The James Hanley Brewing Company was one of the earliest known and longest lasting major
breweries to ever operate in the state of Rhode Island. It's history is also one of the most convoluted.
According to current research, the brewery's origins can be traced back to the Otis Holmes Brewery.
This small brewery began operations in 1835 and was located at the corner of Fountain and Jackson streets in Providence,
Rhode Island. Exactly how long Otis Holmes ran his brewery is uncertain. We do know, however, that he was still in business in
1842 as he and his brewery made the local newspapers that year due to his involvement with a suffrage movement
known as the Dorr Rebellion. Taking place in Providence and Glocester, Rhode Island, this uprising was suppressed by
the state militia and those involved, including Mr. Holmes, were accordingly punished by the local government:
Sunday June 25, 1842
Warren (Rhode Island) Gazette
"Mr. Holmes, proprietor of the
Brewery, where the late suffrage meetings have been held, was arrested this p.m. and is now a prisoner"
As
all involved with the Dorr Rebellion were later acquitted, the natural assumption is that Otis Holmes returned to his
brewery after his incarceration.
In 1867, John Blight became the proprietor of the Otis Holmes Brewery.
Although the brewery became recognized as the John Blight Brewery after this transaction, it is interesting to note that a
November 5, 1869 edition of the Providence Morning Herald reveals an advertisement placed by John Blight for a "Narragansett
Brewery" located at the corner of Jackson and Fountain Streets in Providence. While it would be natural to assume that
this was the "Famous" Narragansett Brewing Company incorporated in 1890, it is obvious that this was simply a name
variation for the John Blight Brewery.
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| November 5, 1869 Providence Morning Herald Advertisement for John Blight's "Narragansett Brewery" |
There once was a brewery from Pawtucket, and all the...
Prior to 1875, a
brewery known as the Merchants Brewing Company existed at 87 East Avenue in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. In 1876, two friends,
John P. Cooney and James Hanley, would purchase this brewery and create a partnership known as Cooney
& Hanley.
John Cooney was a wholesale dealer of fine wines, liquors, teas and cigars at 100
Canal Street in Providence. He started his business in 1862. By 1863, he was producing his own brand of stomach
bitters, syrups, and cordials.
James Hanley was also an importer and wholesale dealer of fine wines, whiskies,
liquors and cigars. In addition, he sold New York and Philadelphia Ales. His business was established
in 1861 and was initially located at his home address of 131 North Main Street in Providence. It
was later located at 139, then 166 North Main Street where Hanley sold Kentucky and Pennsylvania Rye and Bourbon Whiskey.
He also sold "Bass and Allsop's Ale in Hogsheads, Barrels and Half Hogsheads." James Hanley's brother, Thomas
J. Hanley, worked as a clerk for the business. Thomas also owned a liquor store at 193 High Street in Providence.
In 1870, the two Hanley brothers formed a wholesale and liquor store partnership known as James Hanley and Bro.. In 1879,
this business would be listed at 341 High Street in Providence.
A Stoneware Jug from the days when James Hanley was a wholesale dealer of cigars, whiskies, wines,
liquors, and New York and Philadelphia Ales at his home address of 131 North Main Street in Providence, RI: Circa. 1861-1870
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| Providence & Worcester Railroad Co. Receipt for 10 Bals Ale, Cooney & Hanley , Pawtucket, 1877 |
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| Geo. W. Wadsworth Letter for 175 Bags of Malt Delivery to Cooney & Hanley Brewery Oct. 29, 1878 |
The Cooney and Hanley Brewery steadily became more and more successful over the first
three years it was in business. Then tragedy struck. In 1879, John P. Cooney became seriously ill. Within a year,
he would pass away at the age of 41. Before his death, his shares of the brewery were liquidated and purchased by
his partner, James Hanley. With this transaction, the brewery became known as the James Hanley & Co.. It also
went by the name of the Silver Spring Brewery.
In time, the James Hanley &
Co./Silver Spring Brewery moved to the corner of Jackson and Fountain Streets in Providence. This being the site of the
original Otis Holmes - John Blight - Narragansett Brewery, our story comes to a complete circle. The Silver Spring
Brewery produced XXX Ale, India Pale Ale and Stock Ale.
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| Early Bulldog Lithograph with Whimsical Toasting Frog (1879-1883) |
While James was running his brewery, he and his brother, Thomas, would continue running
their liquor store and wholesale business in Providence. Their establishment would be listed at 32 Exchange Place
by 1884. In 1886, the address changed to 30 Exchange Place. They would advertise that they carried wines and
liquors, Kentucky and Pennsylvania Rye and Bourbon Whiskey as well as India Pale Ale, Stock Ale, and XXX Ale from
the Silver Spring Brewery.
According to state records, James Hanley officially incorporated his brewery
as the Rhode Island Brewing Company on May 31, 1883 with a capitol stock of $500,000. Other records reveal that he
may not have done this until 1886. In either case, James Hanley would continue to serve as both president
and treasurer of his brewery. The Rhode Island Brewing Company was still located at the corner of Fountain
and Jackson Streets in Providence and produced India Pale Ale, XXX Stock Ale and Porter. It also produced a Canada
Malt Ale which was "very rich in nutriment, a delicious family beverage, and especially adapted for invalids."
An 1892 account describes the Rhode Island Brewing Company's facilities:
"The plant comprises a ground area of 25,000 square feet, on which are
erected a series of five-story brick buildings, all equipped with modern appliances, apparatus and machinery, while the mash
tubs, vats, settling tanks, pumps, refrigerators and storage vessels all bespeak the watchful care and intelligent enterprise
of the management. The brew kettle has the capacity for brewing 200 barrels at a brew, while there is storage room for
8,000 barrels, and the annual productive capacity of the brewery is 100,000 barrels. The brewery is a model of order,
neatness and good management, and has no superior in these respects in the country. The best malt and hops are utilized,
and these are handled in such a manner as to result in the production of ale and porter which for purity, flavor and quality
are unexcelled in this or any other market. An inferior grade of ale or porter is never permitted to leave the premises;
hence its excellent reputation with retailers, families and connoisseurs. A splendid line of stock ale is kept on hand,
and the trade is large and influential all through New England."
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| Early Pub Photograph featuring a Rhode Island Brewing Co. Lithograph |
In 1894, James Hanley joined with John E. Goode to operate the American Brewing Company as
a separate business venture. This brewery was located on the corner of Eagle Street and Harris Avenue in Providence and would
later be named the Providence Brewing Company. For more information on this brewery, I kindly direct you to this brewery's section
on this website.
According to State incorporation records, on May 29, 1895, the Rhode Island Brewing Company officially
became known as the James Hanley Brewing Company. The brewery thrived with it's production of Peerless, India Pale, Pale
Export and Cream Ales. It also produced a popular Porter.
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| Late 19th Century Tin Sign |
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| An Early Bar Draught Stanchion |
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| Late 19th/Early 20th Century ROG Sign |
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| Pub or Liquor Store/Wholesaler Exterior featuring Hanley's and Providence Brewing Co. Signs |
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| Turn of the Century Porcelain Stopper Bottle |
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| Pre-Prohibition Bottle Carrier |
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| Early Bottle Case from Pawtucket |
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| The Brewery at the Dawn of the 20th Century |
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| Photograph of the Cumberland House |
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| A Closer Look in the Window Reveals 3 Corner Signs from the James Hanley, Hand, and Eagle Brewing Co |
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| Hanley's Porcelain Corner Sign Like the One in the Window |
While the James Hanley Brewing Company was growing rapidly and becoming quite prosperous, the
Hanley brothers liquor store and wholesale operation would move to 54 Exchange Place in 1898. It would then be known under
the new name of Hanley, Hoye and Co.
At the end of the 19th Century, the James Hanley Brewing
Company introduced it's first advertising icon that it would use to promote it's products for
many years to come. He was affectionately known as the "Connoisseur," a stately older gentleman
toasting a glass of ale. Could it be possible that this fellow was fashioned after James Hanley himself?
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| Tray featuring an Early Variation of the "Connoisseur" |
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| Turn of the Century Matchbox featuring the same early icon |
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| Turn of the Century Matchbox (Reverse) |
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| ROG Sign in original Wood Frame featuring a more stylized "Connoisseur" |
Like all breweries of the time, the James Hanley Brewing Company relied heavily
on the horse and wagon to transport it's products. James Hanley, however, took this to an art form. An equine
aficionado, he used the finest Belgian Draught Horses available for the task. The James Hanley Brewing Company became
"World Famous" for it's 9 horse wagon teams which were seen throughout New England at numerous
fairs and parades.
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| The "World Famous" Hanley 9 Horse Team Hitch Postcard |
Click here to see an early 20th century film of the "World Famous" Hanley Horse and Wagon Team
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| The "World Famous" Hanley 9 Horse Hitch in a New Hampshire Parade |
Sadly, James Hanley passed away in Providence, Rhode Island on August 31, 1912. As
he had been a life member of the American Irish Historical Society, this organization saw fit to give him a heart-felt
obituary:
"James Hanley, a life member of the American Irish Historical
Society, died in Providence, August 31st, 1912.
He was born in the County Roscommon, Ireland, September 7th, 1841,
and came there to Providence, where, at an early age, he entered an active business life which he followed to the time of
his death. His early boyhood knew the hardships of toil and little of the school, but he had the gift of clear thinking and
an ambition to know, and as he grew in years, knowledge of men and things and books came, and with it a broadness of character
and a business ability of wide and successful range. His experience as an investor and his familiarity of values were quickly
recognized by his business associates, and his judgement was considered of rare value to the banks and large corporations
with which he was associated.
In a manner Mr. Hanley was reserved but cordial, and his relations with his fellow
members in this Society and the public in general were always marked by a quiet dignity and courtesy. His purse was ever open
for charity and his heart true to his friends who will always remember him.
Mr. Hanley, at the time of his death,
was President of the old established corporation of Hanley-Hoye Company, President and Treasurer of the James Hanley Brewing
Company, President of the Providence Brewing Company, director in the National Exchange 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. The secret of his success was a combination of industry, clear business
judgement and fairness towards those with whom he dealt.
He was reluctant to attract notice, and, although frequently
importuned to accept official positions in financial institutions, peristantly refused until he became a member of the reorganization
committee of the Union Trust Company, and later when that company sold to the National Exchange Bank, he became a director
in the latter institiution.
Mr. Hanley had a love for horses, and during his career was the owner of the finest
and fastest driving horses in the State, an of very notable horses of the American turf.
He will be sadly missed
among a large circle of friends and acquaintances."
(Written by Thomas Zanslaur Lee)
Shortly after the death of James Hanley, a second advertising icon would
be introduced by the James Hanley Brewing Co.. This time, the figure was a lazy old British bulldog. The first use
of the bulldog was actually seen years before in a small lithograph put out by the brewery when it was known as the James
Hanley & Co. (pictured above, with the dog being toasted by a bullfrog). Not actually put into use until after the repeal
of prohibition, this bulldog would become synonymous with the brewery as the 20th century progressed. He was known as the
"Watchdog of Quality" and was painted by Frederic Stanley in 1913. This painting would hang in
the administration office of the brewery until it finally closed. The brewery would consider this image of
the bulldog so important to it's identity that it would later insure the painting with Llyod's of London.
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| 1913 Frederic Stanley Painting - The Watchdog of Quality - Originally Hung in Brewery |
As a means of marketing it's products more efficiently, the James Hanley Brewing Company
would stop relying on independent bottling companies in 1915. A June 29, 1915 advertisement in the Taunton (MA) Daily Gazette
proclaimed that "Hanley's Ale - The Standard of Excellence - is now bottled at the brewery." Depending on what
type of Ale suited your fancy, you could find it easily by the color of the label it was packaged in. Pale Ale came in a Red
labeled bottle. Dark Ale came in Blue. You could get Half Stock Ale in a Green labeled bottle and Extra Ale in Purple.
If Porter was your favorite, it could be found in a Yellow labeled bottle.
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| An Assortment of Early 20th Century Matchbooks and Safes |
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| Friends Enjoying Hanley's Ale Postcard |
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| 1914 Book of Sporting Records |
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| Two Foxy Babes Hanging out in Providence. Note the Hanley Billboard to the left. |
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| 1905 Fraternal Order of Eagles Souvenier Match Holder |
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| 1905 Empire Cafe Baseball Scorebook |
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| Empire Cafe Scorebook Interior featuring a 1905 Providence Clamdiggers (Grays) Schedule/Roster |
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| 1911 Facts for Fans Booklet |
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| Cyanotype for Early Beer Delivery Truck |
Like all breweries of the time, the James Hanley Brewing Company would face difficult
times with the enactment of prohibiton in 1920. While most of it's competitors shut their doors during these difficult
years, The James Hanley Brewing Co. managed to survive with the production of a near beer known as "Limited."
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| Prohibition Era Low Alcohol Beer Bottle |
With the repeal of prohibition in 1933, the Brewery opened it's
doors and never looked back. It thrived during the thirties and forties with the production of Ale, Export
Lager and Pilsner Beers.
