Apex Brewery
(Western Brewing Company)
(Century Brewing Company)
"Closed"5225 E. Marginal Way
Seattle Washington
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Apex Brewery
"Closed" |
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Washington Breweries History: Apex Brewery
Alvin M. Hemrich purchased the plant and business of the North Pacific Brewery (also known as the old Slorah brewery), In Seattle Washington. The firm was operated as the Alvin Hemrich Brewing Co. After six months Alvin entered into business with his brother Louis, and with Julius Damus, in the organization of the Hemrich Brothers Brewing Company. On January 1st, 1916, statewide Prohibition stopped the production of all alcoholic beverages - four years before national Prohibition and the breweries were forced to close. Anticipating the demise of Prohibition, Alvin first remodeled a building next to the Bay View Brewery, and then built an additional facility farther south on Marginal Way (Plants #1 and #2 respectively). Upon Repeal, in 1933, he commenced operation of the Hemrich Brewing Company (Plant #1) and the Western Brewing Co. (Plant #2). However, in May of the following year he dissolved Hemrichs Inc., selling Plant #2 (including the rights to the Hemrich name), and enhanced Plant #1 in the establishment of the Apex Brewing Company. The breweries brands included Happy Peppy Beer, Jockey Club, Hemrich's Coronet, and Hemrich's Select. The end of Prohibition found two of Alvin's sons immersed in the brewing business. Elmer seized the opportunity to purchase and remodel the old Columbia Brewery in Tacoma, and for two years served as president of the Columbia Breweries, Inc. Alvin's youngest, Walter, having recently completed training at the Chicago Brewer's Institute, assumed the position of superintendent of the new Apex Brewery. Unfortunately, in early February of 1935, Alvin slipped on icy pavement at his Melrose Ave. home and broke his ankle. On 25 February Alvin M. Hemrich died from a blood clot due to complications caused by the ankle injury. In 1937 the brewery was merged with the Century Brewery, and the Apex brand was discontinued. |
