The history of two Providence County towns (townships) -- Burrillville and Glocester --are recalled through a mixture of colorful tales and factual data in this 44 page spiral-bound booklet, reprinted from two hard-to-find books: History of the State of Rhode Island published in 1878 by Hoag, Wade and 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. Burrillville encompasses the communities (past and present) of: Bridgeton, Glendale, Harrisville, Mapleville, Mount Pleasant, Nasonville, Oakland, Pascoag, and Wallum Lake. Glocester encompasses the communities (past and present) of: Chepachet, Glocester, Clarkville, Harmony, Spring Grove and West Glocester. 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, climate, and geological traits; Early Settlers and Population Origins; Early town officials and unusual town meeting arrangements; the nomadic "Darned Man"; Free Use of Whiskey, Temperance Reform, and the trial of a reformer; Cooper's Cave; Counterfeiting; Relics of the past; Indian occupation; Harrisville Mills, Mapleville Mills and other businesses; Agriculture; Glocester's part in Shay's Rebellion; Chepachet -- Devil's Bag; Gov. Thomas Dorr; Acote's Hill; the Murder of an Elephant; Secret Societies and their first officers; Education; Churches; and other interesting bits of history and trivia. There's also an early map of the state, a population table, and a tour of points of interest. The booklet contains some very nice full-page sketches of early structures in the area: the Harrisville Woolen Mills, Oak Valley Mills, Granite Mill, Hopkins Spindle Works, Glendale Mills, the residences of H.S. Nichols, James O. Inman, and H. L. Hopkins, four Sweet family homes, and the home of David Mathewson.
Burrillville and Glocester, RI
only $9.40
Sources: History of the State of Rhode Island / Burrillville and Glocester
Authors: John Warner Barber
Original Publication Year: 1878
Original Publisher: Hoag, Wade and Co.
See Description for more info.
