Our Crowdfunding Groups
| Rank | State | Gifts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | TX | 25 |
| 2 | CA | 1 |
| 2 | MO | 1 |
In 1855, Western Brewery, the first commercial brewery in Texas, was founded.
The collection includes 100 “wine cards” detailing guest room charges, sometimes listed by brand name, such as Apollonaire’s (possibly a type of absinthe) and Shatzhofberger (a brand of beer or ale).
By 1878, Mary Menger could host some 600 guests per month at the Menger Hotel. Notable guests during the early years of the hotel included Texas Governor Sam Houston, General Robert E. Lee, South Texas ranchman Richard King, U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant, Mexican Governor Santiago Vidaurri and Cuban diplomat José Agustín Quintero.
An 1856 shipping document shows 1,637 pounds of hop was delivered to Western Brewery.
Donate $2,500 in honor of the approximately 2500 documents in the Menger Hotel Papers!
William founded San Antonio's Alamo Fire Association Number Two around 1860 and in 1867 he purchased the city's first steam fire engine in New York City for an alleged $4,000.
William Menger commissioned the construction of the original 50-room Menger Hotel for $15,000. Donors of $15,000 or more will be recognized on the Menger Hotel Papers finding aid on the Briscoe Center website and acknowledged on exhibition labels during display.
