Narragansett Pier Rhode Island
A Post Card History
from
The Turn of the Century
offered by
John & Rico's
The Drawing Room Antiques Gallery
located at
152 Spring Street / Newport, RI 02840 (401-841-5060)
"Narragansett Pier forms a part of the eastern coast of the town of South Kingstown (the largest town in extent in Rhode Island), at the western entrance to Narragansett Bay. . . Until 1876, visitors were obliged to ride from Kingstown town Station to the Pier in stages, but in that year the Narragansett Pier Railroad was opened over the same route and business at the Pier received quite and impetus.
In the early days before the railroad was built, and even for some time afterward, Pier society was made up of people who came here simply to have a good time in the old-fashioned, inexpensive way; they lived almost wholly in hotels, and limited their dissipation to bathing, eating fish dinners and baked clams, riding in hayricks, occasionally dancing and always lounging about in comfortable, negligee costumes.
But great changes have taken place here within a few years; hotels still accommodate the greater part of the visitors, but there are more cottages, some of them very finely built and furnished, comparing favorably with those in Newport. However, society is here even not more democratic and unconventional in the tone than at Newport; there is less effort at fashionable display; consequently it is a more congenial resort for those who wish merely rest, good air and freedom from excitement and nervous strain. While Newport seems to be made up mostly of New Yorkers and Bostonians, that of the Pier is recruited to a great extent from Philadelphia, Baltimore and Cincinnati, Chicago, St. Louis and other western cities.
Noon bathing is completely in fashion at the Pier and those who enjoy a dip in the briny, may indulge themselves freely, feeling that they are in a double sense in "the swim."*
Valantine's. Narragansett Pier, R.I.
The Mathewson Hotel, Narragansett Pier, R.I.
The Mathewson, South Front, Narragansett Pier, R.I.
Bathing Pavilion at Narragansett Pier, R.I. - Postmarked July 11, 1907.
Old Casino, Narragansett Pier, R.I. - Post Marked September 2, 1907.
Water Tower, Earl's Court, Narragansett Pier, R.I.
"Canonchet" Summer Home of Ex-Gov. Sprague, Narragansett Pier, R.I.
Casino Terrace and Band Stand, Narragansett Pier, R.I. - Post Marked October 15, 1906.
Dunmere, Narragansett Pier, R.I. - Post Marked August 20 . . . "Dear Gusta, I hope you are not waiting for a post card from Saratoga, I have not been there. We leave here the first of the week of the month, I don't know the day, and when we will go. Write to me before we leave please. I am glad when I hear from you. How are you. Sincerely yours, Louise" Written to Mrs. A. Berchier, 177 Decatur Street, Brooklyn, New York.
Point Judith Light, Narragansett Pier, R.I.
St. Peter's By The Sea Episcopal, Narragansett Pier, R.I.
Narragansett Beach Looking North showing Sherry's Pavilion Narragansett Pier, R.I. Written to Howard Rydin, 54 Potter Avenue, Providence, R.I. " Having a lovely time - N.C.P." Post Marked August 1903.
The Beach Looking North, Narragansett Pier, R.I. Post Marked Augusts 24, 1910. Written to Mrs. Mary Woods, Brookfield, N.Y. " Dear Aunt, I am writing this card while I set overlooking the Atlantic Ocean from Watch Hill. We have been having a delightful trip through Boston, Providence, Westerly, Ashaway and go to Stonington. Coming home Saturday. The surf is thundering on the shore. I should never grow tired of watching it. We have been in bathing once. It is perfectly glorious. Think of you so much for I know you were near here. I am about starved with much love, Arbie"
On the Beach, Narragansett Pier, R.I.
The Casino, Narragansett Pier, R.I.
Italian Gardens and Casino, Narragansett Pier, R.I. Post Marked August 1910.
The Country Club, Point Judith, Narragansett, R.I. Post Marked March 3, 1908.
Veranda, Imperial Hotel, Narragansett Pier, R.I. - Post Marked August 31, 1908.
Conochet, Narragansett Pier, R.I. - No Postmark " 42 Rooms in house, staircase cost $50,000.00. Was burned in September."
The Imperial Hotel, Narragansett Pier, R.I. - Post Marked July 29, 1914. Sent to Miss Dora Ford, Harrison New York c/o Mrs. Parry B.27.
Old Casino Arch and Life Saving Station, Narragansett Pier, R.I. - Post Marked July 23, 1910. "We are having a fine time- just live on the beach. Babe had gained a half pound since she came. Air is great, cool and give us an everlasting appetite. "
The Imperial Hotel, Narragansett Pier, R.I. - Post Marked August 3, 1908.
Atlantic-Atwood, Narragansett Pier, R.I.
Old Casino, Narragansett Pier, R.I. - Post Marked August 11, 1911.
Band Stand and Grounds of Casino, Narragansett Pier, R.I.
* Excerpt from "The Tourist Guild to Providence at the Shore Resorts of Narragansett Bay" Published by John F. Murphy, General News Agent - South Terminal Station, Boston, Mass.
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The Drawing Room is located at 152-154 Spring Street, Newport, Rhode Island 02840.We are open daily from 11 am to 5 pm and by appointment. If you have an interest in an item listed in this document or wish to purchase an item, please call us at 1-401-841-5060 (cell 1-401-261-3980). All images copyright by Federico Santi, 2012
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