Smithfield Exchange Bank facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Smithfield Exchange Bank
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Smithfield Exchange Bank in 2013
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 Location in Rhode Island
Location in the United States
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| Location | Smithfield, Rhode Island |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1822 |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 06000295 |
| Added to NRHP | April 19, 2006 |
The Smithfield Exchange Bank is an old building in Greenville, Rhode Island, part of Smithfield, Rhode Island. It was built way back in 1822. This building was once a bank and was also known as the Resolved Waterman Tavern or Greenville Tavern. It's located on Putnam Pike, a road that used to be a busy turnpike.
Contents
History of the Smithfield Exchange Bank
From Tavern to Bank Building
The story of this building began in 1733. Resolved Waterman Jr., whose great-grandfather was Roger Williams, built a tavern here. A tavern was like an inn or restaurant where travelers could stop for food and rest. He wanted to attract people traveling on the busy road.
In 1822, a new owner built the current Smithfield Exchange Bank building. It was added as an "ell" (a wing) onto the back of the main tavern. Another wing was built on the western side. These two wings were connected by a cobblestone courtyard.
The Bank's Early Days
The Smithfield Exchange Bank opened to help local farmers and small businesses. It served people throughout northwestern Rhode Island. Some of the first people who helped start the bank were Daniel Winsor, Asa Winsor, and Stephen Steere.
In 1845, William Winsor became the "cashier" of the bank. A cashier in those days was a very important person. They were in charge of the bank's money and records.
Changes Over Time
The Exchange Bank moved to a larger brick building next door in 1856. The original tavern building then became a private home in 1902.
A big change happened in 1936. The main part of the Waterman Tavern was torn down. This was done to make way for a new road, U.S. Route 44. The remaining parts, the "ells," were changed so they could stand alone.
The former bank building was a home until 1969 for Mrs. Bessie Fish. Over the years, other families owned it, including the Evans and Mowry families. A company called Cumberland Farms also owned it for a while.
Saving a Historic Building
From 1969 to 2008, the building became very run-down. In 2000, Cumberland Farms sold it to the town of Smithfield. Then, in 2006, the town sold it to the Smithfield Preservation Society. This group works to save old buildings. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006. This means it's recognized as an important historical site.
Restoring the Old Bank
Since 2009, the Smithfield Preservation Society has been working hard. They are raising money and trying to fix up the old tavern. Some people in the town thought the building looked bad. The town even tried to tear it down at one point. But the Preservation Society is dedicated to saving this piece of history.
Images for kids
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Resolved Waterman Tavern around 1900. The front part of the tavern was later torn down.
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Greenville Tavern around 1900. Only one back wing of the original tavern remains today.
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The "new" brick Smithfield Exchange Bank, built in 1856. This picture is from the early 1900s.
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Smithfield Exchange Bank in 2008, before it was fixed up. The newer brick bank is in the background.
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The Exchange Bank in 2013.
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Smithfield Exchange Bank in Greenville, Rhode Island, in 2013.
