This got us thinking. Time works differently in Rhode Island. Instead of living by that clock thing hanging on the wall, nostalgia seems to be the dominant rhythm of life here. While new construction may change the terrain, the Rhode Island conscious is embedded in the past. Just ask a true Rhode Islander for directions. Instead of street names, they will most likely be given by landmark. And usually this landmark will be outdated, like where the old I-195 used to be. With this trait in mind, we’ve created a list of some famous Rhode Island Used-To-Be’s that are important to our culture.

If you live in the Ocean State and are over the age of 20, there’s a really good chance you have some childhood memory of Rocky Point Amusement Park. This Warwick Park, established in 1847, grew quickly in popularity, and from the 1850’s through the 1980’s it was the most popular attraction in New England. Tom Flanagan remembers spending Saturdays there, full of laughter and cotton candy. The park closed in 1995 and was demolished in 2007. The town of Warwick is currently looking to make the land into a public park.

Much like Rocky Point, Crescent Park in East Providence (named for the crescent shape of the Riverside beach) was renowned in its time. Founded in 1886 by George Boyden, the venue was known as the “Coney Island of the East”, with hot air balloons and extravagant carousels providing the Park’s main attractions. Tom Flanagan also remembers the delicious candy apples he enjoyed here (there is a theme here with Tom about amusement venues). The park closed in 1979, and the surrounding area was developed. The only remnant of these sweet roots is the Crescent Park Carousel, which remains open to this day.

Today, The Towers set the backdrop to the Narragansett social scene, but they once provided entrance to the Narragansett Pier Casino, another source of turn-of-the-century entertainment. The Casino was completed in 1886 and provided a refuge for the areas social elite, offering a variety of recreational opportunities, such as boating, tennis, billiards, bowling, cards, and shooting. The venue also had restaurants, stores, reading rooms, a theater, a bandstand, a ballroom, and a beautiful beach. While Residential Properties Ltd. has been around for a long time (this year is our 30th anniversery!), none of us were there to enjoy the pleasures of The Casino, since the building burned down in 1900. However, locals like Anita Langer cherish The Towers for uniting a community with their granite walls.

Our final used to be is much less romantic, but is a part of Rhode Island history none-the-less. In the 1980s, Providence was included in the Guinness Book of World Record for holding the distinction of World’s Widest Bridge. Known as the Crawford Street Bridge at 1,147 feet, the structure grew when several normal sized bridges were covered with decking and turned into a parking lot. Oh yeah, this monstrosity was located across the Providence River. Ed Hardy remembers thinking this bridge was gross in his youth. This monstrosity has since been dismantled; the river has been moved; Waterfire caldrons line the center of where the bridge was; and the whole transformation turned the area into an asthetically pleasing area. While this demolition was integral in developing our Capital Center, we just couldn’t let you erase this Used-To-Be from your memory. So, remember, you can get to the downtown area from the East Side by crossing over the river where the world’s widest bridge was.

Admittedly, we’ve left out numerous landmarks that could be used for directions, so you can expect another Used-To-Be compilation in the near future.

We get more and more submissions to the Photo Contest each season. In fact, we received a record number of submissions for this Spring’s contest. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, at Residential Properties we have some of the most creative and talented sales associates in the business!

I am excited to announce that CC Wall has submitted this season’s winning photograph. CC captured a stunning view of the Ocean House in Watch Hill, RI. CC’s photo captures a natural vanishing point of the grand Victorian hotel deck leading to the ocean off in the distance.

An honorable mention goes to Liz Bodell, sales associate in our Providence office and super talented photographer. Liz submitted a fantastic shot of Richmond Square in Providence.

With so many quality photos submitted this Spring, it was certainly difficult choosing photos to be added to the home page slide show. We have included 5 photographs this season. Thank you to all the participants!

Winning Photo: CC Wall – The Ocean House in Watch Hill, RI

Runner-up: Liz Bodell – Richmond Square in Providence

Holly Applegate – Historic Homes on Benefit Street – The East Side of Providence

Holly Applegate – Roger Williams National Park – Providence, RI

Phil Retamoza – Old Stone Bank Building – Providence, RI

We get more and more submissions each season. It’s always a difficult decision choosing the winning photographs and this summer was no exception.

This years winning photo is of the Pomham Lighthouse in East Providence and was shot by Laurie Fletcher from our Barrington Office. Congratulations Laurie!

Check out the slide show of all the selected photos!

I am excited to say that first time participant and sales manager of our Providence Office, Ed Hardie submitted this years winning photo. Ed snapped a terrific photo of the Rose Island Lighthouse in Newport, Rhode Island. Congratulations Ed!

An honorable mention to Nancy Weaver, sales manager of our Barrington Office and a terrific photographer. Nancy captured a fabulous shot of a dock on South Meadow in Barrington. Also, thanks to our corporate office for submitting a few as well.

Check out the slide show below!

Winning Photo – Dawne Nordstrom: Photo – South Water Street Providence

2. Sandy Soares: Photo – Cotoneaster sitting beside a cultivator
3. Ian Barnacle: Photo – West view of Providence
4. Dawne Nordstrom: Photo – Temple to Music at Roger Williams Park

Here’s a slide show of the winning photos:

Take a stroll down historic Benefit Street Tuesday through Saturdays starting at 11:00am. The 90-minute walk starts at the John Brown House Museum. Tickets are $12 and Parking is available.

Visit the Rhode Island Historical Society to learn more.

View our listings on Benefit Street.

Take a virtual walk down Benefit Street with Google Street View

View Larger Map

The “Buy Art” program gives pins designed by local artists to participating artists, art retailers and vendors. When customers purchase art – at any price – they receive a button inscribed with the words “I BUY ART”.

The goal of the program is to bring about awareness of the city’s artistic talent and spread the word through grass roots marketing.

To buy your own art, click here to view participating galleries and shops, including some of our neighbors on Wickenden Street!

Click here to read more about the rebranding of Providence in a recent Providence Journal article.

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