Fred Bowman Papers, 1983-2010

Predominant Dates: 1983-2001

Fred Bowman co-founded Portland Brewing Company in 1986. The Fred Bowman Papers include digitized versions of photographs showing the renovation of the original Portland Brewing location and early events at the brewery. The digitized documents include news articles, business documents, and a personal pocketbook with handwritten notes.

The digitized photographs in this collection are available in Oregon Digital.

These materials were provided to the Special Collections & Archives Research Center in 2015 for digitization. The original items have been retained by Bowman.

Creators

ID: MSS Bowman

Extent: 9.11 gigabytes

More Extent Information

Scope and Content Notes

Biographical / Historical Notes

Fred Bowman co-founded Portland Brewing Company in 1986. Bowman was born in San Francisco in 1944. He moved to Montana; to Empire, Oregon in elementary school; and finally settled in Hillsboro, Oregon where he has spent most of his life. His first job was for a Volkswagen distributor in high school, which fit with his interest in cars and mechanics. In addition to cars, Bowman was also interested in biology and music, playing trumpet in the youth symphony. He travelled through Europe in 1963, sparking another lifelong interest in beer and brewing. He returned in time to start school at Oregon State University, but soon transferred to University of Oregon and then again to Portland State University. He returned to his job with Volkswagen, a position he held for 16 more years.

Bowman started homebrewing after receiving a “How To” guide from high school friend Jim Goodwin, who was also a talented jazz musician. Bowman and Goodwin made test batches of beer in the basement of Bowman’s Beaverton, Oregon home. They were soon joined by high school friend Art Larrance, who gave them positive feedback. They decided to open a brewery but didn’t have the resources to fund a business or know-how to run a brewery, so Bowman looked for a consultant to hire. Initially, Bowman consulted with Ken Grossman, former homebrewer turned professional brewer who co-founded Sierra Nevada Brewing Company in 1979 with Paul Camusi in Chico, California. He wanted to work with someone in the Northwest, so he consulted The Weekly, a newspaper in Seattle, looking for Washington breweries. He found three: Horseshoe Bay Brewing Co., Red Hook, and Yakima Brewing & Malting Co, also known as Grant's Brewery Pub. Ultimately, they chose Bert Grant, who had a brewery in an old opera house in Yakima, Washington. In addition to a consulting agreement, they also had a license to brew Grant's beer in Oregon. Bowman also spent several weekends in Yakima to learn how a commercial brewing operation operated. It was a valuable experience for learning what to do and not to do; Bowman attended the Siebel Institute in Chicago for more formal training in February 1988.

Robert Malcolm "Mac" MacTarnahan invested $25,000 in Portland Brewing, which allowed them to renovate the Flanders Street building and open their brewery in January 1986. In 1992, they named MacTarnahan’s Pale Ale after him and it became the Portland Brewing’s flagship brew. By 1998 the company was in financial trouble, and that year MacTarnahan bought $3.5 million in debt in exchange for stock; as a result, Portland Brewing began using MacTarnahan labeling. Portland Brewing Company merged with Saxer Brewing Company of Lake Oswego in 2000. In 2004, MacTarnahan, then 88 years old, sold the company to Pyramid Breweries of Seattle. Bowman served as a consultant after Portland Brewing was sold to Pyramid Brewing, before turning to a role as an industry consultant. The Portland Brewing facility was renamed “MacTarnahan's Brewing Company.” MacTarnahan died later that year. In 2008, Pyramid was acquired by Magic Hat Brewing Company, which was subsequently bought by North American Breweries of Rochester, New York in 2010. In 2012, the company was purchased by the Costa Rican company Florida Ice & Farm Co. In 2013, the brewery announced it would return to the Portland Brewing Company name. After declining revenue, the company closed its taproom and restaurant. Bowman had been employed as a brewing consultant, work he continued to do after the brewery was sold.

Portland Brewing was part of a trio of early Oregon breweries. BridgePort Brewing opened in November 1984 and Widmer Brothers Brewing in March 1985. Portland Brewing was Portland’s third craft brewer, entering the market in 1986. The Bridgeport facility was located at one end of 14^th street, Widmer was a half block from them, and Portland Brewing was on the other end of 14^th at Flanders Street. This area had been zoned for commercial brewing since before Prohibition. The lone surviving 19^th century brewery, Henry Weinhard’s, had been at NW 12th and Burnside since 1864. Widmer Brothers moved to North Portland in 1990, but for those early years, these three breweries formed the nexus of “Beervana.”

Another important facet in the history of craft brewing in Oregon was the “Brewpub Bill.” Before 1985, brewpubs were illegal in Oregon. The state’s post-Prohibition laws said that alcohol manufacture and retail could not occur on the same premises. Breweries were required to work with third-party bars and restaurants to add taps and sell their product to new customers. Bowman, Larrance, Dick and Nancy Ponzi of BridgePort, Kurt and Rob Widmer, and Mike and Brian McMenamin were instrumental in lobbying to legalize the marriage of production and on-site sales, effectively legalizing brewpubs in Oregon. Governor Vic Atiyeh signed it into law on July 13, 1985.

Author: Tiah Edmunson-Morton

Statement on Access: Collection is open for research.

Arrangement

Preferred Citation: Fred Bowman Papers (MSS Bowman), Oregon State University Special Collections and Archives Research Center, Corvallis, Oregon.

Acquisition Note: These materials were provided to the Special Collections & Archives Research Center in 2015 for digitization. The original items have been retained by Bowman.

Acquired: 2015.

Languages of Materials

English

Other

Container List

Series 1: Digitized Photographs, 1985-1988 Add to Shelf

In addition to extensive building renovations, tanks and other equipment delivery, brewing operations, and events, these photographs show Portland Brewing's opening party; Frank Commanday (brewer), Fred Bowman, Art Larrance, Bert Grant, and other employees in the brewery; former Portland mayor Bud Clark and other participants at a local bike race sponsored by Portland Brewing; Dick Kohnstamm, manager of Timberline Lodge, celebrating the release of Timberline Ale to honor the Lodge's 50th anniversary; Jim Goodwin playing music at the brew pub; employees and friends in Halloween costumes, and pictures of Portland Brewing's "most unusual growler contest."

All photographs in this series have been digitized and are available in Oregon Digital. Additionally, electronic copies are available for viewing in the reading room

Series 2: Digitized Documents, 1983-2010 Add to Shelf

News articles in this series come from the Oregonian, Celebrator Beer News, Brew News, World Beer Review, Willamette Week, Adventure West, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Anchorage Press, Bon Appetit, The Times, and The New Brewer. The articles were written by authors such as Fred Eckhardt, John Foyston, Tom Dalldorf, and Vince Cottone. Topics covered include the opening of Portland Brewing, the emerging "microbrew" scene and new breweries, beer reviews, the passage of the "Brew Pub Law," the jazz played weekly in the tasting room by Jim Goodwin and Gary Gunther, the Great American Beer Festival in 1984, the first Oregon Brewers Festival in 1988, the sale of the Flanders Street location to Craig Miller (owner and proprietor of Mickey Finn’s pubs) in 1992, the 1993 opening of the facility location at 3015 NW Industrial (also includes architectural drawing), Oregon Craft Beer Month events in 2010, and efforts to stabilize the company's financial situation in the late 1990s through a purchase by MacTarnahan Limited. Also covered are special events such as celebrations of Scottish poet Robert Burns, commemorations of St. Andrew’s Day, and the release of MacTarnahan single malt scotch whisky.

Digitized documents include beer labels and logos, correspondence with stakeholders and city officials, Bowman’s notes regarding the creation of Portland Brewing, business proposal and estimated costs of first year operations, shareholder’s prospectus packet, 1983 consulting agreement between Portland Brewing and Yakima Brewing and Malting Co., 1984 letter from Portland Brewing and Portland Distributing Company to the Oregon Liquor Control Commission regarding the distribution and manufacture of Grant’s Ale, 1985 Lease agreement between Portland Brewing Company and Johnnie Johnson for use of the 1339 NW Flanders building, 1988 state-issued ownership certificate in Bowman's name, 1993 meeting agenda and notes, 1993 event poster, 1994 year-end distribution report,

Finally, this series includes a digitized version of Bowman’s hand-written notebook with tasting notes, brewery plans, to-do lists, contacts, and equipment information.

Digital File FB.B 1: The Oregonian article, January 26, 2001 Add to Shelf: “Forget the bridge to the 21^st century, here’s one to the 19^th” by John Foyston. Portland Brewing Co. hosts a celebration and serves whisky and ale in honor of Scottish poet Robert Burns. Topics: Portland Brewing Co., Stuart MacLean Ramsay, poetry, whiskey
Digital File FB.B 2: The Oregonian articles, January 23, 2001 Add to Shelf: “Toast health with red wine, chocolate” by Dan Duff. Portland Brewing Co. hosts a celebration and serves whisky and ale in honor of Scottish poet Robert Burns. Topics: Portland Brewing Co., Stuart MacLean Ramsay, poetry, whiskey, ale
Digital File FB.B 3: The Oregonian article, November 30, 2000 Add to Shelf: “Scotch and beer tastings, dinner will help celebrate St. Andrew’s Day” by John Foyston. Horse Brass Pub hosts a scotch tasting and dinner with the help of Portland Brewing to commemorate St. Andrew’s Day. Topics: Portland Brewing, Horse Brass Pub, “Mac” MacTarnahan, Stuart Ramsay, Fred Bowman
Digital File FB.B 4: The Oregonian article, Undated Add to Shelf: “MacTarnahan distills a little Scottish pride” by John Foyston. Release of Portland Brewing’s flagship whisky, “The MacTarnahan,” made with imported single malt scotch. Topics: Portland Brewing, Scotland, imports, whisky, scotch, MacTarnahan
Digital File FB.B 5: The Business Journal article, September 8, 2000 Add to Shelf: “Portland Brewing offers shot ‘n beer” by Andy Giegerich. Portland Brewing’s flagship whisky, “The MacTarnahan,” receives approval from the Oregon Liquor Control Commission. Topics: Portland Brewing, imports, whisky, scotch, MacTarnahan, Oregon Liquor Control Commission
Digital File FB.B 6: Celebrator Beer News article, October/November 2000 Add to Shelf: “Portland Brewing releases The MacTarnahan single malt” by Tom Dalldorf. Review of the MacTarnahan’s reception at the 135th annual Caledonian Club of San Francisco Scottish Games. Includes details on the taste and origin of the whisky. Topics: Portland Brewing, MacTarnahan, imports, whisky, scotch, Caledonian Club, Scottish Games, sherry malt, smoke malt
Digital File FB.B 7: Celebrator Beer News cover illustration Add to Shelf: Picture of Stuart Ramsey and “Mac” MacTarnahan, taken by Tom Dalldorf. Topics: Stuart Ramsey, MacTarnahan, Scottish Games, photos
Digital File FB.B 8: The Oregonian article, January 14, 1986 Add to Shelf: “Best, worst beers available here listed” by Fred Eckhardt. The best and worst beers available in Portland in 1985. Widmer Alt receives top prize. Topics: Beer, imports, Portland, Widmer, Blitz-Weinhard, Portland Brewing, Coors
Digital File FB.B 9: The Oregonian article, March 11, 1982 (2 copies) Add to Shelf: “‘Long friendship’ with beer leads to brewery in Portland” by Fred Eckhardt.
Digital File FB.B 10: Article, unknown Add to Shelf: “Portland-grown brews” by Joanne Skirving. Opening of Portland Brewing Company with three ales named after Bert Grant, whose yeast PBC used as a starter. Topics: Portland Brewing, Bert Grant, Yakima Brewery, Fred Bowman, Art Larrance, building, brewing ingredients, brewing process
Digital File FB.B 11: The Beverage Analyst article, February 1987 Add to Shelf: “Portland Brewing Company celebrates first birthday” by unknown author. Discusses historical foundations of PBC, as well as the local ingredients used to produce “hardy, nourishing” ale in a “refined version of the old home-brew process.” Brief descriptions of seasonal best-sellers and anniversary celebrations included. Topics: Portland Brewing, “Beer-to-Go” contest, Portland Ale, Fred Bowman, ingredients, seasonal ales
Digital File FB.B 12: World Beer Review, Case 5, Bottle 12 (July-August 1993). Copy mailed to Art Larrance. (4 pages total) Add to Shelf: Covers, pp. 8 and 10 included. Front cover: Article about Monterey Brewing in California. Page 8: Article about Portland Brewing’s new equipment and the reintroduction of its Oregon Honey Beer. Page 10: Advertisement for Samuel Adams Boston Lager. Back cover: Information about the publication and how to receive it. Topics: Portland Brewing, brewery equipment, Oregon Honey Beer, Monterey Brewing, Samuel Adams, caloric content of beers
Digital File FB.B 13: Williamette Week article, September 23-29, 1993, with highlighted portions Add to Shelf: “True Brew” by Marc Zolton. Introduction to Willamette Valley Brewing and its owner, Jim Bernau, and brewmaster, Carl Ockert. Smaller articles on the Hazel Dell brewpub and Oktoberfest seasonal brews also included. Topics: Willamette Valley Brewing, Jim Bernau, Carl Ockert, Pilsner, Marzenbier, Bock, Hazel Dell, Bridgeport Mount Angel Festival Ale, Mount Hood Meadows Pale Ale
Digital File FB.B 14: Portland Business Today photo and partial article, Vol. 162, No. 64 (March 31, 1986) Add to Shelf: Photo of Fred Bowman with kegs of Portland Ale. “Microbrewery appeals to changing beer market” by unknown author. Portland Brewing looks to expand its microbrew offerings. Topics: Portland Brewing, Art Larrance, Fred Bowman, MacTarnahan, Frank Commanday, Columbia River Brewing, Widmer Brewing
Digital File FB.B 15: Oregon Business, August 1986 Add to Shelf: Includes cover and article: “Taverns for tourists” by Tom Gauntt, accompanied by photo by Dan Poush. Portland promises to become microbrew haven after passage of the brewery public-house law. Discusses potential increase in industry and revenue for the city. Topics: McMenamins, Portland Brewing, Columbia River Brewery, Ockert, Art Larrance, Fred Bowman, Portland, brewery public-house law
Digital File FB.B 16: The Sunday Oregonian article, unknown Add to Shelf: “While we’re in a drinking mood” event brief by Jonathan Nicholas. Oktoberfest celebration at Portland Brewing offers new beer and commemorative steins. Topics: Portland Brewing, Oktoberfest, stein
Digital File FB.B 17: The Neighbor article, October 1986 Add to Shelf: “Brewery’s pub is ‘chunk of pleasure’” by John Wendeborn. Portland Brewing’s tasting room offers light jazz music for weekend visitors. A “sparkling but not sterile” environment adds to the ambiance. Topics: Portland Brewing, tasting room, jazz, Jim Goodwin, Gary Gunther
Digital File FB.B 18: Adventure West article, Summer/Fall 1993 Add to Shelf: “Beer, the drink that made Portland famous” by Thomas Schmidt. Highlights Portland Brewing as one of the local spots to visit when in Portland, with “an assortment of ales and stouts [that] are terrific.” Discusses Portland’s new position as microbrew capital of US. Also contains pictures of labels from a half dozen Oregon breweries. Topics: Portland Brewing, Bridgeport Brewery, McMenamins, Widmer, Hammerhead, Bridgeport
Digital File FB.B 19: Unknown newspaper, unknown Add to Shelf: “Money Maker: Companies use free ale, gum to attract new stockholders” by unknown author. Portland Brewing offers shareholders cards good for free pints of ale each day. Topics: Portland Brewing, stock, ale
Digital File FB.B 20: The State of Oregon article, December 1984 Add to Shelf: “Beer Boom” by Tom Gauntt. Portland Brewing’s entry onto the microbrew scene aided by expertise from Yakima Brewing. Also includes information on the start of Widmer—“the longest shot to make it”—and Columbia River Brewing. Photo of Ockert, Bowman, Widmer, and Larrance. Topics: Portland Brewing, Yakima Brewing, Widmer, Columbia River Brewing, McMenamins, microbrews
Digital File FB.B 21: Seattle Post-Intelligencer article, October 27, 1988 Add to Shelf: “Here’s beer to savor on travels” by Vince Cottone. Recommends Washingtonians visit Portland Brewing to try the “pale and fruity” Portland Ale, hoppy Timberline Ale, and Grant’s Scottish Ale. Topics: Portland Brewing, ale, travel
Digital File FB.B 22: The Oregonian article, January 17, 1989 Add to Shelf: “Beer bests” by Fred Eckhardt. The best beers of 1988, according to Eckhardt. Beers of the Year include BridgePort’s Old Knucklehead Barleywine Ale and Hillsdale’s Raspberry Terminator. Portland Brewing’s Oregon Honey Beer was hailed as one of the best seasonal beers. Topics: Blitz-Weinhard, BridgePort, McMenamins, Hood River, Portland Brrewing, Sierra Nevada
Digital File FB.B 23: USA Today wire article (2 pages), unknown Add to Shelf: “A macro demand for microbrews” by Gene Sloan. In light of the 12th annual Great American Beer Festival, Sloan discusses the increasing popularity of microbreweries and brewpubs across the US with “hip, hoppy crowds.” Topics: microbreweries, brewpubs, Great American Beer Festival, stout, amber, Widmer
Digital File FB.B 24: Bon Appetit article, September 1993 (2 pages) Add to Shelf: “The news on microbrews” by Anthony Dias Blue. Discusses the popularity of microbreweries in the late 1980s, as well as the advent of the modern brewpub, using Grant’s as an example. Topics: microbreweries, brewpubs, Grant’s, Yakima Brewing, Pike Place Brewery
Digital File FB.B 25: Horizon Air magazine, October 1993 (7 pages) Add to Shelf: “Hops spots” by Richard Martin (pp. 26-31). Discusses popularity increase of microbreweries and brewpubs, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. Grant’s, the “region’s grandfather of microbrews,” Portland Brewing, and BridgePort highlighted. Marketing techniques also briefly discussed. Topics: Portland Brewing expansion, Widmer expansion, Yakima Brewing expansion, BridgePort, marketing, advertising
Digital File FB.B 26: The Sunday Oregonian photo and caption, September 25, 1988 Add to Shelf: Photo of couples dancing outside the Portland Brewing building, taken by Tim Jewett. Dancers participating in the second annual NW Triangle/Pearl District Arts Festival. Topics: art festival, Portland Brewing
Digital File FB.B 27: WW Culture advertisements, December 2000 (2 pages) Add to Shelf: Advertisement for MacTarnahan’s scotch whisky and amber ale. Topics: scotch, whisky, ale, MacTarnahan, marketing, advertising
Digital File FB.B 28: The Oregonian "Food Day" article, July 19, 1988 Add to Shelf: “Celebrate handcrafted beers” by Bridget A. Otto. The first Oregon Brewers Festival promises to fill Tom McCall Waterfront Park with fresh draft beer from more than twenty local breweries. The event sponsored by the Oregon Brewers’ Association, compiled of BridgePort, Portland Brewing, and Widmer. Topics: Oregon Brewers Festival, Oregon Brewers’ Association, Oregon Historical Society
Digital File FB.B 29: The Business Journal article, April 13, 2001 (2 pages) Add to Shelf: “Portland Brewing plans to hit Seattle with hops” by Brian J. Back. Portland Brewing looks to expand further into the Seattle market with Highlander Pale Ale and Black Watch Cream Porter. Topics: Seattle, Portland Brewing, ale, porter, advertising
Digital File FB.B 30: The Business Journal article, March 13-19, 1989 (2 pages) Add to Shelf: “Legislative issues coming to a head for brewers” by Brian White. Portland microbreweries try to make waves on the legislative floor as the Oregon Brewers Association. Interests of concern include limitation of large breweries, bottle labeling, and brew pub license provisions. Topics: legislation, Oregon Brewers Association, labels, licenses, Art Larrance
Digital File FB.B 31: Great Northwest Beer article, March 1987 Add to Shelf: “Portland Brewing, KKUL offer ‘Jazz on Tap’” by unknown author. Portland Brewing Co. and KKUL 1410 offer weekly radio show, “Jazz on Tap” direct from the brewpub. Visiting jazz musicians show up on occasion to play live. Topics: Portland Brewing, KKUL, jazz, live music
Digital File FB.B 32: Uknown newspaper advertisement, unknown Add to Shelf: Advertisement for “Jazz on Tap” at Portland Brewing every Thursday from 4 pm until sunset. Topics: Portland Brewing, KKUL, jazz, live music, advertising
Digital File FB.B 33: The Oregonian article, unknown Add to Shelf: “Micro-brewed beers said flooding Portland’s limited faucet facilities” by Fred Eckhardt. Increasing number of microbreweries in Portland may compete for niche market. Topics: Columbia River Brewery, Karl Ockert, BridgePort, Hales Ales, Hart Brewing, Pyramid, Independent Ale Brewery, Black Hook, Red Hook, Sierra Nevada, Widmer, Weizen, Yakima, Grant
Digital File FB.B 34: The Times article, July 25-31, 1985 Add to Shelf: “Beer peddlers prepare to brew their own” by Mary Gross. Passage of Senate Bill 813 allows microbreweries to make and sell their own beers. Brewers at McMenamins and Columbia River share their ideas for expansion. Topics: McMenamins, brewpubs, legislation, Columbia River, Karl Ockert, Greenway Pub, Blue Moon Tavern, Bridgeport ale
Digital File FB.B 35: The Oregonian "Food Day" article, June 20, 1984 Add to Shelf: “Yakima entries strut their stuff at beerfest” by Fred Eckhardt. More than 71 brands of beer offered at the Great American Beer Festival. Hoppy beers like rant’s Russian Imperial Stout and Grant’s Scottish Ale win top prize. Topics: Denver, Great American Beer Festival, microbreweries, Grant’s, Yakima
Digital File FB.B 36: Typewritten notice, unknown Add to Shelf: “Portland Brewing Marks Return of Historic Name.” Describes the history of original Portland Brewing Co. and its founder, Maurice Reinstein. The brewery sold “Edel Brau” and was located on NW 20th and Upshur. Topics: Portland Brewing, history, Maurice Reinstein, Edel Brau
Digital File FB.B 37: The Oregonian photo and caption, October 15, 1993 Add to Shelf: Photo of Jim Norris polishing Portland Brewing’s new copper brew kettles from Germany. Topics: Portland Brewing, brewery equipment, Oktoberfest
Digital File FB.B 38: The Oregonian article, October 20, 1993 and unknown newspaper article, unknown date Add to Shelf: “Planar Systems gets in step with area trend to go public” by Richard Colby. Barrage of Portland businesses offering public shares, including Portland Brewing Co. with 490,000 shares at $6 apiece. Second article further describes Portland Brewing stock as a smart buy for those not looking for immediate return. Topics: Portland Brewing, shares, stock market, investments
Digital File FB.B 39: The Business Journal article, Vol. 15 No. 44 (December 25, 1998) Add to Shelf: “Portland Brewing girds kilts for war” by Michael Rose. Portland Brewing develops new marketing tactics—like baseball cards featuring Robert MacTarnahan—to boost sales and popularity. Discusses the MacTarnahan family’s decision to heavily invest and ultimately save Portland Brewing Co. Topics: advertising, marketing, Portland Brewing, MacTarnahan, ale
Digital File FB.B 40 : The Oregonian article (2 pages), unknown Add to Shelf: “Family rescues craft brewery” by Cristine Gonzalez. Father-son duo Robert “Mac” MacTarnahan and Robert S. “Scott” MacTarnahan buy voting control in Portland Brewing to stabilize company’s financial status. Topics: MacTarnahan, debt, Portland Brewing
Digital File FB.B 41: The Business Journal article, January 1, 1999 Add to Shelf: "Not the biggest deals, but still worth noting” by Robert Goldfield. Discusses business deals generating buzz, including the MacTarnahan/Portland Brewing limited partnership. Topics: partnership, MacTarnahan, Portland Brewing
Digital File FB.B 42: News release on Portland Brewing Co. letterhead, December 10, 1998 (2 pages) Add to Shelf: “Microbrewing Pioneer Embarks on New Beginning.” Announcement of partnership between the MacTarnahans and Portland Brewing Co. Topics: media, partnership, MacTarnahan, Portland Brewing, ale
Digital File FB.B 43: Letter to "friends and customers" from PBC President Tony Adams, February 1, 2000 Add to Shelf: Announces merger with Saxer Brewer Company and the addition of their leadership team to Portland Brewing management. Topics: Portland Brewing, Saxer Brewing, customer service, Tony Adams, partnership, merger
Digital File FB.B 44: The Business Journal article, October 23, 1998 (2 pages) Add to Shelf: “Ailing Portland Brewing restructures debt” and “Craft industry battles turmoil” by Michael Rose. MacTarnahan Limited Partnership purchase returns Portland Brewing foundations to the helm of the publicly held company. Topics: Portland Brewing, debt, restructuring, stock, MacTarnahan, Pacific Northwest microbreweries
Digital File FB.B 45: Brew News article, unknown Add to Shelf: “Goodbye Flanders pub, hello Mickey Finn’s” by John Foyston. Portland Brewing sells its Flanders Street location to Craig Miller, owner and proprietor of Mickey Finn’s pubs. Shareholders express their disappointment. Topics: Portland Brewing, Mickey Finn’s, Flanders Street, Craig Miller, Fred Bowman, music
Digital File FB.B 46: Reviews of Woodstock IPA found in Oakland Tribune, All About Beer, and The Denver Post, February 18, 2000 Add to Shelf: “Portland India Pale Ale hard to find, but worth it” by Bill Brand; “Beer of the Week” by Dick Kreck; and small reviews by Michael Jackson and Fred Eckhardt. Reviewers give high marks for the newest beer joining Portland Brewing’s regular lineup. The beer is praised for its hoppy, “spicy, smoky” flavor that reminds reviewers of a good British IPA. Topics: Portland Brewing, hops, Woodstock IPA, Brett Porter, oak
Digital File FB.B 47: Daily Review article, December 1, 1999 Add to Shelf: “Holiday season means one thing to beer drinkers: top-notch brews” by William Brand. Portland Brewing’s seasonal ale, “BobbyDazzler,” is praised for its warmth and blend of malts and hops. Also mentioned are: Anchor Brewing’s “Our Special Ale,” Sierra Nevada Brewing’s “Celebration Ale,” Deschutes Brewery’s “Jubelale,” and Pyramid Brewing’s “Snow Cap Ale.” Topics: Anchor Brewing, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Portland Brewing, Deschutes Brewery, Pyramid Brewing, Pacific Coast Brewing, holiday brews
Digital File FB.B 48: Williamette Week article, May 27-June 2, 1993 Add to Shelf: “True Brew” by Marc Zolton. Discusses the advent of lagers to the Portland microbrew scene, singling out Portland Brewing’s Portland Pils, a Czechoslovakian-style lager and its Portland Weizen. Topics: lagers, microbreweries, Liberty Brewing Co., Full Sail, Miller Brewing, Portland Brewing
Digital File FB.B 49: Brewers Digest article, September 1993. Includes a second page of brewery industry sales and statistics. (2 pages) Add to Shelf: “Portland Brewing Co.’s new brewery open” by unknown author. Portland Brewing opens its new location at 3015 NW Industrial, complete with copper brewing equipment purchased form the Sixenbrau Brewery of Nordlingen, Germany. Topics: Portland Brewing, copper kettles, Sixenbrau Brewery, German brewing
Digital File FB.B 50: Oregon Business Journal cover and article, November 1992 (5 pages total) Add to Shelf: “Heady Success” by Ellen Wojahn. Discusses the growth and potential success of Portland Brewing Company upon its recent purchase of a new brewery site. CEO Tony Adams describes the decisions behind the company’s foray into German-style brewing and the importance of solidifying a brand identity. Topics: diversification, German brewing, Portland Brewing, brand identity, marketing, Tony Adams, Art Larrance, Fred Bowman, MacTarnahan, Grant
Digital File FB.B 51: Architectural drawing, Undated Add to Shelf: Drafted plans for 3015 NW Industrial location by Paden Prichard and Dennis D. Lauck of Arthur M. James Engineers Inc. Full-color mock-up of Portland Brewing’s proposed new brewery and pub. Topics: architecture, brewery, pub, Arthur M. James, Portland Brewing
Digital File FB.B 52: Portland Business Journal article, December 21, 1992 Add to Shelf: “Portland Brewing, new brew pouring public offerings” by unknown author. Portland Brewing offers 10,000 public shares at $5 under Oregon’s expanded security laws. The additional funds will be used to build the new brewery complex. Topics: Portland Brewing, Willamette Valley Brewing, shares
Digital File FB.B 53: The Oregonian article, December 22, 1992 Add to Shelf: “Move over, raisins; here comes Mac” by Jonathan Nicholas. Will Vinton Studios creates a Claymation version of Bob “Mac” MacTarnahan to commemorate Portland Brewing’s new MacTarnahan beer. Topics: McTarnahan, Portland Brewing, investments, Will Vinton, Claymation
Digital File FB.B 54: Beer labels and card (4 total on 1 page), Undated Add to Shelf: McTarnahan’s Ale labels and card Topics: McTarnahan, Portland Brewing, amber ale, Scottish ale, artwork
Digital File FB.B 55: Beer label, Undated Add to Shelf: Portland Ale label Topics: Portland Brewing, Portland ale, founders’ recipe
Digital File FB.B 56: Beer labels and cards (5 total on 1 page), Undated Add to Shelf: Portland Ale labels and card Topics: Portland Brewing, Portland Ale, founders’ recipe, artwork, paraphernalia
Digital File FB.B 57: Year-end distribution report (3 pages), Undated Add to Shelf: Portland Brewing’s distributor sales for Fiscal Year 1994. Includes visual explanations via charts. Topics: Portland Brewing, distributors, accounting, sales
Digital File FB.B 58: Meeting agenda for July 30, 1993 (9 pages) Add to Shelf: Packet for meeting between Portland Brewing and Columbia Distributing. Includes agenda items, draft target list, draft incentives, pricing charts, meeting minutes and notes. Topics: distribution, inventory, budgets, Columbia Distributing, Portland Brewing
Digital File FB.B 59: Meeting agenda for August 27, 1993 (2 pages) Add to Shelf: Packet for meeting between Mark Carver of Portland Brewing and Dave Torrance of Columbia Distributing. Includes agenda items and former meeting recap. Topics: distribution, inventory, pricing, Columbia Distributing, Portland Brewing
Digital File FB.B 60: Meeting agenda and notes for October 18, 1993 Add to Shelf: Packet for meeting between Columbia Distributing’s Dave Torrance and Portland Brewing’s Tony Adams. Includes agenda items and meeting notes.
Digital File FB.B 61: Photo and caption for unknown publication, 1998 Add to Shelf: Ed Luna and Kelsey Grammar pose for a photo at the Marine Corps Toys for Tots annual Celebrity Golf Tournament on October 12, 1998. The golf course served Paulaner Bier. Topics: golf tournament, Paulaner Bier
Digital File FB.B 62: Willamette Week article, unknown Add to Shelf: “It’s a commitment thing” by Abram Goldman-Armstrong. Discusses the downfall of Blitz-Weinhard beer since being bought by Miller Brewing. Highlights Henry Saxer Public Lager and Fish Brewing’s offerings as better alternatives. Topics: Blitz-Weinhard, Miller, Saxer, Fish Brewing, corporations, Cascadia
Digital File FB.B 63 : The Times article, unknown Add to Shelf: “Still winning: Beaverton brewer ‘Mac’ McTarnahan scores big with ale” by Polly Campbell. Robert ‘Mac’ McTarnahan made a number of profitable investments around the Beaverton area before taking a chance on Portland Brewing. The article discusses these, as well as the top prize garnered by McTarnahan’s Scottish Ale at the Great American Beer Festival. Topics: McTarnahan, Scottish ale, Portland Brewing, Honeyman Manufacturing, Harmer Investment Co.
Digital File FB.B 64: Article in unknown publication, unknown Add to Shelf: “Portland Brewing ferments sixfold increase in capacity” by Steve Law. Portland Brewing plans to increase its capacity via a new location and German-trained brewmaster. The move gives Portland Brewing the largest capacity of any Oregon microbrewer. Topics: Portland Brewing, German brewing, Sixenbrau Brewing, Oregon microbreweries
Digital File FB.B 65: Daily Journal of Commerce article, December 18, 1992 Add to Shelf: “Portland Brewing to raise $500,000 in public offering” by Dan McMillan. Portland Brewing sells 100,000 shares of stock at $5 per share. The offer is limited to Oregon residents who are willing to buy at least 100 shares. Topics: Portland Brewing, public shares
Digital File FB.B 66: Anchorage Press article, September 7-13, 2000 Add to Shelf: “Drool has never tasted better” by Jim “Dr. Fermento” Roberts. Big Sky Brewing Company offers new brown ale called Moose Drool. Big Sky brewers say they were inspired by Alaskan Amber and Full Sail. Topics: Alaska, Big Sky Brewing, Montana, Alaskan Amber, Full Sail, Liberty hops, Willamette hops
Digital File FB.B 67: Anchorage Press article, September 14-20 Add to Shelf: “Buffalo Bill’s Pumpkin Ale a transitional treat” by Jim “Dr. Fermento” Roberts. Now made by Portland Brewing, Buffalo Bill’s Pumpkin Ale is heralded as a spicy, heavier treat for fall. Topics: seasonal ale, Buffalo Bill’s, Portland Brewing, Alaska, pumpkin
Digital File FB.B 68: Anchorage Press article, July 27-August 2, 2000 Add to Shelf: Anchorage Press article, July 27-August 2, 2000 Description: “Lightweights: if you’re talking trash, can it” by Jim “Dr. Fermento” Roberts. MacTarnahan’s Scottish Style Amber Ale, now offered in cans, provides a medium-bodied and flavorful option for backpackers in Alaska. Topics: McTarnahan, Scottish ale, Portland Brewing, backpacking, cans, bottles
Digital File FB.B 69: Event poster (2 sides), Undated Add to Shelf: Portland Brewing First Annual Octoberfest celebration. Held October 15-17, 1993, the event features live music, authentic German foot, German ale, Scottish ale, and the brewery’s regular offerings. Back side offers directions. Topics: Octoberfest, event, Portland Brewing, music, German food, beer, ale
Digital File FB.B 70: Fortune article, March 8, 1993 Add to Shelf: “Great Moments in Finance” by A.R. Portland Brewing offers its investors one free beer per day. Topics: MacTarnahan, Portland Brewing, Scottish ale, shareholders, dividends
Digital File FB.B 71: Quick fact sheet, Undated Add to Shelf: Portland Brewing Co. introduction, history, and product information. Includes prices, tasting information, and historical tidbits about the brewery and its founders. Topics: Portland Brewing, history, products, tasting
Digital File FB.B 72: Quick fact sheet (2 sheets - 1 on official letterhead), Undated Add to Shelf: Portland Brewing Co. facts about the production and proper storage and transportation of their brews. Topics: Portland Brewing, beer cooperage, production
Digital File FB.B 73: Beer Label, Undated Add to Shelf: Portland Brewing Co. facts about the production and proper storage and transportation of their brews. Topics: Portland Brewing, beer cooperage, production
Digital File FB.B 74: Photo, Undated Add to Shelf: Captioned “Good Ale,” this photo was taken in December of 1988 and features two women and one man sporting Portland Ale gear at a bar. Topics: Portland Brewing, Portland Ale
Digital File FB.B 75: Photo, Undated Add to Shelf: Jim Goodwin (middle) and friends play music at the Portland Brew Pub on NW Flanders Street. They held jazz performances at the pub every Friday evening. Topics: Portland Brewing, music, jazz, Jim Goodwin
Digital File FB.B 76: Photo, Undated Add to Shelf: Jim Goodwin (middle left) played music every Friday evening with friends at the Portland Brew Pub on NW Flanders Street. He stands next to the brewery’s co-founders, Art Larrance (back left) and Fred Bowman (middle right). Topics: Jim Goodwin, Art Larrance, Fred Bowman, music, jazz, Portland Brewing
Digital File FB.B 77: Photo, Undated Add to Shelf: Portland Brewing co-founder Fred Bowman pours a glass of beer from tap. Topics: Portland Brewing, Fred Bowman
Digital File FB.B 78: Photo, Undated Add to Shelf: Portland Brewing’s first employee, Frank Commanday, checks brewing equipment. Topics: Frank Commanday, Portland Brewing, brewing equipment
Digital File FB.B 79 : Photo, Undated Add to Shelf: Portland Brewing’s kegs are demarcated with a yellow stripe near the top of the container. Topics: Portland Brewing, kegs, storage, shipment
Digital File FB.B 80: Photo, Undated Add to Shelf: Enjoying Portland Ale at a Portland Brewing-sponsored outdoor event. Topics: Portland Brewing, Portland Ale
Digital File FB.B 81: Photo, Undated Add to Shelf: Portland Brewing president Tony Adams pours Portland Ale on tap at the brewery’s Flanders Street location. Topics: Portland Brewing, Portland Ale
Digital File FB.B 82: Photo, Undated Add to Shelf: Promotional photo of Portland Brewing’s Oregon Honeybeer. Topics: Portland Brewing, Oregon Honeybeer
Digital File FB.B 83: Photo, Undated Add to Shelf: Photo of Portland Brewing’s president and co-founders at the brewery’s Flanders Street pub. (From left to right) Tony Adams, president; Fred Bowman, founder; and Art Larrance, founder. Topics: Portland Brewing leadership, Tony Adams, Fred Bowman, Art Larrance
Digital File FB.B 84: Photo, Undated Add to Shelf: Class photo from the Brewing Microbiology and Microscopy program at the Siebel Institute of Technology in Chicago, Illinois. Portland Brewing co-founder Fred Bowman is seated second from left in the middle row. Topics: Portland Brewing, Siebel Institute of Technology
Digital File FB.B 85: Photo, Undated Add to Shelf: Portland Brewing co-founder Fred Bowman tests a glass of brew. Topics: Portland Brewing, Fred Bowman
Digital File FB.B 86: Photo, Undated Add to Shelf: Delivery of brewing equipment to Portland Brewing’s Industrial Way location. Topics: Portland Brewing, brewing equipment
Digital File FB.F 1: The Newer Brewer article, March-April 1993 (4 pages) Add to Shelf: “Blowing the top off Portland: How did Portland’s seven breweries capture 5 percent of Oregon’s beer market?” by Mark Lupa. Oregon’s microbreweries finding unprecedented success in a growing market through public interest and promotional collaborations like the Oregon Brewers Festival. Portland Brewing co-founder Fred Bowman and brewmaster Matt Munoz recognized for their achievement of a gold medal at the 1992 Great American Beer Festival. Topics: Oregon microbreweries, distribution, marketing, Portland Brewing, Widmer, McMenamins, BridgePort, Hood River, Great American Beer Festival
Digital File FB.F 2: The Oregonian insert, "Oregon Craft Beer Month," July 2012 (16 pages total) Add to Shelf: Cover; “On the importance of being Beervana” by John Foyston – the second wave expansion of Portland microbreweries; “Ninkasi’s Jamie Floyd thrives as ‘village brewer’” by John Foyston – story of one of Oregon’s “most popular and innovative brewers”; Calendar of events for Oregon Craft Beer Month 2010; “It just got a whole lot easier to find Hair of the Dog” by John Foyston – “one of Oregon’s most respected brewers” moves to a new brewery and tasting room at 61 SE Yamhill St.; “Tales of the pioneers” by John Foyston – a tribute to “the folks who saved us from bland beer” when they petitioned state legislators to allow breweries to sell beer on location. Features writer Fred Eckhardt, the McMenamin brothers, the Widmer brothers, Dick and Nancy Ponzi, Karl Ockert, Art Larrance, Fred Bowman, Gary Fish, Irene Firmat and Jamie Emmerson. Topics: Portland beer history, twenty-first century microbreweries
Digital File FB.F 3: State-issued ownership certificate (front and back), Undated Add to Shelf: Fred Bowman is officially issued 1800 shares of the capital stock of Portland Brewing Company, effective December 30, 1988. Topics: corporation, shares, Fred Bowman, Art Larrance, Portland Brewing Company
Digital File FB.F 4: Administrative sheet created on typewriter, Undated Add to Shelf: Starting capital required for microbrewery operation, culminating in a projected total of $111,683. Topics: Portland Brewing, microbrewery operations, start-up
Digital File FB.F 5: Administrative sheet created on typewriter, Undated Add to Shelf: Projected sales and cost estimated for first year of operation, with estimated costs being $80 per keg and a projection of $240,000 in annual sales. Topics: Portland Brewing, microbrewery operations, start-up
Digital File FB.F 6: Business proposal created on typewriter (2 pages), Undated Add to Shelf: Portland Brewing Co.’s business proposal, including partnership with Bert Grant of Yakima Brewing. Topics: Portland Brewing, business operations, start-up, Yakima Brewing
Digital File FB.F 7: Typewritten, legal agreement (4 pages), October 23, 1983 Add to Shelf: Consulting agreement between Fred Bowman, Jim Goodwin, Art Larrance and Yakima Brewing and Malting Co. Topics: Portland Brewing, business operations, start-up, Yakima Brewing
Digital File FB.F 8: Typewritten, legal agreement (6 pages), October 28, 1983 Add to Shelf: Franchise agreement between Fred Bowman, Jim Goodwin, Art Larrance and Yakima Brewing and Malting Co. Topics: Portland Brewing, business operations, start-up, Yakima Brewing
Digital File FB.F 9: Typewritten, legal agreement, June 27, 1984 Add to Shelf: Portland Brewing Company’s subscription to common stock, signed by Fred Bowman Topics: Portland Brewing, Fred Bowman, ownership
Digital File FB.F 10: Typewritten, legal agreement, June 27, 1984 Add to Shelf: Portland Brewing Company’s subscription to common stock, signed by Art Larrance Topics: Portland Brewing, Art Larrance, ownership
Digital File FB.F 11: Typewritten shareholder's prospectus packet (15 pages), Undated Add to Shelf: Packet covering the risks, responsibilities, and benefits of owning shares in Portland Brewing Company. Topics: Portland Brewing, shares, public ownership, finances
Digital File FB.F 12: Typewritten, legal agreement, July 15, 1985 (12 pages) Add to Shelf: Lease agreement between Portland Brewing Company and Johnnie Johnson for use of the 1339 NW Flanders building. Topics: Portland Brewing, Johnnie Johnson, business operations, lease
Digital File FB.F 13: Typewritten letter, September 20, 1984 Add to Shelf: Letter from Portland Brewing and Portland Distributing Company to the Oregon Liquor Control Commission regarding the distribution and manufacture of Grant’s Ale. Topics: Oregon Liquor Control Commission, Portland Distributing Company, Portland Brewing, Yakima Brewing, distribution, manufacturing
Digital File FB.F 14: Document from the desk of Portland's city planner, May 29, 1984 Add to Shelf: Portland city planner approves the proposed Flanders Street location of Portland Brewing in accordance with city zoning. Topics: Portland Brewing, Portland city planner, zones and districts
Digital File FB.F 15: Typewritten agreement, May 8, 1984 Add to Shelf: Jim Goodwin releases his interest in the consultant and franchise agreements with Yakima Brewing, relinquishing leadership to Art Larrance and Fred Bowman for $500. Topics: Portland Brewing, Jim Goodwin, Art Larrance, Fred Bowman, Yakima Brewing, ownership
Digital File FB.F 16: Typewritten, legal agreement, January 20, 1985 (7 pages) Add to Shelf: Addendum to previous franchise agreement between Yakima Brewing and Portland Brewing Company. Includes keg agreement and consultation details. Topics: Portland Brewing, Yakima Brewing, brewing operations, kegs, consulting
Digital File FB.F 17: Excerpt from Time Power by Brian Tracy (pp. 22-40), Undated Add to Shelf: Pieces from Chapter 4: “Self-Unification in Principle” and Chapter 5: “Self-Unification in Practice. Contain tips on practical goal setting and application, as well as overall happiness in one’s personal and professional life. Topics: self-unification, happiness, time management, goal setting
Digital File FB.F 18: The Oregonian article, unknown Add to Shelf: “History gone missing” by John Foyston. Thieves steal the original copper kettle used to brew Portland Brewing’s first batches. Topics: Portland Brewing, brewing equipment, copper, Northwest Copper Works, Fred Bowman
Digital File FB.F 19: Legal notepad with handwritten sketches and notes (7 pages), Undated Add to Shelf: Contains Fred Bowman’s notes regarding the creation of Portland Brewing Co. and the kind of facilities and equipment needed. Also contains comparisons of brews on the market and the business models of the breweries that produce them. Topics: Portland Brewing, Fred Bowman, market comparisons, start-up
Digital File FB.F 20: Letter, Undated Add to Shelf: Letter from Fred Bowman and Art Larrance to friends and potential investors regarding the partnership with Bert Grant and Yakima Brewing. Topics: Portland Brewing Co., Yakima Brewing, investments, start-up
Digital File FB.F 21: Drafted artwork for labels, Undated Add to Shelf: Proposed logos for Portland Brewing Co., Portland ale, and Grant’s Ale. Topics: Portland Brewing, Grant’s Ale, logos, artwork, labels
Digital File FB.F 22 : Shareholder's transmittal letter, September 24, 2002 Add to Shelf: Fred Bowman transfers ownership in the company via 44,445 shares Topics: Portland Brewing, Fred Bowman, ownership, shares
Digital File FB.F 23: State-issued certificates (5 documents: February 1,1993 (4) and December 27, 1994 (1) Add to Shelf: Transfer of Portland Brewing Company shares Topics: Portland Brewing, Fred Bowman, ownership, shares
Digital File FB.F 24: Portland Brewing Founders Card (front and back on 1 page), Undated Add to Shelf: Given to shareholders, the card offers its owner and a guest one free pint of ale per day. Topics: Portland Brewing, founders, shareholders, incentives
Digital File FB.F 25: Sketched illustration (2 copies of different sizes and mediums) Add to Shelf: Illustration of Portland Brew Pub and its founders and friends Topics: artwork, Portland Brewing, founders
Digital File FB.PB 1: Handwritten notes, 1984-1985 Add to Shelf: Fred Bowman’s personal notebook includes: tasting notes, promotional brainstorming, brewery plans, daily to-do lists, contacts, and equipment information. Topics: Portland Brewing, Fred Bowman, advertising, brewery equipment

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Art Larrance, Fred Bowman and Frank commanday test Portland Brewing's first brew

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