“How do you get a beer in this place?” Jim Appold asked Sunday. It took only a few seconds at Maumee Bay Brewing Co. - but, of course, he and his wife, Pat, own the brew pub and the Oliver House, which also houses Rockwell's steakhouse and Mutz, a sports bar.

The Appolds hosted a party for about 170 people to celebrate the dedication of the Toledo Brewing Hall of Fame - commemorating 18 entrepreneurs and the 10 breweries they ran back in the industry's heyday. The hall of fame and a beer-industry museum are now centerpieces of the Oliver House, which dates to 1859.

Mayor Jack Ford read a proclamation recognizing that brewing was once a major industry in Toledo. Others who made remarks included Toledo City Council member Karyn McConnell, and Dr. Ernest Weaver, president of the Lucas County-Maumee Valley Historical Society. Also in attendance were project researchers Harold Tenney and Jack Paquette, and artist Jim Brower, who designed the commemorative plaques.

Also among the guests were John and Yolanda Szuch, John and Gretchen Gehring, Posy and Bob Huebner, Don and Sue Speck, Jim Zaleski, Carole Merkle, the Rev. George Koerber, James Koerber, Margaret and Bill Cook, Beth Weilant, Linda Meeks, Jeb Magruder, a Watergate figure who now is a Columbus minister and business consultant; Pat Munger, Mike and Dee Cicak, Leslie Adams, Fred Folger, Jim Smythe, Carol and Bill Block, Jr., and Sharad and Liz Jain.

Family members included Andrew Appold, Jonn and Kathy Appold, and Karen and Craig Kern.

GEOFF EARNHART graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point May 31, but delayed the big celebration until he returned home to Perrysburg. On Sunday, he gathered with family and friends at Carranor Hunt and Polo Club. The graduate had plenty to celebrate: He was commissioned in the United States Army as a 2nd lieutenant. His proud parents are Don and Anne Earnhart.

FRIDAY the 13th was a lucky day for Virginia Moor. She went to the Toledo Country Club for dinner and was surprised with a party in honor of her 95th birthday. Mrs. Moor, who hosts bridge parties at the club with her friends, is the mother of Jack Moor and mother-in-law of Mary Pat Moor.

INFORMATION on July 4 parties is due June 28; information for the July datebook for On the Town is due June 30. Please send information to Barbara Hendel at The Blade, 541 North Superior St., Toledo, OH, 43660, or fax to 419-724-6105.

First Published June 19, 2003, 12:25 p.m.