Olneyville, Providence, Rhode Island facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Olneyville
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The Weybosset Mills Complex
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Location of Olneyville within Providence
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Rhode Island |
| City | Providence |
Olneyville is a neighborhood in Providence, Rhode Island. It's bordered by Atwells Avenue to the north and two major roads, U.S. Route 6 and Rhode Island Route 10, to the south and east. The Woonasquatucket River flows through the southern part of the neighborhood. Olneyville Square is a busy meeting point for several streets, including Westminster Street and Broadway.
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History of Olneyville
Long ago, Native American tribes, especially the Narragansett, lived in the area that is now Olneyville. Later, in the early 1700s, a small settlement began at Olneyville Square. This spot was important for trading with the nearby Narragansett village.
The area grew a lot around 1785. This was when Christopher Olney, who the neighborhood is named after, started a grist mill and a paper mill. A grist mill grinds grain into flour, and a paper mill makes paper. Christopher Olney was a captain during the American Revolutionary War. He owned a large farm in the area. By the end of the Revolutionary War, other small businesses, like a metalworking shop, were also operating here.
Growth and Change in Olneyville
In the mid-1800s, Olneyville became a busy place for railroads and factories. Many jobs were available in the mills. This attracted many immigrants from different countries. People from places like Guatemala, Mexico, Ireland, Italy, and the Dominican Republic came to live and work here.
After World War II, the factory jobs started to disappear. This caused economic problems for the neighborhood. In the 1950s, new highways were built. These roads separated Olneyville from other parts of the city. Because of these changes, many people moved away from Olneyville.
Unusual Events and Art Scene
On May 15, 1900, something very strange happened in Olneyville. During a thunderstorm, small fish like perch fell from the sky! This is a rare event sometimes called "raining fish."
In the 1990s, Olneyville became famous for its art scene. It was home to an artist group called Fort Thunder. This group helped create a unique style of music called noise rock. Bands like Lightning Bolt and Black Dice were part of this exciting music scene.
Redevelopment in Olneyville
Many old warehouses and factory buildings in Olneyville have been used by artists. After 2000, some empty lots and old buildings were bought by people who wanted to improve the area. They hoped to make the neighborhood lively again.
However, some people in Olneyville were worried about these changes. They feared something called gentrification. This happens when an area becomes more expensive, making it hard for people who have lived there a long time to afford their homes.
In 2007, a local group called the Olneyville Neighborhood Association (ONA) spoke out against some plans. They were concerned that new developments and higher property taxes would force poorer residents to leave their homes.
People of Olneyville
Olneyville has a very diverse population. In 2010, about 61% of the people were Hispanic. Other groups included White (16%), Black or African American (13%), and Asian (4%).
Many children in public schools in Olneyville speak a language other than English at home. This shows the rich mix of cultures in the neighborhood.
Most homes in Olneyville are rented, not owned. Also, many families in Olneyville have lower incomes compared to the rest of Providence. About 41% of families live in poverty.
Many households in Olneyville do not own a car. This means public transportation and walking are very important for getting around. The neighborhood also has good health rates for babies born there. Most mothers giving birth in Olneyville use public health insurance.
Arts and Culture in Olneyville
Olneyville is a hub for art and culture. It has many art galleries and studios where artists create their work. Places like Yellow Peril and GRIN are contemporary art galleries. There are also music venues like Fete Music Hall and The Dirt Palace, which host performances.
The Wilbury Theatre Group moved to Olneyville in 2017. They perform many different plays there throughout the year. The Manton Avenue Project, a program that teaches young people how to write plays, has also been in Olneyville since 2004.
Parks and Green Spaces
Olneyville has three parks that are connected by the Woonasquatucket River Greenway and Bike Path. These parks are John Donigian Memorial Park, Riverside Park, and Joslin Park & Recreational area.
The neighborhood also has at least three community gardens. These are places where people can grow their own food and flowers. There is also a school garden. Locals are planning to start a regular farmer's market, where people can buy fresh produce.
Sports History
Olneyville has a history in sports too! The Messer Street Grounds was once the home field for the Providence Grays baseball team. They played in the National League from 1878 to 1885.
