Oaklawn, Rhode Island facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Oak Lawn Village Historic District
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The Edward Searle House
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 Location in Rhode Island
Location in the United States
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| Location | Wilbur Ave. from Natick Rd. to Oaklawn Ave., includes Searle, Exchange, and Wheelock Sts., Cranston, Rhode Island |
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| Area | 30 acres (12 ha) |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Late Victorian, Colonial |
| NRHP reference No. | 77000004 |
| Added to NRHP | November 25, 1977 |
Oak Lawn is a special historic village found in the southwest part of Cranston, Rhode Island. Before it was officially named "Oak Lawn" in 1872, people knew this area as "Searle's Corner."
One of the oldest buildings still standing in Rhode Island is right here in Oak Lawn: the Edward Searle House, built way back in 1677! The village is also famous for its yearly May Breakfast. This is a fun New England tradition that started in Oak Lawn in 1865. It was a way for the Oak Lawn Baptist Church to raise money for local soldiers who had fought in the American Civil War.
Did you know a famous book has ties to Oak Lawn? The 1855 novel "Israel Potter" by Herman Melville is based on a real American Revolutionary soldier. This soldier grew up on a farm very close to where Oak Lawn is today.
Oak Lawn is also a place where amazing ancient discoveries have been made. In the 1950s, archaeologists found bowls and other items made by Native Americans. These artifacts were carved from soapstone and are more than 10,000 years old! Long before European settlers arrived, groups of Narragansett Indians, known as the "Meshanticut" and "Natick" people, lived in this area.
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Exploring Oak Lawn's History
Oak Lawn is a village full of interesting stories and old buildings. It's a place where you can really feel the history around you.
The Edward Searle House: A Glimpse into the Past
The Edward Searle House is one of the oldest homes in Rhode Island. Imagine a house built in 1677! That's over 340 years ago. It shows us what life might have been like for early settlers. This house is a key part of Oak Lawn's long history.
The Famous May Breakfast Tradition
Every year, Oak Lawn hosts its special May Breakfast. This event is a beloved tradition in New England. It began in 1865, right after the Civil War. The people of the Oak Lawn Baptist Church started it to help raise money for soldiers returning from the war. It's a wonderful example of how communities came together to support each other.
Ancient Life in Oak Lawn
Long, long ago, even before the first European settlers, Native American tribes lived in the Oak Lawn area.
Discovering Ancient Artifacts
In the 1950s, archaeologists dug up some incredible things in Oak Lawn. They found ancient bowls and tools made from soapstone. These items are over 10,000 years old! This tells us that people have lived in this area for a very, very long time.
The Narragansett People
Before the colonial era, the land around Oak Lawn was home to different groups of the Narragansett Indians. Two of these groups were known as the "Meshanticut" and "Natick" Indians. They lived off the land and rivers, building communities here for thousands of years.
Oak Lawn's Historic District
Because Oak Lawn has so much history, a large part of the village has been recognized as a special "historic district." This means the buildings and area are protected to keep their historical look and feel.
National Recognition
A specific part of Oak Lawn, stretching along Wilbur Avenue from Natick Road to Exchange Street, was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. This area is known as the Oak Lawn Historic District. Being on this national list means it's considered very important to the history of the United States. It helps make sure these historic places are preserved for future generations to enjoy and learn from.
