USA > Rhode Island > Providence County > History of Providence County, Rhode Island, Volume I > Part 48
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HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
came by any more northerly route arrived in Providence September 29th, 1722, and was driven by Governor Sessions. Until about that date the usual road to Connecticut was through the towns named. The route by Pomfret was a more difficult one, even after it was adopted. As late as 1776 but little could be said in its favor. So rough was the road even then that it took nearly two days to make the distance of 36 miles between here and Pomfret.
The winter of 1779-80 was one of extreme severity. It was for a long time known as " the cold winter." At the time it was said to be more severe than any that had preceded it for many years. The har- bor of Providence was closed by ice in November, and continued so for nearly two months. The ice extended from Newport harbor to the Dumplings. The island of Rhode Island lost its insular charac- ter. Beaten paths were made over the ice from Newport to Wick- ford, East Greenwich and Providence. Loaded teams passed repeat- edly across Narragansett bay. The ground was covered with snow during the whole time, but not so deep as to obstruct the communi- cation between different towns. The intensity of the cold and its long continuance caused great distress among the poor.
The "dark day," though not exclusively a local episode, is one that even in local connection is a matter of great interest, hence we speak of it here. It occurred in May, 1780. For several days prev- ious the atmosphere appeared to be charged with a dry, smoky vapor, so that the sun could be gazed upon with the naked eye without dis- comfort. At ten o'clock on the 19th the darkness had increased to such a degree as to impede the regular transaction of business. The darkness became thicker, until ordinary business was suspended, and candles were lighted. The height of the darkness was between half- past twelve and one o'clock. Fowls sought their roosts, cattle came up to their folds as at night, and indeed the phenomenon was that of night. Men stood appalled at the dread appearance. The busy hum of life was stilled, and all nature seemed to wait in dismay for further demonstrations of her approaching dissolution. Many supposed that the day of final judgment was at hand. The wind had been south- east, but at about one o'clock it changed to southwest, the darkness began gradually to diminish, and at two o'clock the atmosphere had the appearance of a cloudy morning. A very little rain fell in the morning before the wind changed. During the whole time the air had a sooty, smoky smell, which was also communicated to the rain water which had been saved. It was supposed by some that the strange phenomenon was caused by the overhanging of a great mass of smoke from vast forest fires that were a short time before raging in some parts of the country. The darkness extended over the greater part of New England and somewhat into the Middle states and Canada.
A curious enactment of the town in 1795, in relation to smoking
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HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
in the public streets, is copied here for preservation. It runs as fol- lows: "Whereas, great danger of fire in this town arises from a very improper practice of smoking pipes and segars in the public streets, it is therefore recommended, by the freemen of the town, in town meeting assembled, that the citizens wholly refrain from that prac- tice; nevertheless, it is not understood by these recommendations to prevent any among us, the young men or others, who may be under the necessity on account of any grevious malady, from using the same by way of medicine."
This reference to the public streets may suggest other improve- ments or attempts to improve the condition of the public streets- appearance, as well as safety-which may be mentioned here. About the year 1798 an attempt was made to beautify the streets by plant- ing trees along their borders. The Lombardy poplar had but recently been introduced into this country, and it became the popular, as well as poplar tree of the time. The tall and graceful appearance of the young trees, with their bright glossy leaves, in connection with the fact of their foreign origin, gained for them many ardent friends and admirers. Nurseries of young plants were assiduously culti- vated and offered for sale. The town embarked in the speculation and ordered a nursery to be set out on the Hospital land. The mania raged for several years, being, perhaps, second to the morus multi caulis mania of later times. But it was soon learned that the Lom- bardy poplar would not bear the rigors of our climate, and that its foliage had a disagreeable smell and furnished food for a loathsome and poisonous worm, and that the tree, from its tall and compact growth, afforded no shade, and was about worthless for timber. The period of its decadence rapidly followed, and the trees soon passed to the shades of neglect and destruction.
Another matter pertaining to the streets, which we do not wish to omit, may be inserted in this connection. It is the origin of many of the names of the streets. This will be appreciated by all who have a fondness for searching into the meanings of names and the sources of things. Abbott's lane, named from the late Thomas Ab- bott or his ancestors. Aborn street, from James Aborn, who was for many years a lumber dealer and owned and occupied a house at the corner of Washington and Aborn streets. Adams street, probably from President John Adams. Allen's avenue, from Benjamin Allen, a large owner of real estate in that part of the city. Almy street, from William Almy, who was a Friend, and belonged to the firm of Almy & Brown, among the first cotton manufacturers of the state. Mr. Almy died in 1836, and after that several streets were laid out through the large landed property left by him on Federal hill, and these streets bear the names of other prominent Friends, among them the names of Penn, Harkness, Meader and Tobey. Angell street, from James Angell, through whose land the street was opened
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HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
by his executor. Anthony street, probably from Burrington Anth- ony, who lived in the vicinity. Arnold street, from the ancestors of Christopher Arnold, who owned the land through which the street runs. Atwell's avenue, from Amos Maine Atwell. Barker street, probably from Stephen Barker, who kept a grocery store on Atwell's avenue some half a century since. Bassett street, from Massa Bassett, who owned an estate on the corner of Chestnut and Bassett streets. Battey street, from Sheldon Battey, who resided at one time at 237 High street. Benevolent street, from the Congregational so- ciety of that name, whose house of worship is on the southwest corner. Beverly street, from George Beverly, an artist. Bourn street, probably from Judge Bourn. Bowen street, from Doctor Jes- eph Bowen, many years since a physician in Providence, who lived on the street near North Main. He was for some months a prisoner in the old Jersey prison ship. Bradford street, supposed to be from Governor Bradford. Bridgham street, from the late Hon. Samuel W. Bridgham, a highly distinguished and excellent man, the first mayor of Providence. Brown street, from John Brown, an eminent mer- chant of this town, distinguished for his enterprise and public spirit. He built and lived in the brick house, No. 31 Power street, afterward occupied by Professor William Gammell. Burges street, from Hon. Tristram Burges, formerly a large landholder in that vicinity. Burrill street, from the late Hon. James Burrill, Jr., one of the most distinguished citizens of the city, a senator in congress from Rhode Island. He died in 1821. Burr's lane, from Ezekiel Burr, who owned the estate on the corner, where he lived for many years. He died about forty years ago. Butler street, from the late Cyrus Butler, whose liberal benefactions to the hospital were acknowledged by giving his name to that institution. Cady
street, from Jonathan Cady, an eccentric individual who for many years carried on the shoemaking business in what was then called Cady's lane. Camp street, formerly called Green lane, but was given its later name because of its proximity to the encamp- ing ground occupied by the French troops in Providence during the revolutionary war. Calender street, named from its proximity to the extensive works of the Providence Dyeing, Bleaching & Calendering Company. Canal street, so-called because of its nearness to the Blackstone canal. Cargill street, from John M. Cargill, who owned real estate upon it. Carpenter street, named in honor of Job Car- penter, who died in 1845, through whose land the street was opened. Carpenter's point, from Kinsley Carpenter, who lived to a very ad- vanced age. Charles street, from Charles Smith, a shoemaker, and an active politician, who owned real estate on the street. Charles Field street, from Charles Field, an early inhabitant of Providence, who died in 1749. Chestnut street, from a grove of chestnut trees through which the street was opened, in the first decade of the present cen-
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HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
tury. Clay street, supposed to have been named in honor of the great orator Henry Clay. Clifford street, from the Clifford family, who built the first house on the street. Codding street, from Henry Codding, a land owner and resident on the street when it was named. Conduit street, probably from its proximity to the fountain owned by the Aqueduct company at the time. Congdon street, from Jona- than Congdon, a Friend, who retained his faculties until nearly a century of age. Cooke street, from Governor Nicholas Cooke, through whose land the street was laid out. Crary avenue, from Alexander Crary, a colonel in the revolutionary war, who command- ed a regiment of Rhode Island troops. Creighton street, from the late Commodore John Orde Creighton. Cushing street, from Daniel C. Cushing, who built and occupied the house on the corner of Cushing and Congdon streets. Davis street, from Sturgis Davis, once a jeweller in this city. Dean street, from the late Calvin Dean, a benevolent and worthy man, who died about 1857, leaving several thousand dollars to religious and charitable objects. Delaine street, from the extensive delaine factory in Olneyville. Dexter street, from Ebenezer Knight Dexter, a distinguished benefactor of Provi- dence, his native town, to whom he left the bulk of his property. esti- mated at the time at about $50,000. His wife was a daughter of the late Judge Howell. Mr. Dexter was United States marshall during the war of 1812. He died in 1824, leaving no children. Dorrance street, from Judge John Dorrance, formerly president of the town council, and for many years intimately associated with the municipal affairs of the town. Dwight street, from Gamaliel Lyman Dwight, Sr., once a dry goods dealer in Providence, who married a daughter of Judge Howell. and died in Kentucky, in 1823. Dyer street, from the late Doctor Benjamin Dyer, a man of great enterprise and public spirit, who projected and successfully accomplished the filling in of what was then called the new land, embracing about twenty-seven acres, from Eddy's point to Weybosset street. The work was begun in 1815, and completed in 1817. Earl's lane, from Captain Thomas Earl, an early resident there. Eddy street and Eddy's point, from Joseph and Barnard Eddy, who were among the first settlers in that part of the town, where for many years ship-building was extensively prosecuted. Eutaw street, supposed to be from Eutaw, South Caro- lina, at which place the Rhode Island troops, under General Greene, greatly distinguished themselves. Federal Hill, so called since the adoption of the Federal Constitution. Fenner street. from Joseph J. Fenner, a stone cutter, whose shop was near the junction of High and Fenner streets. Foster street, supposed to be from the Hon. Theodore Foster, one of the first United States senators from this state. Fox point, from the tradition that in the early years of the settlement a fox swam across the river at this place. Francis street, from the Hon. John B. Francis, an extensive landholder in this part
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HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
of the city. Fulton street, probably in honor of the distinguished inventor, to whose invention the prosperity of Providence owed so much for its steamboats. Gaspee street, from the name of the Eng- lish armed schooner which was destroyed in the bay by a party from this town in the spring of 1772. Gould's lane, from Jacob C. Gould, a well known constable of the town, who died about forty years ago. Governor street, from the early and distinguished Governors Arthur and James Fenner, who owned land through which the street runs, the land being then known as the " What Cheer " lot, the immortal meeting of Williams and the Indians being upon it. Graves' lane, from one Graves who owned an estate there. Greenwich street, formerly called Greenwich road or the middle road to East Green- wich. Grove street, probably from a pine grove in the vicinity .. Halsey street, from Thomas Lloyd Halsey, Sr., for many years a citizen here, who died about 1856. Hammond street, proba- bly from Deacon James Hammond, an eccentric but well meaning man who was for many years town sergeant of Providence, and. died in 1831, at the age of 80 years. Harding's alley, from the Hard- ing family, for many years residents there. Harrison street, sup- posed to be in honor of the lamented President William Henry Har- rison. Hawes street, perhaps in honor of the late General Joseph Hawes, who resided on or near this street. Hewes street, from Doc- tor Joseph Hewes, a physician who lived on the corner of this street in the early part of the century. Holden street, from Thomas R. Holden, a worthy citizen, an alderman, and a landholder on Smith's hill, who died about 1850. Helme street, from Benoni Helme, form- erly a paper manufacturer here. Hopkins street, from Governor Stephen Hopkins, who in 1780 lived on the corner of this street and South Main, and there entertained General Washington at the time of his visit in that year. Howard street, from William A. Howard, a large landowner on the street. Howell street, from the late David Howell, LL.D., a prominent man twice elected to congress from this state. He died in 1825. Howland street, from the late John How- land, a worthy and public spirited citizen of Providence, who was largely identified with educational and other enterprises for the im- provement of society. Hoppin street, from B. & T. C. Hoppin, formerly distinguished auctioneers and commission merchants of this town. Hoyle street, from Doctor Thomas Hoyle, many years. since an inn-keeper at the junction of High and Cranston streets. India street and India point, so called from the fact that ships were- formerly fitted out at the wharves there on voyages to the Indies. Ives street, from Thomas Poynton Ives, of the firm of Brown & Ives, a well known firm of merchants in past years. Jefferson street, from the great statesman Thomas Jefferson. Jenckes street, from Joseph Jenckes, through whose land the street is laid out. He was for many years prominent in town affairs. Kinyon street, from Stephen C.
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HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
Kinyon, once a large proprietor of real estate in that vicinity. Knight street, from Deacon Ebenezer Knight, the first country mer- chant on High street. Knowles street, from Edward P. Knowles, mayor of the city in 1854, or his ancestors. Lake street, from Laban Lake, a blacksmith, an old inhabitant many years ago, who owned real estate on the street. Lester's avenue, from John G. Lester. Linard street, from Peter Linard, of the firm of Linard & Duval, who were the first confectioners in Providence. Lockwood street, from Benoni Lockwood, a land surveyor in this city, who died about forty years ago. McNeal lane, from John McNeal, a baker, or his ances- tors, who lived there. Magee street, from Captain William F. Ma- gee, who commanded an India merchant vessel. He died in China about 1825. Manchester street, from Captain Isaac Manchester, a large proprietor of real estate in the neighborhood. Manning street, from Reverend James Manning, LL.D., the first president of Brown University, and a representative in congress from this state. Marion street, supposed to be in respect to General Francis Marion, of revo- lutionary fame. Marshall street, from Hon. John Marshall, of the United States Supreme Court. Mason street, from the late James B. Mason, who was at one time a member of congress from this state. Mathewson street, from the late John Mathewson and his ancestors, whose immense landed property made them wealthy. Messer street, from Reverend Asa Messer, LL.D., a president of Brown University, who died in 1836. Morris street, from the late William Morris or his ancestors, who owned real estate there for many years. Moulton street, from Sullivan Moulton, formerly a dry goods dealer in this city. Mumford street, from Henry G. Mumford, for many years a surveyor of highways. Nash's lane, from John Nash, many years since a manufacturer of soap and candles in that locality. Oliver street, from the late Oliver Carpenter, who, with his wife, was a large landholder in the vicinity. Olney street, from Colonel Jeremiah Olney, a distinguished officer in the revolutionary war, and who re- sided on this street. He was appointed by General Washington, when president, the first collector of the port of Providence, which office he held until the embargo law of 1808 was passed, when he re- signed. Orms street, from Colonel Orme, through whose land the street was opened. Page street, probably from Benjamin Page, whose estate was upon the corner of Potter and Broad streets. Parade street, from land given to the town by the late benefactor, E. K. Dex- ter, who directed that the land should be forever used as a public parade ground. Parker street, from Thomas M. Parker, a chair man1- facturer. Parsonage street, from proximity to the parsonage for many years occupied by Reverend James Wilson, a well known pas- tor of the Benevolent Congregational church. Peck street and Peck's wharf, from the late Lewis Peck, a wealthy hardware merchant, who lived on the corner of Weybosset and Peck streets. Perkins street,
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HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
from Stillman Perkins, formerly a member of the New England Butt Company. Perry street, from Commodore Perry. Pettis street, probably from the late Captain James Pettis. Phillips street, from Reverend William Phillips. Pierce street, from Thomas Pierce, who cwned property near by. Pitman street, from Hon. John Pitman, United States District Judge. Pike street, from Asa and Jonathan Pike, extensive lumber and coal dealers in that vicinity. Polk street, from President Polk. Pond street, from the ponds which formerly existed in its neighborhood, many of which, because of the advance in value, have been filled up. Potter's avenue, from the late Charles Potter, a large land holder in the vicinity. Potter street, from Phinehas Potter, an alderman of the city, who owned and occupied the estate at No. 124 Broad street. Power street, from the ancestors of the late Nicholas Power, for many years a merchant of this town and a member of the firm of Blodget & Power. Pratt street, from Peter Pratt, a counsellor of ex- tensive practice, and at one time a representative in general assem- bly, who lived on this street. Prince street, from Orland W. Prince. Randall street, from Doctor Stephen Randall, who owned property and lived near the junction of North Main and Randall streets. Richmond street, from Colonel Barzillai Richmond, father of Wil- liam Richmond, who with others laid out the street over what was then called Cow-pen point, to Ship street, from which point it was afterward extended. Ridge street, so named from its location on the ridge of land which slopes either way from it. Sabin street, from James Sabin, who lived somewhere in the vicinity. Saunders street, from Arnold Saunders, who owned real estate there. Scott street, from the late Asa Scott, who for many years resided upon it. Sekell street, from the Sekell family, several of whom for many years owned real estate and resided in that neighborhood. Shamrock street, from the great number of Irish people and other foreigners residing upon it. Smith street and Smith's hill, from Colonel Henry Smith, at one time a prominent politician. Stewart street, probably from Archi- bald Stewart, a Scotchman, once a merchant of Providence. Snow street, from Reverend Joseph Snow, Jr., pastor of the Beneficent Congregational church, and afterward of the Richmond Street church. He died in the year 1803, in the 89th year of his age. Spen- cer street, probably from the late Christopher V. Spencer, who owned land in the vicinity. Stampers' street, from Stampers' hill, where it is said a party of the early settlers, by running and stamping and like violent demonstrations, frightened away a party of hostile In- dians who were skulking near. The name "Stampers" has ever since attached itself to the locality. Thatch street, from the thatch beds abounding in its vicinity. Thayer street, from Doctor William Thayer. an active and prominent citizen of Providence three-quarters of a century ago. Thomas street, probably from Thomas Angell,
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HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
who was a large owner of real estate in the vicinity. Throop alley, from Doctor Amos Throop, who about seventy-five years ago occu- pied the mansion house afterward occupied by Zachariah Allen, No. 97 North Main street. Thurber's lane, from the late Samuel Thur- ber, a worthy citizen of Providence, a paper maker, who died about forty years since, at an advanced age. Transit street took its name from the circumstance that the transit of Venus was observed from a temporary observatory erected on this street, June 3d, 1769, by Doc- tor Benjamin West, Joseph Brown and other distinguished and sci- entific gentlemen. Trenton street, probably from the battle field of Trenton, N. J. Walling street, from Henry F. Walling, a civil en- gineer. Walker street, from Ephraim Walker, an early inhabitant of the town, who built and occupied the three-story house at the cor- ner of Westminster and Walker streets. Ward street, probably from Henry Ward, at one time secretary of state. Waterman street, from the late Nathan Waterman, or his ancestors, who were among the first settlers of the town. Wayland street, from Doctor Francis Way- land. Westminster street, probably from the street of that name in London. Weybosset street, said to be named from Weybosset hill, a name given by the Indians to a hill which rose near the junction now known as Turk's head. The land at that spot was owned by the father of the late Jacob Whitman, an active merchant of Providence about seventy-five years since. Wheaton street, from the late Doctor Levi Wheaton, a distinguished physician of this city a half century since. Williams street, from Roger Williams, whose six-acre lot ad- joins it. Whipple street, from the Hon. John Whipple. Wickenden street, from Reverend William Wickenden, one of the early pastors of the First Baptist church in this town. Wilson street, from Rev- erend James Wilson, for thirty-five years pastor of the Beneficent Congregational church, and who died in 1839, in the 80th year of his age.
That a considerable part of the ground upon which many of the streets in the business part of the city are built was once flowed by the tide has already been hinted at. Mention has been made of some of the streets on the east side of the river that have been re- claimed from the water. On the west side the original shore line described many coves and indentations which have been obliterated by the process of filling in. Beginning at the railroad depot, we may notice that all that great structure stands where in primitive days fishes swam, boats sailed and several feet of tide water flowed. The shore line from the northwest swept around a curve about where the soldiers' monument now stands, and struck the line of buildings fronting on Exchange place. about where the palatial front of Butler Exchange now rears its iron columns and pilasters in conspicuous relief. Trending here a little to the south of east, it followed a line nearly straight to about the corner of Washington row and West-
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HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
minster street. Thus all the space from the city hall across to and beyond Canal street was open water, while the eastern third of the blocks facing Exchange place was land under water. At the foot of Westminster street the land made something of a point into the river, the shore receding again after passing the point already spoken of at the corner of Washington row. The trend was then south- westerly, cutting through nearly the middle of all the blocks on the south side of Weybosset, and running nearly parallel with the course of that street till it passed Orange street. A sharp indenta- tion was then described, reaching to Weybosset street, where Dorr- ance street now is, so that all of Dorrance street that extends below Weybosset is built on land once under water. From that point the shore line again pushed outward in a southerly direction until it passed Pine street, when it made an angle to the westward, and fol- lowed the course of that street and a little to the southeast of it until Richmond street was reached. Following nearly on the west line of that street until some distance beyond Clifford street, it swept around to the eastward and crossed Eddy street, making a point and taking a southerly course just before reaching Dyer, which street it crossed in a diagonal line. It then ran nearly parallel with Eddy street, a short distance below it, until it had crossed South street. It then took a southwesterly course, crossing diagonally Eddy, between South and Point; Richmond, at the crossing of Point; Chestnut, be- tween Point and Manchester; Parsonage, at the corner of Lake, and Hospital, at the junction of Manchester place. Just beyond the crossing of Hospital and Langley streets it reached the head of a cove, and thence returning southeasterly made a curve, crossing Eddy, Crary, Allen's avenue and Henderson street, and so back again across Eddy, in the vicinity of the Rhode Island Hospital.
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