PROVIDENCE, RI NEW 99 PAGE BOOKLET 

The history of the city of Providence, Rhode Island, 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, printed in copper, dark 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; Early Settlers and Population Origins; Search for Religious Freedom; Public Parks; Early laws and court actions; Manufacturers and Businesses (many named);  Fire, Police and Sewerage Departments;  Literary and Benevolent Institutions; Military units, including the Slocum Light Guards, Providence Horse GuardsFirst Light Infantry Veteran Assn., United Train of Artillery, Providence Marine Corps of Artillery and others; Cemeteries; Banks and Insurance companies; Newspapers; Transportation, including the Union Horse Railroad; Public Buildings and Places of Amusement; Hotels; Lawyers, Physicians, Dentists, and Druggists; and Numerous Secret Societies and other associations (with many names of early officers); Education; Histories of Various Religious Institutions; the Providence Reform School for "idle and vicious children"; "What cheer, Netop (friend)?"; and other interesting bits of history and trivia.

 There's also an early map of the state, a population table, and a description of over 100 points of interest with a tour map.

The booklet contains some very nice sketches of early structures in the area: the residences of Benjamin Hoppin, Nathaniel Grant, David Gowdey and William DeWolf, the Roger Williams Monument, the Great Storm of 1815, Butller Hospital for the Insane, Rhode Island Hospital, Old State House (1759), First Baptist Church (1775), Aldrich House, Hoppin Homestead Building, Breck Block, and the Music Hall. There is also a picture of the Providence County Court House and the New Industrial Trust Company.   

Wouldn't this make a unique gift?