Many have laid claim to being Utah’s oldest business, and many more also claim in being Utah’s oldest bar. But none say they are both and can prove it. The Shooting Star Saloon in Huntsville, Utah is perhaps both. We didn’t see their proof but we will take their word for it. The building, which houses the Shooting Star saloon, was erected in the 1850s in Huntsville as a merca … [Read more...]
Fisher Brewing Company Part II
In previous issues of “How Beer Saved Utah” we have focused on the Salt Lake Brewing Company and the Becker Brewing Company in Ogden. For the purpose of this issue we examine the Fisher Brewing Company, which was Utah’s oldest and longest-lasting brewery. Fisher was the only brewery to survive and reopen after prohibition. And to the best of our knowledge, it was the only name i … [Read more...]
Fisher Brewing Company Part I
The history of Utah’s largest, longest lasting brewery. The Mormon pioneers drank beer, and whiskey. Brigham Young had his own distillery that produced a hard, harsh liquid called Valley Tan which, according to Mark Twain was “their version of hellfire and brimstone.” It wasn’t until years after the Joseph Smith’s death that the Word of Wisdom— initially established not as … [Read more...]