L'Union Saint Jean-Baptist d'Amerique (Woonsocket, Rhode Island) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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L'Union Saint Jean-Baptiste d'Amerique
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Building directly behind the Civil War Memorial
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 Location in Rhode Island
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1 Social St., Woonsocket, Rhode Island |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1926 |
| Architect | Fontaine, Walter |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 100002194 |
| Added to NRHP | March 12, 2018 |
The L'Union Saint Jean-Baptiste d'Amerique is an old and important building in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. It was built in 1926. For many years, this building was home to a special group that helped French Canadian immigrants. It also shows off a beautiful style of building design called Classical Revival. A French Canadian architect named Walter Fontaine designed it. This building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2018 because of its history and design.
About the Building's History
What the Building Looks Like
The L'Union Saint Jean-Baptiste d'Amerique building stands in an important spot in Woonsocket. It is at the top of Monument Square, where Social and Worrall Streets meet. It is a four-story building made mostly of brick. The front of the building, which faces west, is made of light-colored limestone.
The front of the building has tall, fancy columns and pilasters. These are flat columns attached to the wall. They rise from the second floor up to a decorative ledge near the roof. The front has eight sections. The sections on the ends have single windows. The middle sections have two windows each, set back between the columns. Stone panels with carved decorations separate the windows. The shops on the ground floor have a modern look now. This covers up the original metal storefronts.
A Helping Hand for Immigrants
The L'Union Saint-Jean-Baptiste d’Amerique (USJB) was started in 1900. Its goal was to help the many French Canadian immigrants coming to New England and the United States. These immigrants often came to find jobs in the textile mills. For example, by 1900, about 60% of Woonsocket's population was of French Canadian background. By 1920, Woonsocket was one of the most French cities in the country.
The USJB was a national group that offered support to French Canadians. It especially helped them keep their French language and culture alive. The group's official language was French. Members also had to be Roman Catholic. The USJB first had its main office on Clinton Street. Then, in 1926, they built this new building to be their headquarters. The USJB stayed in this building until 1991. At that time, it joined with another group called Catholic Family Life Insurance.
