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Life of the Square







Seafarers, soldiers, statesmen, shopkeepers and school children, among a cast of thousands, have all entered upon the stage that is Washington Square, the very heart of the city. Each has left their imprint upon the place. 






























Residents of
the Square

The residents of the Washington Square area during the 19th century reflect the variety activities in this vibrant part of the city. Occupations related to the sea and fine craftsmanship were well established since colonial times and continued to thrive while new professions in railroads, steamships and hotels were products of Newport's newly expanding role as a resort.




Advertisement from Newport Mercury, January 7, 1774 Handbill for Washington Square Family School, circa 1857





(Rhode Island Photograph Collection, Providence Public Library)
(3 images above: Rhode Island Photograph Collection, Providence Public Library) 










 
Joe Braganzio, known as "Peanut Joe," early 1900s Peanut Joe in later years



Some Newporters in and around the Square, 1860:

Edward Strabe, 29, Mariner
Erasmus Peckham, 71, Ropemaker
Nathaniel Allen, 38, Steamboat Captain
Edward Hays, Shoemaker
Ellen Kelly, 22, Servant



1870:

Robert Stanton, 52, Retail Grocer
Josephine Stanton, 26, Bookkeeper
William Cranston, 49, Lawyer
Mary Smith, 25, Domestic Servant
Charles Knight, 28, Jeweler
Rowland Hazard, 78, Retired Druggist
Mary Lawton, 81, Keeping House
Henry Stevens, 40, Bank Cashier



1880: 
Gideon Barker, 79, Stone Mason
James Keer, 34, Laborer
Sarah Burke, 18, Laundress
William Wielande, 55, Jailor
Michael Friend, 60, Carpenter
Norman Burr, 31, Hotel Keeper
Ernest Groffe, 49, Cabinetmaker
Annie Hesketh, 18, Dressmaker
Silas Shaw, 45, Fisherman
John Jordan, 19, Railroad Brakeman




Firefighters extinguishing fire on the north side of Washington Square Man reading in the window on the North side of Washington Square Guests on the porch of the City Hotel, also known as the Park House Hotel



1941 war draftees on the steps of the Colony House 1942 war draftees on the steps of the Colony House



Parades & Promenades

Washington Square, for much of its history, has been a place to walk, to shop and to parade. The park in the center of the square is a late 18th century creation. It originally contained two blocks of dwellings, a school and the printing shop of James Franklin. During the 19th century, the square bustled with commercial activity, and as a backdrop for every civic festivity from naval parades to public speeches.







A gathering at the Colony House, mid-20th century. (Rhode Island Photograph Collection, Providence Public Library) Installation of the dedication stone for Eisenhower Park, 1960 Music on the steps of the Colony House, late 20th-century. (Rhode Island Photograph Collection, Providence Public Library) Atlantic Fleet Block Party, 1922

This project is made possible by the generous support of Elizabeth "Lisette" Prince and the Buchanan Burnham Endowment for Visiting Scholars.  All images are from the collections of the Newport Historical Society unless otherwise noted.
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