peoria, IL.
From a news release:
On Nov. 14 there's a rare opportunity to learn about one of the least understood but most pivotal public figures of Peoria from Peoria author Dr. Victoria Loberg, as she explores the life and legacy of Joseph Benedict Greenhut: Whiskey Baron, Merchant Prince.
In the latter half 19th century, whiskey was king in Central Illinois. Atop the pyramid of distillers was Joseph Benedict Greenhut, the most powerful of those who became known as America’s “whiskey barons.”
Arriving in America almost penniless, Greenhut left Peoria several decades later worth millions, headed for the East Coast, where he acquired and operated what was known as the world’s largest department store.
Greenhut and his wife, the former Clara Wolfner, left an indelible mark on Central Illinois by helping establish the Children’s Home, the Peoria Country Club and much more…including our own Greenhut Memorial Grand Army of the Republic Hall.
Dr. Loberg will reveal the exciting story of Joseph Greenhut, who entered public life as a Civil War hero (leading the only all-Jewish unit to fight in the war), became a prolific inventor, pivoted to the distilling industry, entered the mercantile world and was a friend to U.S. Presidents and prominent Americans.
The G.A.R. Hall was principally funded by Captain Greenhut and dedicated by Civil War veterans and other citizens to his memory. Sunday, Nov. 14, will be a fitting way to celebrate our community, Greenhut, and the stewardship of Greenhut Memorial Hall by the Central Illinois Landmarks Foundation, which has worked for decades to honor and restore this National Register of Historic Places structure.
Who: AUTHOR VICTORIA LOBERG
When: SUNDAY NOV. 14, 2:30 p.m. ($10 donation requested)
What: PRESENTATION FOLLOWED BY BOOK SIGNING, SNACKS AND DRINKS, PRIZES & FUN
Where: GREENHUT MEMORIAL GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC HALL, 416 HAMILTON BLVD., PEORIA
—Copies of Dr. Loberg’s book, Joseph Benedict Greenhut: Whiskey Baron, Merchant Prince, will be available for sale to the public.
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