CRANSTON & WARWICK NEW 52 PAGE BOOKLET 

The history of two Rhode Island towns (townships) -- Cranston in Providence County and Warwick in Kent County -- are 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.

Cranston includes:
Arlington, Cranston, Fiskeville, Harris, Joytown, Mashapaug and Pawtuxet.
Warwick (also West Warwick) includes:
Apponaug, Arctic (formerly Rice Hollow), Buttonwoods,  Centerville, Crompton, Hill's Grove (Hillsgrove), Hoxsie, Lippitt, Natick, Phenix, Pontiac, River Point (Riverpoint) and Warwick.

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, including a balancing rock and Pawtuxet Falls,  and geological traits; William Arnold, William Harris, John Herrod, Nicholas Sheldon, Samuel Gorton,  and other early Settlers and Population Origins; Purchase of land from Shawomet, an Indian Sachem; Religious Disputes with Massachusetts and arrests for "heresy and sedition"; Town Organization and early officers; Mining; a Slave called Jack; the Pawtuxet Rangers and the Cranston Blues; the Narragansett Driving Park; Manufacturing successful and otherwise; William Sprague, governor and manufacturer; the Union Horse  Railroad Company; the State Farm for the insane at Cranston; the modern (in 1878) Water-Works for Providence, located in Cranston; Education, Churches; Transportation; Shore Resorts; Secret Societies;  and other interesting bits of history and trivia. There's also an early map of the state, a population table, and descriptions of notable homes and other points of interest in the area.

Wouldn't this make a unique gift?