This lighthouse is located in the West Passage just north of the Jamestown Bridge. It was completed in 1899 and served to warn vessels away from the Plum Beach shoal which extended east from the Narragansett shore toward Conanicut Island.
The JHS library exhibit for February displays some of the smaller signs and plaques from the Jamestown Historical Society’s collection of signs. Many of the larger ones are on permanent display in the town’s Recreation Center lobby and the back stairwell of Town Hall.
The Jamestown Historical Society has a remarkable collection of signs that served wildly different purposes.
Some of the earliest donations to the Jamestown Historical Society collection reflect an age that in 1912 was just ending with the introduction of electricity.
Camp Meade (sometimes spelled Mead) was the training camp for the Third Rhode Island Cavalry. It was established between June 26 and August 18, 1863, and probably named for General George Gordon Meade who had just taken command of the Army of the Potomac.
In the JHS Collection are examples, spanning almost 200 years, of Jamestowners’ interest in collecting and sharing their favorite recipes.
During the holiday season in the 21st century Christians of many faiths celebrate the birthday of Jesus with Christmas parties and presents. Jews gather for Hanukkah, the festival of lights. Americans of African heritage express their unity at Kwanzaa.
For the December exhibit in the library, the Jamestown Historical Society joined forces with the Valmont “Bucky” Caswell Museum at the Jamestown Volunteer Fire Department to show toy fire engines across the last century.
The initial contract for building the Jamestown-Verrazzano bridge was awarded in December 1984 to Clarke-Fitzpatrick Inc., the lowest of six bidders at $63.9 million. Ground was broken September 26. 1985, and construction began. Estimated time to complete – three years.
The JHS library exhibit for November displays a collection of boxes designed for many different uses. A tiny round ceramic snuff box used in the 19th century contained powdered tobacco.
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The Jamestown
Historical Society
PO Box 156
Jamestown, RI
02835