About BreweryGems
 

I'm Gary Flynn of Bellingham, WA - a breweriana collector and novice historian. I designed and launched my BreweryGems website in June 2000 as a means to downsize my collection of 35 years. I wanted an alternative to selling on eBay - a more personal and direct means to interact with collectors.

After selling our Bed & Breakfast Inn on Lummi Is. I found I had time to pursue my interest in the pre-prohibition breweries of the Northwest. I started with our own Bellingham Bay Brewery and was pleased to have my research published in the May-June '05 issue of the American Breweriana Journal. Then for the Sept-Oct '07 issue, my research on the Salem Brewery Ass'n. was published. For their Mar-Apr '10 issue, my history on the Aberdeen Brewing Co. was chosen as the feature article.

This June I was honored to receive ABA's 2010 Excellence in Literature Award for "outstanding achievement in supporting the objectives of ABA and the Beweriana community."

I currently have other brewery histories in progress, and a few that are completed - and I continually up-date these when I find new material or images.
Additionally, I'm continuing my research for a book on the History of Rainier.

My interest in Breweriana grew from by bottle collecting. I chose to collect only Beers, seeking those of varying colors, sizes, and shapes. I felt that a Beer collection needn't be boring (see close-up). From beer bottles it was hard not to add beer trays and other attractive display items to my collection. I enjoy collecting and sharing my knowledge with others. I often receive inquires as to the age or value of items, and while I'm not a professional appraiser I can often establish an age and approximate value of a piece. I'm also interested in upgrading my own collection of distinctive Beers, as well as adding to my Northwest breweriana archives. Check my Breweriana Wanted page. If you have any questions or items for sale - please Contact me.

two windows displaying my favorite Beers

I am a member in good standing with the following collector organizations:  If you are not yet a member click on the above logos for membership information.   I served 30 years with the U.S. Navy's Submarine Force and have a website honoring the units I served with, plus offering some submarine memorabilia for sale. ...so if you have an interest in U.S. Submarine collectibles - click on ABOUT SUBS.

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