New Prohibition Mural

Although beer now flows at local breweries and other establishments in the area, a large mural depicting a real-life still bust in Prohibition-era Munising was recently installed on the east side of the former Corktown Bar building at 109 Elm Ave.

PC: Jaymie Depew

The mural shows two Michigan state troopers, Alger County Sheriff Frank Runsat, Frank’s two sons, Lawrence and Robert, and an unidentified small child, standing near still equipment after a booze raid around 90 years ago. Frank, a Swedish immigrant, was also the one-time owner of Munising Bottling Works and ironically, Runsat's Tavern. While I admire all of the recent placemaking projects throughout Alger County, I’m slightly partial to this one as Frank’s son, Robert Runsat, was my great-grandfather.

By using a historic photograph as reference, Mike Stockwell of the Pelki-based company Cranking Graphics designed the mural, which was then built and installed by Signs Now of Negaunee Township. Funds for the project came from the Munising Downtown Development Authority, Alger County Chamber of Commerce/Greater Munising Bay Partnership, an Art Place grant, and other grant monies.

Over the past two months, restaurants, breweries, and other food service establishments could only provide takeout and curbside delivery services due to the state’s COVID-19 regulations. However, since Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently lifted the regulations in the Upper Peninsula, local businesses can now offer dine-in options. While both breweries in Munising offered takeout or curbside delivery as the regulations were in place, patrons of East Channel Brewing Company and ByGeorge Brewing Co. can now enjoy a cold draft at each establishment.

Courtesy photo of East Channel Brewing Company

Located at 209 Maple St., Munising, East Channel Brewing Company is a quaint brewery that offers up to 10 taps of handcrafted beer. They also host weekly live music and customers can bring in their own food to enjoy with their tasty beverage from the pub. East Channel also offers 16-oz cans, crowlers, six-packs to go, growlers and refills, and so on.

Photo courtesy of ByGeorge Brewing Co.

ByGeorge Brewing Co. is a new brewery located at 231 E. Superior St., Munising, that provides a tasty selection of custom craft beer, wine, and cider-based products. They are directly attached to Driftwood Deli (soon to be open) and offer an in-house experience as well as takeout options - including 32 oz cans and 32 oz/64 oz growlers. A new outdoor patio was recently completed as well.

Visit the breweries’ social media pages or websites for more information.