The artifacts, documents, and photos within this exhibit came from various sources, including Point Brewery, Exhibit Curator John Harry, and the Portage County Historical Society. Numerous artifacts in this exhibit are also from the collection of Walter Pivinski. 

Walter, also known as "Pink," started collecting memorabilia in the 1970s. In 1997, he got serious about his passion for Point Brewery. He would spend the week highlighting garage and estate sales in the local newspaper, then make his way to each one over the weekend hoping to find that perfect collector’s item. Holiday and birthday gifts always consisted of Point Brewery items, and nothing made him happier than a limited-edition Point beer. Walter was always happy to share a joke and was proud to be a true Wisconsinite. His passion for Point Beer ran deep, as it does for many local customers.

Point Brewery marketed that the brewery was located between Beer and Water Streets. As Water Street runs in front of the brewery, Beer Street was the name given to the lane between the brew house and the bottling house. This photo shows those street signs in 1975 when a group of local sportswriters teamed with the brewery for a t-shirt giveaway. 

From left to right, first row: Ken Shibilski and Gil Molski from Point Brewery. Second row: Mike Haberman, Randy Wievel, and Tim Sullivan.

From left to right:

Big Charlie “Picnic” beer bottle. This “picnic” bottle of beer held a half gallon of Point Special. It was discontinued due to material rationing during World War Two.

Point Special bottle, 1940s.

Point Special “Steinie” bottle, 1930s.

Point Special can, 1950s.

Point of sale advertisement, 1930s.

These bottles are from the Polish Brewing Company, known later as the National Brewing Company. Polish Brewing started in 1907 at the corner of Wisconsin Street and Wood Street in Stevens Point. Polish Brewing was one of Point Brewery’s strongest competitors. However, after a batch of spoiled beer in 1916, the brewery folded in 1917. 

Point of sale advertisement, 1960s.

Point Special can, circa 1958.

Point ball tap knob, 1930s.

Point Special 6-pack can carrier, 1950s.

Point Amber 22-ounce bottle and neon sign, 1995.

Point Special serving tray, 1940s.

Point Special 8-pak bottle carrier, 1970s

Point Special 24-pack bottle case, 1960s.

Point Special 6-pack bottle carrier, 1989-1990.

Mugs celebrating Point Special’s fame as the number one American beer, according to Mike Royko’s 1973 taste test.

This shelf showcases products of some of the other small, regional breweries that once existed in Wisconsin.

Former Point Brewery President Phil (Felix) Shibilski, left, with his son and general manager Ken Shibilski. In 1982 Phil joined the brewery as an accountant in 1930. Ken came on board in 1970 and bought the brewery in the mid-1980s. His trademark red jacket is seen here.

Stevens Point Beverage Company seltzer bottle, circa 1925.

Stevens Point Brewing Company bottle, 1900s.

Stevens Point Brewing Company bottle, 1900s.

Pink’s Pale Export Beer bottle, circa 1910.

Stevens Point Brewing Company bottle, 1900s.