Garden City Brewery Employee Benefit Association

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At one time, Chicago had 166 breweries. The Garden City Brewery existed at 21st Place and South Albany Avenue between 1902 and 1925. National Prohibition which started in 1920 and ended in 1933, was hard on breweries as many were forced to close with the loss of business. The Garden City Brewery reopened in 1933 before finally closing in 1951.

Benefit associations are employee non-profit insurance companies. Members pay dues and might receive retirement pensions, health insurance, or help with funeral expenses. Before public or employer-offered insurance, benefit associations helped people organize and negotiate for health and life cost and expenses.