Join Our Mailing List!
Latest News:
‘By Order Only’ Halupki (Cabbage Roll) Sale in ... -- "Nativity of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church in Monongahela, is having a ..." -- 28 February 2024
Flea Market Set in Elizabeth Township for April 20 -- "A Flea Market will be held in Elizabeth Township on Saturday, April 20 from ..." -- 28 February 2024
Whitehall Public Library to Host Family Night and ... -- "The Whitehall Public Library has announced the following events that are open ..." -- 28 February 2024
SOUTH HILLS CHILDREN’S CHOIR ANNOUNCES THE SOLES ... -- "LET YOUR PAVEMENT POUNDING GIVE MORE KIDS A CHANCE TO SING!" -- 28 February 2024
March South Park Women’s Club March Program - A ... -- "Th March meeting of the South Park Women’s Club (SPWC) will take place on ..." -- 28 February 2024
17th ‘EGG EGGSTRAVAGANZA’ Set for March 17 in ... -- "The 17th ‘EGG EGGSTRAVAGANZA’ will be held at the St. John the ..." -- 28 February 2024
Peters Creek Historical Society Welcomes Guest ... -- "Peters Creek Historical Society welcomes Greg McGee, ancient coin dealer and ..." -- 28 February 2024
SAVE THE DATE -- "SAVE THE DATE Galleria Mall Will Once Again Host Spring Art Show  ..." -- 28 February 2024
SAVE THE DATE -- "26th Annual ‘Fleatique on the Mon’ Set for June 1 Applications ..." -- 28 February 2024
Bay Chamber Players Presents ‘Spring is Near’ ... -- "A Musical Tribute to Holocaust Survivor Howard Chandler" -- 28 February 2024

Business & Merchant

Rebranding of Company Celebrates Rich Local History

By Julie Kooser

An old, malt favorite with a rich history in the area is being rebranded after the original family's recent purchase of the Jones Brewing Company in Latrobe, PA.

Stoneys 1
A glass of Stoney's Light Beer.

The official launch party for Stoney's Beer, hosted by President Jon King and CEO John J. LaCarte, was held at Headliners Lounge in The Meadows Racetrack and Casino on Aug. 17. In attendance were potential distributors, friends and family of King and LaCarte, and a Rolling Stones cover band.

According to LaCarte, the history of his and King's families are deeply intertwined with that of the brewery. Jones Brewing Company was originally called the Eureka Brewing Company at its inception in 1881, selling “Eureka Gold Crown” beer to the miners that lived in the Sutersville, PA.

In 1907, William Benjamin “Stoney” Jones, King's great- grandfather, allegedly won the deed to the brewery in a friendly poker game. Stoney Jones, that same year, moved the brewery to Smithton, PA, where he met local livery owner and LaCarte's grandfather, Joseph Ferrando. Ferrando partnered with Stoney Jones, hauling the beer with his horses and wagons.

It wasn't long until alcohol prohibition was enacted in the United Stated and Stoney Jones took his business “underground.” Only two years later in 1922, Stoney's Son, William Benjamin Jones II was arrested for hauling for the brewery. The crime cost him a $3,000 bail, which, according to the Dollar Times Inflation Calculator, would have been the equivalent to almost $42,000 today.

Stoneys 3
CEO of Jones Brewing Company, John J. LaCarte, speaks on the rich history of the brewery and on Stoney's Beer.

At the end of Prohibition in 1933, Stoney changed the name of the brewery to Jones Brewing Company. During the 1930s, the two families became even closer. LaCarte's great uncle, at the age of 15, went to work for Jones Brewing Company to support his family and LaCarte's grandmother allegedly, during this time, babysat famous actress and Stoney's granddaughter, Shirley Jones.

The brewery was passed through the Jones family until 1988, when it was bought by Gabby and Sandy Podlucky. In 2002, the Podlucky's moved the brewery to Latrobe, PA, but kept the Jones family brewing traditions. The brewery eventually made its way back to the Jones family on March 31 of this year. King, great grandson of Stoney Jones, in partnership with LaCarte, bought back the brewery and the trademarks to make and sell the beer brands.

According to LaCarte, Stoney Jones was a diabetic, so Stoney's Beer still contains no additives, preservatives, or added sugars. Long time Brew Master, Greg King, emphasized the purity of the Stoney's Beer. “It's made with only four ingredients: malt, hops, water, and yeast,” he said.

And while this is “the beer your grandfather drank,” according to LaCarte, the brewery also aims to attract a new wave of consumers, the millenials, with the new marketing slogan “Get Some Stones.”

jeetjet.com

RealEstate270x64

PSC 399430 HRb 

MESSENGERWEBAD

Pizza Station

 

  • Prev
  • Featured Advertisers
Scroll to top