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Among the rush of pioneers from the East toward the lush green forest of the frontier Midwest, George Nichols Fletcher set out to lumber the vast, untouched lands of giant white pine, cedar, and tamarack of Michigan. In 1856, his interest landed him on a sandy shoreline of northern Lake Huron where he helped establish a small settlement at the mouth of the Thunder Bay River known as Alpena.
The small town grew rapidly as more lumber pioneers made their way North. Eventually, the diminishing lumber supply threatened the future of Alpena. Recognizing this, George N. Fletcher and Sons decided to import a revolutionary German process of wood pulping to supply the emerging American paper industry. The construction of Alpena Sulphite Fibre Company in 1887 marked the beginning of manufacturing on "Fletcher Street". Pulp production naturally expanded to paper production with the establishment of the Fletcher Paper Mill in 1898. These innovative businesses provided hundreds of permanent jobs and helped propel Alpena past the ill-fated lumbering industry.
Fletcher Paper Company operated under family ownership on "Fletcher Street" for over 100 years. In that time, up to six generations of local families produced quality paper products sold world wide. In 2000, the company ceased production, leaving behind a strong legacy. The craftsmanship and innovation of Fletcher Paper employees established the company's solid reputation in the paper industry. Their hard work and dedication helped build Alpena's heritage.
In the same tradition, Fletcher Street Brewing Company draws from the pioneering spirit of past generations. The founders of Fletcher Street Brewing Company worked at Fletcher Paper Company, as did their fathers. Located on the northern banks of the Thunder Bay River, Fletcher Street Brewing Company overlooks the site of the old paper mill. Here, we embrace the enthusiasm of the past by preserving its traditions.
Fletcher Street Brewing Company strives to carry the legacy of yesterday into the future. Five percent of all profits from the sale of Fletcher Street Brewing Company products will be given to local charities. Children associated charities will only receive contributions from our non-alcoholic beverages like RipSaw Root Beer.
Please join us in celebrating the storied history of Alpena by enjoying a glass of your favorite Fletcher Street Brewing Company beverage.
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