Ameren Illinois donates rare bottle to Historical Society

 

PHOTOS: From left, Brian Martin, consulting environmental scientist, Ameren; Brian Bretsch, communications executive, Ameren Illinois, and Belleville Historical Society members Bob Brunkow, Jack LeChein and Larry Betz, stand at the bar of the historic Garfield Street Saloon museum in Belleville. Ameren Illinois donated a nearly pristine, hand-blown bottle circa 1870 to the museum. The bottle (below) was found during early ground testing of the former manufactured gas plant site in town, which is currently being remediating by Ameren Illinois.

 From Illinois Business Journal new services

BELLEVILLE – Belleville Historical Society members toasted Ameren Illinois at the historic Garfield Street Saloon museum, Jan. 7.

Ameren Illinois donated a rare bottle manufactured in Belleville circa 1870 to the museum. The bottle is stamped with “L. Abegg. Belleville” on the front with an “A-B” logo on the bottom.

Ameren Illinois dug up the bottle during early ground testing of the former Belleville Gas Light and Coke Company site founded in 1856, which is currently being remediating.

“We’re thrilled to receive this donation from Ameren Illinois,” said Larry Betz, president of the Belleville Historical Society.

The bottle will be placed on display at the Garfield Street Saloon museum, which is dedicated to the City of Belleville’s beer making history.

 

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