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, buns and snacks, a transistor radio might have been broadcasting
the Sox game that afternoon. As usual, Curt Gowdy would be behind the mike belting out his usual, "Hi Neighbor,
Have a 'Gansett!".
It would be hard to imagine
this couple thinking too far into the future that day, but, as fate would have it, they would soon be married and
have a couple of kids. Forty years later, one of these kids would come across a few photographs taken
of them that day. While most 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 this observation may
seem a bit unusual, it really isn't. It just so happens that this son shares with his dad a passion for old
Rhode Island brewery advertising. It's a great hobby that not only allows them time to spend together, but one
that allows them the opportunity to preserve a small part of Rhode Island's rich and fascinating history.
Within these Internet pages you will find the fruits of a father and son's thirty plus year
labor of love. We invite you to explore our collection and virtual museum of Rhode Island's rich brewing history. Look
for some of the video links we have in store for you. 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 native Rhode Island 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 may have an interest in, we would LOVE to hear from you as well! We're always looking for
new items to add to our collection. We truly hope you enjoy our site.
Cheers Neighbor, and, while we're at
it... GO RED SOX!
Ed and Greg Theberge
*
While Rhode Islanders are now able to drink "Narragansett Lager Beer" since it's new resurgence, it
is not currently brewed in Rhode Island. Since it is brewed in Rochester, New York, we don't consider it a Rhode
Island beer. Nuf Ced.
