1800
First use of glass bottles.
1803
Brewery's delivery service employs three carters.
1807
First Molson ad appears in "Canadian Courant" and runs for 30 consecutive weeks.
1809
The "Accommodation", Canada's first steamboat, makes its maiden voyage on November 1. Built by John Molson, this entirely Canadian-made vessel was the first of his 22 steamboat fleet.
1812
Molson steamboat, the "Swiftsure", is first steamboat in world to be used in conduct of war (to carry troops and light stores).
1816
First partnership agreement between John Molson and his sons, John Jr., William and Thomas. John Molson and Sons signals the beginning of continuing family involvement in the brewing enterprise.
1817
Official opening of Molson's "Mansion House Hotel". The establishment, destroyed by fire in 1821, was one of the finest hotels in North America.
1820
Molson commences distilling operation. It is first Canadian grain-distillery to operate on an industrial basis and the first to export Canadian-made spirits to England. Molson's distillery is the largest in Canada until its closure in 1866.
1821
John Molson is one of a group of private citizens who found Montreal's first public hospital, Montreal General Hospital.
1822
First brewmaster outside of the family is hired: Thomas Purcell.
1824
"New Mansion House" (or British American Hotel) is opened by John Molson Sr. This hotel is once again destroyed by fire in 1833.
1824
Thomas Molson moves to Kingston, Ontario where he commences his own brewing and distilling operation.
1825
Montreal's first permanent theatre, Theatre Royal, is built by a private company in which John Sr. and Jr. are the major shareholders.
1834
Thomas returns to Montreal and rejoins the family enterprise.
1836
50th Anniversary of brewery's founding. Brewing output in this year is approximately 60,000 gallons.
1836
John Molson dies on January 7, at 72 years of age. The traditions he set in place continue.
1836
Canada's first railroad, the Champlain and St. Lawrence, is established. John Molson Sr. was major investor. John Molson Jr. is named first president; William is one of the original directors.
1837
Thomas and William Molson issue Molson banknotes and tradesmen tokens during financial crisis of that year.
1840
Brewery employs 18 to 20 people including maltsters, draymen, engineers, technicians, and department foremen.
1844
Of 11,500 gallons of beer sold in May, 3,250 quarts go to customers in glass containers. This signals beginning of change in marketing techniques which later leads to packaging and branding.
1846
Brewery reaches 100,000 gallon production milestone.
1855
Molson's Bank receives charter. William Molson is president; John Molson Jr. is vice-president.
1859
First Molson ads in many years run in the Gazette and other Montreal newspapers.
1859
Molson commences direct retail sales and introduces pint bottles. 1860's - Molson's Bank branches are opened in many parts of Central and Western Canada.
1880
Molson develops own superior strain of yeast.
1886
Brewery celebrates its 100th anniversary and a 175-fold increase in beer volume since founding year. Beer sold in 1886 generates approximately the same profit as that sold in first year, after deduction of taxes (26 cents to the gallon).
1889
Average wage in brewing department is $1.10 a day. Most highly paid man on brewery staff is brewmaster, John Hyde, who received $2.00 a day
1897
Beer is delivered by four-wheeled brewery drays drawn by matched chestnut horses.
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