Leinenkugel's brewery. No, not the one in Chippewa Falls. The family had lots of branches. This establishment was run by Henry Leinenkugel and was on the banks of Half Moon Lake in Eau Claire.
That picture was from a later visit. The first time I crawled in it looked like a bit more of a cozy hangout for neighbors.
I can actually trace the history of the cave since 1885 in some detail. I've seen a photo circa 1900 that shows the remnants of what would have been the original entrance. It was of course a straight run out, so that beer could be hauled out and ice hauled in. This was about the time period in which the local paper describes it as being a hideout for local delinquents who were stealing things from cabins around the lake.
In the 20th century it was used for a time by Silver Springs, a company now known for various mustard and horseradish products, but back then they had a larger line of veggies, some of which required cold storage. The nice cement floors and the remnants of an electrical system must date to this era.
Times more recent have been troubled. Eau Claire has a significant problem with homelessness. And brewery caves naturally attract people with nowhere else to be. Both this cave and "The Cave of the Mad Poetess" have had semi permanent residents in recent years. There have been issues. Danger of people being hurt. I've heard there was a sexual assault. It's worth noting that this cave is adjacent to a public park/beach.
So the "other" Leinenkugel cave has been sealed off. Its the right call. Everything is still down there and now preserved, perhaps for some happy day when history is appreciated more and the troubles of the world are fewer.
After I took the last photo, Hank and I walked past the beach. It was about 9am and a homeless guy was sleeping on the ground next to the beach house.
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