Travel Back in Time: East Providence in the Early Days

Even fresh on its feet, East Providence made history, set records and left a mark on Rhode Island and America, just as it continues to do so today. From rich farmlands formerly canvassing what is now known as Kent Heights, to Taunton and Warren Avenue intersecting at Watchemoket Square before the building of Route 195, the home of Townie Pride has seen many transformations over the past 149 years.

In lieu of a time machine, East Providence Mayor Bruce Rogers spoke openly at City Hall about his knowledge of the city, its rich history, and its fun past.

"Watchemoket Square really was a thriving place, and it played an important part in the life of East Providence," Rogers said, pointing to black and white photographs from a history book regarding East Providence. "Long before 195 [was built], you could see parades going down Taunton Avenue with onlookers at Warren Avenue. It really was a vibrant place."

Rogers also spoke of how the Riverside area was once known as the Coney Island of the region, referencing the boardwalk that was once at Silver Springs Golf Course near Bay View.

"In the early 1900s that was really quite a place," he said. "People would come from all over by boat and go to the amusement park that was there."

There are many more surprising facts about the history of East Providence, especially in relation to how it was founded. Here are some neat facts:

• In 1775, what is now known as East Providence was home to a four-cannon fort, a site used to protect the harbor in the event of a British attack.
• Formerly part of Seekonk and Rehoboth, what is now known as East Providence was incorporated into Rhode Island as a town in 1862. Because of the previous redrawing of territories, residents of East Providence in 1862 were able to say that they had lived in three different towns in two states without ever having to pick up and move!
• At one point, in the late 1800s, East Providence was the largest community in the nation to govern itself under the Town Meeting format, hence "Townie Pride!"
• An attempt to incorporate the town of East Providence into a city was made in 1954 by a charter commission and an accompanying election. A staggering 85 percent of residents voted in favor of the charter; however, the Home Rule Amendment did not allow local communities the authority to change election boundaries, as approval from the state legislature was needed. The Dec. 1, 1958, date on the current city's seal recognizes the eventual transition of East Providence from town to city.

If you're looking for one solid place to traverse all of East Providence's previous incarnations, the offers curious visitors such an opportunity. Visitors will not only learn of the city's Massachusetts ties but the British ties, also. Because the home was built well before America's independence, the grounds of the John Hunt House, and the overall area, sit on land that was previously controlled by the British crown.

While visiting, guests can learn of Hunt's life as a militia leader and standout community member, along with the life of his family. The museum also serves as a home-base of sorts for the East Providence Historical Society, a great place to gather more information about the history of the area. Guests can look at old furniture, view photographs and travel back in time inside the meticulously restored interior of the home.

The museum also features a period garden, restored to what it would have looked like during the time of Hunt's inhabitancy. What is called "Lura's Garden" was named after Lura Sellew, a chartering member of the East Providence Historical Society. Visitors can walk the grounds, sit under the shaded gazebo, slowly walk the pathways among a sea of colorful flowers or just lay on the wide-open grass.

For more information on the history of East Providence and the John Hunt House Museum, you may visit the city of East Providence and the East Providence Historical Society's websites.