B.J. Wentker’s featured in new book, documentary
By Ed Nadolski
Editor in Chief
Burlington’s historic triangle tavern – B.J. Wentker’s – is featured front and center in a new book and soon-to-be released public television documentary about Wisconsin’s historic taverns and breweries.
Local residents will have a chance to preview that documentary Saturday during a free screening of “Bottoms Up: Wisconsin’s Historic Bars and Breweries” 1 p.m. at the Burlington Library, 166 E. Jefferson St.
The screening, co-sponsored by Wisconsin Public Television, will be immediately followed by a facilitated discussion of the documentary. At 2 p.m. the Friends of the Library group will host a reception/fundraiser at John’s Main Event, 556 N. Pine St. Tickets for the reception, which includes hors d’oeurves and cash bar, are $15 each.
Like the book, the documentary explores the history, architecture and economics of Wisconsin’s breweries, bars and taverns and showcases the rich traditions that define the their culture.
According to Lynn Brockmeyer a publicist for Wisconsin Public Television, B.J. Wentker’s, 230 Milwaukee Ave., was a natural for the documentary because it “has retained it’s high-class, turn-of-the-century interior in a triangle brick building.”
A twilight image of the building, captured by photographer Mark Fay, is so striking that it became the cover of the book “Bottoms Up: A Toast to Wisconsin’s Historic Bars and Breweries” published this year by Wisconsin Historical Society Press.
The 8-by-10-inch, 272-page, full-color book profiles 70 state taverns and breweries. Authors Jim Draeger and Mark Speltz explore the rise of taverns and breweries, the effects of temperance and Prohibition, and attitudes about gender, ethnicity, and morality, according to Wisconsin Historical Society Press.
The book, according to a synopsis, traces the development of the megabreweries, dominance of the giants, and the emergence of microbreweries. It also features photos and information on distinctive and unusual bars to illustrate the story of how Wisconsin came to dominate brewing and the place that bars – and beer – hold in the state’s social and cultural history.
Now the home of B.J. Wentker’s Triangle Tavern and Grill – one of Burlington’s best-regarded restaurants – the building was built by German immigrant Bernard J. Wentker in 1908 to be a high-class tavern and restaurant. Mike and Joe Raboine bought the bar in 1997 and dedicated themselves to restoring it to its former glory, according to the book.
The book also features a section on the DMZ Bunker in Rochester, which has a unique military-themed atmosphere and an impressive variety of artifacts both inside and outside, including a tank and helicopter, according to a synopsis.
The hardcover book is available from Wisconsin Historical Society Press for $29.95 at www.wisconsinhistory.org.
If you go…
What: Free preview of Wisconsin Public Television Documentary “Bottoms Up: Wisconsin’s Historic Bars and Breweries.”
When: Saturday, Oct. 6, 1 p.m.
Where: Burlington Library, 166 E. Jefferson St.
Lowdown: Learn about the unique and significant taverns and breweries – including B.J. Wentker’s in Burlington and the DMZ Bunker in Waterford – that have become part of the state’s fabric. A facilitated discussion will follow. A special reception and fundraiser for the benefit of the library will be held at 2 p.m. at John’s Main Event at a cost of $15 per person.
Information: Call (262) 342-1130.
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