USA > Rhode Island > Rhode Island : three centuries of democracy, Vol. IV > Part 8
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The new church, located on the corner of Broad- way and Sabin Street, is built of red brick with
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cast granite trim, and is designed in the quaint Lombardy style, with here and there a modern touch. The lofty campanile which dominates the design and the facades of the building are orna- mented with the strap work and machicolation characteristic of the style. At the base of the cam- panile the tower entrance is framed by a stone portico, giving access to both basement and super- structure. The choir gallery stairs, too, are con- tained in the campanile, which is surmounted by the belfry in which is a fine set of "Deagan" tubular chimes. The church is approached by a broad flight of granite steps leading to a spacious plaza which gives access to the three principal entrances, each of which is centered in a stone portico. Above the center entrance is a large rose window. All three entrances open into the main vestibule. On the left is the circular Baptistry, with a domed ceiling ; on the right a passage leading to the tower vestibule and gallery stairs; and directly opposite the en- trances is a partition of oak, with stained glass panels, in the center of which a pair of doors open into the nave, while a pair of doors at each side of the center give access to the side aisles. The entire main floor is of reinforced concrete carried on steel girders, which, in turn, are supported on steel col- umns extending from below the basement floor up to the steel trusses supporting the nave roof, a height of over sixty feet. The floors in the vesti- bule, the nave aisle, the side aisles, and the broad aisle in front of the pews are covered with Stedman Naturized Flooring in tile form. Baptistry, Sanctuary, and Ambulatory are floored with Amer- ical Encaustic tile, and the pews are set on plat- forms covered with composition flooring. Sacristry and vestry, with the vestibules leading to them at the sanctuary end of the church are floored with oak, as are the confessionals. The lofty nave is separated from the side aisles by arcades, the arches of which are carried by graceful columns, early Italian Renaissance in design, and is surmounted by a barrel vaulted ceiling which is pierced by cir- cular headed clerestory windows. The side aisle ceilings are half-vaults thrusting against the ar- cades, and the side aisle walls are pierced by triple windows with stone mullions, which center in each bay of the arcades. The confessionals are in niches in the Sanctuary end of the church, and the Sanctu- ary, separated from the nave by the sanctuary arch, is contained in a semi-circular apse, divided from the ambulatory, which is concentric with it, by a semi-circular arcade similar to that dividing nave and side aisles. The priest's sacristy and the
boys' vestry flank the ambulatory on either side, both leading into the sanctuary through double doors. The choir gallery, located over the main vestibule and featured by a massive oak rail and a brass guard rail, is equipped with a Casavant organ, from the console of which it is also possible to play the chimes in the belfry. The entire building is roofed with red tile.
The interior of the church is carefully and har- moniously designed to create an atmosphere of peace and reverent worship, and all the interior design is subordinate to the sanctuary in general and to the high altar in particular. The painted decorations of ceilings and walls are done in the Al Fresco of the Middle Ages for the pictures and in Al Secco for the ornaments and flat surfaces. The main ceiling of the church is laid out in geo- metric pattern in red and blue on a rich buff back- ground, while the side aisle ceilings are panelled with decorated stiles and deep blue panels, contrast- ing with the lighter values of the nave. The side walls are deepest in color, a rich Italian red which sets off the bronze statues. The apse is done in deep blue against which background the figures stand in effective silhouette. The fixtures are also a part of the decoration, made of wrought iron and copper, carefully chased and hand-forged, and glazed with a delicate shade of amber glass so made that it diffuses the light over the entire fixture, producing a very soft light. The sanctuary is so lighted that it is the brightest portion of the church. The altar is of a rich and varied combination of Italian marbles, the four columns of verde of the Alps and the little columns above of six different kinds of marble. The roof of the baldachino is of thin sawed slabs of Sienna decorated with ham- mered metal crestings and edgings and topped by a figure of Our Lady of Consolation, also ham- mcred by hand from sheets of beaten metal. The baldachino extends over the entire mensa and pre- della. The tabernacle stands on the mensa like a tower and is entirely covered to its apex by a veil or tent of cloth of gold or of the other colors of the feast days. On the door of the tabernacle is a Byzantine figure of Christ seated and blessing. The three sanctuary lamps are of forged steel, burnished and polished to an almost silver finish, and of white glass. The two side altars, set in decorated niches with Byzantine seated figures of the Sacred Heart and St. Ann for background, are similar in treatment to the High Altar, but much more simple. The stained glass windows were made in Munich, Bavaria, and are of superior
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workmanship. By day the clerestory windows fill the church with a golden radiance, while the side aisle and sanctuary windows sparkle as though studded with myriads of priceless jewels, and when the church is illuminated at night the windows, viewed from the outside, become a beautiful, fairy- like reproduction of the important scenes in the life of Christ. The Last Supper, The Agony in the Garden. The Scourging at the Pillar, the Crown- ing with Thorns, Carrying the Cross, and The Crucifixion, all appear in the sanctuary clerestory. The Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity, the Presentation in the Temple, and Finding in the Temple appear in the five side aisle windows on the Gospel side, while on the Epistle side the Coronation of the Blessed Virgin, the Assumption, the Descent of the Holy Ghost, the Ascension, and the Resurrection, all are treated in the medi- æval manner. The nave clerestory windows are in lead and glass mosaics of the thirteenth century, without symbolism, and the rose window in the choir gallery shows a heavenly choir with their musical instruments, treated in the same period.
Altogether, the Church of Our Lady of Consola- tion is one of which Father Caron and his parish- ioners may well be proud. Monsignor Bessette died April 16, 1925, and Rev. Elphege Caron succeeded him December 4, 1925.
OSCAR W. LINDBERG-Since 1925, Oscar W. Lindberg has been established as a florist at No. 934 South Main Street, East Greenwich, Rhode Island. Mr. Lindberg is thoroughly experienced in this business, supplying to the community here a florist service of the finest type. The people of East Greenwich have been quick to take ad- vantage of the excellent facilities which he offers, and he thoroughly deserves the increasing volume of trade which is coming to him.
Mr. Lindberg was born at East Greenwich, on June 5, 1887, a son of John and Emma (Askeloff) Lindberg, both natives of Sweden. His father came to America when he was only fifteen years old, and in this country learned the stone mason's trade, which he followed for many years. In later life he was also a successful builder and con- tractor. His death occurred in 1900, his wife having died in 1899. There were six children in the family, as follows: I. Henry. 2. Oscar W., of this record. 3. Anna. 4. Alma, now deceased. 5. Albert. 6. Adolph.
Oscar W. Lindberg attended the public schools of his birthplace, and following the completion of his educational training, was employed at a local bindery for about three years. Meanwhile, however, he had determined to enter the florist business, and at the end of this time he became associated with the Colonel William Goddard establishment at East Greenwich, Rhode Island, under James Hay. He was employed in this connection during quite a long period, and worked later for various other florists, gaining valuable experience and a thorough knowledge of all phases of the business. Mr. Lindberg's first entry into this field was in March, 1918, at Edge- wood, but in 1925 he returned to East Green- wich, where he has since remained. He imme- diately established his business on South Main Street, and under his able guidance this soon grew to its present prosperous proportions. He has a completely up-to-date and modern plant of approximately six thousand feet under glass, with all necessary equipment, and also maintains eight- een thousand additional feet of land for the cul- tivation of his flowers. Mr. Lindberg sells at retail only, and in this field he is achieving genuine success.
In June, 1911, Oscar W. Lindberg married Clara Johnson, daughter of Charles S. Johnson, of Providence, Rhode Island. Several children have been born to them: I. Edna. 2. Hope. 3. Olive. 4. William. All the family are members of the Swedish Lutheran Church at East Green- wich. Mrs. Lindberg is also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
WILLIAM G. BROWN-A figure of impor- tance in the life of North Kingstown and Wick- ford, Rhode Island, for many years, William G. Brown is now road commissioner and president of the town council. In the conduct of his affairs he proved himself a man of ability and sound judgment, and these traits are prominently dis- played in his tenure of office as a public servant.
Mr. Brown was born at Portsmouth, Rhode Island, on October 8, 1874, a son of Benjamin T. Brown, born at Tiverton, Rhode Island, and of Mary A. (Carter) Brown, who was a native of Portsmouth. Both parents are now deceased. The father was engaged as a farmer until the time of his death. He was a veteran of the Union cause during the period of the Civil War,
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serving with the Rhode Island Volunteers, and in later years an active member of the Newport Post of the Grand Army of the Republic.
William G. Brown was educated in the pub- lic schools 'of Portsmouth, and took up farming at that place after the completion of his academic training. In 1899 he hired a farm and removed to Middletown, Rhode Island, and in 1908 came to North Kingstown, continuing as an independ- ent farmer until 1926. Owning his own land, Mr. Brown managed his farm successfully, and soon became known as one of the able and public- spirited residents of this section.
A Republican in politics, he was elected a member of the North Kingstown Town Council in 1923, and since 1927 has been president of that body. From 1902 to 1905 he was road commis- sioner of the town of Middletown, Rhode Is- land, and in 1927 the people of North Kingstown decided to avail themselves of his services in this capacity. Both in this office and as president of the town council, he has discharged his duties with the greatest faithfulness and efficiency, guarding the best interests of the people and fully justifying the confidence reposed in him at his election. Mr. Brown worships with his fam- ily in the Baptist faith. Fox hunting is his chief recreation.
In 1900, William G. Brown married Alice M. Ward, who was born at Middletown. They are the parents of two daughters: Elsie M., and Alice.
ALBERT A. THORNTON-Though still re- latively young, Albert A. Thornton is a man of wide experience in the field of education, both in Rhode Island and in other States. He has served as superintendent of the East Greenwich School Department since 1929.
Mr. Thornton was born at Providence, Rhode Island, on March 10, 1898, a son of Albert T. and Etta L. (Angell) Thornton. His father, who was a pattern maker, was born at Pocasset, Rhode Island, while the mother was born at John- ston, in this State. Albert A. Thornton received his preliminary education in the public schools of Providence and Johnston. Following gradua- tion from the English High School in the former city, he entered Rhode Island State College from which he was graduated in 1919 with the Bach- elor of Science degree. Meanwhile he had deter- mined upon an educational career. He took special work at the Rhode Island College of
Education and also carried on his studies at Pennsylvania State College.
Beginning his active career, Mr. Thornton estab- lished the first vocational agricultural depart- ment in Rhode Island at the Colt Memorial High School in Bristol, remaining in charge of this work for two years. Thereafter he taught for one year in the State of Delaware, and for six years in Pennsylvania schools. Returning to Rhode Island, he was connected with the extension serv- ice at Rhode Island State College for two years, and in August, 1929, was appointed superinten- dent of the East Greenwich School Department, an office which he has since occupied. Mr. Thorn- ton's services have been of genuine benefit to the department and he has carried on his duties with every success.
In other phases of East Greenwich life, he has also been active, holding membership in the East Greenwich Chamber of Commerce, the Barnard Club, and East Greenwich Post, No. 15, of the American Legion. During the period of the World War he entered the service being stationed at Camp Lee, Virginia, in the Officers' Training Camp. Mr. Thornton is a Republican in politics. He is affiliated with the Delta Alpha Psi, Poly- gon, and Phi Kappa Phi fraternities, and is also a member of the Rhode Island Grange.
Albert A. Thornton married, in 1919, Clara W. Wyatt. They are the parents of one child, Albert A., Jr. Mr. Thornton is interested in bee culture and devotes much of his spare time to his apiaries.
JOSEPH HENRY GAINER-Mayor of the city of Providence, Rhode Island, for fourteen successive years, Joseph Henry Gainer served the people of this city faithfully and well. Many im- portant civic projects may be credited to his leadership, and his continuous reëlection to office furnished convincing proof that his efforts in behalf of the city were appreciated. Mr. Gainer is also a leader of the Providence bar, and now confines his attention largely to his private practice.
Joseph Henry Gainer was born at Providence, on January 18, 1878, a son of John and Margaret (Keogh) Gainer. His parents, both born in Ire- land, were married in Providence, on November 12, 1875. The father died in 1882, and his wife, who survived him for many years, passed away in March, 1919. Mayor Gainer was one of five children, three of whom died in infancy, and the fourth, James, died in 1915.
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Joseph Henry Gainer, of this record, received his early education in the parochial schools of Providence and at LaSalle Academy, from which he was graduated in 1896. Thereafter he entered Holy Cross College at Worcester, Massachusetts, where he took the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1899. Meanwhile he had determined upon a legal career, and accordingly undertook the study of law at the Catholic University of America, Wash- ington, District of Columbia, from which he was graduated with the Bachelor of Laws degree, in 1902. In June, 1919, Holy Cross College con- ferred upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws, and Brown University conferred upon him its honorary Master of Arts degree.
Following his graduation from law school in 1902, Mr. Gainer was admitted to the Rhode Island bar and established himself in practice at Providence, carrying on his legal work for a time independently. In 1908, he entered into partner- ship with Edward G. Carr and Charles E. Mul- hearn, an association which continued until Mr. Mulhearn withdrew to accept the appointment as State Probation Officer. The new firm of O'Shaugnessey, Gainer & Carr was then formed and continued until 1922. From 1922 Mr. Gainer and Mr. Carr were associated under the firm name of Gainer & Carr until the present partner- ship of Curran, Hart, Gainer & Carr was estab- lished with offices in the Hospital Trust Building.
Early in his career Mr. Gainer became deeply interested in public affairs, and soon after his ad- mission to the bar, was elected to represent the Third Ward of the city of Providence on the School Committee. In the fall of 1904, he was elected to membership in the Common Council and reelected in the following year. From the beginning of his public career Mr. Gainer aligned himself with the Democratic party and from this time onward was very active in party councils, playing a prominent part in rehabilitating the Democratic organization of this city. As a result of these efforts he was elected alderman from the Third Ward in November, 1908, holding that office for a period of three years. Meanwhile his unusual aptitude for the duties of public life and his very great interest in the public welfare had become clearly apparent. In 1912, he was nomi- nated by his party as the Democratic candidate for mayor, and was elected running against the Republican incumbent who was then serving his fourth term. In the previous election Mr. Gainer had been defeated by the extremely narrow mar- gin of ninety-five votes. From this time onward
his record in public life resulted in an unbroken series of victories, his plurality in one year reach- ing eighteen thousand votes. In 1918, although Mr. Gainer had been uncompromising in his alle- giance to Democratic principles, the Republican party paid him the exceptional tribute of endors- ing his nomination for mayor unanimously ten- dered him at the Democratic City Convention. This was an honor shared by but one other chief executive of the city of Providence, the late mayor, Thomas A. Doyle.
Notwithstanding the fact that he was faced with a large Republican majority in both branches of the city government during his entire service as mayor, Mr. Gainer maintained a degree of har- mony and cooperation between the executive and legislative branches of the city government unique under such circumstances. His straightforward and tactful use of his powers as chief executive won the complete confidence of even his political opponents to such an extent, that while on twelve occasions he found it necessary to exercise his veto power for the defeat of what he considered undesirable legislation, his associates in every instance but one sustained him in his position.
Under Mayor Gainer's leadership a long pro- gram of constructive legislation was enacted, de- spite the fact that this country's participation in the World War greatly curtailed his opportuni- ties. During his administration, a real beginning of the development of the Port of Providence was made through the municipal improvements at Field's Point, the business center of the city developed by cutting through crosstown streets and by widening and building other thorough- fares, the civic center between City Hall and the Federal Building beautified, a zoning ordinance enacted, and in various other ways the interest of the city was advanced. Two important and ex- tensive undertakings of Mayor Gainer's admin- istration deserve special mention, viz. : the estab- lishment of the new city water supply at Scituate at an approximate cost of $21,000,000, an the re- modeling of the public school system, following a comprehensive survey undertaken at the mayor's instigation by Dr. Stayer of Columbia University.
All war-time activities received Mayor Gainer's heartiest support, and under his guidance Provi- dence was recognized among the leading cities of the country in supporting President Wilson's war policies. Not only did Mayor Gainer contribute generously of his time and ability to these duties, but he also found time to plan fitting celebra- tions in honor of the troops on various occasions,
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both during the war and on their return from France.
During the acute coal shortage of the winter of 1917-18, he arranged an emergency coal delivery system for the benefit of the people of the city who were in dire need of fuel. This system, car- ried out through his office staff, undoubtedly saved much suffering among the city's poor.
During the crucial period the mayor also served as chairman of the Providence branches of the National Security League and of the Home Service Section of the American Red Cross.
In 1926, Mr. Gainer announced that he would not again be a candidate for mayor. His wish in the matter was reluctantly accepted by the peo- ple of the city, and at the conclusion of his four- teen years of service as chief executive of Provi- dence, his grateful fellow-citizens tendered him a testimonial banquet at the Biltmore Hotel, Providence, which was one of the largest gath- erings of its kind ever held in this city. Mr. Gainer had been at his election the youngest man ever chosen for this high office, and now he held the additional distinction for length of serv- ice as mayor. His place in the affection and re- gard of the people of Providence was demon- strated by the enthusiasm manifested at this civic testimonial banquet. Among those who paid him tribute on this occasion were T. F. I. Mc- Donald; Arthur Henius; William Sweet, presi- dent of the Chamber of Commerce; the new mayor of Providence, James E. Dunne; Dr. John E. Donley; President W. H. P. Faunce of Brown University; and the Rt. Rev. William Hickey, Roman Catholic Bishop of Providence. At the conclusion of the banquet Mayor Gainer was pre- sented with a loving cup, and as a gift from the City Hall employees, a beautiful desk.
In 1926 Mr. Gainer received the nomination of the Democratic party for the office of Governor of Rhode Island. Although as a result of one of the smallest registrations in the history of the State, the Democratic party was defeated in the election of that year, Mr. Gainer ran ten thousand votes ahead of the rest of his ticket, a striking testimony to his personal popularity.
Since his retirement as chief executive of Prov- idence, Mr. Gainer has devoted himself to the practice of his profession. His success at the bar is a matter of record, and he is justly considered a leader in legal and civic affairs of this State. Mr. Gainer is a member of the University Club, the Catholic Club, Metacomet Golf Club, Colum- bus Club, Rotary Club, Exchange Club, and the Town Crier Club, all of Providence, as well as of
several fraternal organizations including the Knights of Columbus, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and Royal Arcanum. He is also an honorary member of the Rhode Island Historical Society, of Brown University Chapter of Phi Kappa Fraternity and of Phi Beta Kappa Fraternity; president of the General Alumni Association of Holy Cross Col- lege; a trustee of the Citizens Savings Bank; and a director of both the Morris Plan Bank and the Mortgage Guarantee and Title Company. Mr. Gainer has recently been elected president of the Metacomet Golf Club, one of the National Di- rectors of the Association against the Prohibition Amendment, and is now a trustee of the Provi- dence Lying-in Hospital and St. Joseph's Hos- pital. He worships in the Roman Catholic faith, and is a member of St. Sebastian's parish.
On April 22, 1915, Joseph Henry Gainer mar- ried Christina McPherson, daughter of Andrew and Margaret McPherson, of Quincy, Massachu- setts. Mr. and Mrs. Gainer are the parents of three children: Christine, Margaret, and Joseph H., Jr.
GEORGE WARREN MADISON-President of the Tockworton Jersey Farms, Inc., which he has owned for many years at East Greenwich, Rhode Island, George Warren Madison has long been a figure of importance in various phases of Rhode Island life. He was born in the town of Warwick, Rhode Island, on November 24, 1851, a son of Joseph Warren and Maria (Smith) Madi- son, both now deceased. The father was born at West Greenwich, Rhode Island, and was engaged as a farmer until his death. The mother was a native of North Kingstown.
George Warren Madison was educated in the public schools of the town of Warwick and at East Greenwich Academy. After the completion of his academic training he worked for five years with his father, assisting him in the operation of the home farm, and then took a position as man- ager of the Henry G. Russell farm in the town of Warwick. This is the property now known as Goddard Park. Most of the trees now so famous there, were planted during his administration. Mr. Madison devoted himself to the duties of this position with every success for a period of thirty- five years. At this time he inherited from his father, the Tockworton Farm, in North Kings- town, and shortly afterwards began the develop- ment of Jersey cattle. He was the sole owner
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and operator of this farm until 1927 when it was incorporated, Mr. Madison becoming president, Francis S. Madison, treasurer, and Manton Madi- son, vice-president. This farm is one of the large dairy enterprises in the Greenwich section of Rhode Island. It consists of eighty acres, mostly of fine pasture land, and Mr. Madison and his sons own a herd of fifty registered Jersey cattle, supplying milk and dairy products to many purchasers.
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