Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Neustadt, Ontario

Neustadt, OntarioNeustadt, Ontario was founded in 1856 by David Winkler. In 2000, the Village of Neustadt amalgamated with the Townships of Bentinck, Glenelg and Normanby to form Municipality of West Grey (2006 pop. 12,193).

David Winkler dammed Meaux Creek in 1857 and erected a sawmill, gristmill and flour mill. 2 years later, German immigrant, Henry Huether built a brewery. By 1901 the population was 466 and the village was firmly established as an agricultural service center.

John George Diefenbaker, Canada's 13th Prime Minister, was born here in 1895. He moved to the Fort Carlton region of the North-West Territories with his family in 1903.

The brewery was closed in 1916. The building became a creamery then for many years remained empty. In 1997, the brewery was reopened as Neustadt Springs Brewery. They currently brew 4 brands of beer and have an on-site retail store.