An Interview with The Towers' Kate Vivian

This article was submitted by Noel P. Roby and Vic Pichette

The Towers “entrance to the Narragansett Pier Casino” is the sole remaining structure from the original casino and resort built in the 1880’s. This gorgeous stone building and event center has survived fires, hurricanes, and whatever else Mother Nature has thrown at it for over a century. It has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1969. The Narragansett Pier Casino was considered to be one of the premier resorts in the late 1890’s for the elites of society. According to historians, it offered a wide range of services including including live music, social gatherings, a ballroom for dancing, and a beautiful beach view. It’s funny how things change but still remain the same.

The Towers is owned by the Town of Narragansett and is run by the Towers committee. Kate Vivian helps oversee operations. Kate has a wonderful knowledge of the history of the Towers including its place in RI and US history, the unfortunate demise of the Narragansett Pier Casino in the Great Fire of 1900, as well as the Towers’ unique internal structures. She also has a very keen interest in promoting events at the Towers similar to those when the Narragansett Casino was in its heyday. The Towers is still nationally known for its beautiful views. It is a highly sought after location for weddings, reunions, and fundraisers not only for the view of Narragansett’s shoreline, but also the 19th century charm it holds. In addition to its very busy schedule of social events, The Towers offers a number of other events such as live music and dance lessons. I recently caught up with Kate, who was kind enough to give me a small tour of the Towers, including the first floor museum and third floor ballroom.

Hi Kate, thanks for taking some time to talk to us about the Towers. So, how long have you been working with the Towers?

“17 years and running. The Towers is owned by the Town of Narragansett and we have a committee dedicated to its preservation as well as its promotion. It’s a full time, volunteer job with a lot of work but a lot of reward for me.”

The Towers is a RI landmark. What has changed about it over the years and what have you done to modernize the place?

“First, we are on the National Register for Historic Places. So we have to be mindful of any structural accommodations and make sure they comply with the historic aspect of the building. We have an amazing team of contractors who respect the history of the Towers and do incredible work. For example, we recently replaced a portion of the roof due to storm damage. We installed a certain type of wooden shakes to keep the same look as the original Towers roof. And the windows, when they need to be replaced, they must be replaced with those that have that look and even feel of the original Towers windows. As for modernization, the ballroom now has a heated floor, its actually a raised floor from the original floor to make accommodations for the heating system. Apart from that, we really work hard to keep the original look and feel of the place.”

Wow, a heated floor on the ballroom dance floor? Very interesting.

“Actually the ballroom floor you see here used to be the promenade to the balcony out there. Couples would take a romantic walk down the promenade out to the balcony, perhaps to get engaged. Our ballroom floor is still a place for romance. We have weddings, dance lessons, and live music so people can dance on this beautiful floor.”

You mentioned dance lessons. What types of classes are offered?

“We have year round classes here. The tango is huge, everyone is doing the tango these days. Right now, we are offering classes in the cha-cha, the swing, and the tango. In the fall, we will switch it up. Sue Davis and Sarah Barker, local gals from Narragansett, teach the classes. You can find out more on our website, www.thetowersri.com.”

What is it about the Towers? Why do you feel it has lasted when other structures of its time did not?

“Well, the Towers is an icon for this state. When you land at T.F. Green airport, there it is. No building in RI, none at least that I have seen, goes over a highway. This area was decimated by the Great Fire of 1900. There were other hotels on this strip that burned to the ground at or around the same time, making for interesting conversations for sure. But we celebrate our place in RI history. You can see a lot of that history in our first floor museum, just as you enter the Towers.”

I love all the architect’s plans. Also the map of the area on the wall is a great visual.

“Yes, and we have “Mr. Narragansett” Ted Wright who does trolley tours of Narragansett. He leaves here every Wednesday at 10am during the months of July and August. You can make a reservation on our website.”

So Kate, what is the best time of day for views at the Towers? Sunset, sunrise?

“There is a time in August I believe. The sun sets and the full moon rises. You can see the moon and the sun in the same sky. You can see it all from the balcony overlooking Narragansett Pier. The moon on the water glistens and you can see bluefish “running”. Seagulls will be chasing them and it looks like a thousand butterflies flickering in the moonlight. That is my favorite view.”

Thank you for sharing that, Kate. So besides weddings and dance lessons, what other events are held here?

“Oh so many to name but we are very proud of our summer concert series. It happens every Thursday night starting at 7pm. You can view a roster of the bands, check out video samples of the music, and even purchase your tickets on our website, www.thetowersri.com. This week is the Original Jelly Roll Soul band. We also are proud to have Roger Ceresi and his All Starz, Coastline Swing Band, The Skiffle Minstrels, and Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys.”

Any particular theme you were looking for in booking these bands?

“Yes, danceable music. What is better on a summer evening that the beautiful views of Narragansett Pier, amazing music, and dancing. Dancing makes you laugh and smile and it brings couples together. We celebrate that great tradition of romance that started back when the Towers was erected in 1880.”

The Towers is wheelchair accessible and has a fully operation elevator. For a detailed list of events as well as additional photos of the history of the Towers, visit the official website of the Towers at www.thetowersri.com. The Towers is located at 35 Ocean Rd. in Narragansett. Special thanks again to Kate Vivian, who can’t wait to see you at the next event at the Towers.

Story and photos provided by Noel P. Roby and Vic Pichette of The I.C.E Agency. To contact the I.C.E. Agency, visit www.theiceagents.com.