r/rhodeislandhistory

Ive seen some people arguing about this guy recently. Some saying he’s amazing, others not so much. And I’m at the point of sheer curiosity. What exactly did this guy do? Why is he held in such a high regard?

Hope Mill in Scituate was originally a cotton textile factory. The first wooden mill was built in 1806. After it burned in 1844, Brown & Ives replaced it with the large stone mill. Later occupants manufactured lace and elastic fabrics; textile production continued until 2007.

The People's Theatre opened on Monday, November 10, 1902, at the corner of Thames and Gidley.

An article in the November 8, Newport Daily News describes the theatre; "The place is not too large, but can accommodate a good-sized gathering and will be supplied with all necessaries. Manager Robinson promises to give only clean shows, suitable for women and children, yet lively enough for men. The prices will be lower than even the cheap repertoire companies."

How much cheaper? That week the Opera House was advertising prices of 10, 20 and 30 cents for the evening shows that same week. The People's Theatre showed prices of 10 and 15 cents. What a bargain!

A 1905 Daily News article talks about a tar fire and the "old People's Theatre building." There is no mention of the theatre in the 1904 Newport City Directory. The original photo from the Providence Public Library is undated. We are working to find out how long the theatre remained open.

Today we have offices and rental units at 360 Thames Street and the 362 address no longer exists.

See photos of Newport mansions long gone set to the song "The Forget Me Not Polka," composed by William Schultze for the Germania Musical Society in the 1850s.

Here is a listing of the lost homes shown:
0:25 - Beacon Hill House
0:36 - Linden Gate
0:48 - Lippett's Castle
1:04 - H.A.C. Taylor House
1:21 - Greystone
1:33 - Villa Rosa
1:44 - Gammell Cottage
1:55 - White Hall
2:05 - Armsea Hall