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POTOSI, Wis. - In 1852, Iowa was 6 years old, Wisconsin was just 4 and neighboring Minnesota wouldn't achieve statehood for six more years.

In 1852, an Englishman named Gabriel Hail established the first brewery in Potosi. Several name changes later, it became the Potosi Brewing Co. in 1906. It ceased operation on Dec. 31, 1972.

Plans are under way to celebrate the brewery's 150th birthday in late summer or early autumn. Organizers of the non-profit Potosi Brewery Foundation hope to recreate the brewery's centennial celebration of 1952. On tap will be the sale of commemorative beer glasses and bottling "limited edition" six-packs with a special sesquicentennial label.

Of the six-packs not said, the bottles will be broken. Tentative plans also include the production of a book of old photographs and vignettes of people who worked at the brewery.

In early 2001, the Foundation kicked off a fund-raising campaign for the Potosi Brewery building.

The foundation was formed in February 2000 with a goal to restore the historic landmark. The restoration project carries a price tag estimated at $1.2 million.

The brewery's sesquicentennial year already has been memorable, buoyed by a successful fund-raising banquet that netted nearly $90,000 in February.

"It was unbelievable, the local support," said state Rep. Steve Freese, R-Dodgeville, a member of the foundation's board of directors. "Who would have thought you could take in that much money?"

The Wisconsin Trust for Historic Preservation placed the brewery on its list of the state's 10 Most Endangered Historic Properties. The Points of Beginning Heritage Area organization recently recognized the Potosi Brewery as a historic site in need of preservation.

"It broadens our exposure and gives legitimacy to our efforts," said Frank Fiorenza, foundation vice president. "It certainly doesn't hurt when you apply for grants."

Freese thinks the actions help heighten the recognition of the building's current condition and ongoing preservation activities.

Freese said there are hopes for the structure to have a new roof, windows and doors in time for the sesquicentennial celebration.

Freese recalled two years ago when the Foundation was born.

"I thought we had the people who had the capability of seeing this through," he said.

Additional fund-raisers include a bake sale on April 26 at the F&M Bank in Potosi and a benefit tour in late June of Potosi gardens.