Rhode Island Brewery History

8/13/2019 Rhode Island Brewery History

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The History of the

Brewing Industry inRhode Island

By Edward J. & Gregory S. Theberge



The 17th Century

Shortly after Roger Williams founded RhodeIsland in 1636 there was beer...



The 17th Century

The first known Brew House in Rhode Islandwas established in 1639 by Sergeant Baulstonof Providence.



The 18th Century

In Newport, the first brewer of record wasDaniel Sabree.

He began his career at the turn of the 18thcentury and continued brewing beer until hisdeath in 1745.



The 18th Century

O t h e r N o t a b l eBrewers in 18thCentury NewportIncluded:

Anthony Young

John WrightJohn Lance

Joseph Belcher &Giles Hosier



The 18th Century



The 18th Century

There is also record of a Brew House on Smith Street in18th Century Newport. This was run by George Romewho acquired the establishment from a group of English

businessmen who held the title of this property due to anunpaid debt from a previous owner. Rome would operatethis brewery until the outbreak of the American War forIndependence, at which time his loyalties to King GeorgeIII forced his return to England.



The 19th Century

Unfortunately, very little additional material exists

prior to the 19th century and the IndustrialRevolution to tell the history of Rhode Island’sbrewing past.

Providence 1848 by Fritz Hugh Lane



Giles HosierNewport

1795



Giles Hosier

Newport

Advertisement - Newport Mercury

March 1795(Courtesy Elizabeth Sulock & The Newport Historical Society)



John Carpenter’s

ProvidenceBrew-House

Early 19th Century



Job Carpenter’s

Providence

Brew-House

Advertisement - Providence Patriot and Columbian PhenixJuly 26, 1817



TheProvidence Brewery

Early 19th Century



Providence Brewery

John B. Lyon - Agent

Advertisement - Newport MercuryAugust 5, 1820



Providence Brewery


Advertisement - Newport MercuryMay 5, 1821



Peter Grinnell & SonProvidence

Early 19th Century



Peter Grinnell & Son

(Brewer - or - Agent)

Advertisement - Newport MercuryJune 7, 1817



The Eagle BreweryProvidence

Early 19th Century



The Eagle Brewery

Advertisement - Providence Patriot and Columbian PhenixMarch 29, 1834



The Eagle Brewery

Advertisement - Providence Patriot and Columbian PhenixOctober 26, 1833



Merchants

Brewing CompanyPawtucket

1875 - 1879



MerchantsBrewing Co.

Very little is known of this small Rhode Island Brewery other thanit operated at 37 East Avenue in Pawtucket from c. 1875 - 1879.

“Birds EyeView of Pawtucket, & Central Falls, R.I. 1877”




“Birds EyeView of Pawtucket, and Central Falls, R.I. 1877”




WAS THIS IT ????



The Brewery

at the Corner ofFountain & Jackson Streets

Providence

1820 - 1957



The Brewery At the Corner of

Fountain & Jackson StreetsProvidence, Rhode Island



Oliver & OtisHolmes

On June 24, 1824, two brothers from Sharon, Massachusetts, purchaseda $250 parcel of land from John and Nathan Mathewson located at thecorner of Fountain and Jackson Streets in Providence, Rhode Island.With $300 worth of additional land they purchased the following year,

Oliver and Otis Holmes built themselves their home and a brewery.Little did the two brothers know that beer would be continued to bebrewed at this location for 133 years.

When it began, the Holmes Brewery was a simply built one and a halfstory structure. During its first year of operation, the brewery produced8 barrels of beer per day.

Providence in 1818 by Alvin Fisher



Oliver & OtisHolmes

Oliver Holmes was born on August 17, 1792. He was married toDeborah Ann Hawkins of Providence, Rhode Island. A year afterher untimely death in 1832, Oliver married another woman fromProvidence, Mary Ann Potter.

Otis Holmes was born a year after his brother Oliver on October 16,1793. On July 27, 1822, he married Oliver’s sister-in-law, Almira (orElmira) Fenner Hawkins of North Providence. Over the years,Elmira and Otis would have eleven children. Two of their boys,George Otis and Charles Butler Holmes, worked in the family

brewery.Providence in 1818 by Alvin Fisher



Holmes&

McCullock

According to an 1826 Providence Directory, the brewery which waslocated on Fountain Street became known as the “Holmes andM’Cullock Brewery”. Alexander M’Cullock was listed as a brewer atthis location until 1838. Around 1830, a third brother from Sharon,Massachusetts, Daniel, moved to Rhode Island and joined the familybusiness. He married Mary Proctor Najec of Providence.

Oliver Holmes passed away on April 24, 1841. At the time of hisdeath in Providence he was only 49 years old. Six years later, his 37year old brother, Daniel, passed away on March 30, 1847.

Providence in 1818 by Alvin Fisher



Oliver & OtisHolmes

Advertisement - Providence Patriot and Columbian PhenixMay 23, 1832



Oliver & OtisHolmes

Advertisement - Providence Patriot and Columbian PhenixMarch 29, 1834



According to “The Descendants ofGeorge Holmes of Roxbury” byGeorge Arthur Grey in 1905, wenote that there once was:

“A brass plate with an engravedrepresentation of the first breweryis in possession of some member ofthe Holmes family”

This engraving has, in fact, actuallysurvived. After being passed on tofuture brewers who operated at thecorner of Fountain and JacksonStreets, it finally has made itscurrent residence in the collection ofthe authors of this manuscript.

Oliver & OtisHolmes



Oliver & OtisHolmes

Silver Wash Copper / Brass Engraving of the Holmes Brewery

c. 1850



Oliver & OtisHolmes


c. 1850



In addition to producing beer, Otis Holmeswas an ardent political activist. In 1842, hemade the local newspapers due to hisalleged association with a suffrage

movement in Rhode Island known as theDorr Rebellion. This unsuccessful uprisingover voter rights was led by Thomas Dorrand took place in Providence and theoutlying town of Chepachet. After a briefstandoff by the "Dorrites", the rebellionwas quickly suppressed without much

incident by chartered troops under theRhode Island State Militia. In the end,those involved, including Mr. Holmes, wereaccordingly imprisoned for their crimes oftreason. According to Otis Holmes’deposition, he was incarcerated for 59 daysunder rather harsh conditions:

"Mr. Holmes, proprietor of the Brewery, where the late suffrage meetings

have been held, was arrested this p.m. and is now a prisoner"

Sunday June 25, 1842

Warren (Rhode Island) Gazette

Thomas Dorr



"I, Otis Holmes, of Providence, in the State of Rhode Island, brewer, fifty years

of age, depose and say: That on Sunday, the 26th of June, 1842, my house inProvidence was entered by a body of armed men. They searched the house,breaking the locks, though I offered to give them the keys. I was laying on the bed,and taken by two men, who seized me by the collar. One was named SamuelThomas; the other I did not know. Charles Harris, at the same time, put a pistolto my breast. They found nothing at my house but my training musket, which Ihad many years; they took it, and have never returned it. They carried me to mybrewery, and broke in there; I had previously offered them the keys to my

premises. In the brewery they found two old ducking guns, without locks, and oneold musket with a shattered lock and no ramrod. They took these, and they havenever been returned. There was also a hunting powder-horn, with about half apound of powder, and a canister of about a pound of powder, which belonged toanother man who left it there. They also broke into my store and counting room,and ransacked that, my private papers, and then marched me to the office ofHenry L. Bowen, Esq., justice of the peace. I was carried through the streets bytwo men having hold of my collar, and another in front with a pistol. There were

about thirty men with muskets; I made no resistance. The course lay through theprinciple street of the city. ...”

The Deposition of Otis Holmes, Brewer



“... I heard no charges, and was not examined before Mr. Justice Bowen, but was

marched to jail with a file of soldiers, in company with ten others. I was put in aroom in the jail, and remained there seven days, and then, with-out examination,put into one of the cells of the state prison, with seven others. It was large enoughfor us to lie down, by lying heads and points. I remained there twenty-one days.The suffering was extreme, from heat and want of air, with plenty of vermin.The health of the prisoners suffered materially. During this time I was examinedby the commissioners. They charged me with keeping arms to aid the suffragecause. No proof was shown. I was remanded. I then got a writ of habeas corpus

before Judge Staples, of the Supreme Court, and went before him in a room in thejail, and, upon a hearing, was discharged. I was then immediately committed by thedeputy sheriff, on a warrant from Henry L. Bowen, on a charge of treason. Ithen applied for another writ of habeas corpus, which Judge Staples ordered to beheard before the whole court in Newport. I was there heard, and allowed bail oftwelve thousand dollars, with surities. In the next sitting of the court in thecounty of Providence, the grand jury found no bill against me, and I wasdischarged. I was in close prison fifty-nine days.

Otis Holmes"

The Deposition of Otis Holmes, Brewer



Tavern Keeper "General" Jebeddiah Sprague was Thomas Dorr's Chief Military Advisor. During theRebellion of 1842, his tavern was used as Dorr's Headquarters. It was here that the “Dorrites” made theirfinal stand. Contract Troops from the State forced their entry into this building during which time GeorgeBardine was wounded in the thigh. Ironically, when this photograph was taken at the turn of the 20th

century, the Inn proudly displayed a corner sign from the James Hanley Brewing Company, a futuredescendant of the Otis Holmes Brewery. The tavern still operates to this day as the Tavern on Main.

Chepachet Inn Postcard c. 1905

Formerly Sprague’s Tavern

Otis Holmes & The Dorr Rebellion of 1842



Oliver & OtisHolmes

According to the City Directories of Providence, Otis Holmescontinued to be listed as a “brewer” at 60 Fountain Street in 1850.That year, his son, George Otis Holmes, was listed as a “brewer” at

33 Jackson Street. Given these street addresses, it is quite possiblethat the physical plant of the Holmes family brewery was expandingby this time. This becomes apparent as the George O. Holmes Co.was listed as a “brewer” at both 33 and 36 Jackson Street in 1856.

As the United States entered and endured a bloody Civil War from

1861 to 1865, George Otis Holmes’ brother, Charles Butler, waslisted as a “brewer” at 60 Fountain Street in Providence. It is likelythat he took over his father’s share of the family business by thistime. Otis Holmes was not listed as a “brewer” in 1856, yet 60Fountain street was listed as his “home”. This likely implies that hisresidence was still at the brewery but that he was retired.



Oliver & OtisHolmes

1867 was the last year in which a member of the Holmes family waseither residing at, or brewing beer, at the corner of Jackson andFountain Streets in Providence. By 1868, a gentleman by the nameof John Bligh was listed as operating as a “brewer” at this location.

Otis Holmes passed away in Providence, Rhode Island, on April 17,1870. Mostly forgotten to the ages, he was truly the first "modern"brewer in Rhode Island’s history.



John Bligh

In 1857, John Bligh operated a “Saloon” located at 30 Orange Streetin Providence, Rhode Island. Public records indicate that he sold“Wines and Liquors” at 33 Orange Street from 1858 to 1861. In

1862, he relocated his business to 29 Orange Street.

In 1865, John Bligh was deeded the brewery that was owned by OtisHolmes and his wife Elmira for $13,350. He called his newenterprise the “Narragansett Brewery.” While it would be naturalto assume that this brewery was the "Famous" NarragansettBrewing Company that was incorporated in 1890 and located in theArlington Section of Cranston, it, in fact, had nothing to do with it.



John Bligh

Broadside for John Bligh’s “Narragansett Brewery”

c. 1872



John Bligh

Brewery Workers: John Bligh’s “Narragansett Brewery”

c. 1872



John Bligh

A November 5, 1869 edition ofthe Providence MorningHerald advertised that JohnB l i g h ’ s " N a r r a g a n s e t tBrewery" was producing HopBeer, Porter, as well as XX,XXX, Pale, and Amber Ale.

An 1875 Map of Ward 4T ofProvidence revealed that thisbrewery was now composed ofone large brick (or stone)building, one framed building,and three framed outbuildings.



John Bligh

1875 Providence Map Detail - Ward 4T

(David Rumsey Map Collection)



John Bligh

While John Bligh was brewingbeer at the corner of Fountain

and Jackson Streets, he sold hisproducts, in addition to winesand liquors, at a store located at33 Orange Street. In 1874, thisbusiness was relocated to 48, 50and 52 Orange Street.

According to the ProvidenceCity Directory, John Blighcontinued to run his breweryuntil 1874.

Stoneware Jug c. 1874



John Bligh



John PatrickCooney

John P. Cooney was a wholesale distributor of fine wines, liquors,cigars and teas who ran his business at 100 Canal Street inProvidence, Rhode Island. Born in Ireland, he emigrated to theUnited States in 1857 when he was 19 years old.

After reaching America, John Cooney first settled in Oil City,Pennsylvania. This area became a boomtown with the drilling ofthe first commercially successful oil well there by Colonel EdwinL. Drake on August 27, 1859. Despite this, John Cooney decidedto leave the Keystone State to be with his uncle, Father Edward J.

Cooney, who lived in Providence, Rhode Island. It was here thatthe young Irishman started a very successful liquor and tobaccobusiness in 1862.



John PatrickCooney

John Cooney was married to Ann McCabe. The couple had sixchildren: Edward J., John Philip, Mary, Angela, Helen, Catherineand Ann. He was elected to the Providence City Council in 1875,being the first Irish American to serve this position where he

headed the Building Projects Committee until his passing.

Photograph of the Cooney Family in 1872Courtesy the Cooney Family Estate



John PatrickCooney

John P. Cooney

Courtesy the Cooney Family Estate

While the American Civil Warwas raging furiously down south in1862, John Cooney became the

Providence agent for Torge andCo.’s New York Ale and M.P.Reed's New York Pale and AmberAles. By the bloody battle ofGettysburg in 1863, he wasproducing his own brand of

stomach bitters, syrups, andcordials. He was selling a variety ofteas to his Rhode Island clienteleby 1875 and by 1876, he went intothe business of brewing beer with agood friend of his, James Hanley.



James Hanley

When the American Civil Warbroke out in 1861, James E.Hanley was living at 131 MainStreet in Providence, Rhode

Island. At this location, heimported and sold a variety offoreign and domestic wines,whiskies, liquors, and cigars. Healso sold ale from the cities ofNew York and Philadelphia. Hisbrother, Thomas J. Hanley, actedas a clerk for the business.



James Hanley

James Hanley was born to Patrick and Bridget (Farnell) Hanleyin the County Roscommon, Ireland, on September 7, 1841. Heemigrated to the United States in 1845. James Hanley wasmarried to Martha Josephine Cummings on May 9, 1863.Together, the couple had nine children (Abigail Louise, MaryGrace, Martha J., Clara T., Walter H., Ethel Gertrude, GeorgeE., Gerald T., and one child unknown)

Note the Same

Logo as John Bligh



James Hanley

In 1866, James Hanley relocated his business to 139 North MainStreet in Providence where he sold a variety of Liquors, Wine,Rye, Bourbon, and Wheat Whiskeys. At that time, he also was an

agent for Burton’s India Pale and and XXX Ale. Hanley alsohad his business at 166 North Main Street where Kentucky Rye,Pennsylvania Rye, and Bourbon Whiskey were advertised forsale. He also sold "Bass and Allsop's Ale in Hogsheads, Barrels andHalf Hogsheads." at this location. While acting as a clerk for hisbrother, James, Thomas J. Hanley also owned and operated aliquor store at 193 High Street in Providence.

In 1870, the two Hanley brothers formed a formal partnershipand established a new company. In 1879, the company of JamesHanley and Bro. was listed at 341 High Street in Providence.



Receipts from 1877 & 1878

Cooney & Hanley



The Babe Ruth of Rhode Island

Breweriana Autographs“Hanley”

Dated 1878

Cooney & Hanley



Steadily, the Cooney and HanleyBrewery became more and moresuccessful over the first three years itwas in business. Then tragedy struck.

In 1879, John P. Cooney becameterminally ill. Aware of his mortality,he sold his shares of their brewery to hispartner and friend, James Hanley.Within a year, he passed away. He wasonly 41 years old. In his eulogy, it wasnoted that he was "one highly esteemedfor his business integrity and one alsopossessing in an eminent degree thosesocial qualities which made him awelcome guest at the fireside."

Cooney & Hanley



Monument to Reverend E.J. Cooney and His Nephew John P. Cooney

St. Francis Cemetery of Pawtucket, Rhode Island

Cooney & Hanley

J H l & C



James Hanley & Co. Silver Spring Brewery

After John Cooney’s passing, James Hanley changed the name ofhis brewery to the “James Hanley & Co.”. It also went by thename of the “Silver Spring Brewery”.

Seeing an opportunity to expand his business, James Hanleydecided to move his operations back to Providence. In 1879, heleased the brewery building once operated by John Bligh at thecorner of Fountain and Jackson Streets from his John Bligh’swidow, Ellen. In 1880, Ellen Bligh formally deeded the breweryto James Hanley.

J H l & C



PROVIDENCE, R.I. by O.H. Bailey & Co. 1882

(Norman B. Leventhal Map Center)


J H l & C






J H l & C



Advertisement for the James Hanley & Co.

c. 1879 - 1882


James Hanley



James HanleyImporter & Wholesaler

While James Hanley was running his brewery, he and his brother,Thomas, continued to run their import & liquor wholesalebusiness in Providence. In 1884, their establishment was listed at32 Exchange Place. In 1886, the address changed to 30 Exchange

Place. They advertised that they sold wines and liquors,Kentucky and Pennsylvania Rye and Bourbon Whiskey, as wellas India Pale Ale, Stock Ale, and XXX Ale from the SilverSpring Brewery.

James Hanley



James HanleyImporter & Wholesaler

Stoneware Jugs for 32 Exchange Place (Left) & 30 Exchange Place (Right)

The Rhode Island Brewing Co



According to state records,James Hanley incorporated his

brewery with William Carneyand Charles A. Mathewson asthe Rhode Island BrewingCompany on May 31, 1883. Atthis time, the brewery had aninit ia l cap ita l s tock of

$500,000. James Hanleyserved as President andTreasurer of the brewery.

The Rhode Island Brewing Co.




The business was founded here in 1867, by Mr. John Bligh, who wassucceeded in turn by Cooney & Hanley in 1876, and by James Hanley &Co. in 1879; and in 1886 the present company was incorporated with acapital stock of $500,000, and with James Hanley, president and treasurer.This gentleman is an authority to everything pertaining to brewing, andhe is constantly effecting improvements which serve to place him in aposition to promptly meet the growing demand for his justly celebrated ale,and to maintain it's high standard and superiority.

The plant comprises a ground area of 25,000 square feet, on which areerected a series of five-story brick buildings, all equipped with modernappliances, apparatus and machinery, while the mash tubs, vats, settling

tanks, pumps, refrigerators and storage vessels all bespeak the watchfulcare and intelligent enterprise of the management. The brew kettle hasthe capacity for brewing 200 barrels at a brew, while there is storage roomfor 8,000 barrels, and the annual productive capacity of the brewery is100,000 barrels.





The brewery is a model of order, neatness and good management,and has no superior in these respects in the country. The best maltand hops are utilized, and these are handled in such a manner as to

result in the production of ale and porter which for purity, flavorand quality are unexcelled in this or any other market. An inferiorgrade of ale or porter is never permitted to leave the premises; henceits excellent reputation with retailers, families and connoisseurs. Asplendid line of stock ale is kept on hand, and the trade is large andinfluential all through New England. Mr. Hanley, the moving spiritof the enterprise, has resided in this country since childhood, andcommands the respect and confidence of the entire community."





Rhode Island Brewing Co. Lithograph Behind the Bar



According to State incorporation records, the Rhode IslandBrewing Company officially became known as the James HanleyBrewing Company on May 29, 1895. The brewery thrived withits production of Peerless, India Pale, Pale Export and CreamAles. It also produced a popular Porter.



Like all breweries of the time, the James Hanley BrewingCompany relied heavily on the horse and wagon to transport its

products. Being an aficionado of the “finest and fastest drivinghorses”, James Hanley used only the best Belgian Draught Horsesavailable for the task. The James Hanley Brewing Companybecame "World Famous" for its 6 & 9 horse wagon teams whichwere often seen at fairs and parades throughout New England.



1911



Sadly, James Hanley passed away at 159 Prospect Street,Providence, Rhode Island, on August 31, 1912. He was laid to restin Saint Francis Cemetery in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

A life member of the American Irish Historical Society, hisorganization honored their friend with a heart-felt obituary:



"James Hanley, a life member of the American Irish Historical Society, died inProvidence, August 31st, 1912.

He was born in the County Roscommon, Ireland, September 7th, 1841, and camethere to Providence, where, at an early age, he entered an active business life which hefollowed to the time of his death. His early boyhood knew the hardships of toil andlittle of the school, but he had the gift of clear thinking and an ambition to know, andas he grew in years, knowledge of men and things and books came, and with it abroadness of character and a business ability of wide and successful range. Hisexperience as an investor and his familiarity of values were quickly recognized by hisbusiness associates, and his judgement was considered of rare value to the banks andlarge corporations with which he was associated.

In a manner Mr. Hanley was reserved but cordial, and his relations with his fellowmembers in this Society and the public in general were always marked by a quietdignity and courtesy. His purse was ever open for charity and his heart true to hisfriends who will always remember him.

Mr. Hanley, at the time of his death, was President of the old established corporationof Hanley-Hoye Company, President and Treasurer of the James Hanley BrewingCompany, President of the Providence Brewing Company, director in the NationalExchange Bank and in other corporations.



He was a large owner of real estate in his home city, and in all his enterprises he

depended almost entirely upon his own judgement and financial accumulations. Thesecret of his success was a combination of industry, clear business judgement andfairness towards those with whom he dealt.

He was reluctant to attract notice, and, although frequently importuned to acceptofficial positions in financial institutions, persistently refused until he became amember of the reorganization committee of the Union Trust Company, and laterwhen that company sold to the National Exchange Bank, he became a director in the

latter institution.

Mr. Hanley had a love for horses, and during his career was the owner of the finestand fastest driving horses in the State, an of very notable horses of the Americanturf.

He will be sadly missed among a large circle of friends and acquaintances."

(Written by Thomas Zanslaur Lee)



With James Hanley's passing, the role of President and VicePresident of the brewery was passed on to his sons.

In 1913, a second advertising icon was commissioned by the JamesHanley Brewing Co. to compliment their popular “Connoisseur”.This new character, a lovable British Bulldog affectionatelyknown as the “Watchdog of Quality” was painted that year byFrederic Stanley, a commercial artist who was gaining quite a bit

of popularity at the time.

Not actually put into widespread use by the brewery until afterthe repeal of prohibition in 1933, this bulldog became synonymouswith the brewery as the 20th century progressed. This paintinghung in the administration office of the brewery until its final

closure. In fact, The James Hanley Brewing Co. considered thisimage of the bulldog so valuable to its identity that it insured thepainting with Llyod's of London.



A f k ti it d t



As a means of marketing its productsmore efficiently, the James HanleyBrewing Company stopped relying on

independent bottling companies in1915. A June 29, 1915 advertisementin the Taunton (Massachusetts) DailyGazette proclaimed that "Hanley's Ale- The Standard of Excellence - is nowbottled at the brewery."

Depending on what type of Ale suitedyour taste, you could recognize it bythe color of the label it was packagedwith. Pale Ale came in a Red labeledbottle. Dark Ale came in Blue. You

could get Half Stock Ale in a Greenlabeled bottle and Extra Ale inPurple. If Porter was your favorite, itcould be found in a Yellow labeledbottle.



After remaining neutral for

three years, the United Statesentered the European “GreatWar” on April 6, 1917. Beforethe Armistice was finallydeclared on November 11, 1918,116,516 American servicemenlost their lives for their countryand 204,002 were wounded.



As her troops returned from the "Warthat would end all wars", the UnitedStates came under pressure to recognize arapidly growing and national temperancem o v e m e n t . T h i s e n s u i n g s t o r mdramatically changed the lifestyles andl i v e l i h o o d s o f m a n y A m e r i c a n s ,

particularly those in the liquor and beerindustry. Despite an earlier veto of theproposed bill by President WoodrowWilson, the United States ratified the18th Amendment of the Constitution ofthe United States on January 19, 1919.Known as the "Volstead Act", theproduction, importation, exportation andsale of alcoholic beverages became illegalthroughout the United States. ThisNational Prohibition Act went into effecton January 29, 1920.

BUT JUST FOR THE RECORD...



All but 2 of the 48 United States Ratified

the 18th Amendment of the Constitution of the United States

The ONLY 2 States to REJECT the 18th Amendment were:

CONNECTICUT

RHODE ISLAND

So Don’t Go Blaming Us For the Lack ofGood 1920s BREWERIANA !!!!

As with every brewery located with theUnited States the James Hanley Brewing



United States, the James Hanley BrewingCompany faced many hardships with theenactment of prohibition in 1920. While

most of its competitors shut their doorsduring these difficult years, The JamesHanley Brewing Co. managed to survivewith the production of a near beer knownas "Limited." James Hanley's sons did allthey could to keep the brewery operational.In 1922, Walter H. Hanley was listed as

President and Director of the brewery aswell as the Hanley-Hoye Company. Hisbrother, Gerald T. Hanley, would be listedas both Vice-President of the JamesHanley Brewing Company and Vice-President and Director of the ProvidenceBrewing Company. In July of 1924, thestockholders of the James Hanley BrewingCompany voted to sell the corporation’sreal estate and equipment to the JamesHanley Company. This sale was carriedinto effect on March 4, 1925.



December 5, 1933

The 21st Amendment of theConstitution of the

United States is Passed

Prohibition is Repealed

Beer Flows Once Again!



for the record: We are Diehard

red sox fans



Gerald T. Hanley passed away at



r y p ss w y tthe age of 66 years on March 14,1950 . His Pres idency was

succeeded by Justin HanleyDempsey. In 1954, the Board ofDirectors for the James HanleyCo. included Justin H. Dempsey,and majority stockholders JosephJ. Bodell Sr., and Andrew P.

Quinn. In addition, there werefour newly appointed directors:Abraham Beliline, C. RichardDuffy, William B. Glase, andHarold Arcaro, who also servedas the Chairman of the Boardbased on his majority holdings of

preferred stock.



On February 25, 1955,Harold Arcaro replacedJohn H. Dempsey asPresident of the JamesHanley Co.. At thatt i m e , t h e B o a r d o fDirectors was reduced

f r o m s e v e n t o f i v emembers.



On May 2, 1957, Carl Haffenreffer of the Narragansett



Brewing Company of Cranston, Rhode Island, announced thathis company purchased the rights to all of the “Hanley” brands of

beer and ale. This transaction did not include the sale of anytangible real estate in Providence. The following day, HaroldArcaro formally acknowledged the sale of the Hanley Breweryand that the directors of the company would begin to dismantlethe physical plant and dispose of any and all property.

On March 14, 1960, the storage tanks of the brewery wereremoved. In time, the brewery would be demolished to make wayfor the construction of the Route 95 Interstate which passesthrough Providence.



BEER WOULD NEVER BEBREWED AT THE CORNER

OF

JACKSON & FOUNTAINSTREETS AGAIN



The Brewery Site Today...




F o u n t a

i n ( E x

t e n s i o

n )

J a c k s o n W a y



F o u n t a

i n ( E x

t e n s i o

n )

J a c k s o n W a y


Historic Timeline



HOLMES BREWERY

c. 1820 - 1862

JOHN BLIGH “NARRAGANSETT” BREWERY

1867 - c. 1876

COONEY & HANLEY

"MERCHANT'S BREWERY"1876 - 1879

JAMES HANLEY & CO.

"SILVER SPRING BREWERY"

1879 - 1883

RHODE ISLAND BREWING CO.

1883 - 1895

JAMES HANLEY BREWING CO.

1895 - 1920

THE JAMES HANLEY CO.

1934 - 1957

Reed’s Brewery



Reed s Brewery

Fletcher & Co.Providence, Rhode Island

1830 - 187?



Reed’s Brewery

1838 - 1855

Fletcher & Co. Brewery

1856 - 1866

William F. Baker & Co.

1868 - 1870

Reed’s Brewery, W.F. Baker Prop.

1870 - ?



In 1838, an obscure little

brewery operated at the cornerof Pine and Richmond Streetsin Providence. It was located ina defunct 1795 parish known asthe “Tin Tap Church”. Prior tobecoming a brewery, the

building housed a circus. TheBrewery was originally ownedby Rufus Reed. By 1856, it wasunder the operation of CalvinFletcher. Fletcher eventuallysold his business to William F.Baker in 1868.



The Newport Brewery

Early - Mid 19th Century

The Newport Brewery



Rhode Island Republican

February 24, 1841



The Molter BreweryCranston, Rhode Island

1866 - 1920

Kelly & Baker Brewery

Kelly & Woefel BreweryWoefel & Molter Brewery



This small brewery began life as the Kelly & Baker Breweryin 1866. Despite being listed with a Providence, RhodeIsland, address, it was actually located on Spectacle Pond inCranston. Today, this site is known as Molter street, a deadend drive located in a neighborhood next to the famousRhode Island landmark, Twin Oaks Restaurant.

Over the years, the Kelly & Baker Brewery underwentnumerous ownerships and subsequent name changes. Shortlyafter the business began, Baker sold his principle shares to

Andrew Woefel. The Kelly and Woefel Brewery operateduntil 1868 when Nicholas Molter bought out Charles Kelly.At that time, the company became known as the Woefel andMolter Brewery.

Kelly & Baker Brewery

Kelly & Woefel BreweryWoefel & Molter Brewery



Nicholas Molter was born in Germany on October 10, 1818.He was educated in the public schools of the Hesse Homurg

Duchy. As a young man, he worked on his father’s farm andlater learned the blacksmith’s trade. He worked as such untilhe emigrated to the United States in 1840. After working afew odd jobs for the first six years in America, he became adealer in pork products in Providence. Nicholas Molter wasmarried to Wilhelmina Ulrich. His political views wereusually independent, but he usually voted with theDemocrats.

Nicholas Molter BreweryWhat Cheer Brewery



Nicholas Molter was a prominent member of the German-American community. In 1876, he became the soleproprietor of the Nicholas Molter Brewery when he bought

out Andrew Woelfel. When this occurred, his establishmenthad offices at 115 and 117 Pine Street in Providence. Alsoknown as the What Cheer Brewery, it produced traditionallager beer which was sold throughout New England as wellas "some of the other states." Although the originalbrewhouse burned down in 1876, it was rebuilt that same

year under Nicholas Molter's supervision.




c. 1878



Molter & OehmWhat Cheer Brewery

N. Molter & Sons



Over the years , addit ionalpartners in the company wouldcome and go. In 1877, NicholasMolter took on a partner, HenryH. Oehm. The brewery became

known as Molter & Oehm,Proprietors of the What CheerLager Beer Brewery.

B y 1 8 8 5 , N i c h o l a s M o l t e rcompletely took over the brewery

with his sons, Henry T. and JohnN. Molter. While still known asthe What Cheer Lager BeerBrewery, it also went by the nameof the N. Molter & Sons Brewery.


N. Molter & Sons



In 1895, Henry T. and John N.M o l t e r a s s u m e d a l lresponsibilities of the breweryfrom their father. Henry

Molter passed away one yearlater in January of 1896.

T h e N . M o l t e r ' s S o n sBrewery / H.T. & J .N.Molter Brewery / What CheerLager Beer Brewery had itsoffices at 14 - 20 Potter Streetin Providence. It was knownfor its production of WhatCheer Lager Beer.


N. Molter & Sons




N. Molter & Sons



Nicholas T. Molter BreweryWhat Cheer Brewery



In 1897, Henry T. Molterbecame the sole proprietor ofthe What Cheer Lager BeerBrewery. In addition to What

Cheer Lager Beer, he madePrincess Ale around 1905.These two products were" G u a r a n t e e d t o b eABSOLUTELY PURE"and they were " B r e w e d

Especially for Families andRecommended by the MedicalProfession". At this time,Henry Molter had his office inCranston.




Consumer’s Brewing Co.



In 1911, Henry T. Molterchanged the name of hisbrewery to the Consumer’sBrewing Co.. It became knownfor its Minster Lager Beer.

It has been said that Henry T.Molter quit the brewingbusiness in 1915 to becomei n v o l v e d w i t h s i l kmanufacturing. Whether this

( o r t h e e n a c t m e n t o fprohibition in 1920) closed thebrewery's doors in the years tofollow, they would neverreopen.




Historic Timeline



KELLY & BAKER BREWERY

1866 - Unknown

KELLY & WOEFEL BREWERY

Unknown - 1868

WOEFEL & MOLTER BREWERY

1868-1876

NICHOLAS MOLTER

"WHAT CHEER" BREWERY

1876-1877

MOLTER & OEHM BREWERY


1877-1885

N. MOLTER'S & SONS


1885-1895

HENRY T. & J.N. MOLTER BREWERY"WHAT CHEER" BREWERY

1895-1897

HENRY T. MOLTER


1897-1911

CONSUMER'S BREWING CO.

1911-1920




The Brewery as it Appeared in 2008



The Keily & Eagle Brewing Co.Providence, Rhode Island

1866 - 1920

Keily & Sullivan Brewery1873 - 1877



Bartholomew Keily was a Providence bottler who ranhis business at the rear of 154 Pine Street at the cornerof Richmond. He took over the P. Corbett Bottling

Plant in 1872 which bottled a wide variety of sodas.

Bartholomew's brother, Owen, and Eugene Sullivanjoined his business in 1873 and started a brewery knownas the Keily and Sullivan Brewery.

Keily & Sullivan Brewery1873 - 1877



Keily Brothers BreweryEagle Brewing Company



In 1877, the Keily & Sullivan Brewery became known as theKeily Brothers Brewery after Sullivan left the business. Intime, it became known as the Eagle Brewing Companywhich produced Red Star Ale and Lager Beer. At this time,the Brewery was located at the junction of West Exchange,Ames, Bruce and McAvoy streets in Providence.

Keily Brothers BreweryEagle Brewing Company



Eagle Brewing Company



Around 1895, The SimonLevin & Sons Co. becamewholesalers for the EagleBrewing Company . This

company was located at 208C h a l k s t o n e B l v d . i nProvidence. Simon Levin &Sons held offices at 150 CharlesS t r e e t w h e n b e c o m i n gincorporated in 1900 with

Morris Levin. By 1902, thecompany was known as theLevin Bros. They would go outof business in 1913.




The Eagle Brewing Company had an annual capacity of150,000 barrels at the turn of the 20th century. Like manyother breweries, it closed its doors with the enactment ofprohibition in 1920.




The Narragansett Brewing Company“Providence” / Cranston, Rhode Island

1890 - 1983

Narragansett Brewing Company1890 - 1983



Without doubt, the largest and most famous of all

the breweries to ever operate in the state of Rhode Island wasthe Narragansett Brewing Company. A true "Neighbor" inevery sense of the word, “Gansett” was a mainstay in theOcean State for nearly 100 years.

The Narragansett Brewing Company was originally

established in Providence by six German-Americanbusinessmen in 1888. The “Original Six” investors of thefledgling company included: Jacob Wirth from Boston,Constand A. Moeller, George M. Gerhard, Augustus F.Borchandt, Herman G. Possner and John Fehlbert.




John Fehlbert was a Germani m m i g r a n t w h o r a n asuccessful dairy business. By

far, his most popular andl u c r a t i v e p r o d u c t w a s" B u t t e r i n e " , a n e a r l yprecursor to margarine.Fehlbert’s profits allowed the“Original Six” to construct

their new brewery with aninitial capitalization between$120,000 and $150,000.




Although the NarragansettBrewing Company originallyadvertised that it was located inProvidence, Rhode Island, it wasactually built just beyond the

city’s limits in nearby Cranston.It was located at the corners ofCranston Street, New DepotAvenue and Garfield Avenue.This area was known asArlington and was well known

for its artesian wells andsuperior water quality. It wasalso conveniently located alongthe New York/New Haven/Hartford Railroad Line.




The Narragansett Brewing Company was incorporated in1890. That year, under the direction of Brewmaster GeorgeWilhelm, the first barrel of beer rolled off the productionline.

1898




The Narragansett Brewing Company produced 397barrels of beer during its first year of operation in 1890.One year later, this number rose to a remarkable 27,887

barrels. From the very beginning, the company’s hallmarkproducts were Half Stock Ale and Export Lager Beer.

The Narragansett Brewing Company thrived during itsfirst thirty years of operation. During this time, it wouldbecome the largest brewery in all of New England. Much

pride was taken in the slogan, "The FamousNarragansett... Made on Honor, Sold on Merit".




In 1901, as the 19th Centuryrolled over into the 20th, theN a r r a g a n s e t t B r e w i n gCompany produced 114,182barrels of beer. By 1908, it

turned out 196,173. Thesefigures would double in they e a r s t h a t l e a d u p t oProhibition. During this time,the brewery was producingHalf Stock Banquet Ale andSelect Stock Lager. It alsomade, on a more limited andseasonal basis, Porter and BockBeer.




In addition to increasing production from its meagerbeginnings in 1890, the Narragansett Brewing Companyalso expanded its physical plant over the first thirty yearsof operation. Much money was reinvested in the companyand over $4,000,000 was spent on improvements. By 1915,

the brewery occupied 42 acres of land and now housedthirty buildings on its property.

One of these buildings was a new hygienic bottling plant.During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was a

quite common for independent bottling companies to bottlea brewery's products at a site distant from the breweryitself. With the brewery's new bottling facility, theNarragansett Brewing Company could now bottle its ownbeer.




The Narragansett Brewing Company also built new boiler andengine rooms in addition to two cold storage basements. Acooperage shop was constructed on site so that wooden beerbarrels could be fabricated.




In the early years, the Narragansett Brewing Company reliedon horses and wagons to transport its products. For their care,the brewery built a stable and garage large enough to hold 50wagons on its grounds. In addition. a blacksmith and carpenter

shop were also constructed.

In later years, these horses and wagons were eventuallyreplaced by motorized wagons. Despite this, the NarragansettBrewing Company would continue to keep ceremonial teams asromantic symbols of the brewery's proud heritage. They were

commonly used for promotional purposes and were often seenat regional fairs and parades up until the early 1960s.




For the transportation of its products beyond the localmarket, the Narragansett Brewing Company relied on a lineof refrigerated railroad cars. The New York/New Haven/Hartford Railroad Line ran adjacent to the brewery whichallowed for the transportation of goods to and from thefacility. With the refrigerated railroad car, spoilage was less of

an issue in the days prior to Pasteurization.




Narragansett ale and lager could now be found throughoutNew England and beyond. With shipping available throughthe local ports in Narragansett Bay, Narragansett “Export”was now found in such far off and exotic destinations asTurkey, Panama, the West Indies, and Egypt.




When a brewery delivered its products to a neighboringestablishment by the keg, the delicious product had to bedispensed. This was done by the "tap" system. In order tokeep beer or ale at the ideal temperature, kegs were storedin the basement. They were connected by lines tostanchions, or "taps", located at the establishment's barwhere the product was drawn from below.

In 1917, the Narragansett Brewing Company conceived aplan to ensure its faithful customers received the productthey so requested. They promoted a "Point to the Tap

Sign" campaign in which brass and porcelain markers weremounted in front of draft stanchions located on theproprietor's bar. This way, when a customer requested aNarragansett product, they received a Narragansettproduct.




In addition to producing ales and beers, the NarragansettBrewing Company also operated a large artificial ice facilityon its grounds. It had nine artesian wells on the property inaddition to an ice pond, ice house and three refrigerationmachines.




As ice was the only means of refrigeration during the late19th and early 20th centuries, the Narragansett BrewingCompany kept very busy stocking neighborhood ice boxes. Atthe dawn of the 20th century, it has been said that 25 tons ofice per day were distributed to 1500 customers.




There's probably nothing more American, or anythingthat goes better with beer, than baseball! Takingadvantage of Rhode Island's local team, the ProvidenceGrays, the Boston's Americans (Red Sox) andNationals (Braves), the Narragansett Brewing

Company often promoted its products by putting itsname on promotional items. In many years to come, thebrewery would be very active in sponsoring the localnine in Boston.




In the years prior toprohibition, the officers ofthe Narragansett BrewingCompany included:

President:

Constand A. Moeller

Vice-President:

John H. FehlbertTreasurer:

Joseph H. Gerard

Brewmaster:Otto Henn

Plant Manager:

Emil Schierholz




After remaining neutral forthree years, the United States



entered the European “GreatWar” on April 6, 1917. Beforethe Armistice was finallydeclared on November 11, 1918,116,516 American servicemenlost their lives for their countryand 204,002 were wounded.

As her troops returned from the "War



that would end all wars", the UnitedStates came under pressure to recognize arapidly growing and national temperancem o v e m e n t . T h i s e n s u i n g s t o r mdramatically changed the lifestyles andl i v e l i h o o d s o f m a n y A m e r i c a n s ,particularly those in the liquor and beer

industry. Despite an earlier veto of theproposed bill by President WoodrowWilson, the United States ratified the18th Amendment of the Constitution ofthe United States on January 19, 1919.Known as the "Volstead Act", theproduction, importation, exportation andsale of alcoholic beverages became illegalthroughout the United States. ThisNational Prohibition Act went into effecton January 29, 1920.

The Narragansett Brewing Companydid all it could to stay alive duringprohibition. First, it produced a newline of flavored sodas. These carbonatedbeverages included Ginger Ale,

Third, the Narragansett BrewingCompany continued its production ofmalt tonic. As malt tonic had a lowalcohol content and was sold and usedfor medicinal purposes only, it was not



Sarsaparilla and Root Beer.

Second, the Narragansett BrewingCompany continued to produce ice at itsartificial ice facility.

prohibited under the Volstead Act.Neither was "Near Beer", a non-intoxicating malt beverage required bylaw to have an alcohol content less thanone half of one percent. DuringProhibition, Narragansett took their“Gansett” Pilsner, made it a near beer,and gave it the slogan "The New Brewwith the Old Name".




As time went by, prohibition gradually began to take its toll onthe aging Narragansett Brewing Company. The 40 year oldbrewery slowly became outdated. If the company was to survive,it required modernization, as well as the guidance and financialsupport of a leader in the industry to pull it off.




In 1931, the Narragansett BrewingCompany approached Rudolph F.Haffenreffer, Jr. to inquire if hewas interested in running theirbrewery. Mr. Haffenreffer was theson of Rudolph Haffenreffer, Sr., a

prominent brewer in Boston whobegan his Haffenreffer BrewingCompany in 1870. He had run thiscompany until his death on March 8,1 9 2 9 . F o r t u n a t e l y f o rNarragansett , Rudolph , Jr . ,

accepted their offer and assumedcontrol of the NarragansettBrewing Company with the titles ofPresident and Chairman of theBoard.

Rudolph F. Haffenreffer, Jr.




Under his supervision and financialassistance, the NarragansettBrewing Company underwentdramatic alterations to became thelargest New England company of itskind during the waning years of

prohibition.

One way or another, RudolphHaffenreffer and the NarragansettBrewing Company managed to keeptheir operations running until

President Franklin DelenoreRoosevelt signed into law anamendment to the Volstead Act onMarch 23, 1933 thus repealingprohibition.

Rudolph F. Haffenreffer, Jr.




In 1933, the NarragansettBrewing Company beganusing water from theScituate Reservoir.

In 1936, the brewerybegan placing its productsin newly developed cans. Itwas the first brewery todo so in large volume.




Rudolph Haffenrefferwas an aficionado ofcigar store “Indian”carvings. He would hirethe talents of his son’sDartmouth Collegefriend, Theodore Geisel(a.k.a. “Dr. Seuss”), toh e l p m a r k e t t h eNarragansett name.




The Narragansett Brewing Company began sponsoring theBoston Red Sox and Braves radio broadcasts in 1947. Theywould continue to do the same for the Red Sox radio andtelevision broadcasts for 20 years




Corner of Weybosset and Dorrance Streets in Providence




South Main Street, Providence




In Front of The Old Howard Theatre, Scollay Square, Boston




Test Labels




Test Label




1954 Boston





Rudolph F. Haffenrefferd O t b 9



passed away on October 9,1954. The NarragansettBrewing Co. was then runby his sons, Rudolph

H a f f e n r e f f e r I I I(President) and CarlHaffenreffer (ExecutiveVice President).




Executive Staff in Front of the Administration Building

Narragansett Brewing Company c. 1955




Narragansett Brewing Company Annual Banquet c. 1955

Featuring Hi Neighbor Girl Irene Hennessy, Frank Carrera, Bob Sousa,

Jim Duarte, John Vincent & Joe Tavares of Colonial Liquor




Harvard square


In 1957, the Narragansett Brewing Company bought out the



g g y gHanley Brewing Company of Providence making it the solebrewery to operate in Rhode Island. It also bought out the rightsto the Haffenreffer and Croft Brewing Companies of Boston aswell as the Enterprise Brewing Company of Fall River and

Krueger Brewing Company of New Jersey.

In 1959, the Narragansett Brewing Company celebrated the firstannual production of 1 million barrels of beer.




Mr. Morgan at the Brewery




Steven Toppa




EdTheberge

SallyPierce




Scollay Square, Boston, 1958



Scollay Square, Boston, Massachusetts c. 1955 - 1957



Boston Garden

In 1957, the Narragansett Brewing Company bought out theHanley Brewing Company of Providence making it the solebrewery to operate in Rhode Island It also bought out the rights



brewery to operate in Rhode Island. It also bought out the rightsto the Haffenreffer and Croft Brewing Companies of Boston aswell as the Enterprise Brewing Company of Fall River andKrueger Brewing Company of New Jersey.

In 1959, the Narragansett Brewing Company celebrated the firstannual production of 1 million barrels of beer.



1956 red sox schedule

featuring “Gansett Girl” Irene hennessy



Relaxed...Refreshed....



1962 Hi Neighbor Girl

Penny Sjoka of Turner Falls, Massachusetts



Elaine May & Mike Nichols



Narragansett Beer Commercials With Nichols and May c. 1963



Narragansett Test Can

1964 Red Sox Broadcasters Mel Parnell, Ned Martin & Curt Gowdy




In order to overcome rising economicconditions, The Narragansett BrewingCo. was sold to the Falstaff BrewingCompany for $17 Million and $2 Millionof common Falstaff stock in 1965. TheNarragansett Brewing Company wouldoperate under the supervision of Falstaff

for 16 years.




Narragansett Television Commercial

c. 1972




Narragansett Bock Beer Festival with Joseph Garrahy and William Deveraux




BOSTON BRUINS 1969 - 1970



Coach Harry Sinden Celebrates the Stanley Cup Victory with a Gansett!




1974 Chevy El Camino, 1st Place, Narragansett Car Show

Gansett in the Movies

JAWS1975



Gansett in the Movies

JAWS1975



Great Little Actors




The Last Narragansett Beer Commercial




Narragansett Brewing Company Administration Building c. 1990




Narragansett Brewing Company Administration Building c. 1990

Narragansett Brewing Company2009



The American / ProvidenceBrewing Company

Providence, Rhode Island



1892 - 1927

American / Providence

Brewing Company1892 - 1927

A B C



American Brewing Company1892 - 1896

Providence Brewing Company1896 - 1920



This brewery was located in a majestic brick building at 431Harris Avenue in Providence, Rhode Island. Built on the



corner of Eagle Street, it was originally known as theAmerican Brewing Company when it was established in 1892.In 1896, James Hanley, principle owner of the James Hanley

Brewing Company, became the brewery's president. He wouldrename his new enterprise the Providence Brewing Company.

The Providence Brewing Company was famous for it'sproduction of "New England's Famous" Bohemian Beer andCanada Malt Ale. It also produced a "Dark" Columbian Beer,

XXX Sparkling Ale, Standard Pale Ale, and Nutshell Ale.





Providence Brewing Company Reversed Glass Sign c. 1900





The Brewery in 1909 - Photograph Courtesy the City of Providence





Providence Brewing Company Lithograph Calendar 1898





Providence Brewing Company Cart c. 1900



In 1897, James Hanley hired John E. Good, proprietor of theProvidence Bottling Company, to act as the brewery’s secretaryand treasurer. The Providence Bottling Company was one of

i d d t b ttl h di t ib t d th b ’



numerous independent bottlers who distributed the brewery sproduct. After nine years of employment, John Good left thisposition and returned to his former occupation.

As the early 20th century progressed, the Providence BrewingCompany declared it had its own "Brewery Bottling". It becameknown for its “Bohemian” Lager and Canada Malt Ale.

In 1907, James Hanley hired Gustave F. Mensing to managethe company. Mensing would hold this position until the closingof the brewery with the enactment of prohibition in 1919.Although this act was repealed in 1933, the facility would neverre-open.





Providence Brewing Company Lithograph Calendar and Celluloid Mirror c. 1900





Providence Brewing Company Porcelain Tray c. 1900





Providence Brewing Company Bottle Label c. 1900





Providence Brewing Company Postcard & Corkscrew c. 1900





Providence Brewing Company Newspaper Ads 1905





Bottle Label c. 1910





Providence Brewing Company Trays c. 1910





Providence Brewing Opener & Porcelain Tap Marker c. 1910





Providence Brewing Bottles & Tray c. 1910





Providence Brewing Bar Sign Postcard c. 1910





Providence Brewing Company - Boston Branch - Photo Courtesy Boston Public Library





Providence Brewing Company - Boston Branch - Photo Courtesy Boston Public Library



Above the Line is Gone

Tower

Location



The Providence Brewing Company as it looked in 2008 - 431 Harris Avenue, Providence

The Park Brewing Company




1899 - 1913

Park Brewing Company1899 - 1913

This little brewery was located a short distance from Roger

Williams Park in Providence, Rhode Island. It stood at thejunction of 1100 Elmwood Avenue and McKinley Street.

According to state documents issued on April 25 1900



According to state documents issued on April 25, 1900,Frederick E. Perkins, James H. Hagan, and Charles J.Christie filed "in the office of the secretary of state according

to law, their agreement to form a corporation under the nameof Park Brewing Company, for the purpose of engaging in thebusiness of manufacturing, brewing, and selling ale, beer,porter, lager beer, and malt liquors and for manufacturingmineral waters, distilled waters, hygienic ice, cereal and purefood products, and for transacting any business connected

therewith or incidental thereto, and with the capital stock ofthree thousand dollars, and also filed the certificate of thegeneral treasurer that they have paid into the generaltreasury of the state the fee required by law."


The Park Brewing Company becameknown for its production of ale, lager,porter and malt extract where "Chemistsfind them clean and pure". Theseb il bl b th b th k



beverages were available both by the kegand by the bottle. Louis John Vettermanwas listed as the company's Brewmaster

in 1902.

After the Park Brewing Company closedin 1913, the building housed the EasternFilm Company where some of thenation ' s f ir st s i l ent f i lms were

produced. In addition to making comedies,westerns, and war movies, they alsoproduced a variety of documentaries.


Sadly, the brewery building was completely destroyed by fire onAugust 23, 1917.

Today, there is nothing left that even remotely resembles the



y, g f yPark Brewing Company, or the neighborhood it once occupied.Roger Williams Park is still there, but the brewery site is now

occupied by the Elmwood Avenue exit ramp extending off theHuntington Expressway (Route 10).




The Hand / Rhode IslandBrewing Company

Pawtucket, Rhode Island



1898 - 1938

Hand Brewing Company1898 - 1933

HAND BREWINGCOMPANY



COMPANY1898-1933

RHODE ISLANDBREWING COMPANY

1933-1938


The Hand Brewing Company was located at the corner ofMendon Avenue and Freemont Street in Pawtucket, RhodeIsland. Without doubt, this brewery had the most colorfulhi f f h b i i h O S



history of any of the breweries to operate in the Ocean State.With a capital stock of $250,000, the company

was incorporated on August 9, 1898, by Michael Hand, Sr., hisson, Michael Hand, Jr., and Bernard Cabisius.

Michael Hand, Sr., was no stranger to the brewery business. Hewas previously associated with the Gulf Brewing Company ofUtica, New York, and both the Scranton and LackawannaBrewing Companies of Scranton, Pennsylvania.




The Hand Brewing Company c. 1900


Michael Hand, Sr., and his first wife, Bridget, had fourchildren. One of these children, Michael, Jr., followed in hisfather's footsteps and became a brewer. He was born in Utica,New York on September 12 1866 In 1890 he married Annie



New York on September 12, 1866. In 1890, he married AnnieE. Connell from Scranton, Pennsylvania. After moving toRhode Island with his father, Michael, Jr., took up residence at161 Cottage Street in Pawtucket.

Although Michael and Annie had seven children together, theirmarriage, to say the least, was extremely tumultuous. Oftenengaged in legal battles, they frequently managed to make the

headlines in the local newspapers. Some of their antics included:


"Michael Hand, Jr., Charged With Two Assaults. Mother-In-Law and Sister-In-

Law Complainants - Held In $100" Pawtucket Times: December 10, 1902

"Pawtucket Millionaire Slept With The Dog. Picturesque State Of Affairs InThe Hand Family-Michael Jr Fined For Two Assaults"



The Hand Family-Michael, Jr., Fined For Two Assaults

Pawtucket Times: December 20, 1902

"Says Wife Like His Would Drive The Judge To Drink. Michael Hand, Jr., MakesFierce Attack On His Wife And Her Brother While Testifying In Action SheBrought For..."

Pawtucket Times: March 26, 1904

"Mrs. Rutledge Charges Brother With Cruelty. Tells Pitiful Story, AllegingMichael Hand, Sr., Was Abused"

Pawtucket Times: April 21, 1914

"Witness Says Young Hand Threatened Arson Providence, April 28"

Pawtucket Times: April 28, 1914




Advertising Sign of the Hand Brewing Company c. 1900




Porcelain over Metal Corner Sign of the Hand Brewing Company c. 1900




Tasting Glass & Account Book of the Hand Brewing Company c. 1900


After Michael Hand, Sr., lost his first wife,the 85 year old re-married a Scranton,Pennsylvania, widow by the name of BridgetMcHugh.



g

During its heyday, the Hand BrewingCompany thrived with the production ofCelebrated Half Stock Ale, Lager Beer andPorter. It proclaimed that it produced "TheBeverage for the Man that Works." TheHand Brewery had an annual productioncapacity of 100,000 barrels a year. It evenhad its own bottling facility, hiring FrancisGavin to manage this department in 1907.




Serving Trays of the Hand Brewing Company c. 1900




Advertising Fan of the Hand Brewing Company c. 1915


Sadly, Michael Hand, Sr., passed away in 1911. He was buried inSt. John's cemetery of Scranton, Pennsylvania.

After the passing of his father, Michael Hand, Jr., took over theti f th H d B i C U f t t l thi



operations of the Hand Brewing Company. Unfortunately, thisduty would only last four years. Michael Hand, Jr.,

unexpectedly passed away after a two week bout withpneumonia on February 2, 1915. He was only 49 years old. Hisuntimely death left his widow, Mrs. Annie E. Hand, to serve asboth the brewery’s president and treasurer.

As the country slipped into the dark days of Prohibition, Annie

and the Hand Brewing Company would manage toget themselves into trouble on more than one occasion.




With the Volstead Act and the enactment of Prohibition in1920, the Hand Brewing Company struggled for survival.During this time, the brewery was given a permit to producelow alcohol content cereal beverages. These attempted to look

like real beers, but they were actually only 1/2 of 1% in alcoholcontent. They included such delicacies as Pilsner "style",Sparkling, Celebrated Half Stock, and Stout.


Despite being able to produce these quasi-beers legally, the HandBrewing Company tested the Federal Prohibition Act on morethan one occasion. Producing illegal beer, it was the onlybrewery in Rhode Island to do so at this time. Obviously, thispractice was frowned upon by the Federal Government. Local



p p yofficials were ordered to raid the brewery on numerousoccasions. In a 1983 Pawtucket Times article, Annie Hand’s

son, Robert R. Hand, claimed that the Hand BrewingCompany was under the impression that it was doing nothingwrong when it produced the illegal beer. According to Mr.Hand, a local politician allegedly gave the brewery permission tooperate. Although he is not named in the article, it is quiteprobable that this “politician” was Mr. James Lavell, a local

realtor and “real boss of the Republican machine” whose“behind-the-scenes conduct of political schemes for his ownaggrandizement found leader of both parties willing to help” .

James Lavell

Enter James Lavell...



James Lavell was a bottler and wholesale/retail liquor dealerwho ran his business at 24-28 Fountain Street in Providence.He was the son of James and Bridget Lavell. Born in Ireland,James emigrated to the United States with his parents when hewas 15 years old When they arrived the Lavells established

James Lavell



was 15 years old. When they arrived, the Lavells establishedtheir home in Pawtucket. Within a few years, James’ father

started the liquor business on Fountain Street that his sonwould eventually take over. When he did, the Lavells moved toChase Street in Providence.

James Lavell was married to Mary A. Keenan. The couple hadone son and six daughters. Lavell took over his father’s business

at the turn of the 20th century. Sometime around the start ofProhibition, he moved his family to Pawtucket at 36 ParkPlace.

In 1907, James Lavell acted as a wholesale dealer and agent forthe James Hanley Brewing Co. of Providence, Rhode Island.Exerting his political influence through the licensingauthorities, he managed to have the products from Hanley’s

h H d B C f P k

James Lavell



competitor, the Hand Brewing Company of Pawtucket,boycotted from the saloons operating in Pawtucket. It is

estimated that during a 7 year boycott, the Hand BrewingCompany lost a half million dollars.

Eleven years later, just prior to the start of Prohibition, JamesLavell severed his ties with the Hanley Brewing Company.Enabling himself into a stronger position of power in

Pawtucket, he became one of the Hand Brewing Company’slargest distributors.

As the country went into the dark days of Prohibition, JamesLavell’s business at 24 Fountain Street, now known as JamesLavell & Son, became recognized in Rhode Island’s as aspeakeasy. Just a stone's throw away from the local police

i t it h d t i bli d f th

James Lavell



precinct, it somehow managed to receive a blind eye from thelocal authorities despite the fact that it was known to have "the

longest bar in Rhode Island."

During Prohibition, James Lavell also ran two realtycompanies, Beacon Realty at 72 Fountain Street and CrescentRealty at 42 Fountain Street. Reportedly, the 42 FountainStreet location had a “club room” where Lavell entertained his

political cronies and stored hundreds of thousands of dollarsfrom his business transactions.


As Prohibition waned on and Annie Hand struggled to keepthe Hand Brewing Company fiscally alive during thoseextremely difficult times, she approached James Lavell’s



Crescent Realty Company for a mortgage on her property. Theloan was approved with the brewery acting as security.

According to Robert Hand in the 1983 Pawtucket Timesarticle, the Hand family lost their brewery when a “politician”foreclosed their mortgage. Unable to pay off the loan, AnnieHand lost her property. The Hand Brewing Company thusbecame the sole property of James Lavell by 1921.


Just like the family that proceeded him, James Lavell was fined

on numerous occasions for producing illegal beer at his newlyacquired brewery. Many of his sales transactions reportedlywent down at his Realty Company located at 42 FountainStreet.



The manufacture of illegal beer under the direction of JamesLavell began in the summer of 1921. Producing over 15,000barrels of beer during the first 5 months it was in operation, thebrewery brought in a revenue reported to be worth over$450,000. A federal injunction hanging over the brewery from1923 to 1924 did little to restrain it from operating over thenext few years. Up until 1926, the brewery continued to run

day and night as it producied a total of 60,000 barrels of beerannually. Lavell was finally forced to stop production in 1927at which time he switched over to near beer.


Eventually, the federal government caught up with JamesLavell. After being arrested, he went on trial in June of 1931for federal tax evasion. Although the federal government

l h d h f l h b



previously charged him for concealing an income worth between$1,485,000 and $3,000,000 (of which, Lavell claimed $15,500)

James Lavell was finally convicted by Judge Ira Lloyd Lettisfor concealing $102,000 worth of bootleg beer income from 1925to 1928. He was sentenced to serve 18 months at the AtlantaState Federal Penitentiary. On June 24th, 1931, using anewspaper to shield his face from the photographers gatheredaround him, James Lavell boarded his train, bound for prison.




After paying a fine of $9485, James Lavell became eligible forparole on December 22nd, 1931. When it was finally granted on

January 8, 1932, his parole went into effect April 22nd. JamesLavell served half the time he was sentenced to serve inAtlanta.

The Atlanta State Federal Penitentiary c. 1935

Rhode Island


Released from jail, James Lavell eventually settled a FederalCivil Suit filed against him for $2,000,000 in federal taxes inApril of 1933. He paid $51,277.70.



Prior to the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, James Lavell

invested over $100,000 into modernizing his Pawtucketbrewery. By July of that year, he renamed his brewery theRhode Island Brewing Company. Now legal, he produced RhodeIsland Special Brew, Special Ale, Celebrated Half Stock,Special Porter, and Lavell's Celebrated Half Stock Ale.

Due to fierce market competition with legal competitors, theRhode Island Brewing Company was only able to survive forfive years, closing its doors forever in 1938.

Rhode Island




At 7:00 in the morning of June 8, 1939, Manual Chauvier, afamily employee of James Lavell, found the brewer dead in hisgarage. Slumped behind the wheel of his automobile and stillclutching a partially lit cigar, he was the apparent victim of aheart attack.

Rhode Island




Tap Knob and Bottle of Lavell’s Half Stock AleRhode Island Brewing Company c. 1934

Rhode Island




Rhode Island




The Hand / Rhode Island Brewing Company as it appeared on January 28, 1942(Providence Journal Archives)





"...to be wrecked to get a million bricks and tons of copperand other materials for defense."




The corner of Fountain and Union Streets, March 3, 1940.(Providence Journal Archives)




Doorley's Tap at 24 Fountain St., corner of Union Street as it appeared in 1954(Providence Journal Archives)




The Hand / Rhode Island Brewing Company as it appeared in 2008

George B. Boyden’sCrescent Park




1886 - 1979



George B. Boyden’s Crescent Park

In the early years, visitors came to Crescent Park in drovesby steamship and trolley. They found such amusements

as The Music Hall, Flying Toboggan, The Rivers of Venice,The Steeplechase, Midway, Exposition Hall, and the everpopular Bamboo Chutes. Over time, Crescent Park becameknown as the "Coney Island of the East". In 1901, the parkwas purchased by the Hope Land Company. In 1914, it openedthe Shore Dining Hall which was followed by a Bicycle Track



the Shore Dining Hall which was followed by a Bicycle Trackand modern Dance Hall.

As the 20th century progressed, Crescent Park underwentmany ownership changes. Rides came and went. Among someof the favorites were the "Flying Fish", Western Funhouse,and Charles Loof Roller Coaster originally built in 1914.


So what about the BEER?

Quite honestly, we don't know too much about it. What we doknow is that an unused bottle label of "Crescent ParkBoyden's Extra Table Beer" has miraculously survived theravages of time as has an original beer bottle marked GeorgeB. Boyden - Crescent Park, R.I.



Without question, this clearly confirms that George B.Boyden of Crescent Park, Rhode Island, had his own line ofbeer at the dawn of the 20th century. Who brewed it andwhether or not this beer was actually sold in the park, to thegeneral public, or in Boyden's Crescent Park Hotel, isuncertain.

All we do know is that Rhode Island has a fascinatingbrewing history!





As the 20th centuryprogressed, CrescentPark became a favoritedestination for folks toenjoy a shore dinner ofclams and lobsters It



clams and lobsters. Itwas a great spot to holdan annual outing. Oncesuch local company toenjoy all that CrescentPark had to offer wast h e N a r r a g a n s e t tBrewing Company.


Although Crescent Park was quite popular with thecommunity during the 1950s and 1960s, attendance

eventually declined as the years began to pass. Sadly, it wouldofficially shut down in 1979.

Although most of Crescent Park's structures burned to theground in various fires before and after its abandonment



ground in various fires before and after its abandonment,local interest in the Loof Carousel led to its preservation and

registration as a National Historic Landmark by theNational Park Service. Although the Midway is gone andthe site is now surrounded by trees, condominiums and abeautiful park, the Loof Carousel still remains at its originallocation. Thanks to the efforts of many who fought for itspreservation, it will be there for the enjoyment of many

generations of Rhode Islanders to come!




W. Hill & Son




Pre 1853 - 1883

W. Hill & SonPre 1853 - 1883

This Newport brewery, according to an 1856 BusinessDirectory, was located at 5 Brewer Street. Very little isknown of its existence.

According to the 1902 book, “The State of Rhode Island andProvidence Plantations at the End of the Century: AHistory”:



y

"The brewing business was formerly quite an important one inNewport, and about the time of the Rebellion the ale brewed by W.Hill & Son of that city had a large sale throughout the State.After changing hands several times it went out of business about1883."

The "Rebellion", of course, is a reference to the AmericanCivil War.

And that's about all we know for now...

The Mount HopeBrewing Company



1891?

The Mount Hope Brewing Co.1891 (?)

According to the American State Reports, however, theRh d I l d G l A bl d M 29

It is quite probable that this brewery never existed.



Rhode Island General Assembly passed an act on May 29,

1891, to incorporate the Mount Hope Brewing Company forthe purpose of "manufacturing, brewing, and selling lager beer,beer, porter and ales."

In addition to this act, a very rare stock certificate for theMount Hope Brewing Company, issued in Providence, Rhode

Island, on January 21, 1891, also exists.





Whether or not this brewery ever got off the ground andproduced beer is another question. There is no otherinformation available to either confirm or deny its existence.Wh thi b t b l t d i l t i A th



Where this brewery was to be located is also uncertain. As the

certificate was issued in Rhode Island, and the brewery was tobe named the Mount Hope Brewing Company, it is possiblethat it was planned to be built in one of the towns borderingMount Hope Bay. Was it to be built in Warren, Bristol,Tiverton or Portsmouth? We just don't know.


Of course, the name "Mount Hope"may have nothing to do with location.During the mid to late 19th century, aM t H Di tilli C



Mount Hope Distilling Company

operated at 42-48 Peck Street inProvidence. Could this have beenaffiliated with the Mount HopeBrewing Company? Probably not, buta beer bottle does exist from thise s t a b l i s h m e n t . U n t i l m o r einformation surfaces, another Rhode

Island mystery has yet to be solved.

Jacob WirthBottling Co. & HofBrau Haus

Providence



c. 1890 - 1927

The Jacob Wirth

Bottling Co. & Hofbrau Housec. 1890 - 1927



Jacob Wirth

(June 2, 1840 - August 10, 1892)

The Jacob Wirth


Without doubt, Jacob Wirth deserves special recognition in theannals of Rhode Island’s Brewing History.

Jacob Wirth originally came from a rich family history ofprosperous wine growers from Kreuznach, Prussia. In 1868,h l f h U d S h bl h d



shortly after emigrating to the United States, he established a

wholesale and bottling company at 60 Eliot Street in Boston.There, he imported and wholesaled fine Rhine wines as well aswines from the many provinces of Germany and France. JacobWirth was also the sole Boston agent and wholesaler for thelager beers of the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Company of St.Louis, Missouri. He sold George Ehret's Hell Gate Lager from

New York and Robert Smith's India Pale Ale fromPhiladelphia. Jacob Wirth also brewed his own beer. One of hisproducts included "The Boss Lager."

The Jacob Wirth




1877 Lithograph

(Boston Public Library)

The Jacob Wirth


In 1878, Jacob Wirth moved his establishment across the streetto a series of Greek-revival bow front row-houses located at37-39 Eliot Street. There, in addition to his prosperouswholesale business, he opened a restaurant.

This was and still is a most impressive establishment It



This was, and still is, a most impressive establishment. It

catered to the famous, as well as the not-so famous, of Boston.Upon entering Jacob Wirth’s restaurant, guests were greetedby a long mahogany bar which offered the finest selection ofdraught beers. Atop the back bar, a relief with the motto"SUUM CUIQCE" (to each their own) stood below an image ofJacob Wirth himself. Throughout the restaurant tables and

chairs were spread over sawdust covered floors. There, inaddit ion to beer , guests could enjoy tradit ionalGerman delicacies such as sausages, pigs feet, bacon, herring andcheese.

The Jacob Wirth




The Jacob Wirth


In 1880, Jacob Wirth and his wife, Maria, had a son by thename of Jacob. That year, the elder Jacob opened a wholesaleand bottling franchise at 160 (and later 164) Broad Street inProvidence, Rhode Island. While Jacob Wirth continued to

hi B t h d t hi h H R Wi th



run his Boston headquarters, his nephew, Henry R. Wirth,

managed the Rhode Island branch.

When the Narragansett Brewing Company wasincorporated in 1890, Jacob Wirth was one of the original sixinvestors. His company, The Jacob Wirth & Co., bottledNarragansett Select Stock Lager at their Rhode Island and

Boston branches. Jacob Wirth also became the brewery's soleagent in Boston.

The Jacob Wirth




The Jacob Wirth




The Jacob Wirth


By 1892, the Providence location of the Jacob Wirth & Co. waslisted at 186 Weybosset Street. Here, in addition to importingand bottling fine wines, beers, and ales, the company alsoestablished a restaurant known as the Jacob Wirth & Co.H fB H L k B l h bl h



HofBrau Haus. Like its Boston relative, this establishment

was quite popular within the community. The Jacob Wirth &Co. also had addresses of 25-27 Page street and 17 North MainStreet in Pawtucket.

Jacob Wirth passed away on August 10, 1892. He was laid torest in the Forest Hills Cemetery located in Jamaica Plains,Massachusetts.

The Jacob Wirth




The Jacob Wirth


With his passing of his father, Jacob Wirth (Jr.) took on theresponsibility of managing the family business. His mother,Maria, passed away in 1989.

By the year 1900, the Providence branch of the Jacob Wirth &Co., under the direction of Henry R. Wirth, would be listed at



y

227-231 West Exchange Street. They would become one of thelargest wholesalers and bottlers of domestic wines, beers, andmineral water in New England.

1906 Advertisement

The Jacob Wirth




Jacob Wirth and Company - Located at 227 West Exchange Street

(Providence Public Library)

The Jacob Wirth




Tasting Glasses from Jacob Wirth’s Hofbrau Haus

1907 - 1911

The Jacob Wirth




Coaster from Jacob Wirth’s Hofbrau Haus

1907 - 1911

The Jacob Wirth


Like many other fine establishments, the Jacob Wirth & Co. inRhode Island hit hard times during the dark years ofProhibition. In order to survive, the business became known asthe Wirth Concorde Ade Co. in 1927. Still listed at WestExchange Street, they produced "a delicious and refreshingdrink made from grapes " Like most businesses serving alcohol



drink made from grapes. Like most businesses serving alcohol

during these years, the HofBrau Haus closed its doors foreveraround this time.

Meanwhile, up in Boston, the Jacob Wirth & Co.would continue to operate as a restaurant. Unlike its RhodeIsland counterpart, it would survive prohibition as well as the

hardships of anti-German sentiments during and after WorldWars I and II.

The Jacob Wirth


Jacob Wirth, Jr., passed away onDecember 12, 1965. His wife, Dorothy,passed away on October 20, 1995.

Alth h Eli t St t h i b



Although Eliot Street has since been

renamed Stuart Street, the JacobWirth & Co. Restaurant continues tooperate to this day under the ownershipof the Fitzgerald family. Looking muchthe same as it did when the Wirthswere operating it, it is a fitting tribute

to their legacy.

Umfreville & Co.’s BreweryWarren

1859



Umfreville & Co.’s Brewery

1859



1859 Advertisement from the Providence Evening Press

Henry Wilkens

Lunch Room



c. 1880

Henry Wilkens

Lunch Room



Advertisement - Rhode Island Business Directory

1880

Rhode Island

Brewery Workers Unions



At the dawn of the 20th century, workers throughout theUnited States were able to negotiate fair working conditions andimproved wage earnings through their participation with LaborUnions. Rhode Island brewery workers were no exception.

Local No. 114 of the United Brewery Workers of the United

Rhode Island




Local No. 11 of the United Brewery Workers of the United

States was founded in the state of Rhode Island and ProvidencePlantations in December of 1896. This union was composed ofRhode Island brewers, engineers, coopers, drivers, barn men,firemen and helpers.

Local No. 114 elected John McMorrow as its first President. He

would serve this position a total of three consecutive terms. Hewas succeeded by Henry Ullman.

Rhode Island




Frank Yuhass, an employee of the Providence Brewing Company

on Eagle Street, served as the Union's first Treasurer. Otherelected officials included Mr. Chris. J. Leinhos, FinancialSecretary, and Fritz Berger, Recording and CorrespondingSecretary.

Rhode Island




A Local No. 114

Brewery Workers Badge

Providence, R.I.c. 1910

When a large number of employees from the James HanleyBrewing Company joined the Brewery Workers Union of RhodeIsland in 1898, it was thought advisable to divide the organizationinto two separate Locals.

Rhode Island




One of the reasons for doing this was the issue of language. Forthe past two years, Local No. 114 was composed primarily ofGerman speaking immigrants from German based breweries. Toaccommodate the many English speaking members from the Irishbased James Hanley Brewing Company, Local No. 166 wasestablished on November 15, 1898.

Ireland native Patrick Finneran, employee of James Hanley'sRhode Island Brewing Company, served as the Union's firstPresident. Michael Wren served as Vice President. Irelandnatives Frank J. Farrelly served as Recording Secretary andJohn Lynch served as Treasurer. John McMorrow, formerPresident of Local No. 114, served as Financial Secretary.

Rhode Island




Prior to 1899, the average brewery employee worked six and ahalf days per week. His average work day was twelve hours longand he rested on Sunday afternoons. For this, the averagebrewery worker earned a wage of ten to twelve dollars per week.

With Union labor negotiations in 1899, a worker’s wage

Rhode Island




With Union labor negotiations in 1899, a worker s wage

dramatically improved. He would earn no less than thirteendollars per week, yet no more than twenty-five dollars per week.Over successive agreements set over the first few years of the20th Century, the number of hours worked was "reduced fromtwelve to nine, with holiday and Sunday work excluded wheneverpossible, and to be paid for at the rate of fifty cents per hour,

other overtime work being at the rate of thirty-five cents perhour." In addition, men could not be discharged from the breweryunless union officials were notified.

By 1899, both the James Hanley Brewery and the ProvidenceBrewing Company were strictly Union and "signed the scale ofprices of the Brewery Workers organization".

Rhode Island




Until the last door was locked with the closing of theNarragansett Brewing Company, the brewery workers of RhodeIsland had a trade union.

Sullivan BrothersDistribution




1881 - 1918

In 1881, two brothers, Daniel J. and John F. Sullivan, began abottling company and wholesale distributorship of fine wines,liquors and mineral spirits at 376 Wickenden Street inProvidence. In 1888, they were bottling a wide variety of sodas,tonic beers, and ginger ales under the name Sullivan Bros. Steam

Sullivan Brothers Distribution1881 - 1918



, g g

Bottling Works.

By 1892, the two brothers had locations at 398 WickendenStreet, 1 Shofield Street, and 62 Ives Street. At this time, theywere also bottling and wholesaling a variety of ales and lagersincluding those produced by the Narragansett and Jas. Hanley

Brewing Companies.

Around 1897, there were five Sullivan brothers in the familybusiness. In addition to Daniel and John, the partners nowincluded Timothy J., Eugene D., and Dennis R. Sullivan. Thecompany became known as The Five Sullivan Brothers. They

Sullivan Brothers Distribution1881 - 1918



company became known as The Five Sullivan Brothers. They

also had locations at 577 Wickenden Street in Providence, and 9Warren Avenue in East Providence.

The Sullivan Brothers Company went out of business in1918, two years prior to the enactment of prohibition.

Sullivan Brothers Distribution

1881 - 1918



Coutu Brothers



Warwick Brewing Company



1902 (?)

Other than Incorporation records from 25 June, 1902, nothing isknown of this Brewery. It is possible that it was the predecessor to theWarwick Brewing Company that opened its doors after prohibition,

The Warwick Brewing Co.

1902 (?)



but this is purely speculative.


1902 (?)



Acts and Resolves Passed by the General Assembly of the

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

Warwick Brewing CompanyNatick, Rhode Island



1933 - 1936

Very little is known about this mysterious brewery that opened itsdoors shortly after the repeal of prohibition in 1933.

According to various references, the brewery was located in a smallbuilding at 27 East Avenue in Natick, a neighborhood in Warwick,Rhode Island. According to a contemporary keg label, however, the


1933 - 1936



brewery was located at 7 East Avenue, but this may be erroneous.

Irregardless of its actual location, the brewery did not fair wellduring its three year existence as it permanently closed its doors in1936.


1933 - 1936



1973 Uncle Ernie Oest Photograph of the Brewery Building


1933 - 1936



Keg Label


1933 - 1936



Roger WilliamsBrewing Corporation




1933 - 1940

The Roger Williams Brewing Corporation was one of five

breweries in Rhode Island to open its doors after the repeal ofprohibition in 1933. It was located at 61-71 Troy Street in theOlneyville section of Providence.

Established by Joseph Bertolaccinni, the brewery made RogerWilliams Ale, Pale Ale, Lager and Porter. It also

Roger Williams Brewing Corp.

1933 - 1940



produced Westminster Half Stock, Westminster India Pale Ale,Down East Special XXXXXX Cream Ale, Old Brew CreamAle and Union Cream Ale.

The Roger Williams Brewing Corporation hired Julius Cabisiusas its brewmaster. He was a graduate of the Brewmaster's Schoolof the Wahl Henius Institute in 1895. The motto of the RogerWilliams Brewing Corporation was "The Beer of Good Cheer".




The Consumer’s / HollenBrewing Company

Hillsdale (Warwick), Rhode Island

1933 1938



1933 - 1938

After the repeal of Prohibition in 1933,the Consumer's Brewing Companyopened its doors and began brewing beerat 745 Jefferson Boulevard in theHillsgrove section of Warwick, RhodeIsland.

I dd C ' B d Al

The Consumer’s Brewing Company

1933 - 1935



In addition to Consumer's Beer and Ale,the brewery also produced Good LuckAle. For an advertising mascot, theyoung brewery chose a stately fatherfigure and "Ask Father" for a motto.Apparently, not too many people favored

dad’s advice as the fledgling breweryfaltered. New ownership took overoperations within just two years.



The Consumer’sBrewing Company




With new management in 1936,

t h e C o n s u m e r ’ s B r e w i n gCompany became known as theHollen Brewing Company. Itp r o d u c e d H o l l e n b r u a n dCanadian Ales. Even with thischange in marketing, thebrewery succumbed to marketh ll Th H ll B i




challenges. The Hollen BrewingCompany closed its doors in1938.



The HollenBrewing Company




Kent Brewing CompanyWest Warwick, Rhode Island

1933 1934



1933 - 1934

The paint was hardly dry when the Kent Brewing Companyclosed its doors after opening them with the repeal of prohibitionin 1933.

The Brewery was located in an old stone mill building at 2 BridalAvenue in West Warwick, Rhode Island. It produced Kent Ale

and Kent Stout Ale

The Kent Brewing Company

1933 - 1934



and Kent Stout Ale.


1933 - 1934



1973 Uncle Ernie Oest Photograph of the Brewery Building


1933 - 1934



The Emerald IsleBrew Works, Ltd.West Warwick, Rhode Island

1993 1996



1993 - 1996

This wonderful little brewery was located just around the cornerfrom the old Kent Brewing Company in West Warwick, RhodeIsland. Like the Kent, the Emerald Isle Brew Works was located inan old stone mill building adjacent to the Pawtuxet River. It had astreet address of 1454 Main Street.

The Emerald Isle was started in 1993 by dentist Ray McConnell andh M k I d d f k d d l Th b

Emerald Isle Brewing Co.

1993 - 1996



The Emerald Isle was started in 1993 by dentist Ray McConnell andhis son, Mike. It produced fine cask-conditioned ales. The brewerywas famous for its Bank Street Ale, Emerald Isle Ale and EmeraldIsle Porter. It also produced a Holiday Ale and Beaver Tail Ale.

All of these brews required the use of an expensive beer engine, morecommonly known as a hand pump, to be dispensed. This methodharkened back to the days when beer was kept in a pub's cool cellar(50-55 degrees fahrenheit) and the publican dispensed his offerings bypumping them up from the cellar by hand. This method can still beseen in the pubs of England and Ireland.

Unfortunately, it was the beer engine that eventually led to thedemise of the Emerald Isle Brew Works It was expensive to purchase


1993 - 1996



demise of the Emerald Isle Brew Works. It was expensive to purchaseand install (they came from England), and only a very few local pubscatered to a clientele savvy enough to enjoy something other than Litebeer. Eventually, it became impossible to continue running thebrewery on such a limited basis.

Despite the outcries of many (your author included), the Emerald IsleBrew Works closed its doors in 1999. Many of us have still notforgiven those responsible for doing this to us.

Our good friends, Ray and Mike, have since moved to the great stateof Maine. Ray and his wife, Marilyn, run a bed and breakfast in


1993 - 1996



of Maine. Ray and his wife, Marilyn, run a bed and breakfast inDamariscotta. Appropriately enough, it is called Alewives and Ales.


1993 - 1996

Rhode Island Brewery History

Documents

Transcript of Rhode Island Brewery History