JAMESTOWN &  NORTH KINGSTOWN NEW 59 PAGE BOOKLET 

The history of two Rhode Island towns (townships) 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, dark blue and black on Natural Skytone Parchtone stock.

The towns are Jamestown (in Newport County), encompassing Gould, Dutch and Conanicut Islands, and North Kingstown (in Washington county) encompassing Allenton, Annaquatucket, Belleville, Collation Corners (or West Wickford), Davisville, Frenchtown, Hamilton, Kettle-Hole, Lafayette (or Wickford Junction), Narragansett, North Kingstown, North Kingstown Beach, Oak Hill (formerly Park Hill), Quidnesset, Quonset Point, Saunderstown, Scrabbletown, Silver Spring, Shady Lea, Sandy Hill, Slocumbille, and Wickford.

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, such as Devil's Foot Rock,  and geological traits; Early Settlers and Population Origins; Distruction and brutality on Conanicut Island by British in Revolutionary War; Kingstown in the Revolution; Strange laws and lighthouses on Dutch Island; Grist Mills and other early industries and businesses; Ferries and a Ferry wrecks; Conanicut Park, Secret Societies; Education; Friends' Meeting House and area churches; Boundary troubles, including a jurisdiction dispute over an inquest in a murder case; Ship-building; the Sweet family, famed for their bone-setting abilities; the Updike family, famed for scholarly attainments; Dr. Moffatt, America's first snuff-maker; Gilbert Stuart, father of the reknowned artist; the Willet family and others; the mysterious Theophilus Whaley; Slaves Mock Elections in Early Times; Lotteries for charities; Old Historical Places, such as the Dance Ground, the Block-House and Penderzekias Corners; Reminiscences, including a killing, a boat wreck and other interesting bits of history and trivia. There's also an early map of the state, a population table covering the 20th Century, and descriptions of notable homes and other points of interest in the area.

The booklet contains two very nice full-page sketches of Narragansett Pier Hotels: Mount Hope House, W.G. Caswell , prop.; and Atlantic House, Abijah Browning, prop.

Wouldn't this make a unique gift?