American Brewing Co.:
1892-1896
Providence Brewing Co.: 1896-1927
|
|
| The Brewey as it appeard at the turn of the 20th Century |
This brewery was located in a majestic brick building at 431 Harris Avenue in
Providence, Rhode Island. Built on the corner of Eagle Street, it was originally known as the American
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 would rename his new enterprise the Providence
Brewing Company.
The Providence Brewing Company was famous for it's production of "New England's Famous"
Bohemian Beer and Canada Malt Ale. It also produced a "Dark" Columbian Beer, XXX Sparkling Ale, Standard Pale Ale,
and Nutshell Ale.
In 1897, James Hanley hired John E. Good, proprietor of the Providence Bottling Company, as the
company's secretary and treasurer. The Providence Bottling Company was one of numerous independent companies who bottled
beer and ale for the brewery during this time. After nine years of employment, John Good left his position with
the brewery and returned to his business as an independent bottler. As the early 20th century progressed,
the Providence Brewing Company declared it had it's own "Brewery Bottling". In 1907, James Hanley hired Gustave
F. Mensing to manage the company.
|
|
| Rectangular "Stock" Tray featuring a Faust-like Character |
|
|
| Turn of the Century Tray featuring the Providence Journal |
|
|
| Turn of the Century Photograph featuring a PBC Wagon |
|
|
| Lithograph Calendar Dated 1900 |
|
|
| Bottle Opener and Tap Marker |
|
|
| Early 20th Century Providence Journal Advertisement |
|
|
| Early 20th Century Providence Journal Advertisement |
|
|
| Postcard Silver King Pub, Newport |
The Providence Brewing Company eventually closed in 1927, as did many breweries
throughout the country due to the enactment of prohibition in 1920. James Hanley, owner of the brewery, continued to make
ends meet with the production of near beers at his James Hanley Brewing Company location. In 1926, Gustave Mensing turned
the brewery into a storage facility.
We are very fortunate that the old brewery building still stands, looking
much the same way it did during it's prime. Although the courtyard is gone and there are some alterations to the
building's roofline, this majestic and historic landmark of Rhode Island's past can be seen from Route 6
as one travels into downtown Providence. Just look for the Capital Records Management building.
|
|
| The Brewery Building as it appeared in 2006 - The Capital Records Management Building |
