Henry Weinhard
Henry Weinhard | |
|---|---|
| File:Henry Weinhard.png | |
| Born | Template:Birth date |
| Died | September 20, 1904 (aged 74) Portland, Oregon, U.S. |
| Resting place | River View Cemetery, Portland, Oregon, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Brewer, entrepreneur founder of Henry Weinhard's |
| Spouse | Louisa Wagenblast |
| Children | 2 daughters |
Henry Weinhard (born February 18, 1830 – died September 20, 1904) was a German-American entrepreneur and brewer who operated primarily in Portland, Oregon. After arriving in the United States in 1851, he gained brewing experience in several cities before founding his own brewery, known as Henry Weinhard's. He was instrumental in developing the notable Weinhard Brewery Complex located in downtown Portland.
Early life
Originating from the Kingdom of Württemberg (present-day southwestern Germany), Weinhard completed an apprenticeship in brewing in Stuttgart. He emigrated to America in 1851 and initially worked within Philadelphia’s brewing industry. Over time, he moved westward through Cincinnati and St. Louis, where he honed his brewing techniques and recipes.
Oregon
In 1856, Weinhard briefly resided in California before settling in Vancouver, Washington Territory. There, he collaborated with John Meunich at a local brewery and contributed to constructing a new brewing facility. Following a brief business partnership with George Bottler across the Columbia River in Portland, Weinhard returned to Meunich’s establishment and acquired it in 1859, renaming it the Vancouver Brewery.
By 1862, he expanded his operations into Portland by purchasing the Henry Saxer Brewery and once again joined forces with Bottler to create a new brewery complex in Northwest Portland. That same year, he relocated permanently to Portland. He divested from his Vancouver interests by 1864 and took full control of Bottler’s share by 1866. His expansion continued with the acquisition of Portland’s oldest Liberty Brewery, consolidating all activities under the City Brewery brand. Production surged from 2,000 barrels annually to 40,000 by 1890, establishing it as the largest brewery in the Pacific Northwest.
Later years and family
Weinhard married Louisa Wagenblast in 1859; together they had five children, two of whom survived into adulthood. A dedicated Mason and active participant in Portland’s German community organizations, he was a founding member of the Portland German Aid Society and supported the construction of a church near his brewery. Beyond brewing ventures, Weinhard invested in several local enterprises including the Portland Hotel, the West Side Railway, and the New Grand Central Hotel. In 1887, he offered complimentary beer for the dedication of the Skidmore Fountain, an offer that was ultimately declined by city officials.
Death
Weinhard passed away at age 74 in Portland and was interred at River View Cemetery. The brewery he founded continued its operations for nearly a century more before closing its doors in 1999.
External links
- Henry Weinhard Biography at The Oregon History Project (Oregon Historical Society)
- Business Wire
- Portland Tribune