An Introduction
To Our Site
During the summer of 1959,
Sally Pierce of Cranston, Rhode Island and Edward Theberge of Pawtucket got together with some friends for a picnic in
the park. They had been dating for only a short period of time, having met each other while they were both working
at Hospital Trust National Bank in Providence.
It was only natural that this couple would bring along
some ice cold "'Gansetts" with them that day to go along with their fare of hot dogs and hamburgers.
After all, in the late fifties, Narragansett was the most popular local beer in New England.
Somewhere on
the picnic table, buried among the condiments and snacks, a portable transistor radio might have been broadcasting
the Sox game that afternoon. As usual, Curt Gowdy would have be behind the mike, belting out his usual "Hi
Neighbor, Have a 'Gansett!".
This couple probably did not fathom that afternoon that in the near future
they would soon be married and have a son. They probably didn't even think of the possibility that over forty years
later, this son would happen upon a few photographs taken of them that day.
While most normal sons would
only notice that his parents looked remarkably younger in these pictures, he would notice that they were drinking
Narragansett Lager Beer.
|
|
| Ed Theberge and Sally Pierce |
While some may find that
observation a bit unusual, it really isn't. It just happens that this son shares with his dad a
passion for collecting old Rhode Island brewery advertising. It is a hobby that not only allows them
to spend valuable time together, but one that allows them the opportunity to preserve part of Rhode Island's fascinating
history.
Within these Internet pages one will find the fruits of a father and son's 30+ year labor
of love. We invite you to explore our virtual museum of Rhode Island's historic breweries and establishments related to
the brewing industry. The BROWN TASK BAR on the left will take you wherever you wish to go!
So grab yourself an
ice cold brew from the fridge, sit down, and explore days long gone by.
While Rhode Islanders currently
have the opportunity to enjoy a few Rhode Island brewed beers from the Coddington, Newport Storm, Union and Trinity
Breweries*, all of the breweries depicted in this web site are long extinct. All we have to remember them by are a
few fading memories, a small number of photographs, some diminishing buildings, and a variety of treasured artifacts
left over from the "good old days" ...those days when you could buy a beer that was proudly made by one
of your neighbors.
Please let us know if you have any information you would like to share with us. We always love
to hear from folks who have a story to tell. And, by all means, if you have something you think we would enjoy putting in
our collection, we would LOVE to hear from you as well! We truly hope you enjoy our site.
Cheers Neighbor,
and GO RED SOX!
Ed and Greg Theberge
* While
Rhode Islanders are still able to enjoy Narragansett Lager Beer since it's new resurgence, it is not currently brewed
in Rhode Island. We eagerly look forward to the day when it will be brewed on Rhode Island soil, but
we know these things take time.
