Individual Details
Joseph A. Casanova
(26 May 1870 - 6 Aug 1946)
"History of the St. Croix Valley", Augustus Easton, 1909, pp 818-819.
Christ Casanora [Casanova] was born in Switzerland, June 29, 1865. His parents, Joseph and Agnes Casanora [Casanova], still reside in that country. In 1880, at the age of fifteen years, Christ came to Stillwater, Minn. In 1896 he and his brother, Joseph, bought a brewery from George Reedher [Riedel] of Hudson, Wis., which was destroyed by fire. In 1898 it was rebuilt. In 1908 the brothers added a bottling plant to their concern and the firm now enjoys a satisfactory business. Mr. Casanora [Casanova] married, October 27, 1890, Miss Post, a native of Germany, and they have three children--Mary C., Frank and Joseph A. The brother, Joseph, who is a partner in the business, was born in Switzerland, May 26, 1870. He married Catherine, a daughter of Robert Karros [Karras] of Hudson, and the following children were born: Agnes, Catherine [Christine], John and Leonard. Both the brothers are rising young men who have attained success by their own efforts, and are well thought of by their friends.
According to a 1912 article in the Star-Observer, "Leading experts and physcians pronounce the lager brewed at the Casanova Brewery to be pure and healthful, of mild tonic properties, nourishing and invigoratomg, stimulating
the appetite, and just the thing for table use." It was recorded that more Casanova beer was sold in St. Croix county than all other beers combined.
With the advent of Prohibition, the name was altered to Casanova Beverage Company and production emphasis shifted to the manufacture and distribution of soft drinks. Prohibition ended April 7, 1933, and Casanova are said to have brought the first beer into Wisconsin; beer was on tap in Hudson at 12:40 April 8. Joseph Casanova died in 1946 and the business carried on under the direction of his wife Catherine until her death in 1963. At that time his sons Raymond and Leonard took over the company. They both retired in 1972.
HSO, 23 Feb 1897, p4, c1
Mr. A. [sic] Casanova of this city and Miss Katie Karras of Burkhardt, were married at the Catholic Church, Tuesday morning by Rev. J. A. Barney. Their friends wish them much happiness.
HSO, 6 Sep 1934, p1
J. A. Casanova to See Brother First Time in Over 46 Years
J. A. Casanova and daughters, Agnes and Christine Casanova, left Hudson Wednesday evening on the first leg of a journey that will take them through France, Switzerland and England. They expect to be gone about five weeks.
While in Switzerland, Mr. Casanova will visit his birthplace in the village of Obersaxen. There he will also see his brother, Ignace for over 46 years. The two brothers are looking forward to a happy and enjoyable reunion.
HSO, 8 Aug 1946,p1
J. A. Casanova, Founder of Beverage Concern, Dies Here on Tuesday
Death took one of Hudson's finest citizens this week when J. A. Casanova, 76, founder and president of the Casanova Beverage Company, died at 8 o'clock Tuesday morning, August 6, at his home on the Coulee Road after an illness of four months. Death was due to complications that followed an attack of pleurisy and hardening of the arteries.
Joseph Anthony Casanova was born in Switzerland on May 26, 1870, and he spent his earlier years in that country. In 1887 [1888], at the age of 17, he migrated to America. He first settled at Stillwater and for a time worked on a farm near White Bear Lake. He then learned the trade of a brewmaster at the old Wolfe brewery in Stillwater.
He came to Hudson in September, 1896, just fifty years ago, and with his brother, Christ, purchased the local brewery on Coulee Road. Later he purchased the interests of his brother and operated the business until 1919, when the brewery was closed down. At that time, Mr. Casanova launched the Casanova Beverage company, which today is one of the largest manufacturers of carbonated beverages in western Wisconsin. His two sons, Leonard J. and Raymond B., have been associated with him in the carbonated beverage business since its inception in 1919.
He was married to Catherine Karras, a native of this community, in Hudson on February 23, 1897, and they planned to celebrate their Golden Wedding anniversary next year.
Mr. Casanova was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic church, the Knights of Columbus, and the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin.
Although he was intensely devoted to his family, church and business, he found time to enjoy the companionship of his friends and neighbors. He was endowed with a personality that easily made friends for him, and he was admired and respected by all who knew him.
Besides his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Peter Ryan and Mrs. Nick Delmonico of Hudson, and Mrs. Lambert Baumgartner of Rosemount, Minnesota; three sons, Dr. John R. of Watertown, Wisconsin, Leoard J. and Raymond B. of Hudson; and six grandchildren. One son died in infancy.
Funeral services will be held this morning (Thursday) at 8:30 o'clock at the residence and at 9 o'clock at St. Patrick's church, Monsignor J. M. Owens officiating. Interment will be in the Catholic cemetery here. The O'Connell Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.
HSO, 8 Aug 1946, p1
Close For Funeral
In memory of the late J. A. Casanova, Hudson stores and businss places will close this morning (Thursday) between the hours of 9 and 11 a.m. when funeral services will be held at St. Patrick's church. Mr. Casanova was a Hudson businessman for the past fifty years.
HSO, 19 Aug 1948
Carillonic Bells Are Given to Church as Casanova Memorial
As a memorial to the late Joseph A. Casanova, a group of 25-note Schulmerich Carillonic Bells will be presented to St. Patrick's Catholic church of Hudson, by Mrs. Catherine Casanova, his widow and members of the family. The Schulmerich bells, reputed to be the finest carillons made, are being installed at the church this week by Emil F. Hajnw of Hastings, Nebr., installation engineer, who stated that Hudson's first carillons will be ready to play by next Sunday unless unforseen installation problems arise.
With the Carillon, the Casanova family is presenting to the church a bronze plaque on which is inscribed "The Carillon Bells in this church are dedicated to the Glory of God by Mrs. Catherine Casanova and Family in loving memory of Joseph A. Casanova. A.D. 1948."
Mr. Casanova, the founder of the Casanova Beverage Company and a prominent business man here for many years, died at his home here on August 6, 1946.
The memorial Carillons are of the English type, with a 25-note keyboard that ranges from G to G. The bells proper and the keyboard are being mounted in the choir loft of the church. Mr. Hagny stated that four large electronic reproducers will be mounted in the tower of the church and that inside amplifiers will also be mounted in the choir loft.
The controls in the choir loft will permit the bells to be turned on or off in the tower and in the church, and the volume for both outside and inside amplification can be regulated precisely.
The Schulmerich Carillonic bells at St. Patrick's church are the first to be installed in this part of the state. A similar set of carillons were recently installed at the University of Minnesota.
Mgsr. J.M. Owens, rector of the church, stated that later, when alterations now in progress at the church have been completed, a fitting dedicatory program will be held at which the Casanova Memorial Carillons will be formally presented to the parish.
Stories of Old Hudson, Willis Miller
Casanova Brewery
At Louis Yoerg's death in 1891, the brewery was acquired by George Reidel, who in turn sold the business in 1896 to Joseph A. Casanova (1870-1946) and his brother, Christ Casanova (1868-1917).
The Casanova brothers learned their trade in Stillwater, after their arrival from Switzerland in the 1880s. Their Hudson operation started on a small scale but gradually enlarged. Two years after buying the brewery, the business was destroyed by fire. The brewery was immediately rebuilt and the three story brewery building was erected at that time and remained a landmark until it was razed in 1947.
In 1912, the Casanova Brewery had a capacity of 15,000 barrels, according to a Star-Observer news article. Beer brand names manufactured by Casanova's had the label of Old Settlers, Pilsner and Export.
With the advent of Prohibition in 1919, the making of beer came to an end. Casanova's, however, re-geared their operation and made "near beer" (a malt beverage that is similar to beer, but with an alcoholic content of less than one-half percent) and sent into the distribution of soft drinks. The firm name changed to Casanova Beverage company.
Still of interest today are the brewery caves on the south side of Coulee road--the only remnants of the brewing industry to remain. The caves, used to age the beer, were first carved into the hill behind the brewery by Louis Yoerg in the 1870s, and were greatly enlarged by the Casanova brothers at the turn of the century.
Two of Joseph Casanova's sons, Leonard Casanova (1905-1984) and Raymond Casanova (1910-1988), were associated with the business their entire working careers.
Christ Casanora [Casanova] was born in Switzerland, June 29, 1865. His parents, Joseph and Agnes Casanora [Casanova], still reside in that country. In 1880, at the age of fifteen years, Christ came to Stillwater, Minn. In 1896 he and his brother, Joseph, bought a brewery from George Reedher [Riedel] of Hudson, Wis., which was destroyed by fire. In 1898 it was rebuilt. In 1908 the brothers added a bottling plant to their concern and the firm now enjoys a satisfactory business. Mr. Casanora [Casanova] married, October 27, 1890, Miss Post, a native of Germany, and they have three children--Mary C., Frank and Joseph A. The brother, Joseph, who is a partner in the business, was born in Switzerland, May 26, 1870. He married Catherine, a daughter of Robert Karros [Karras] of Hudson, and the following children were born: Agnes, Catherine [Christine], John and Leonard. Both the brothers are rising young men who have attained success by their own efforts, and are well thought of by their friends.
According to a 1912 article in the Star-Observer, "Leading experts and physcians pronounce the lager brewed at the Casanova Brewery to be pure and healthful, of mild tonic properties, nourishing and invigoratomg, stimulating
the appetite, and just the thing for table use." It was recorded that more Casanova beer was sold in St. Croix county than all other beers combined.
With the advent of Prohibition, the name was altered to Casanova Beverage Company and production emphasis shifted to the manufacture and distribution of soft drinks. Prohibition ended April 7, 1933, and Casanova are said to have brought the first beer into Wisconsin; beer was on tap in Hudson at 12:40 April 8. Joseph Casanova died in 1946 and the business carried on under the direction of his wife Catherine until her death in 1963. At that time his sons Raymond and Leonard took over the company. They both retired in 1972.
HSO, 23 Feb 1897, p4, c1
Mr. A. [sic] Casanova of this city and Miss Katie Karras of Burkhardt, were married at the Catholic Church, Tuesday morning by Rev. J. A. Barney. Their friends wish them much happiness.
HSO, 6 Sep 1934, p1
J. A. Casanova to See Brother First Time in Over 46 Years
J. A. Casanova and daughters, Agnes and Christine Casanova, left Hudson Wednesday evening on the first leg of a journey that will take them through France, Switzerland and England. They expect to be gone about five weeks.
While in Switzerland, Mr. Casanova will visit his birthplace in the village of Obersaxen. There he will also see his brother, Ignace for over 46 years. The two brothers are looking forward to a happy and enjoyable reunion.
HSO, 8 Aug 1946,p1
J. A. Casanova, Founder of Beverage Concern, Dies Here on Tuesday
Death took one of Hudson's finest citizens this week when J. A. Casanova, 76, founder and president of the Casanova Beverage Company, died at 8 o'clock Tuesday morning, August 6, at his home on the Coulee Road after an illness of four months. Death was due to complications that followed an attack of pleurisy and hardening of the arteries.
Joseph Anthony Casanova was born in Switzerland on May 26, 1870, and he spent his earlier years in that country. In 1887 [1888], at the age of 17, he migrated to America. He first settled at Stillwater and for a time worked on a farm near White Bear Lake. He then learned the trade of a brewmaster at the old Wolfe brewery in Stillwater.
He came to Hudson in September, 1896, just fifty years ago, and with his brother, Christ, purchased the local brewery on Coulee Road. Later he purchased the interests of his brother and operated the business until 1919, when the brewery was closed down. At that time, Mr. Casanova launched the Casanova Beverage company, which today is one of the largest manufacturers of carbonated beverages in western Wisconsin. His two sons, Leonard J. and Raymond B., have been associated with him in the carbonated beverage business since its inception in 1919.
He was married to Catherine Karras, a native of this community, in Hudson on February 23, 1897, and they planned to celebrate their Golden Wedding anniversary next year.
Mr. Casanova was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic church, the Knights of Columbus, and the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin.
Although he was intensely devoted to his family, church and business, he found time to enjoy the companionship of his friends and neighbors. He was endowed with a personality that easily made friends for him, and he was admired and respected by all who knew him.
Besides his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Peter Ryan and Mrs. Nick Delmonico of Hudson, and Mrs. Lambert Baumgartner of Rosemount, Minnesota; three sons, Dr. John R. of Watertown, Wisconsin, Leoard J. and Raymond B. of Hudson; and six grandchildren. One son died in infancy.
Funeral services will be held this morning (Thursday) at 8:30 o'clock at the residence and at 9 o'clock at St. Patrick's church, Monsignor J. M. Owens officiating. Interment will be in the Catholic cemetery here. The O'Connell Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.
HSO, 8 Aug 1946, p1
Close For Funeral
In memory of the late J. A. Casanova, Hudson stores and businss places will close this morning (Thursday) between the hours of 9 and 11 a.m. when funeral services will be held at St. Patrick's church. Mr. Casanova was a Hudson businessman for the past fifty years.
HSO, 19 Aug 1948
Carillonic Bells Are Given to Church as Casanova Memorial
As a memorial to the late Joseph A. Casanova, a group of 25-note Schulmerich Carillonic Bells will be presented to St. Patrick's Catholic church of Hudson, by Mrs. Catherine Casanova, his widow and members of the family. The Schulmerich bells, reputed to be the finest carillons made, are being installed at the church this week by Emil F. Hajnw of Hastings, Nebr., installation engineer, who stated that Hudson's first carillons will be ready to play by next Sunday unless unforseen installation problems arise.
With the Carillon, the Casanova family is presenting to the church a bronze plaque on which is inscribed "The Carillon Bells in this church are dedicated to the Glory of God by Mrs. Catherine Casanova and Family in loving memory of Joseph A. Casanova. A.D. 1948."
Mr. Casanova, the founder of the Casanova Beverage Company and a prominent business man here for many years, died at his home here on August 6, 1946.
The memorial Carillons are of the English type, with a 25-note keyboard that ranges from G to G. The bells proper and the keyboard are being mounted in the choir loft of the church. Mr. Hagny stated that four large electronic reproducers will be mounted in the tower of the church and that inside amplifiers will also be mounted in the choir loft.
The controls in the choir loft will permit the bells to be turned on or off in the tower and in the church, and the volume for both outside and inside amplification can be regulated precisely.
The Schulmerich Carillonic bells at St. Patrick's church are the first to be installed in this part of the state. A similar set of carillons were recently installed at the University of Minnesota.
Mgsr. J.M. Owens, rector of the church, stated that later, when alterations now in progress at the church have been completed, a fitting dedicatory program will be held at which the Casanova Memorial Carillons will be formally presented to the parish.
Stories of Old Hudson, Willis Miller
Casanova Brewery
At Louis Yoerg's death in 1891, the brewery was acquired by George Reidel, who in turn sold the business in 1896 to Joseph A. Casanova (1870-1946) and his brother, Christ Casanova (1868-1917).
The Casanova brothers learned their trade in Stillwater, after their arrival from Switzerland in the 1880s. Their Hudson operation started on a small scale but gradually enlarged. Two years after buying the brewery, the business was destroyed by fire. The brewery was immediately rebuilt and the three story brewery building was erected at that time and remained a landmark until it was razed in 1947.
In 1912, the Casanova Brewery had a capacity of 15,000 barrels, according to a Star-Observer news article. Beer brand names manufactured by Casanova's had the label of Old Settlers, Pilsner and Export.
With the advent of Prohibition in 1919, the making of beer came to an end. Casanova's, however, re-geared their operation and made "near beer" (a malt beverage that is similar to beer, but with an alcoholic content of less than one-half percent) and sent into the distribution of soft drinks. The firm name changed to Casanova Beverage company.
Still of interest today are the brewery caves on the south side of Coulee road--the only remnants of the brewing industry to remain. The caves, used to age the beer, were first carved into the hill behind the brewery by Louis Yoerg in the 1870s, and were greatly enlarged by the Casanova brothers at the turn of the century.
Two of Joseph Casanova's sons, Leonard Casanova (1905-1984) and Raymond Casanova (1910-1988), were associated with the business their entire working careers.
Events
| Birth | 26 May 1870 | Obersaxen, Switzerland |  | ||
| Emigration | 1887 or 1888 | Switzerland to Wisconsin | | ||
| Marriage | 23 Feb 1897 | Hudson, St. Croix County, Wisconsin, St. Patrick's Church - Catherine Karras | | ||
| Census | 28 Jun 1900 | Hudson, St. Croix County, Wisconsin | | ||
| Occupation | 7 Apr 1930 | Proprietor, Soft drink manufacturer - Hudson or Baldwin, St. Croix County, Wisconsin | | ||
| Death | 6 Aug 1946 | Hudson, St. Croix County, Wisconsin | | ||
| Burial | 8 Aug 1946 | Hudson, St. Croix County, Wisconsin, St. Patrick's Cemetery | | ||
| Radio in 1930 | Yes | |
Families
| Spouse | Catherine Karras (1876 - ) |
| Child | Agnes Casanova (1898 - 1968) |
| Child | Christine Casanova (1899 - 1977) |
| Child | John Robert Casanova (1901 - 1985) |
| Child | Leonard Casanova (1903 - 1904) |
| Child | Leonard Joseph Casanova (1905 - ) |
| Child | Raymond Benedict Casanova (1910 - 1988) |
| Child | Katherine Casanova (1912 - 2002) |
| Father | Joseph Anton Casanova (1834 - 1919) |
| Mother | Monica "Agnes" Nay ( - 1927) |
| Sibling | Christ Casanova (1865 - ) |
Endnotes
1. Hudson Star-Observer, Hudson, Wis., 8 Aug 1946, p1, Obituary, J. A. Casanova.
2. Hudson Star-Observer, Hudson, Wis., 6 Sep 1934, p1, J.A. Casanova to See Brother.
3. 1900 U.S. Federal Census; Enumeration began 1 Jun 1900, Wisconsin, St. Croix, City of Hudson, Household of Joseph Casanova.
4. Ira A. Glazier and P. William Filby, Germans to America.
5. Hudson Star-Observer, Hudson, Wis., Obituary, J.A. Casanova, 8 Aug 1946, p1.
6. Hudson Star-Observer, Hudson, Wis., 13 Jun 1963, p8, Obituary, Mrs. J. A. Casanova.
7. Hudson Star-Observer, Hudson, Wis., 8 Aug 1946, p1, Obituary, J. A. Casanova.
8. Hudson Star-Times, 23 Feb 1897, p4, c1, "Mr. A. Casanova of this city and Miss Katie Karras of Burkhardt, were married at the Catholic church, Tuesday morning, by Rev. J.A. Barney.".
9. 1900 U.S. Federal Census; Enumeration began 1 Jun 1900, Wisconsin, St. Croix, City of Hudson, Household of Joseph Casanova.
10. 1930 U.S. Federal Census, Wisconsin, St. Croix County, Hudson, Joseph A. Casanova.
11. Hudson Star-Observer, Hudson, Wis., 8 Aug 1946, p1, Obituary, J. A. Casanova.
12. Hudson Star-Observer, Hudson, Wis., 8 Aug 1946, p1, Obituary, J. A. Casanova.
13. Find-A-Grave (www.findagrave.com), Memorial No. 114459866.
14. 1930 U.S. Federal Census, Wisconsin, St. Croix County, Hudson, Joseph A. Casanova.