Levi Price

History.  Levi Price was born to Elijah Price and Sarah Ann Wolfe on October 22, 1835, in Frederick County, Maryland, in what was then the Urbana District, near the present community of Hyattstown.  In 1858 at the age of 23 he began his first business, a flour mill, with less than a dollar to his name.   Price proved to be highly successful as a businessman, leading him to build a three-story high distillery in 1867 at the point where Bennett Creek crosses Green Valley Road known to this day as “Price’s Ford” but then Price affectionately referred to it as the Liechtenstein Distilling Company.  A 1904 newspaper states: “Levi Price has undoubtedly engaged in a business which he is well suited for, and long years of experience and an accurate knowledge of grain has helped make him what he is.” 

Price married Laura Virginia McElfresh, a member of the distinguished Virgina family with ties to the Revolutionary War.  Together they had 10 children (3 boys and 7 daughters).

Land Owner.  Price bought land surrounding his mill and distillery to provide grain for both.  He continued to buy land, and at his death he owned 575 acres of prime farmland.

Regional Reputation.  Levi Price’s principal whiskey brand, called “Pure Rye Double Copper Distilled Whiskey,” was not only popular locally and consumed throughout the region, but enjoyed a reputation and eventually earned national fame as well.

Hygiene Matters.  As Price matured his distilling craft, he quickly recognized that any form of adulteration led to objectionable tastes common in newly made, “raw” whiskey of his day.  By embracing cleanliness in his process and perhaps a “secret” method or two, he was able to manufacture a product that had the taste and smoothness of an aged whiskey while being newly distilled.  By eliminating most of the aging process, he saved money and was able to sell his whiskey for less than the competition.

Recognition.  In 1878, as sales rose and the production of his Maryland rye at an all-time high, Price talked the county into constructing a road that still bears the name of his distillery.

The End.  Price died in 1909 at the age of 74, 7 years after his wife.   His descendants did not follow in his footsteps, so his business was sold to Reuben Lichtenstein.  Reuben continued the distilling business, producing a product he named “Levi Price Pure Rye” until Prohibition began.  Reuben’s sons attempted to resurrect the distillery after Prohibition.  However, nearby town folks were against it and allegedly burned down the distillery.

Contributed by: Bill & Vicki Gallagher, Marriottsville, Maryland