ca. 1917. A print of a photograph of the Columbia Brewing Company as it appeared in 1917 has been outlined, the date added and measurements written on the left and bottom margins, possibly for use in an advertisement. Stamps have been affixed to the back of the mock-up for Sterling Engraving Company at 1417 Fourth Avenue Building and How. J. Ryan & Son, R Advertising in the Joseph Vance Building, Seattle, Wash. Copies of old prints ordered by Heidelberg Brewing Company in December 1954.
Brewing industry--Tacoma--1910-1920; Columbia Brewing Co. (Tacoma);
ca. 1919. Columbia Breweries. The early day bottling machine was a tedious, hand-operated contraption. A production of 500,000 bottles per year was regarded as somewhat stupendous. Wide belts connected with drive shafts located at the ceiling level operate these early assembly-line machines. Ordered by Columbia Breweries in 1951. (TNT, 1/7/1952) (This was a copy print made by the Richards Studio of a Marvin D. Boland photograph #B4392). TPL-9628. Previously cataloged as WO58568-2.
Brewing industry--Tacoma--1910-1920; Columbia Brewing Co. (Tacoma); Machinery; Assembly-line methods--Tacoma--1910-1920; Columbia Brewing Co. (Tacoma)--People; Bottles;
ca. 1919. Gustav Schuster was the manager of the Columbia Brewing Company in Tacoma from September 17, 1917 to October 31, 1929. For the whole time he was manager, the brewing industry was prevented from making beer by state and federal prohibition laws. In 1919 Mr. Schuster began producing "Colo - a malt beverage of quality" at the Tacoma plant. Colo was a nonalcoholic "near beer" and was classified as a soft drink. The Columbia Brewery managed to survive prohibition and in 1949 they were bought out by Heidelberg Brewery. Heidelberg was in turn purchased by Carling Brewery which operated the Tacoma plant at 2120-32 South C Street until 1979, when it closed.
Brewing industry--Tacoma--1910-1920; Columbia Brewing Co. (Tacoma); Offices--Tacoma--1910-1920; Desks; Writing materials; Safes; Columbia Brewing Co. (Tacoma)--People; Schuster, Gustav;
The Columbia Brewing Company was started in 1900 by three men with a capitalization of $50,000. William Kiltz was sales manager and Emile Kliese was owner, president and brewmaster. Their facilities, typical of the era, were primitive, but they were determined to make the finest beer possible. During the early stages of beer making malted barley was milled and the malt grain was mixed with pure water in a large wooden tub called a "mash tun". This "malt mash" was stired by hand with a long wooden paddle and then channeled or piped into large copper brew kettles where the "wort" was boiled with hops. This view shows the laboratory and mixing room in the bottling department of Columbia Brewing Company. The brewery was located in a newly built facility at 2120-32 South C Street. Copy ordered by Columbia Breweries, Inc., in 1951. (This was a copy print made by the Richards Studio of a Marvin D. Boland photograph #B4391) Another copy of this photograph was ordered under number C87485-42. TPL-7956. Previously cataloged as WO58568-1.
Brewing industry--Tacoma--1910-1920; Columbia Brewing Co. (Tacoma); Columbia Brewing Co. (Tacoma)--People;
The early racking room at Columbia Brewing Company, where draft beer was barreled, was a matter of wooden barrels, cumbersome hand maneuvering methods and inexact controls. A thick layer of frost can be seen on the pipes above the workmen's heads. They are wearing heavy clothes to work in the chilled cellars. Ordered by Columbia Breweries in 1951. (TNT, 1/7/1952) (This was a copy print made by the Richards Studio of a Marvin D. Boland photograph #B4394). Previously cataloged as WO58568-3.
Brewing industry--Tacoma--1910-1920; Columbia Brewing Co. (Tacoma); Barrels--Tacoma; Columbia Brewing Co. (Tacoma)--People;
ca. 1920. A fan of Columbia Brew, a "near beer" produced by the Columbia Brewing Company, models a suit for not-just-any occasion. The jacket and pants have been made by pasting labels for Columbia Brew on pants and a striped shirt. The top hat also displays an enlarged label for Columbia Brew. The Columbia Brewing Company opened their brewery on South C Street between South 21st and South 23rd in 1900. They made "Columbia Brew" during the dry period of prohibition. Columbia Brewing Co. was purchased by Heidelberg Brewing Co. in 1949; which was purchased by Carling Brewery in 1959. The plant closed in 1979. (Copies of old prints ordered by Heidelberg Brewing Company in December 1954.) Format 6" x 8". TPL-5565
Brewing industry--Tacoma--1910-1920; Columbia Brewing Co. (Tacoma); Costumes; Prohibition--Tacoma;
Drivers pose next to their delivery trucks at the loading docks of Columbia Brewing Company. (This was a copy print made by the Richards Studio of a Marvin D. Boland photograph #B14210) Ordered by Colulmbia Breweries in 1951. TPL-6494. Previously cataloged as WO58568-4.
Brewing industry--Tacoma--1920-1930; Columbia Brewing Co. (Tacoma); Columbia Brewing Co. (Tacoma)--People;
ca. 1923. The rear of Columbia Breweries showing the Northern Pacific Railway tracks and properties across the tracks that faced west to Jefferson Avenue including J.J. Gunlocke Auto Tops who were located at 2121 Jefferson Avenue from 1918 through 1925. Copies of old prints ordered by Heidelberg Brewing Company in December 1954. (This was a copy print made by the Richards Studio of a Marvin D. Boland photograph #B14364)
Brewing industry--Tacoma--1920-1930; Columbia Brewing Co. (Tacoma);
ca. 1935. Columbia Breweries started with seven staff members in the early 1900's. In 1939 J.F. Lanser was president of the company and Otto Birkmaler was brewmaster, producing Columbia Ale. Since prohibition ended in 1933, production of Columbia's Alt Heidelberg beer had been dramatically increased. This elevated view shows the back of Columbia Breweries' plant. The building on left is McNulty Storage and Transfer (listed in 1935 City Directory at 2106 South C Street); across the street on the right is a Richfield service station. A billboard in the center advertises "Camel" cigarettes. A hill and commercial buildings are seen in the background. (WSHS)
Brewing industry--Tacoma--1930-1940; Industrial facilities--Tacoma; Columbia Breweries, Inc. (Tacoma)--1930-1940;
ca. 1937. A new copper brew kettle is being installed on top of several legs at Columbia Breweries. The brew kettle was located between two floors - the structure for the floor has not yet been built. Employees could add the ingredients for a "brew", barley malt, hops, and water, on the upper level through the sliding doors seen just above the rim near the top of the kettle. Dismantling of the kettle in 1953 can be seen in photograph D76,717-4. Copies of old prints ordered by Heidelberg Brewing Company in December 1954. TPL-8854
Brewing industry--Tacoma--1930-1940; Columbia Breweries, Inc. (Tacoma)--1930-1940; Kettles;
ca. 1937. A man wearing a suit and hat, possibly Otto Birkmaier, stands by the large brew kettle at Columbia Breweries. Otto Birkmaier was the brewmaster at Columbia Brewery Company and Columbia Breweries from 1918 (following Emil Kliese) until his death in 1946 and during his lifetime was one of the most highly regarded brewers in the country. Mr. Birkmaier was succeeded by Anders W. Erikson as brewmaster in 1946. Copies of old prints ordered by Heidelberg Brewing Company in December 1954. (TNT, 1/8/1952, p. B-4) TPL-8853
Brewing industry--Tacoma--1930-1940; Columbia Breweries, Inc. (Tacoma)--1930-1940; Kettles;
Columbia Brewery truck with Indiana cab. Trailer being loaded with hops or grain from flue inside building. Man on top of truck bed loading grains. Ordered by Tom Jones Perry.
Brewing industry--Tacoma--1930-1940; Columbia Breweries, Inc. (Tacoma)--1930-1940; Trucks--Tacoma--1930-1940;
ca. 1938. The dark exterior of Columbia Breweries has the name Alt Heidelberg beer painted on the north edge of the top of the main brewery. West Coast Grocery's Coffee Department is seen on the right at 2114 South C Street. West Coast Grocery was at this location from 1928 through 1945. Copies of old prints ordered by Heidelberg Brewing Company in December 1954.
Brewing industry--Tacoma--1930-1940; Columbia Breweries, Inc. (Tacoma)--1930-1940; West Coast Grocery Co. (Tacoma);
ca. 1939. Columbia Breweries was about to begin a massive expansion project; this would enable them to increase production of their Heidelberg beer and Columbia Ale. Columbia advertised their products throughout Tacoma and the Pacific Northwest. View of three Alt Heidelberg signs: first is the same as 7A7-3; second, "In the family size steinie", a half gallon bottle; third, "In compact stubbies" bottle of beer. (WSHS)
Brewing industry--Tacoma--1930-1940; Beer--Tacoma; Advertisements--Tacoma; Signs (Notices); Columbia Breweries, Inc. (Tacoma)--1930-1940;
ca. 1939. After the remodeling and rebuilding of Columbia Breweries, it would become the largest brewery north of San Francisco and west of Milwaukee. Their expansion would help the company fill the increasing demands for their Heidelberg beer and Columbia ale. View of Columbia Breweries Alt Heidelberg sign: "We are serving Alt Heidelberg. So good--and good for you." (WSHS)
Brewing industry--Tacoma--1930-1940; Beer--Tacoma; Advertisements--Tacoma; Signs (Notices); Columbia Breweries, Inc. (Tacoma)--1930-1940;
ca. 1939. Columbia Breweries introduced Columbia ale in 1939, the company vigorously advertised and promoted their new product, which was instantaneously accepted by the public. Columbia is proud of their two products and only uses the finest ingredients for their beer and ale production. View of Alt Heidelberg sign: "Whatever the Package" with three containers--a bottle of beer, a jumbo bottle of beer, and a can of guest beer. "So good--and good for you." (WSHS)
Brewing industry--Tacoma--1930-1940; Beer--Tacoma; Advertisements--Tacoma; Signs (Notices); Columbia Breweries, Inc. (Tacoma)--1930-1940;
ca. 1939. After the remodeling and rebuilding of Columbia Breweries, it would become the largest brewery north of San Francisco and west of Milwaukee. Their expansion would help the company fill the increasing demands for their Heidelberg beer and Columbia ale. View of Columbia Breweries Alt Heidelberg sign: "We are serving Alt Heidelberg. So good--and good for you." (WSHS)
Brewing industry--Tacoma--1930-1940; Beer--Tacoma; Advertisements--Tacoma; Signs (Notices); Columbia Breweries, Inc. (Tacoma)--1930-1940;
ca. 1940. Columbia Breweries, the manufacturers of Alt Heidelberg and Columbia Ale. Columbia was established in 1900 and had a 41 year record of nonstop continuous brewing. This elevated view shows the plant's facade, automobiles along the street and a delivery truck is backed up to door. A hill and residential buildings are seen in the background. (Argentum)
Brewing industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Columbia Breweries, Inc. (Tacoma)--1940-1950;
ca. 1940. Columbia Breweries, the manufacturers of Alt Heidelberg and Columbia Ale were getting ready to go through a massive expansion and modernization of their brewing facilities and offices. Columbia was established in 1900 and had a 41 year record of nonstop continuous brewing. During the dry period they produced "Columbia Brew", a near beer. This elevated view shows the plant's facade, automobiles along the street and a delivery truck is backed up to door. A hill and residential buildings are seen in the background. (WSHS)
Brewing industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Columbia Breweries, Inc. (Tacoma)--1940-1950;
Columbia Breweries was about to begin a massive expansion project, this would enable them to increase production of their Heidelberg beer and Columbia Ale. Columbia advertised "We are serving Alt Heidelberg. So good--and good for you." Aerial view of Columbia Breweries plant, prior to expansion project, located between Jefferson and C Streets.
Brewing industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Aerial photographs; Business enterprises--Tacoma; Remodeling--Tacoma; Columbia Breweries, Inc. (Tacoma)--1940-1950;
ca. 1948. This is a drawing, an enhanced photograph, of Columbia Breweries as it looked towards the end of the 1940's. The brewery was anticipating additions to its facilities and the purchase of the property to the rear of these buildings along Jefferson Avenue. This drawing, used as an inset over a photograph of Tacoma in C87,485-45, is signed in the lower, left corner, Fred J. Meinzinger, Detroit, Michigan. Copies of old prints ordered by Heidelberg Brewing Company in December 1954.
Brewing industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Columbia Breweries, Inc. (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Drawings;
Brew kettles, Columbia Breweries, Davis. An employee adds hops to the large copper brew kettle used to boil the wort, one of the early stages of beermaking. The kettle is fitted with a curved cap with a large tube that filters the evaporation coming from the kettle. The brewery owned two of the kettles that had a capacity of 330 barrels each. Anders W. Erikson was the brew master in 1948.
Columbia Breweries, Inc. (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Kettles; Brewing industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;
Columbia Breweries, manufacturers of Alt Heidelberg and Columbia Ale, expanded and modernized their brewing facilities and offices once again starting in 1949. This view shows the Tacoma plant and railroad siding that allowed freight trains easy access for shipping Columbia Brewery products. Packaged beer was conveyed from the bottle shop to the shipping depot through an elevated bridge which crossed the railroad yards. (TNT, 1/8/1952, p.B-7)
Brewing industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Railroad freight cars--Tacoma; Industrial facilities--Tacoma; Columbia Breweries, Inc. (Tacoma)--1940-1950;
Columbia Breweries began expanding and rebuilding their facilities in 1949, throughout 1948 the company had been preparing to go through a massive expansion project. View of the new canning machinery at Columbia Breweries, three unidentified laborers are working with the new machine.
Brewing industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Industrial facilities--Tacoma; Equipment; Machinery; Laborers--Tacoma; Columbia Breweries, Inc. (Tacoma)--1940-1950;
In 1948 Columbia Breweries appointed four new officers and President Norman Davis announced that they would be going through an extensive expansion program. The expansion project was to include a 20,000 square feet two story building housing a new bottle shop, and a can beer line. View of the new canning machinery at Columbia Breweries.
Brewing industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Machinery; Laborers--Tacoma; Columbia Breweries, Inc. (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Cans;
ca. 1949. This aerial photograph featuring Columbia Breweries (center) was taken either in December of 1949 or early January of 1950 as snow has blanketed the rooftops and surrounding streets. It appears identical to C87485, image 8, except for the missing Heidelberg logo in the upper left corner. The massive plant had opened in 1900 as the Columbia Brewing Co., underwent several remodels and expansions and purchases, and would survive until 1979 when it finally closed.
Columbia Breweries, Inc. (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Brewing industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Aerial views; Aerial photographs; Commercial streets--Tacoma--1940-1950;
A May 31, 1951 photographic tour of the new expanded Columbia Breweries revealed this view of the racking room, showing the filling and bunging of stainless steel and aluminum kegs. All the kegs were steam scoured and freshly rinsed prior to filling. Columbia Breweries was located at 2120-32 So. C St. in Tacoma. The brewery began operation in Tacoma in 1900. Its Alt Heidelberg brand beer with the familiar logo of the Student Prince was known nationwide. The plant was purchased by Carling Brewery in 1959 and closed 20 years later in June of 1979. Ordered by Columbia Breweries. TPL-7951
Columbia Breweries, Inc. (Tacoma)--1950-1960; Brewing industry--Tacoma--1950-1960;
An additional automated can filling machine was included in the expansion begun by Columbia Breweries in 1948. Alt Heidelberg is being filled into cans along this assembly line that helped maintain production for distribution throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, northern California, Alaska and Hawaii. Ordered by Columbia Breweries.
Columbia Breweries, Inc. (Tacoma)--1950-1960; Brewing industry--Tacoma--1950-1960;
A line of tanks are seen in the new cellars at Columbia Breweries. Once the newly brewed beer, "wort", had been boiled it was transferred from the kettles through a strainer, or "hopjack", which separated the hops from the wort. The wort was then cooled in wort coolers. The wort was piped into a large vat, "fermenting tun", housed in a cool cellar or an ice chamber. Yeast was added while the wort was in the fermenting vats. For lager beer, bottom-fermenting yeast was used, taking 7-11 days to complete fermentation. Ale was made using top-fermenting yeast that was faster acting and fermented at a higher temperature. Ordered by Columbia Breweries. (Brewed in the Pacific Northwest, Gary and Gloria Meier)
Columbia Breweries, Inc. (Tacoma)--1950-1960; Brewing industry--Tacoma--1950-1960;
The loading docks at Columbia Breweries are filled with trucks ready to deliver Alt Heidelberg throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and northern California. A warehouse for case goods and a new receiving and shipping depot was added to the plant during the expansion begun in 1948. A gasoline pump can be seen in the left foreground. Ordered by Columbia Breweries.
Columbia Breweries, Inc. (Tacoma)--1950-1960; Brewing industry--Tacoma--1950-1960;
