Homer and Katie Brown

By Dana Greig

Giving people the community experience in White Bird

Homer and Katie Brown are dedicated to the White Bird community in multiple ways that seem to grow every year, with this past year being no exception. Within the last few months, Homer was re-elected mayor for the third time, they added a liquor store to their multi-business repertoire, are adding new services to their existing businesses, and even added sweet baby girl, Evelyn, to their family who joins sister Emily (22) and brother Byron (19). Last October, Katie also began working at the Riggins Medical Clinic.

What drives them to put so much time and effort into their businesses?

“We enjoy doing all the things that we promote in our businesses,” explained Katie. “We wanted to offer wine because we are wine lovers and we like to try and bring in local wines. We like really good food, so we try to bring that as well.”

Homer also demonstrates his passion for fishing and life on the Salmon River through his business established in 2017, Hammer Down River Excursions (HD). That year, Homer also became mayor of White Bird, another passion of his as it is his lifelong home.

Homer was raised in White Bird, leaving for a stint to serve in the Army before returning to make it his permanent home. Katie is also an area local, having graduated from Orofino High School and then seeking adventures of her own while going to medical school to become a physicians assistant. The two married in 2022.

Together, they started 1906 Brews in 2021 when they moved the HD headquarters a few blocks down the road into an old methodist church no longer in use. Originally, the building was used as a place for HD customers to gather before and after trips. Yet, with all the space available, it quickly developed into more.

“Being the mayor, he has wanted to create a good community space for everyone to come together and promote that good community atmosphere,” explained Katie.

From the start, 1906 Brews has been a place for people to gather and play games or visit while enjoying espresso drinks, beer, wine, and small bites. Slowly, they have made the kitchen more robust and are expanding the food side of the business as they work to enlarge their regular menu.

“We stepped up 1906 this year, hiring a cook and a restaurant manager,” explained Homer. “We’re offering walk-in steak dinners on Friday nights, a special every Saturday and breakfast on Sundays and Mondays. We have the weekend covered for people if they want to get out of town and come to White Bird.”

Another way they are expanding the use of their kitchen is through catering services.

“We did two weddings last year and already have a few bookings for weddings this year,” explained Katie. “We do events/parties for businesses and have done a couple funerals. We have the kitchen and we’re happy to use it in a lot of different ways.”

The set-up of 1906 Brews works well to host a small crowd any time of the year, with spacious indoor and outdoor seating. Along with private events, multiple rotating events are hosted in the building throughout the year.

This year, a special event has been added, tentatively for the end of this month: African Night at 1906. An idea birthed from Homer’s time a sport shows each year from January – March. At such a show, Homer became friends with a couple who own a lodge in South Africa and are excited to give locals an idea of what it’s like to visit there.

“We always throw something new in,” smiled Homer.

To keep an eye on upcoming events, check their Facebook page: 1906 Brews. For those interested in all that goes on in White Bird in general, Homer suggests also following the White Bird Community page on Facebook.

“With all our businesses, the point of them is to operate them the way that is beneficial to the community and the people that come in,” explained Homer. “We want to be family oriented. That’s why you see a lot of our items in auctions and fundraisers around here.  We want to build businesses that are strong enough to support the donations we give to the community. That stems from the community coming to enjoy the places we have built.”

With how busy the stay year-round it seems like people do enjoy what they offer.

“I just love the people that wander in,” smiled Homer. “Getting to chat with them and hear their stories. We get a lot of people who come to town to go to the river and walk through Indian park. It’s always nice when they stop to see us for ice cream, coffee, lunch or just to visit.”

For those interested in doing just that, 1906 Brews/Hammer Down River Excursions headquarters and the White Bird liquor store are located at 280 River Street in White Bird. To contact them for a boat or fishing trip, or schedule an event in the building, call 208-839-9993 or visit hdriverexcursions.com.