Charleston Newsletter, Volume 3, Issue 4

Step Into Another Century: Joe Stone’s Vision for Centuries Past Tavern

Imagine enjoying a farm-to-table meal, sipping a locally brewed drink, and then stepping into a grand historical ball where guests arrive in costumes from centuries past. That is the vision behind Centuries Past Tavern, the creative project of Charleston Business District entrepreneur Joe Stone. Joe’s concept brings together two lifelong passions: sustainable culinary traditions and the immersive world of historical and medieval reenactment.

Joe, the oldest of three children, grew up in Louisiana on his grandparents’ farm. There he learned to work the land and developed a deep respect for agriculture and self-sufficiency. After leaving Louisiana, Joe joined the United States Army, where he served for 12 years before medically retiring in 2014.

During his military career, Joe traveled extensively and was stationed in North Carolina at Fort Bragg, Colorado, South Korea, Germany, and Washington. While living in Washington, he fell in love with the region’s natural beauty—especially Mount Rainier—and ultimately chose to build his life here after retiring from the Army.

After leaving military service, Joe focused on expanding his knowledge in the areas that fascinated him most. He pursued studies and certifications in gardening, brewing, distilling, beekeeping, culinary arts, accounting, and business—always with the goal of learning not just how to do something, but how to do it well and sustainably.

Joe believes that growing up working the land with his grandfather shaped his perspective. He feels modern society has drifted away from its connection to the land and hopes his work can help people rediscover the value of traditional skills, craftsmanship, and community gathering spaces.

His second passion—historical reenactment and fantasy culture—began in childhood. While visiting his father, who had HBO, Joe became captivated by epic fantasy films such as Conan the Barbarian. The storytelling, costumes, and historical settings sparked an interest that eventually grew into years of reenactment and historical exploration.

With Centuries Past Tavern, Joe is bringing these worlds together in a unique and immersive experience for the community. The tavern will feature multiple spaces designed to bring people together. One side will function as a welcoming restaurant and tavern where people of all ages can gather to enjoy food, drinks, and conversation. The second space will serve as an entertainment venue hosting events, performances, dances, and themed celebrations. Joe envisions elegant historical balls where guests can dress in attire from specific centuries and enjoy period-inspired dancing, theatrical storytelling, and even swordplay demonstrations. While Joe has a special love for medieval culture, he plans to explore many different centuries through themed events to keep the experience fresh and exciting.

The venue will also provide opportunities for local vendors and artisans to showcase their skills by selling hand-made goods or teaching workshops and classes. For tabletop gaming enthusiasts, the tavern will feature a dedicated Dungeons & Dragons area, complete with a special “Throne Chair” that will honor those who have supported the tavern’s development. Joe has even introduced an in-house currency for Centuries Past Tavern. These collectible coins can be earned through community support and participation and later redeemed within the tavern for special items and experiences.

As you can see, Joe has no shortage of ideas, creativity, and enthusiasm. His plan is to introduce new elements gradually, keeping the experience evolving and engaging for the community. While Joe hopes to open Centuries Past Tavern as early as July, he continues balancing this exciting project with his work as a real estate agent. In the meantime, community members can follow the tavern’s progress and connect with Joe through the Centuries Past Tavern Facebook page. The Charleston Business District is excited to see this unique vision taking shape—and we look forward to the day when the community can step inside and experience a little bit of history brought to life.

Centuries Past Tavern would like to host auctions 1X a month at Ridgeline to help raise money for their venue. Anyone willing to donate items for auction is greatly appreciated. Please contect them at centuriespastllc@gmail.com

Thank you!!

A special thank you to James Tubberville of Kitsap Haunted Productions for his generous donation of plants and soil to help beautify the Charleston District as we prepare for the Spring Fling. Community support like this helps make our neighborhood shine.

Charleston History Continued…

Hughes, Jones, Davis, Morgan, Caldwell, Drury, and Edwards were names of those to first buy property in the new charleston plat. Added as the year progressed, were Thomas, Wilson. Bereron, Betts, Albertson, Davies, Thompson, Gwinn, Jones, Griffith, Weymouth, Easterly, Miller, Zerby, McDonough, Cox, Jenkins, and Gronwold. In 1892, George M. terrell bought property. He would become a staunch supporter of Charleston and the same year the instigator of the first Presbyterian church in the area, called the Church on the Hill, founded February 1892. The church was incorporated as first Presbyterian Church of charleston in March 1902. It changed its name, after the Bremerton-Charleston union, to Summit Ave Presbyterian Church. Other names added are Owens, Lein, Davys, Yeager, Whitehouse, Dorr, Williams, Nye, and Osbourne, who would later become mayor, although Blackwell was the first mayor of the new town. More names added at this point in history were Tweit, runkel, Frances Wilson, Thomas, and Toomey. One of the original surveyors of the plat and proprietor of the first store was Joseph Chick. Shaffer, Wisner, mason, Beck, McFarland, and Halferty were additional names founded in the list of charter members as the town become incorporated in 1893. This was eight and one half years before Bremerton would take this step. Lodging houses, eating places, and saloons were built, and a major structure, a school, up the hill beyond what is known as Lafayette, on First. Temporary officials were Barlow, Mayor; Buelette, Councilman, and warf owner; Fairbanks, Councilman and saloon proprietor; Chick, Councilamn and store proprietor; McDonough, Treasurer and notary Public; Halferty, Councilman, and giovens, Town Clerk. To D. Lyman, Councilman, was given the task of procuring Stove, lamp, and chairs for their meeting room in what then was known as the Port orchard Block. Revenue came from poll tax, dog license fees, and $300 liquor licenses from the saloons, plus a vicious animal ordinance and fines violations of the ordinances. The town boasted committees including cemetery, finance, streets, alleys, claims, printing, and ordinances, on which the Councilmen acted. Suffering from ill health, Wyckoff resigned as administrator of the Navy Project and was replaced by J.C. Morong as Commandant. (cont’d in the next edition)

Urban Farms and Food Banks Community Discussion

Many neighbors in our community are growing food not only for their families but also to support local food banks. Join us for an informative discussion with two local experts as we explore what is working, what is needed, and how community members can help strengthen local food access. All are welcome to attend. Presenters Diane Fish, who leads the GRACE program at the Kitsap Conservation District, will share how the program grows and distributes produce throughout Kitsap County. The GRACE gardens are irrigated almost entirely through rainwater cisterns, and the program also prepares soup from misshapen produce that is distributed throughout the community. Erinn Hale from Foodline Food Bank in Bremerton will discuss how Foodline operates, the critical role it plays in supporting our community, and their progress toward establishing a new community garden.

Event Details

Hosted as part of the District Six Town Hall with Bremerton City Council member Anna Mockler

St. Vincent de Paul

1117 Callow Ave., Bremerton

Monday, April 13

Congratulations to KC HELP (Kitsap County Hospital Equipment Lending Program)

2026 Exceptional Nonprofit Service Award

By the Kitsap Community Foundation!