Cover Story

The Soul of the City

Famous and hidden historic East Side gems

Posted

My daily experience passing through the East Side is barreling down Angell Street for the millionth time in near free fall, pumping the brakes and squeezing the steering wheel before a halting stop at South Main Street – eyes forward, never taking the time to take in my surroundings. Yet every time I have family or friends visiting Providence, I always make time to show them around the neighborhood. The reasons are obvious: they are literally surrounded by preserved historic buildings. They’ll gawk and stare in wonder as we walk by the colonial houses on Benefit Street, taking pictures and posting them on Facebook. It’s during these moments I’m reminded how lucky I am to live in a city like Providence, particularly in a neighborhood where preservation is of prime importance. 

Being a city person, it’s easy to take these things for granted. Making the time to walk around and observe the sights is necessary to appreciate the historicity and beauty of the East Side. Eventually you get to a point where you stop on the sidewalk, peering into one of the buildings, and ask yourself: what goes on in there, anyways? The stories of the people and events that took place before us are written all along these preserved places. You might know a few of them off the top of your head, but can’t put a finger on why they’re significant to Providence’s character and soul. 

Lucky for you, we decided to take a closer look into these places. From iconic Providence buildings, to lesser-known gems and even the remains lost to history, we’ve outlined a beginner’s guide to exploring the preserved sites of the East Side. 

Iconic Buildings
You’ve driven by these sites a hundred times – so what’s the big deal? The big deal is that they are cornerstones to the cultural ethos of Providence. Read on to learn more about these beloved and well-known sites. 

John Brown House, 52 Power Street 
If there’s one house on the East Side (preserved or otherwise) that emulates the wealth and power of Providence’s elite industrialists, the John Brown House easily takes the cake. Completed in 1788, this house was the first three-story Federal mansion built in Providence, and was described by John Quincy Adams as “the most magnificent and elegant private mansion I have ever seen on this continent.”

The house was given to the Rhode Island Historical Society (RIHS) as a gift from John Nicholas Brown in 1941, and has since been preserved and maintained as a museum. Walking tours provide a first-hand view into many collections of Colonial-era items and artwork, as well as a viewing of John Brown’s personal chariot, the oldest American-made vehicle in existence. “The house is an imposing testament to the wealth accumulated by the Brown family,” says Elyssa Tardif, Director of the Newell D. Goff Center for Education and Public Programs. 

Before John Nicholas Brown donated the House to RIHS, he paid tribute to his ancestor’s support and love for George Washington: “In 1936, the dining room was papered with panels that depict Washington’s inauguration in New York. Designed by Nancy McClelland and painted by Works Progress Administration artists, the Washington Wallpaper is one of only a handful of sets in the world,” says Tardif. 

Fleur de Lys Studios, 7 Thomas Street 
The Fleur de Lys Studio is a long-standing symbol of the arts community and culture in Providence. Completed in 1885, this building was designed by painter Sydney Burleigh and local architect Edmund R. Wilson. The construction was largely a collaboration between the Art Workers Guild and local contractors, making the Fleur de Lys Studios an essential embodiment of the Arts and Crafts Movement, whereby artists strove to implement the visual arts in everyday life. 

The building immediately catches the eye as you scan over Thomas Street. The façade is imbedded with panels along the second story, each depicting the three visual arts as allegorical figures: sculpture on the left, painting in the middle and architecture on the right. Near the bay window is also a low-relief sculpted panel with a ribbon intertwined with three irises. The ribbon is inscribed with, “Thou Art the Iris, Fair among the Fairest.” 

In 1939, Mrs. Burleigh deeded the building to the Providence Art Club, which has continued to be used as artist’s studios today. The galleries are free and open to the public, so take a look for yourself and see the artwork inscribed throughout the walls and edifices of the building. 

Barker Playhouse, 400 Benefit Street 
Many structures throughout the East Side have changed ownership and been utilized differently over the years. According to “Providence: a Citywide Survey of Historic Resources,” the Barker Playhouse originally operated as St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church from 1840-1862. Its Greek Revival architectural design is the most evident of any church in Providence. After the St. Stephen’s congregation moved to another space on George Street in 1862, the structure was maintained by the RI Episcopal Convention and by the Church of the Savior. 

It wasn’t until 1932 that this building would be home to Barker Playhouse. Heralded as “America’s Oldest Little Theatre,” the Players group has continued to perform their amateur productions at the location. The theatre is a membership-only group. Once a member, you can partake in any and every stage of production, or simply watch and enjoy the live theatre. The Players welcome any level of experience, encouraging members to work together and learn new skills. 

Fleur de Lys Studios, providence art club, john brown house, barker playhouse, the brick schoolhouse, Jeremiah Dexter House, Stephen Hopkins House, the dexter asylum, Sabin Tavern, hms gaspee, FACADES app, Providence City Archives, rhode island historical society, east side monthly, nicolas staab, mike braca
Page 1 / 3

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here



X