Historical Society Receives Donation from Bank Beer Company
This is history turned upside down, the James-Youngers actually donating money to Northfield.
It came in the form of a $1,400 check delivered by Jason Markkula of Bank Beer Company. He is the brew master who developed the James-Younger 1876 Rye Ale last summer for a Northfield Historical Society (NHS) fundraiser. It was unveiled atDefeat of Jesse James Days and received good reviews. In the photo are Markkula, NHS Vice President Christian Hakala and NHS Exective Director Hayes Scriven.
The money is a donation based on Markkula brewing and distributing, with the help ofCollege City Beverage, some 200 cases and 16 kegs of the specialty rye ale. “This turned out to be a great fundraiser for Northfield Historical Society,” said Hayes Scriven, executive director of NHS. “It injected a new wrinkle into the celebration, generated some great publicity and brought a return to the historical society.” Markkula is a fundraiser at heart. Beer is his medium. His company, Bank Beer, has helped Pheasants Forever build wildlife areas through a similar project. Since 2003, they have purchased 3,000 acres. “Sometimes companies plan on giving back to the community once they have turned a profit,” Markkula said. “We just make it a higher priority.”
The James-Younger 1876 was a new recipe that utilized malted rye and chocolate rye. It featured a floral citrus finish complemented by the spiciness of the rye. Plans call for Bank Beer and NHS to bring a second series of James-Younger rye ale to the market next summer. In addition, Markkula is developing a “barrel-aged stout” that will be unveiled next August. Scriven said the beer is another vehicle to introduce people to the dramatic 1876 James-Younger Raid on Northfield’s First National Bank and other chapters of Northfield’s history. Markkula also brews Rooster Lager and Walleye Chop, which are available in liquor stores locally.
