Hi Neighbor, Have a Gansett!

Original sign from the Narragansett Brewery during the 1890’s.

THE STORY OF THE FAMOUS NARRAGANSETT BREWING COMPANY. MADE ON HONOR. SOLD ON MERIT. INDEPENDENT BREWER OF CLASSIC NEW ENGLAND LAGERS AND CRAFTS SINCE 1890! HI NEIGHBOR, HAVE A GANSETT!

Narragansett Brewery in the early days. One of the oldest photos of the brewery we know of.

Images of America: Narragansett Brewing Company by Hazel B. Turley is now available for download on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iBooks and on your computer with iTunes. Love vintage Narragansett beer memorabilia and looking for more? This book has hundreds of great photos and takes you through the epic 120 year history of Narragansett beer. Some we’ve posted here and some have never been seen for years until now. A great piece to thumb through on rainy days. Books must be read on an iOS device. Click here to purchase it on Apple.com for just $12.99.
Description
Narragansett Brewing Company was developed in 1890 by German American descendants in Cranston. Taking advantage of an underground aquifer, the company also made ice for thousands of customers. During Prohibition, the brewery continued to make and deliver ice, as well as a type of soda. After the repeal of Prohibition, the Haffenreffer family purchased the brewery and began recalling previous workers to help restore the brewery and bring it to the highest production rate ever. After World War II,advertising manager Jack Haley shifted the company focus to hospitality with the now famous slogan, “Hi Neighbor, Have a ‘Gansett!” Before long, Narragansett was the number one beer in New England. Through vintage photographs, Narragansett Brewing Company chronicles the fascinating history, tragic fall, and exciting rebirth of this local icon.
Click here to learn more about the Images Of America series from Arcadia Publishing.

Narragansett newspaper ad from 1892. Caption reads:

PHYSICIANS all over New England who have occasion to prescribe Lager as an invigorator, appreciate the fact that the lager brewed at the Narragansett Brewery of Providence, R.I., since its establishment two years ago, has enabled them to obtain a truly pure and decidedly wholesome beer for their patients. The Malt and Bohemian Hops used in this Lager are the best that is possible to obtain. This, with the purest spring water, scrupulous cleanliness and a most thorough process of fermentation, makes it highly desirable for medicinal purposes. Physicians and professional men are cordially invited to inspect the plant and process.

This excellent framed piece was given to us by the owners of Jacob Wirth tavern in 2006. It was to commemorate our launch in Boston at the time. In case you didn’t already know, Jacob Wirth was one of the original six founders of the Narragansett Brewery back in 1890. A closer look at the poster and we see copyright 1898. Look at the size of the brewery at that time. All those wagons hauling barrels of delicious beer. Folks hustling and bustling to get work done. To think it’s this big and still only a young company at eight years old. Those, ladies and gents, is what we call The Good Hours!