Johnston Historical Society Historical Notes
Vol. VII, #5, November 1997
Louis H. McGowan, President and Editor
Pat Macari, Vice President
Society Awarded Two Grants
It has been an exciting two months for our society. In November we were notified that we have been awarded a 1998 State Legislative Grant for $1500 to institute a historic marker program in our Town. With this money we will plaque approximently 10 significant structures, which we feel will help to raise the historical consciousness of our community.
In the same month the Champlin Foundation told us that we are going to be given a $7000 grant which will be used to: reconstruct the fireplace in the first floor back room, build a fence along the front of our headquarters property, and purchase a computer system. In December, we received our check and we have started the wheels in motion for our construction work. Exciting times!!
Our Book Is Out!!
Our book is finished and out for sale. We received 80 copies in November and were worried that we might not be able to sell them all. That has not been the case! We have sold them and the next 80. We have just bought another case of 40, bringing us to a grand total of 200 bought from the publisher. Many copies have been sold as Christmas presents and we imagine a lot of lively discussions taking place Christmas day about the views in our book. If you have not bought your copy yet, do not miss out. Call us today at (401) 231-3380.
Open House Held
On November 9, 1997, we held an open house at our headquarters. The weather was not the best, but we had a great time anyhow. Forty members and friends attended. The North Providence Rangers, a Revolutionary War re-enactment group, were our special guests. They pitched their tents on Saturday morning and broke camp Sunday evening. A few of us spent time with them Saturday evening in their tent. We ate mussels cooked over the fire, drank some grog, listened to Revolutionary War tales, and heard 18th century songs. It was a lot of fun.
Inside, our house was nicely decorated by our members. A fire was crackling in the keeping room, and candles were lit throughout the house. Thanks go to Ellen Lanpher, who brought over a few special pieces. We spent some quality time socializing and talking Johnston history.
Thanks to all our members who helped to make the Open House a great success.
Society Doings
For our September general meeting our old friend Frank Spencer came by to entertain us with another slide show on Scituate before the Reservoir. As usual, he was wonderful. He has a vast store of knowledge, a good sense of humor, and we all enjoy him immensely.
Mike Hebert, Preservation Planner for the R.I.D.O.T., was guest speaker at our October meeting. He gave a great presentation on Rhode Island's historic bridges of the last 100 years. He showed us the different types, told us something of their construction, and explained what the State is doing to preserve the ones that should be saved.
John Sterling, who is heading up a State-wide inventory of cemeteries, spoke at our November meeting. John portrayed the different types of headstones used in our area, showed us how to decipher the writing on the stones, and explained inventory techniques.
An Old Variety Store
by Louis Ullucci I
It's only a small store, somewhat of the Mom and Pop variety that folks usually refer to. It's of the type, the fast-disappearing corner store, that one can run in, pick up an item or two, and run out before the door closes. If there is a list of endangered properties, this particular one should definitely be included. One of a kind, it is located in our town and two brothers have owned this store for at least sixty-five years. The only change in the six-plus decades has been going from being a rented space one block down the road to the present self-owned property. Personable and friendly in all respects, both owners have served and helped many young, very young, and now, middle-aged patrons that have frequented the market.
The business has never had a telephone in all the long years it has been open. Some of the elderly who cannot walk are driven to the store. They sound the horn and one of the kind gentlemen walks out to hear the order, puts it up, and delivers it to the car. Recently, Tom, the eldest and well over seventy, had a stroke and has become slightly lame. It did not keep him from the store too long and now he's back and is doing quite well. What his stroke did do though, was to bring in most of their customers to rally around brother Frank and offers to help were in abundance. Tom picked up most of the wholesale goods every morning. This was accomplished by dropping Frank off at the store around seven every day, picking up a list of needed stock items, and driving to the wholesale market for the supplies. Frank does not drive as his license expired a few years ago and he never applied for another. The produce market is a must stop for Tom as most customers stop for fresh vegetables and fruit every evening on their way home. Another unique feature is not purchasing anything perishable that is too expensive or that does not meet Tom's trained sense for fresh and appetizing food. The service is very personal, and the greetings and smiles from either gentleman brighten up the visit each time you stop in.
Children receive the biggest smiles and greetings and are escorted to the candy section as soon as they come in. They get to choose their favorite munchies, and the smaller ones usually get free-bees. Here you can still find the rare five cent piece of sweet confectionary. They still feature a surprise grab bag for the kids filled with their favorite tasty treats for a quarter. As the children grow older, their first order of business is to rush behind the counter to the shelves. Their parents, upon checking the bounty, simply add the goodies to the total amount at the register.
Bananas are strung up on a wire near the front window where Tom can lift off a bunch, weigh it on the scale next to the fruit, and shout to Frank, who looks over from somewhere in the store. Frank calculates the amount due, replies "O.K.", and the yellow harvest is added to your total.
Another ritual that happens every Sunday morning is the weighing of the Providence Sunday Journal. I have never grasped the meaning of this action—maybe the more weight, the more news.
Many old-time products are still sold here. One of them is the original Moxie soft drink. Another is a very ancient type of bottle filled with old-fashioned tasting sasparilla.
With the current fierce business competition, bottom line climate, and here today, gone tomorrow mood present, I'm hoping our favorite, small neighborhood enterprises like Frankie's will survive. Hopefully, it will be there for us as long as we need the little incidental we forgot to purchase in the big market, such as a fly swatter, a clothes line, loose shell peanuts, or a mouse trap.
The best I've saved for last. All you have to do is stand at the counter and tell either of the gentlemen what you would like to purchase. Voila! There it is, ready for you and bagged, too. No running up and down aisles searching and hunting. One final note—Frank has added sound to the atmosphere of the store. After about sixty-five years, and tuned to the oldies station, a small radio now graces one of the shelves. I must add that perhaps the volume is a little too loud but then, they have a lot of catching up to do.
Editor's Note: This store, run by the Iannotti brothers, recently burned (December, 1997). It looks like friends and community groups will reconstruct the building for their dear friends. The brothers have not decided if they wish to re-open the store. We hope that they do and that this business once again comes to life!
The Doctor Harding Harris Homestead
by Stephen Merolla
There is an empty, overgrown lot lying along Atwood Avenue that has a story behind it. The lot is between where Morgan Avenue and Old Scituate Avenue meet Atwood Avenue and it is right next to Necal's Plaza. It is the spot where once stood the B&B Nightclub during the 1950s and 1960s. Before that time there stood a colonial-era house where the D'Acchioli family lived.
The story begins in the 18th century. Between 1775 and 1784 a John Smith Esq. of Providence purchased a total of 250 acres of land in Johnston. The general area of this estate seems to have been south of Hartford Avenue, west of Borden Avenue, north of Morgan Avenue, and westwards out along Scituate Avenue. Much of this area was probably the present-day Allendale Insurance complex.1 John Smith was a prominent citizen of the Town of Providence, for many years a member of the General Assembly, and during the Revolution, a member of the Committee of Public Safety. He was married to Eliphal Smith.2 They had a daughter named Abigail who married a Dr. Harding Harris Esq. on August 14, 1796.3
Harding Harris (b. Sept. 12, 1768) was a son of Caleb Harris (b. ca. 1739; d. June 16, 1812) and Margaret Harris (b. ca. 1742; d. Apr. 3, 1825). Caleb Harris was also a prominent landowner in Johnston and was for many years Town Clerk (researchers will appreciate his beautiful handwriting in the Johnston Deed Books). Caleb Harris' estate totaled around 200 acres and straddled Hartford Avenue between Borden Avenue and Atwood Avenue. His neighbor to the south was John Smith. Caleb Harris gave to his son Harding a total of 30 acres on the north-easterly part of his farm4, but Harding and Abigail were to build their home and live on a small parcel of land sold to them by her father, John Smith. On June 26, 1799, John Smith Esq. sold a 1-acre and 60-rod tract of land to Harding Harris for $120 "...on the Easterly or Northerly side of and adjoining Scituate Road... it is the same lot that the said Harding Harris is building his house."5 This is of course part of the empty lot of land which is the subject of our story. In those days the Scituate Road also included Morgan Avenue and that part of Atwood Avenue that leads from Morgan to Old Scituate Road. The house that was being built in 1799 was the house that the D'Acchioli family lived in for many years and which later became part of the B&B Nightclub.
The Harris' had seven children. Their sons were John Smith, Caleb, William, and Harding Jr. Their daughters were Anne Frances, Phebe, and Abby Fisk.6 Sadly, Dr. Harris was not able for long to enjoy his young family and the fruits of his labor. On February 8, 1808, he dictated his last will and testament. It read in part "...Having been for many years afflicted with the more distressing simptons [sic] of the consumption and finding now its ravages to have made such advances on me as to leave no reasonable hope of any continuing here but a short time..."7 Dr. Harris had contracted Tuberculosis (consumption), which was a widespread and devestating killer prior to the 20th century, so much so that it was referred to as the "white plague." Dr. Harris knew very well that he was dying, that he would soon have to leave his wife and seven children behind. Knowing what was to come, his father-in-law, John Smith, deeded to him land for a family cemetery "...in consideration of love and good will towards my son-in-law and my daughter Abigail Harris his wife... for the purpose of a Family burying place 16 square rods of land situated in said Johnston and adjoining to the Easterly part of the said Harding Harris house Lot."8 The date of the deed was March 10, 1808; Dr Harris died ten days later, on March 20, at the age of 40. He was the first to be buried in the new cemetery.
In his will, Dr. Harris left to his wife Abigail a large Bible, the household furnishings, and the rents and profits of the house, store and lot, together with use of a wood lot out along Scituate Avenue. In addition, each of the three daughters was to receive a "...good feather bed with a bedstead and bed furniture... shall they severally reach to the age of 17 years." (Abby Fisk Harris died September 18, 1809, at age 3). Harris also intended that the 30-acre lot given him by his father be sold and the profits therefrom to be divided among his four sons when they reached age 21.9 On January 31, 1814, Abigail Harris and Stephen Harris of Warwick (physician), the two executors of the will, did in fact sell the 30-acre parcel to James Burril Jr. of Providence for $1,000.10
Eight years after her husband died, Abigail Harris married another doctor, Jeremiah Cole of Scituate. They were married in Scituate on October 30, 1816, by Elder John Westcote.11 It is interesting to note how people in those days semed to marry within their own social circles. Dr Cole and his new wife, Abigail, may have lived in the house for a short time, for a Town Council meeting of December 26, 1816, states: "Resolved that Jeremiah Cole have licence to retail liquor in the house of Harding Harris, late of Johnston, deceased."12 It seems that by 1819 the Coles had moved to Scituate, a fact backed up by both Deed and Town Council records. Abigail died on December 9, 1831, at the age of 55. Though she almost certainly died in Scituate, she was buried in Johnston with her first husband.
Next to take up residence in the Harding Harris House was his daughter, Anne Frances, along with her husband, the Reverend Nicholas G. Potter. The Town Council of June 28, 1819, when laying out highway districts stated in part... "to extend eastward on Scituate Road to the forks of the road near Nicholas G. Potter's..."13 This fork in the road is where Atwood Avenue and Old Scituate Avenue now converge. The Potters did not stay too long because deed evidence shows that they had moved to Coventry by at least May 20, 1825. On that date they had signed a quit-claim deed over to Anne Frances' brother, William Harris, for the house and property.14 William Harris (b. ca. 1800-d. Jan. 18, 1842) and his wife, Sarah, (b. ca. 1804-d. Apr. 13, 1883) the daughter of the Honorable Nathan Brown, were now to occupy the house on Atwood Avenue for many years. William Harris acquired quit-claim deeds from his surviving siblings and his mother for the house and properties. His sister, Phebe of Foster (who had married John S. Fenner on Oct. 31, 1821), quit-claimed on April 14, 1824;15 his brother, Harding Harris Jr. of Scituate, on April 4, 1826;16 Anne Frances, noted above, and brother, Caleb Harris of Providence, on September 23, 1829.17 This deed in particular states "...Also one other lot of land with a dwelling house thereon standing now occupied by William Harris... and is all the right and title... to all the real estate of my Father Harding Harris."
William Harris died on January 18, 1842, at the age of 42 years. Sarah, his wife, continued to live in the house as shown by a deed from March 24, 1856. In that transaction Sarah Harris purchased a nearly 2-acre lot of land from Samuel Boyd Tobey "...adjoining the house lot of the late William Harris, where the said Sarah Harris now lives..."18
William and Sarah Harris had three sons, Harding, Caleb A., and Nathan B. On January 13, 1863, Caleb A. Harris signed over his interest in his father's real estate to his brother, Nathan Brown Harris.19 On November 20, 1867, Harding Harris quit-claimed all interest in his father's real estate to his mother, Sarah, for $500.20 Sarah Harris died on April 13, 1883 at age 79, thus outliving sons Caleb A. (d. Nov. 1, 1865) and Harding (d. Jan. 9, 1868). Thus, the land passed to the last surviving male in the Dr. Harding Harris line, Nathan B. Harris. On November 22, 1888, the other heirs quit-claimed their interests to all of the Harris real estate to Nathan B. Harris.21 Nathan B., however, was much involved in real estate in Silver Lake and Olneyville, land that passed down to him through his maternal grandfather, Nathan Brown. Mr. Harris took up residence in Silver Lake and so no longer had a need for the old homestead on Atwood Avenue. On May 11, 1889, Nathan B. Harris sold to Cieilia Gismondi the homestead of his grandfather, Dr. Harding Harris, ending 90 years of Harris occupation of the house.22 The deed stated that Harris and his heirs would retain a right to pass and repass to the Family Burying Ground on foot or with teams.
Cieilia Gismondi sold the property to Domenico D'Acchioli on February 11, 1913.23 On February 7, 1920, the heirs of Domenico D'Acchioli—Andriana D'Acchioli (widow of Domenico), Caterina Marandola, Domenico Marandola, Antonia Ferri and husband Liugi Ferri, and Madalena D'Acchioli (single)—sold the house and property to brothers Cosmo and Vincenzo D'Acchioli.24 The D'Acchioli's were well-known in Town for the produce they grew on their farm on Atwood Avenue. Mr. Angelico Pezzulo bought the property on March 23, 1927,25 but the D'Acchioli family continued to live on the property and in the former Dr. Harris home until the 1940s. This was accomplished through a series of leases.
On December 15, 1949, the heirs of Angelico Pezzullo (Joseph and Michael) sold the property to three of the Ferri brothers, Nicholas, Michael J. (Butch), and Anthony B. (Buffy) Ferri.26 On March 31, 1953, Nicky Ferri sold out his share to his two brothers, "Butch" and "Buffy", who in turn incorporated as Hughesdale Realty Co.27 It was around this time that the Ferris moved a small tavern from across the street, where a Cumberland Farms now sits, and attached the tavern to the old Dr. Harris House. The resulting combination became known as the B&B Nightclub, which for many years was a well-known night-spot in Johnston. This was quite ironic because Dr. Harding Harris himself applied for and received licence to sell liquor out of his house. This was a common practice in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Ferris owned the property with the nightclub for many years, but on June 21, 1973, they sold out to Helcar Incorporated, which still owns the lot.28 At some point in the 1970s the Dr. Harding Harris House was demolished along with the rest of the B&B. The only reminder today of the past history of this piece of Johnston is a rundown cemetery on the site. The rest is broken tar and weeds.
Footnotes:
Second Johnston Book
Although the exact time frame has not been worked out, we will definitely be doing a second book in the Images of America series. This book will probably be arranged by subject matter, having chapters on houses, people at work & play, municipal departments, etc. These details will be worked out later by the society members putting together the book.
So, be on the lookout for pictures that we can borrow to copy. You can look to the first book to see the type of photographs that we can use. If you have any doubts about whether we can use some, please let us look at them. Maybe you will be surprised when we love something that you did not think was that important. Besides, it is fun to see your pictures in a book.
School History Fairs
In March, 1997 the Johnston High School and Ferri Middle School held their annual History Fairs. Our society was well represented at both events. Dan Brown, Steve Merolla, Louis McGowan, and Lisa Jorgensen acted as judges at one or both fairs. We have tried to support these events as much as we can. The students do a great job with their exhibits and over the years have done very well at the Rhode Island History Fair which follows the local fairs. A number of Johnston students have won at the State Fair and have moved on to national competition.
As in other years, our society recognized three projects as winners in the categories of General History and Local History. "There Has Never Been a Wall Too Tall" (Michael Crawley, Matthew DiIorio, Wiliam Hawkins, & David Riccio) and "The Glory Regiment" (Amanda Clayton) were the winners in General History. "Seth Luther: Tragic Madman or Triumphant Crusader" (Vincent DeTora, Louis Micheli, Ryan Sukaskas, Derek Turchetta) was the winner in Local History.
We congratulate the winners for all their hard work. Congratulations also go to all the participants in the school fairs and to all the teachers and administrators who make these fairs possible.
1998 Dues
Have you paid your 1998 dues yet? It is that time again. Your dues help us to operate. We have raised our dues slightly to cover the increased costs of newsletter production and mailing. Dues are now $10.00 for a single membership and $12.00 for a family membership. So, once more: please pay your 1998 dues!! Send us a check today!
Upcoming Events
January 28, 1998, J.H.S. General Meeting. Slide Show on Johnston History.
February 25, 1998, J.H.S. General Meeting. Joe Coduri will be our guest speaker. His talk will be on historic postcards.
March 25, 1998, J.H.S. General Meeting. The North Providence Rangers will be our guests.
April 29, 1998, J.H.S. General Meeting. Scott Molloy will speak on trolleys in R.I.
New Recording-Secretary
As of October, 1997 Evelyn Beaumier has been serving as our Recording-Secretary. She was appointed to replace Bel Peters who resigned for personal reasons. Thanks to Bel for her year's service and to Evelyn for filling the vacancy.
Have you bought your copy of Johnston yet? If not call us today at 231-3380.
Johnston Historical Society, 101 Putnam Pike, Johnston, RI 02919, (401) 231-3380, info@johnstonhistorical.org
Unless otherwise noted, all content is © 2006 Johnston Historical Society.
Posted March 2006