Bismarck's Endorsement
Otto Eduard Leopold, Prince of Bismarck, Duke of Lauenburg's Endorsement
In January of 1990 Marjorie Smith called the Historic Magnolia Ballroom to say that she had an old framed advertising print of a distinguished man seated outside that included the lettering; Magnolia Brewery and Houston Ice and Brewing Co. and would we be interested in it because she was going to be getting rid of it.
Trying to control my excitement, I asked if I could come and see it right away. The print turned out to be a one of a kind pre-World War 1 promotional advertisement for the Magnolia Brewery. Marjorie was happy that someone else thought it was special because it meant a lot to her.
When asked to give what history she knew of the picture she hand wrote this note: This print hung in the saloon part of my grandfather's (Fritz Roensch) store in Bellville, Texas. Schauerhammer and Roensch was a saloon, ice house, grocery store, furniture, and dry goods; what was then considered a General Store. It was rather large for such a small town. I guess the Magnolia Brewery did business with them and gave them this pre-WW 1 print. It has been very special to me and I hope your Historic Magnolia Ballroom will cherish it.
— Marjorie Smith
The print has hung in the ballroom of the Magnolia Brewery ever since. Thank you, Marjorie.
In German (Original)
Die Ermuthigung der heimathlichen Industrien war immer mein Stolz. Das Bier der Magnolia Brauerei in der Stadt Houston, in dem fernen Staate Nord-Amerilka's Texas gelegen, betrachte ich in jeder Beziehung als ebenso gut als irgend ein Bier das ich je versucht, und ich kann dasselbe daher ohne Zoegern allen meinen Freunden und Landsleuten in Amerika als dasjenige Bier empfehlen, welches den Vorzugvor allen anderen verdient.
Translation
The encouragement of native industries has always been my pride. The beer of the Magnolia Brewery in the city of Houston, located in the distant state of Texas in North America, I consider in every respect as good as any beer I have ever tried, and I can therefore without hesitation recommend it to all my friends and countrymen in America as the beer which deserves preference over all others.