The Old Brick School House.

The Old Brick School House, a small but dignified building, embodies a special kind of significance in the history of Providence. http://www.ppsri.org/organization/old-brick-schoolhouse Although it stands somewhat crowded by current neighbors, the Brick School House still makes a significant statement about the democratic and civic ideals of 18th century Providence.

The Brick School house served many educational functions. Among its occupants were a school for black children, a cooking school, and a fresh air school for tubercular children, the first such program in America.

In the early nineteenth century, many African Americans were educated in the Old Brick School House. In the 1820s, a Quaker ran a private school for African American children.
 In 1828, the town of Providence established a public school system and created a separate school for African Americans until the state legislature outlawed racially segregated schools in 1866.
The public segregated school was called the Meeting Street School, the African school, and the colored school.

 On Saturday, July 28 at 5:00 p.m., I  with many others, joined The Rhode Island Black Heritage Society in the unveiling of a plaque at  the Meeting Street School, which, in 1828, became the first public school in Rhode Island to be open to African American children.

It was once again, history in the making and I was honored to be in attendance for this celebration..

It was very nice to see the community come out and show there support. By preserving and teaching our history to the children, makes for a better future.

 The Meeting Street School will be persevered and looked after under the expert stewardship of James Hall and the Providence Preservation Society,

Color and Light: Early Twentieth Century Portraits of Hearthside House - What's Happening - Events Calendar

Color and Light: Early Twentieth Century Portraits of Hearthside House - What's Happening - Events Calendar

My visit to the Old Providence State House

 On June 26th, as part of my birthday adventure, I visited the old state house of Providence. I admire this place for it's architectural quality.  I have found that it is just one of the five state houses of Rhode Island.

 The old state house, dating to 1762.

 The old state house is now offices of the Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission and most of it is not open to the public, but in the basement is the old House of Deputies room.

 The Old State House was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1970, and is a key element of the College Hill Historic Landmark District, designated in 1971.

Before the present tower on the west facade and the wing on Benefit Street were added in the nineteenth century, the Old State House bore a striking resemblance to the Newport Colony House. At the center of the west front was an elaborate classically detailed entrance way with a portico or balcony.
 http://www.rihphc.state.ri.us/about/old_state_house.php

 This is such a stately old building and I am happy that it is being preserved, even if it is not used as often. They do have historical events held there from time to time.

 I can say, I truly enjoyed my historical visit to the "Old State House."

Enjoying a Victorian Summer

The Summer always starts off with the Memorial Day Parade. My grad daughter loves to attend the parade with me to see the clowns. What little girl does not enjoy those funny entertainers.

I love to march in the parade to give my support to the Hearthside House. We entered our float with the theme of our next upcoming event, which is The David Davidson Exhibit.

 

"Color &Light" Early 20th Century Portraits of Hearthside Exhibit.
 You are invited to come to this amazing exhibit, which will be on display all the month of June and July.
 It will be a wonderful way to spend a Summer afternoon.

Titanic tea at Hearthide

Welcome aboard on this 12 day of May in 1912.

The Hearthide Family has created a Titanic adventure for you. There will be no sinking on this day, just a luxurious afternoon tea in the company of friends.

You will be greeted by the butler and maid to assure your needs are met with great attention and care.

Then, Captain Edward Smith with welcome you and show you around the ship.

While this is happening, the host and her staff are doing last minute checks of the tea rooms.

In the kitchen, the maid is inspecting all the tea pots and getting them ready for the tea.
All is going well. Time for tea!

                         All our guests are first class passengers, 

but, we got a rare visit on the voyage from the famous Mrs.Sally Beckwith.   She was born, Sarah "Sallie" Monypen. Mrs. Beckwith was a survivor on the Titanic.  

More passengers at the tea:

 .It was a lovely voyage and our guest left safe and smiling.

Interesting comparison to Winslow Homer's Painting

This is a purloined copy of Winslow Homer's work entitled "Near Andersonville."

It just so happens, that some of the pictures taken by Jo-Ellen of me, Estelle standing in the kitchen doorway of Hearthside House are VERY reminiscent of the Homer work. There is a book by the same title, written by one Peter Wood, which is quite good reading, and which discusses the painting in some detail. Enjoy these pictures and the information about the book,
 http://www.amazon.com/Near-Andersonville-Winslow-Huggins-Lectures/dp/0674053206 

Thanks goes out to Frank Daly and Jo-Ellen  Tramontana,  for the information and the photos.