The Matz Brewing Company

The
Matz Brewing
Company

(The following are excerpts from an article titled "One Dollar and Debt Opens Ohio Valley Brewery After Repeal" written by Albert Doughty, Jr. and published in American Breweriana Journal, May-June 2003. Permission to publish text and photos given by the author.)
"(Albert) Eick and (William) Matz purchased the brewery for one dollar. For that price, they agreed to pay all the real estate taxes due on the property and building. With both men putting up $10,000 each, the Matz Brewing Company was incorporated on January 28, 1936. William Matz was elected president, treasurer, and, with his past experience, he was also installed as brewmaker."
"Albert Eick was elected vice-president and appointed sales manager, due to his knowledge in the sales and distribution of beer in the area. Charles F. Neugart, a former officer at the Belmont Brewery, was elected secretary. On the Board of Directors were Louis F. Eick (Albert's brother), William Weizer, L.N. Walter, Harry O. Bell, the office manager and brewery attorney John J. Malik"
	Portraits of the Founders and Co-Founders of Matz Brewery hanging in the Boardroom Top row, left to right - Founders - Albert W. Eick, William J. Matz, R.J. Poiott, C.F. Neugart Bottom row, left to right - Co-Founders - L.N. Walter, John Z. Zack, William Weizer
"Brewing began on July 15, 1936, and the first bottle of Matz beer hit the market on October 3. Every effort had been made by Eick and Matz to keep the operating costs low, while maintaining high standards of quality. "The strategy seems to have paid off, because 30 days after the first sales of Olden Time Beer, the flagship brand, demand exceeded the brewery's capacity."

"Along with their flagship brand, Olden Time Beer, Matz produced Winter Beer, 84 Perfect Pilsner, and 1884 Ale (a brand originally brewed at the Belmont Brewing Company)."

"In 1946, three bottles of Matz beer retailed for 25 cents or a case for $1.41. Their premium brands were 15 cents a bottle or $1.82 a case."

"After 17 years of operation, the Matz Brewing Company finally succumbed to the pressure of the larger regional and national brewers. The doors were closed at Matz in 1953. The following spring, the equipment and property were sold at auction. The old brewery served as a warehouse for many years, and was finally demolished in August 1960."

"William J. Matz, co-founder and brewmaster, died at his home in Cleveland, Ohio, on September 24, 1961. His partner, Albert W. Eick, retired to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He died on May 5, 1980. At one time, there were 37 breweries operating in the Ohio Valley. The Matz Brewing Company was the last one to close its doors."

(The full text of this article is available to read at the Library.)