This building was built in 1884 and is a frame house. Its communal use was as a brewery and a house. There is a unique structural characteristic about this building. Unfortunately for visitors, it is an internal one. The ceiling for the old brewery is vaulted. Not really vaulted, I guess, but domed. If you don't understand what I mean by this, stop by The Marketplace in South. It has a dining room in a domed basement. It really is very neat. It will add a lot to your appreciation for the Amana architecture. Plus the food, though not family style as in other Amana restaurants, is great! I mean that! The food is wonderful!
The Amana Society had it's own breweries. They produced beer mostly for home consumption. I was able to find out through my oma, that beer was also distributed as communal rations. She also told me that it was taken out to field workers as refreshment on their breaks! How do you think your boss would feel about that!? I guess that times really have changed!
The Society breweries were closed around 1884. This was due to Iowa passing prohibition laws. These breweries were never reopened as a Society establishment, though beer production and consumption continued after national prohibition ended in 1932. The church was allowed some wine for religious ceremonies. It is said that many people in the Amanas were bootleggers, and made a lot of money selling to the neighboring outsiders. I have not been able to confirm this. Perhaps it is just Amana legend? :)
This building was also used to hold farm help. Generally speaking, a building's location had a lot to do with who lived there. Even in a village as small as this, efficiency and convenience were taken into account when you were assigned your housing by the elders. This building is still standing and is a private residence.