Established in May 1890, this short lived brewing enterprise was a joint venture of a group of investors. The company was incorporated on 13 August, 1890 and capitalized at $250,000. The principals were Albert Braun, president and general manager; Gorge B. Kittinger, vice-president; D. N. Baxter, secretary; and Herman Chapin, treasurer.
The brewery was located in Terry, which was a section of Seattle, located on the Northern Pacific Railroad, about six miles south of the city. The plant was built in accordance to plans furnished by well known brewery specialist, Charles Kaestner & Co. of Chicago, and under the supervision of architect, H. Steinman. The brewery included an artificial ice plant of 25 tons daily capacity. The total cost of the plant was $140,000.
Brewing operations commenced on the 15th of December and the product reached the market in March '91. The brewery's primary brands were "Columbia Beer" (at left), and "Standard Beer." They were also sold their ice at retail. It was a common practice for breweries to use there excess refrigeration capabilities in this manner.
In January of 1893 this new brewery joined Sweeney's Brewery and the Hemrich's Bay View Brewery to form the Seattle Brewing & Malting Company, and before years end it was closed. During this period, Alvin Hemrich served as the brewery's foreman. He then moved to the Bay View Brewery.
Albert Braun died on February 17, 1985, a mere two years after the merger, and was not to enjoy the huge financial rewards of the brewery consolidation.
In September of 1899 the plant was completely destroyed by fire. The brewery wasn't rebuilt, but the fire spared the refrigeration plant, so the firm was able to resume its retail ice business.
