Jacob Weinhard’s Legacy
Jacob Weinhard came to Dayton in 1880 after completing an apprenticeship with his uncle, Henry Weinhard, at the Weinhard Brewery in Portland. He later established the Jacob Weinhard Brewery in Dayton by acquiring a partnership in an existing small brewery. By 1883, Jacob became the sole owner and began expanding the business. He added a malt house and an outdoor German beer garden for the summer.
In 1890, Jacob constructed the Weinhard Hotel to house the Weinhard Lodge Hall & Saloon. When the saloon opened, the local newspaper hailed it as “perhaps the finest in the State of Washington, and we doubt if there is anything of the kind to surpass it on the Pacific Coast.” The interior featured murals depicting scenes from the Northwest.
In 1904, Jacob built the Weinhard Opera House on Main Street in Dayton, which operated as the Weinhard Theater until 1916, when it burned down. In 1907, he constructed a large Victorian house overlooking Dayton, which he named “Hohenstaufen.” The home now appears on the National Register of Historic Places.
Over the years, the Weinhard Building underwent numerous changes. The Weinhard Lodge Hall remained in place until its use was discontinued in 1963. In 1994, the Weinhard Hotel was established, and elements from the lodge hall, such as wainscoting, doors, moldings, and hardware, were integrated into the hotel’s design. The preservation of these architectural details allows visitors to enjoy modern comforts while appreciating the building’s historical significance.