Bristol, Rhode Island  NEW 51 PAGE BOOKLET 

The history of the city of Bristol within Bristol town (townships) is recalled through a mixture of colorful tales and factual data in this spiral-bound booklet, reprinted from two hard-to-find books: History of the State of Rhode Island  published in 1878 by Hoag, Wade & Co., Philadelphia, and Rhode Island, a Guide to the Smallest State, a WPA project published in 1937. The booklet measures 11" x 8 1/2" and is printed one-sided on 60# paper. A clear vinyl sheet has been added to protect cover, which is printed in copper, blue and black on Natural Skytone Parchtone stock.

The 1878 book excerpts cover the early development of this area, while passages from the WPA book, give a nostalgic glimpse from a later vantage point, including interesting historical notes, especially as they relate to sightseeing possibilities.  Among the many and diverse subjects taken from these books are: Physical features and geological traits, such as Mount Hope; First town officials; Early Settlers and Population Origins; Seat of the celebrated Indian sachem warrior, known as King Philip; Close ties with Massachusetts history; Notable leaders; Various Church histories; Industries, including the National Rubber Company, Namquit Mill, Herreshoff Manufacturing Co., and others; Banks; Newspapers; Doctors and other Professionals; Grociers; Liveries; Cemeteries;  Agriculture, Education; Transportation; Churches; Ship Building; Early Difficulties; the Tax Rate; the first meeting house and other church histories; "interesting" old laws; Bombardment of Bristol and other Revolutionary War incidents; an anecdote concerning General Lafayette; Privateering during the War of 1812; the Gales of 1815 and 1869; Visits from Pres. James Monroe and the steamboat "Fire Fly"; Incidents concerning James DeWolf, a distinguished citizen of the town; Murder trial of a Minister; the Literary and Benevolent Institutions; Secret Societies; and numerous other interesting bits of history and trivia. There's also an 1870s map of the state, a county by county 20th Century population table, and a tour of the many points of interest in Bristol.

The booklet contains a very nice page of sketches depicting the residence of William DeWolf, the Rogers Free Library, the Stumps of the Mazzard Cherry Trees and Byfield Tomb.

Wouldn't this make a unique gift?