Mentrum-Briggs Company (Missoula, Mont.)

William A. Mentrum arrived in Gregory, Montana, on June 16, 1879. In 1883, he moved to Missoula, Montana, and worked for Eddy, Hammond Company, which became the Missoula Mercantile Company. He took over control of liquor sales and in 1885 was made manager for wholesale liquor, cigars, and cigarettes. In 1892, Mentrum decided to go into business for himself and opened the W. A. Mentrum Liquor and Bottling Company, located near Missoula's Northern Pacific Railroad depot. The company reorganized throughout the years and later included George Briggs as part owner.