National Register of Historic Places listings in East Providence, Rhode Island facts for kids
East Providence, Rhode Island, is home to many amazing places that are super old and important! These spots are called Registered Historic Places. They are special because they teach us about the past and show us how people lived a long time ago. Think of them as historical treasures that we need to protect and learn from.
Contents
Discovering East Providence's Historic Treasures
East Providence has many buildings, bridges, and even cemeteries that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are officially recognized for their history and unique stories. Let's explore some of these cool places!
Crescent Park Looff Carousel
One of the most exciting places is the Crescent Park Looff Carousel. It's not just any carousel; it's a National Historic Landmark! Built way back in 1895, this carousel was made by a famous artist named Charles I.D. Looff. It has amazing hand-carved animals and is a true piece of art. Imagine riding on a carousel that's over 125 years old! It's a fun reminder of how people used to have fun. You can find it at Riverside Park.
Old Homes with Cool Stories
Many historic places in East Providence are old houses that tell tales of the past.
Bicknell–Armington Lightning Splitter House
The Bicknell–Armington Lightning Splitter House, located on Pawtucket Avenue, was built with a special design. It's called a "lightning splitter" because of its unique roof shape, which was thought to protect it from lightning strikes. It was added to the list in 1980.
Nathaniel Daggett House
The Nathaniel Daggett House on Roger Williams Avenue is another old home. It was built a long time ago and gives us a peek into the lives of early residents. It became a historic place in 1980.
James Dennis House
Also listed in 1980, the James Dennis House is found on Pawtucket Avenue. These old houses help us understand the architecture and lifestyle of the past.
Phillip Walker House
The Phillip Walker House on West Massasoit Avenue is one of the older listings, added in 1972. It's a great example of early American homes in the area.
Whitcomb Farm
The Whitcomb Farm on Willett Avenue reminds us of East Providence's farming history. It was recognized as a historic place in 1980.
Important Community Buildings
Some historic places were once important gathering spots or schools.
District 6 Schoolhouse
The District 6 Schoolhouse on Willett Avenue was once a place where kids learned! It was added to the list in 1980, showing its importance in the community's education history.
Oddfellows' Hall
Oddfellows' Hall on Warren Avenue was a meeting place for a group called the Odd Fellows. These halls were important social centers in the past. It became historic in 1980.
St. Mary's Episcopal Church
St. Mary's Episcopal Church, also on Warren Avenue, is a beautiful old church. Churches often serve as important landmarks and community hubs for many years. It was listed in 1980.
Newman Congregational Church
The Newman Congregational Church on Newman Avenue is another historic church. It has been a part of the community for a long time, recognized in 1980.
Bridges and Lighthouses
East Providence also has historic structures that helped people travel and navigate.
Boston and Providence Railroad Bridge
The Boston and Providence Railroad Bridge spans the Ten Mile River. This old bridge was a key part of the railroad system, helping trains move goods and people. It was added to the list in 1980.
Pomham Rocks Light Station
The Pomham Rocks Light Station, located off Riverside Road, is a lighthouse! Lighthouses are super important because they guide ships safely. This one was listed in 1979.
Historic Districts and Cemeteries
Some historic places are not just single buildings but entire areas or groups of places.
Bridgham Farm
Bridgham Farm, located on Pleasant Street, is a historic farm property. It shows us how farming was done in the past and how these lands were used. It was listed in 1980.
Carpenter, Lakeside, and Springvale Cemeteries
The Carpenter, Lakeside, and Springvale Cemeteries, found near Newman and Pawtucket Avenues, are historic burial grounds. They are important because they hold the graves of many people who lived in East Providence long ago. They were listed in 1980.
Little Neck Cemetery
Another historic burial site is Little Neck Cemetery, located off Read Street. It was also added to the list in 1980.
Newman Cemetery
Newman Cemetery, near Newman and Pawtucket Avenues, is another important historic cemetery, listed in 1980.
Elm Tree Plat Historic District
The Elm Tree Plat Historic District includes several streets like Charlotte and Elinora Streets. A "historic district" means a whole area has many historic buildings and a special history. This district was listed more recently, in 2015.
Phillipsdale Historic District
The Phillipsdale Historic District is roughly bounded by the Seekonk River and Roger Williams Avenue. This area has a rich history, possibly related to industries or early settlements. It was listed in 2011.
Rose Land Park Plat Historic District
The Rose Land Park Plat Historic District includes streets like Florence Street and Dartmouth Avenue. Like other districts, it represents a historically significant neighborhood. It was listed in 2015.
Rumford Chemical Works and Mill House Historic District
The Rumford Chemical Works and Mill House Historic District, near North Broadway, was once a place where important chemical products were made. It shows the industrial history of the area and was listed in 1980.
Rumford Historic District
The Rumford Historic District includes Pleasant Street and Greenwood Avenue. This district is important for showing the development and character of the Rumford area of East Providence. It was listed in 1980.
Other Notable Historic Sites
Richmond Paper Company Mill Complex
The Richmond Paper Company Mill Complex on Bourne Avenue was once a busy paper factory. It's a reminder of East Providence's industrial past and was listed in 2006.
Squantum Association
The Squantum Association on Veterans Memorial Parkway is a historic club or gathering place. It has a long history of social events and community activities. It was listed in 1980.
World War I Memorial
The World War I Memorial, located at the junction of Taunton Avenue and Weldon Street, is a monument built to honor those who served in World War I. It's an important place for remembering history and showing respect. It was listed in 2001.
These historic places help us understand the story of East Providence and the people who lived there before us. They are like open-air museums, full of lessons and interesting facts!
