"Roll Out the Barrels" by Gary J. Hess delivers a thorough and fascinating history of barrel making and what was the largest independent cooperage in Wisconsin. Frank J. Hess and Sons Cooperage operated in Madison, Wisconsin for 62 years and made beer kegs for breweries in over 35 Wisconsin communities and five states.
"Starting at age 10, during my summer vacations from school, my father frequently took me along to the cooper shop to help with the work," writes author Gary Hess, grandson of the founder. "Every time I arrived at the cooper shop I heard the hissing sound of steam, felt the wooden floors rumbling as the machinery was operating, and smelled the scent of freshly cut white oak." He takes great pride in sharing the story of his family and the family business. Also included in "Roll Out the Barrels" are reprints of newspaper articles, a bibliography, and an index, making this a useful work for historical researchers as well as lovers of brewery history.
