Susannah Oland

Biography of Susannah Oland, founder of Moosehead Brewery

Susannah Oland (1818 – 1885) was a British-Canadian brewer and businesswoman, best known for founding Moosehead Brewery, the oldest independent brewery in Canada. Her contributions to the brewing industry and her role as a pioneering female entrepreneur have been widely recognized.

Early Life

Susannah Woodhouse was born in 1818 in England. She married John Oland, and together they emigrated to Nova Scotia, Canada in 1865. The Olands settled in Halifax, where Susannah began brewing beer using a recipe she had developed in England.

Founding of Moosehead Brewery

In 1867, Susannah Oland established "The Army and Navy Brewery" in Halifax. The brewery quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality ales. Susannah's original recipe, known as "October Brown Ale," became particularly popular among the local population.

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Susannah Oland, founder of Moosehead Brewery

Business Challenges and Growth

After the death of her husband in 1870, Susannah Oland continued to run the brewery with the help of her sons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including a devastating fire in 1878, the brewery was rebuilt and continued to thrive. In 1886, the business was renamed "S. Oland, Sons and Company Limited" in her honor.

Legacy

Susannah Oland passed away in 1885, but her legacy lived on through her family and the brewery she founded. Today, Moosehead Brewery remains a family-owned business and is recognized as a significant part of Canada's brewing history.

Related pages

• Moosehead Brewery
• Brewing in Canada
• History of beer