The Garden City Brewing Company first opened in Missoula, Montana, in 1895 and was located at the base of Waterworks Hill. Its incorporating officers were Joseph Steiger, Joseph Redle, and Paul Gerber. It was reported to have a capital stock of $75,000 and an operating capacity of 15,000 barrels per year in 1900. The brewery was known for its Extra Pole Bohemian beer.
There was action to sell the brewery to the Western Seed Company in March 1922 that did not go through. In March 1934 an agreement transferring all property and assets to the newly organized Missoula Brewing Company was signed by H. L. Shapard and WIlliam Steinbrenner, president and secretary for Garden City Brewing Company, and C. S. McNair and F. L. Shouldice for Missoula Brewing Company. Missoula Brewing Company manufactured Highlander Beer which was marketed throughout the northwest.
In the late 1930s and 1940s the company was known as Sick's Missoula Brewery but the name was changed back to Missoula Brewing Company in the late 1940s. William Steinbrenner was vice-president. By June 30, 1949, Steinbrenner was Chairman of the Board with 500 1/16 shares of stock and his son, William, owned 401 shares. By 1954, William Steinrenner, Sr. was chairman of the board and vice president; William, Jr. was director and president. Albert M. Orr, also a director, became vice-president in 1958. In 1962, Robert Taylor became president.
The brewery was sold at public auction on October 20, 1964 and the buildings razed to accomodate the building of Interstate 90.
From the guide to the Missoula Brewing Company records, 1899-1967, (University of Montana--Missoula Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library Archives & Special Collections)
