The Material Review
Issue 111: Schlitz Beer War, Not Buying a Computer, Wiener Dog Races, Swiss Railways Clock, NFL Jersey Nostalgia, Facial Hair, Spotlight On: Cookbooks and Gitman Bros Vintage x Far Afield.
Stories worth reading. Stop indexing the internet.
How a Brutal Beer War Led to the Downfall of the Brewery That Made Milwaukee Famous
“Schlitz was a billion-dollar empire battling Budweiser to be No. 1. Then a bribery scandal—and a lot of foul, sludgy lager—took the company down.” [Esquire]
Why I am not Going To Buy A Computer
FRIENDS IN LOW PLACES
“At the buda wiener dog races, big personalities come in small packages” [Texas Highways]
The Swiss Railways Clock That Still Keeps Travelers on Time
“For 80 years, this minimalist design with a distinctive red second hand has been a fixture in the country’s train stations.” [NYT]
The NFL's Obsession with Jersey Nostalgia
“With the proliferation of more looks from the past, are we in an era of poor design or is the power of nostalgia just too strong to overcome?” [Deep Cover]
The Life Cycle of Facial Hair
“Man’s natural accessory has come in and out of style.” [The Atlantic]
A shortlist of things we’ve got our eye on.
Kamakura AMETORA STRAIGHT COLLAR SELVEDGE POPLIN
Rivay Hayes Garment Dyed Linen Camp Shirt in Mulberry
Rancho Gordo Crimson Popping Corn
Todd Snyder Italian Suede Belt
Paraboot x Kaptain Sunshine Domingue Suede Natural
Cookbooks
Chez Panisse Vegetables by Alice Waters
South: Essential Recipes and New Explorations by Sean Brock
Virginia Hospitality by The Junior League of Hampton Roads
Cooking With Scorsese: The Cookbook
The Taste of Country Cooking by Edna Lewis
The Art of Fermentation by Sandor Ellix Katz
Gitman Vintage x Far Afield
P.I. Shirt - Elmo Ziller
P.I. Shirt - Stalking Horse
Classifieds
Welcome to our weekly “Classifieds” section of the newsletter. The idea is to find an easy way to promote things happening in our ecosystem. Think of this space to promote your eBay shop, event, newsletter, app, book, tool or your personal brand (if you must). Drop us a line at if you’re interested in buying an item in an upcoming issue. Price: $200 for four ads. Maximum 280 character per ad.
🎉 A Summer Evening at Left Field LA
July 31st. 5:30PM-7:30PM. 4220 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles.
A little summer get together to release some beautiful 40 ‘s era work caps made by Monsivaisco. Drinks by Jumbo Time Wines and Skyduster Beer. Free chainstitching with mogram or one word name with purchase.