Western Style Pilsner (hart'z) Beer Flat Top Can

Hartz Western Style Flat Top Can

This 12-ounce flat top can was produced during the late 1950s by the Silver Springs Brewing Company of Tacoma, Washington. Notable for its distinct Pacific Northwest motif, the can features stylized Northwest Coast totem poles rising from the base against a clean white backdrop accented with contoured landscape outlines. The front panel features a bold red cartouche displaying the "Western Style" brand lettering alongside the proud regional declaration, "Brewed for Westerners," in flowing white script.

Silver Springs had long carried the Hartz trademark before updating the lineup in the mid-1950s to introduce Hartz Western Style as a direct replacement for the earlier label. By adopting native Pacific Northwest iconography and leaning into Western regional identity, the brewery crafted an intentional appeal to local loyalty during an era when large national breweries were increasingly dominating local taps and grocery shelves. The pilsener remained a core regional product throughout Washington and neighboring distribution routes until the brewery ceased operations.

The origins of the Silver Springs Brewing Company date back to Port Orchard, Washington, where it was established following the repeal of Prohibition. During the 1940s, the Williams Brothers acquired controlling interest in the business. In 1950, operations were permanently relocated into a remodeled historic brewing facility in Tacoma, complete with a new bottling plant and an on-site artesian well. Under the Williams family's management, Silver Springs produced a diverse lineup of popular regional brands, including Gold Seal, Dunkel Brau, Kol, and Pioneer. The Tacoma plant operated under second-generation family leadership until industry consolidation brought brewing to an end in 1967.

Today, this can is highly appreciated among collectors of vintage Pacific Northwest breweriana and mid-century flat tops. It serves as a classic artifact of Tacoma's post-war independent brewing scene, admired for its illustrative totem artwork and authentic regional character.