Diedrich "David" Addicken was born in Blauhand amt Bockharn, Friesland, Niedersachsen, Germany.  In 1850 he married Gretchen Friederike Catharine Diers and together they had seven children.

The family emigrated to America in September of 1855 and settled in Clayton County, Iowa where Diedrich bought some land and set up a farm.  Not finding farm work to his likeing he relocated to Decorah, in Winneshiek County, and in 1857 built a brewery and grist mill (known later as Dunning's Spring Mill). This he ran for about two years before selling out to his sons-in-law, Joseph Klein and Gilbert Johnson for the price of $12,000.

Addicken had apparently found a better location for a brewery and mill and built such a complex there, at the southwest side of the river, along the road below Phelps Park, near the bridge of the road that leads to twin springs (1940 description).  The water that powered the works was brought to the buildings in sluices.  Caves carved into the hillside were used for lagering the beer.

By 1860 he was listed in the census as being a Brewer and Distiller with a net worth of $5000.  By 1870 his business assets totaled $24,000.  The Addicken brewery/distillery/mill was a family busines.  Gretchen had an prominent role in management and their children did what they could in the physical operations.  The staff was also apparently well trained and loyal.  Thus, when Diedrich Addicken died on the 23rd of July 1875 there was no pause in production, despite Gretchen being described as "an invalid" at the funeral.  The transition was similarly smooth when Gretchen died in 1881.

Financial pressures brought upon by Iowa's strong Anti Saloon sentiment finally closed the brewery on December 20th, 1887, and the brewhouse was converted to a creamery.  The creamery operated for about ten years, then sat idle.  The buildings were ultimately torn down in the early 1900s.

Learn more at the links below

Associated Breweries