From the Mayor’s Office: John & Peg

The other evening after stringing lights on the outside of my store I stopped by Yesterdays to warm my frozen fingers. The warmth of a well-loved community meeting place is so immediate and comforting. Clearly this is where life happens, where we break bread and have a brew or a favorite elixir. It is a joyful home well-loved and tended. John Christison made Yesterdays as we know it. His generosity, spirit and sense of humor prevails as the hallmark of this beloved establishment.

That evening we had a moment to reminisce. Thirty-six years ago, I had just moved back to Warwick from NYC and was starting Newhard’s. Luckily there was a place that I could find camaraderie and kindness as I wasn’t sure I wanted to be back home. Warwick then was a very different place, and the cast of characters were the stuff of American literature. McEwen Street was rough and ready, though 100 feet from genteel Main Street. It’s hard to describe it all here but it was such a pleasure to revisit that time with John who witnessed the many changes over time.  We have evolved but there was something innocent, unstudied and real about that time, now a layer of local history.

Every bit of Yesterdays is an intentional expression of skill, artistry, and talent. The handmade mahogany bar, the stained glass, the beautiful storefront with etched glass and local images are all part of what makes it unique.

Yesterdays has been an anchor of hospitality on Main Street. Over time it has defined itself as a place we love. When the Mayor and Mayoress of Warwick England visited during the sesquicentennial it was a long table at Yesterdays where we had our final farewell.  It has also been a place where we find help in difficult times; with the early threat of COVID it was the place that our merchants met to try to make sense of what lie ahead. This is a place of community comfort and for that reason so many folks are regulars.

Warwick’s Main Street is a play of many acts and many actors. John was always ready with a star spangled suit, Santa in a vintage car or a bright green beard. It was that life, the fun that he brought to our daily activities.

With the building of a new restaurant on Elm Street John and Peg decided to close their doors for a little while. Even for a short time Yesterdays will be missed. Over the past few days friends have been saying their goodbyes. John’s love of his life and partner Peg, orchestrated a heartwarming and emotional pass-by of fire trucks. With sirens blaring, the world stopped for a moment to recognize this man and the restaurant he created. Today a large crowd of friends, well-wishers and regulars crowded in the restaurant to surprise John and to say thank you.  PIX 11 organized and recorded the event . This was a tribute to service and love for his community.

Onward to a new chapter, a new  building, Yesterdays reimagined on Elm Street not far from where it began. Congratulations John and Peg! Supportive wishes from your merchant family and the community. We look forward to those same doors reopening and to being surrounded by the warmth of a familiar and friendly place that we all know and love.