History of The Brewery Restaurant, Grants Pass, Oregon

It was hoped that the proprietors of the institution would brew a product of "malt liquor" superior to that imported Jacksonville, Roseburg, or Crescent City.

A well was drilled and, at a depth of 35 feet, struck a lively flow of water. The quality was superior. It flowed, artesian style, with a soft, sparkling display that was pronounced nearly perfect for the making of a very high quality beer. A first-class brewer was hired from Portland and equipment was installed. An item in the Courier a few months later again lauded the water as "appearing as if it is heavily charged with carbon, with an unbelievable clearness, that caused it to sparkle like a thousand stars".

In January 1887, a malt liquor license was issued to William Neurath & Co., by the City of Grants Pass, County of Josephine, and the brewery was legally in business.

In 1892-93, for reasons which are not clear, the brewery ceased to function. From that time until 1902, the brewery building was used as an apple packing plant. Then, in January of 1902, the entire frame building was destroyed by fire. Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Kienlin began construction of a new brick building on the same site and, by September, 1902, it was nearly finished. New brewing equipment was installed and a brewer from Germany was hired. Three months later they had installed a handsome bar and were brewing and serving drinks to old friends and new.

Maria Theresa Kienlin was a lively and energetic character. Her figure was round, short, and ample; her hair combed back smoothly into a bun. There were always several brightly colored parrots in and about the brewery and its fenced yards, and many times perched on her shoulders. She was described by many as a "real life Mrs. Katzenjammer".

by 1905, the little rough and unshod town of Grants Pass had more than twelve saloons, most of which were on "G" Street. Pressure from the townsfolk forced them to close from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. and all day Sunday. The brewery fell victim to "local option" when Josephine County voted to go dry and, on June 30, 1908, the last legal drinks were served in Grants Pass.

During prohibition, the brewery became a grocery store and bakery owned and operated by Maria Kienlin; her husband, Eugene, having passed away in 1904.

The 1933 records show she applied for, but never did receive, a license to once again brew beer. The reasons for failure to reopen as a brewery are vague, but it was probably due to many things - refrigeration, transportation, etc. The days of the small breweries were over.

In 1934, Maria Theresa Kienlin died at the age of 78. Since then, the old brewery building has housed many varied businesses, mainly as a warehouse and storage for furniture. For a short-lived time, it was even used as an art gallery.