Yesterday’s of Newport goes to Auction

NEWPORT, RI – Yesterday’s, Newport’s well known and revered  meeting, drinking and eating establishment for over 40 years has lost its lease and EVERYTHING must be sold. Owner’s Richard & Maria Thorn who began Yesterday’s in 1974 have concluded a fabulous run of over 40 years with a September 26 Saturday night dinner for their patrons. “We never expected a response to our closing like we had this weekend with over 1,500 meals served” said Maria Thorn. “It was a overwhelming response that our friends and customers for over 40 years shared their stories of love, marriage, meeting and chance at Yesterdays” she said.

The property at 28 Washington Square has been sold to new investors who have no plans for a restaurant as a tenant and are aiming for high end retail for the property. Maria Thorn calls the loss of her lease “heartbreaking and devastating”.

Michael Salvadore Jr., of Salvadore Auctions, Inc. of Narragansett, RI has been hired to liquidate the assets of the restaurant at a October 24 auction that is open to the public. Salvadore who has auctioned off other high profile restaurants including the first Bugaboo Creek to go to auction comments “The amount of historically correct photos of 1900’s Newport is amazing and the quality of the original artwork is stunning. Plus the amount of collectible items is incredible! Some lucky bides are going to go home with once in a lifetime items”.

Included in the auction is a hand carved fan, the work of Paul Goddard  a descendant of the early and well known Rhode Island furniture maker. The stunning woodworking features a hand carved skull as its centerpiece. A stunning and eye catching work of craftsmanship that is believed to be the only one in existence.

Also included in the auction is a sign that was prominent in the movie Amistad, a painting originally done in mercury paint now enclosed in glass of the prominent New Bedford piano shop “Pease” , a 1900’s Barber Pole, Art Deco Lighting, Hand Made Brass Railings, Tiffany style Lamps, hundreds of photos, Brass Signs, Cast Iron Bar Stools, Kitchen and Bar Equipment and over two hundred Beer Taps. Salvadore says “For 40 years Richard and Maria Thorn collected unique items for their restaurant that have significant collectible value. Now the public has the opportunity to win these items at Auction on October 24”. Indeed, a unique Newport institution that created families, friendships years of fine food and cheer will be now be made available to the public on October 24.

For additional information about this auction visit www.siaai.com or contact Michael A. Salvadore Jr., SPA, MPPA at auctions@siaai.com or 401.792.4300 x2

Leave a comment