FH Kumpf

F.H. Kumpf and partner Joseph Haag began making soda and mineral water on the corner of Main Street & 14th in 1859. For the winter months they made brooms. By 1867 they were making 50,000 brooms, 100,000 bottles of soda and mineral water and 20,000 bottles of root beer a year, and dealing in ale and porter brewed by others, which was offered in barrels, half barrels and bottles.

In 1869, Kumpf founded Star Ale Brewery, and began brewing ale and porter, ceasing broom making. In 1873, the brewery became F.H. Kump Brewery (without the "f")

By 1879, there were 2830 breweries in the country, 65 of which were in Missouri, the FH Kump Brewery (8700 barrels) at 14th & Main was one of only two in Kansas City.

In 1884, Kump retired, and sold the city's largest brewery to Ferdinand Heim and his three sons.