Old Missoula

Montanans Drink 682 Barrels Of Beer Daily During 1936

The Missoula Brewing Co. – a landmark throughout much of the history of Missoula – was started in 1895 as the Garden City Brewery Co. by Martin and Lang of Spokane on the exact location it occupies today at 500 N. 2^nd St. E. at the foot of Waterworks Hill.

The present owner and manager, William Steinbrenner, has been associated with the brewery for more than half a century. Steinbrenner came to Missoula in 1900 and became associated with the Garden City Brewing Co. in 1906.

Changes Hands Frequently

The brewery was under the proprietorship of three different managements during the first six years of its operation. The original building was constructed in 1900 and was first expanded in 1908. The bottling plant west of the brewery was erected in 1934 with a daily capacity of 30,000 bottles. The size of the bottling plant was tripled in 1948. Fermenting cellars were added in the 1940s also.

Through the years practically all of the original buildings and equipment have been replaced. Tanks and other equipment have been added constantly to keep the plant modern, and to allow for maximum production.

Prohibition Hits

The era of prohibition dealt a death blow to the brewery Dec. 31, 1919. The plant remained closed until April 1933. By May of that year the plant had swung into operation again and was brewing 300 barrels of Highlander beer daily. The first beer was not put on the market until June when it was thoroughly aged.

The brewery had an average payroll of 43 when it commenced operation. It was the first plant in Montana to secure federal, state and city licenses. It was also the first plant in the Treasure State to start the manufacture of beer under the new beer law.

During prohibition the yards had been used as a storehouse for a construction company for a time.

Poor Man’ Drink

By 1936 Montanans were drinking 682 barrels of beer per day. The “poor man’s drink” was bringing in approximately $4,906,950 during a six-month period.

During the days when beer was distributed in Missoula by horse-team and beer wagon the name of the brewery was changed to the Missoula Highlander Brewing Co. This was in 1908. About two years later the company converted to motor transportation.

Presently the company employs from 78 to 105 men. The payroll amounts to $500,000 annually. Each year excise and all forms of taxes exceed a million dollars. Prior to prohibition the tax per barrel of beer was $1, but in 1960 this same tax is $10.50.

Wide Distribution

Highlander beer brewed at the 65-year-old plant is distributed in Montana, northern Idaho and western Washington. From 250 to 300 train carloads of grain, cans, bottle caps and other supplies are brought in for the brewing and bottling of this beer during the year.

 

Members of the board of directors include Steinbrenner, president; Albert M. Orr, vice president and plant superintendent; William G. Steinbrenner, vice president, and George H. Diederichs, secretary-treasurer.