The Monarch Public House

Since 1894, The Monarch Public House has been the center piece of Fountain City. The brick building was built by the Odd Fellows, using the second story as their meeting hall. Until the Odd Fellows disbanded in the mid 60’s, the tavern was considered their 'domain'. Even women weren't allowed in the bar until that time.

The ornate hand-tooled oak backbar, along with the tables and chairs, have been part of The Monarch since it opened in 1894. The tavern has never changed names, and has been continuously open throughout its history.

For almost 90 years, the room now called Preservation Hall housed a grocery and general store. First owned by Knaub and Wunderlicht, later it became Abts Grocery. The interior brick wall separated the bar from the grocery store until 1996, when the 2 halves were connected by removing 2 sections of brick. The kitchen facilities were added at that time. The beer garden, the decks, and the fountain are more recent additions. At the same time, the interior has been restored to its original glory - including the pressed tin ceilings and hardwood floors throughout. Another part of Fountain City's history is preserved here at The Monarch too!

From 1864 to 1965, The Fountain City Brewing Company produced the local favorite - Fountain Brew. After a little research, we recreated the Original Fountain Brew recipe and now serve it on tap. After re-establishing The Fountain City Brewing Company, Inc. in 1997, we proudly serve these specialty beers based on the original pre-prohibition American lager recipe:

• Fountain Brew
• Eagle Valley Harvest Gold
• Prairie Moon Red
• Irish Valley Spring Bock
• John Robert Porter

Because of Fountain City's rich history, there are many artifacts in the tavern with their own stories. In the cellar, which was once a storage area , we have added a party room - The Absolute Rock Bottom Pub. The huge stone slabs that make up the floor were quarried in the hills around Fountain City, and laid by hand. Also gracing the Rock Bottom, is the full body mount of the original Albino Buck, which roamed the area for many years.

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