
Our Town: Smithfield
Special | 46m 11sVideo has Closed Captions
Neighbors and friends of Smithfield share the untold stories of their community.
Neighbors and friends of Smithfield, Rhode Island share the local legends, history, and memoirs of their local community. Stories include the Smith-Appleby House, Smithfield Airport, Smithfield Exchange Bank, Farnum House, Esmond Mill, Greenville Public Library, Audubon Society/Powder Mill Ledges, Mowry House, town seal designer Neil Salley, Christmas Parade, and the Smithfield Fire Department.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Our Town is a local public television program presented by Rhode Island PBS

Our Town: Smithfield
Special | 46m 11sVideo has Closed Captions
Neighbors and friends of Smithfield, Rhode Island share the local legends, history, and memoirs of their local community. Stories include the Smith-Appleby House, Smithfield Airport, Smithfield Exchange Bank, Farnum House, Esmond Mill, Greenville Public Library, Audubon Society/Powder Mill Ledges, Mowry House, town seal designer Neil Salley, Christmas Parade, and the Smithfield Fire Department.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
How to Watch Our Town
Our Town is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App, available on iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Vizio.
>>> THE TOWN OF SMITHFIELD IS IN NORTH-CENTRAL RHODE ISLAND, HOME TO NEARLY 22,000 RESIDENTS, IT COVERS 27 SQUARE MILES OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY AS WELL AS OPEN SPACE AND COMMUNITIES.
THE TOWN IS A PERFECT BLEND OF RURAL AND SUBURBAN LIFE.
YOU WILL FIND IT IN HIS HEADQUARTERS, A LARGE UNIVERSITY, STANDOUT SCHOOLS AND PLENTY OF SHOPPING MALLS.
SMITHFIELD IS ALSO KNOWN FOR OPEN SPACE, HISTORIC HOMES, FARMS AND SEVEN PONDS THAT PROVIDE RECREATION AND BEAUTY.
ARE SETTLED IN 1636 BY BRITISH COLONISTS, THE TOWN OF SMITHFIELD WAS FOUNDED IN 1730 OFFICIALLY.
WHAT BEGAN AS A FARMING IMMUNITY, MORPHED INTO A MILLTOWN.
MANY FAMILIES BEGAN HERE STILL HAVE ANCESTORS THAT REMAIN IN TOWN TODAY.
JOIN US ON THIS JOURNEY AS WE LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TOWN, THEN AND NOW.
THIS IS OUR TOWN SMITHFIELD.
>> THIS WAS PURCHASED BY THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF SMITHFIELD IN 1970 AND WAS RESTORED AT THAT TIME.
A GREAT AMOUNT OF LIGHT TOOK PLACE HERE.
IN SMITHFIELD.
>> THIS HOUSE WAS BUILT AROUND 1696 BY ELIJAH SMITH.
HE WAS THE GRANDSON OF JOHN SMITH, WHO CAME WITH ROGER WILLIAMS FROM THE MASSACHUSETTS BAY COLONY.
WE ARE IN THE LIVING ROOM -- LOOKING AT SOME FIBERS.
THEY WOULD HARVEST THE FIBERS FROM THE FLEX -- THEY ARE VERY MUCH LIKE WHAT YOU SEE IN CELERY.
WHEN YOU FREE THE FIBERS FROM THE HARDSHELL CASING, YOU WOULD RUN IT THROUGH SOMETHING CALLED A HATCHELL.
THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN MADE WITH NAILS AND A TYPICAL HOMEOWNER WOULD HAVE MADE ONE OF THESE FOR THEMSELVES WHILE THEY WERE PREPARING THE FLAX.
SO WEAVING.
THIS WAS MADE IN THE 17th CENTURY.
, -- CLOTH AND CLOTHING WERE AVAILABLE.
MORE AND MORE PEOPLE WOULD NOT HAVE TO WEAVE THEIR OWN CLOTH.
BY THE TIME OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, IT WAS CONSIDERED UNPATRIOTIC TO USE.
PEOPLE STARTED BRINGING THE OLD SPINNING WHEELS BACK AND STARTING TO USE THEM AGAIN TOO TO MAKE CLOTH.
SAMPLERS WERE RENDERED BY LITTLE GIRLS.
THAT IS HOW THEY LEARNED THE ALPHABET AND THEIR NUMBERS.
SO YOUNG LADIES WERE LEARNING HOW TO DO THE SEWING SO THEY COULD MAKE FAMILY CLOTHING.
AND OTHERS WERE LEARNING HOW TO FARM AND TENDING ANIMALS.
>> THESE -- THIS HOUSE IS A WONDERFUL EXAMPLE.
THIS ORIGINAL HOUSE WAS STONE.
>> THIS PARTICULAR PICTURE IS OF MYRA APPLEBY AND HER COMPANION.
MYRA AND ABBY LIVED HERE FOR A GREAT MANY YEARS.
UNTIL MYRA'S DEATH IN 1959.
A GREAT MANY OF THE SMITH FAMILY AND APPLEBY FAMILY ARE STILL IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD.
HOWEVER, MYRA'S DEATH MARCH THE END OF THAT DIRECT LINE OF SEVEN GENERATIONS FROM ELISHA SMITH WHEN HE BUILT THE HOUSE AROUND 1697.
>> THIS IS A WONDERFUL EXAMPLE OF WHAT THE HISTORY OF SMITHFIELD WAS LIKE AND THE HARD-WORKING FAMILIES THAT WORKED AND LIVED HERE DURING THAT PERIOD OF TIME.
.
>> MY GRANDFATHER CAME.
BEFORE THAT MY GREAT GRANDFATHER CAME BOUGHT THE FARM KNOWN AS THE UNIVERSITY.
240 ACRES.
THE AIRPLANE LANDED AT MY FATHER'S AIRPORT.
THE COLLEGE -- WHERE THE ATHLETIC FIELD IS, THAT IS WHERE IT WAS SITUATED.
HOW MY FATHER GOT MY GRANDFATHER TO AGREE ON PUTTING THE AIRPORT THERE, I DON'T KNOW.
BUT IN 1931 -- THEY TOOK IT DOWN AND BROUGHT IT UP THERE.
AND SET IT UP.
THE MAGAZINE I AM HOLDING IN MY HAND IS FROM THE MARCH 1935 -- THERE IS A THREE BY TWO PENNSYLVANIA AIRMEN FLYING FROM BOSTON BACK TO PHILADELPHIA.
AND IT WAS ON A SATURDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 22nd, 1934.
AT THAT TIME, THERE WERE A LOT OF SMALL AIRPORTS THROUGHOUT THE AREA.
FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON, THEY SPOTTED MY DAD'S AIRPORT.
SO THEY LANDED.
AND OF COURSE, MY FATHER WENT OUT AND MET THEM.
THEY WANTED TO CALL TO PHILADELPHIA.
BUT THERE WERE NO TELEPHONES.
SO THEY CALLED PENNSYLVANIA TO LET THEM KNOW THEY WERE ALL RIGHT.
MY DAD WENT TO PROVIDENCE TO DO SOME SHOPPING.
MY DAD, MY MOTHER AND THE TWO OF THEM BECAME GOOD FRIENDS.
AS YOU CAN SEE, THERE ARE POSTCARDS AND GREETING CARDS SENT OVER THE YEARS.
THIS IS ONE OF MANY THAT WE HAVE WITH THE COMMUNICATIONS WITH MY MOM AND DAD.
DECEMBER 4th, 1937.
I AM STILL MINDFUL OF HAVING CHRISTMAS SHOPPING WITH YOU A FEW YEARS AGO.
A VERY UNEXPECTED PLEASURE.
APPRECIATED AS ALWAYS.
BEST WISHES FOR A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.
>> AT THE TIME, THEY WERE DOING HIGH ALTITUDE AREA BOMBING WHICH HAD A LOW KILL RATE.
BUT SKIPPED ALONG THE WATER AND INCREASED THE -- WHICH HAD AN IMPACT DURING THAT PARTICULAR WAR.
THEY LOST CONTACT WITH -- UNTIL THEY WERE NOTIFIED.
SWITCHING OUT, THEY FOUND THE PLANE.
APPARENTLY, WE WERE IN A FOG AND THAT WAS THE END OF IT.
I SAID, WHAT EFFECT WOULD THIS HAVE HAD ON THE SECOND WORLD WAR BY HIM NOT DEVELOPING THIS?
>>> I AM CURRENTLY INVOLVED IN THE RESTORATION OF THE EXCHANGE.
NATURALLY, IT IS ONE OF THE -- THESE PRIVATE HOMES.
IT SAT THERE IN DISREPAIR.
I CONSTANTLY WENT BY IT ALMOST EVERY DAY.
I HAVE NOT BEEN INVOLVED WITH THE RESTORATION OF THE HOUSE.
IT CAUGHT MY I FENCE I SAID, THERE HAS TO BE SOMETHING WORTH SAVING IN THIS BUILDING.
I CALLED UP A GENTLEMAN AND NAMED MUELLER.
HE WAS IN CHARGE OF ALL OF THE PROPERTIES.
WE FINALLY CONVINCED HIM.
WE WERE LUCKY.
WHEN WE GOT TO THE BUILDING, THE WHOLE PLACE -- EAST END WAS DOWN.
THE BUILDING HAS BEEN COMPLETELY RESTORED AFTER GRANTS.
>> WE ARE TRYING TO GO BACK TO 1820.
THIS IS THE FIREPLACE.
IT GOES ALL THE WAY UPSTAIRS.
YOU CAN SEE HOW SOLID THAT IS.
SO WE CAN HAVE CLASSES DOWN HERE.
>> THE OLD CEILING -- IT IS A LITTLE MESSY RIGHT NOW.
WHEN YOU SEE THE VAULT, IT IS JUST LIKE A CLOSET.
THERE IS THIS BEAUTIFUL DOOR.
SOMEBODY WAS SAYING THAT IT WAS GOOD LUCK TO HIDE SHOES IN A WALL.ólon.3ç IT IS A PUBLIC BUILDING.
WE ARE ANXIOUS TO GET IT DONE.
>> TODAY I WILL BE TALKING A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THIS HOME.
THIS HOUSE WAS BUILT IN 1700.
IT IS A HISTORIC AREA.
IT WAS ESTABLISHED IN THE EARLY 1800S.
IT POWERED THE MILL.
THE MILL WAS CONVERTED INTO CONDOMINIUMS.
ALL OVER RHODE ISLAND.
THEY ARE ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL.
THERE IS A LEISURE CENTER.
I THINK OF THE PEOPLE THAT LIVED IN THIS HOUSE -- WERE THEY AMERICAN?
THE PEOPLE THAT LIVED IN THIS HOUSE HAD AN IRON FOUNDRY.
I THINK, BY HAVING AN IRON FOUNDRY, I THINK OF THEM AS HAVING THEIR INDEPENDENCE.
I LIKE TO THINK OF THE PEOPLE THAT LIVED IN THIS HOUSE AS BEING AMERICAN.
THEY BUILT TO GET IRON SUPPLIES.
THE HOUSE HERE STARTED OFF WITH JUST THE CENTRAL HOUSE.
AND IN THE 1800S, IN ADDITION WAS ADDED ON.
THAT WAS IN 1800.
AND IT WAS A SCHOOL HOUSE FOR A LITTLE WHILE.
THEY FOUND A LOT OF PAPERS FROM THE HOUSE.
WE HAVE A LOT OF MAPS AND THINGS LIKE THAT.
THEY DID VERY WELL.
WILLIAM TURNER MADE $100.
THERE ARE A NUMBER OF PHOTOGRAPHS THAT WE FOUND THAT WERE TAKEN OF DIFFERENT BUILDINGS BUILDINGS.
WE HAVE THIS SMITHFIELD TOWN HALL.
AND THIS GORGEOUS TOWER AND BUILDING BUILT IN THE 1840s.
IT IS AN AMAZING WRAPAROUND PORCH.
YOU CAN SIT OUTSIDE.
WE WERE LUCKY ENOUGH TO FIND A PICTURE OF THE FARM.
WE BELIEVE IT WAS TAKEN IN THE EARLY 1800S.
AND THERE ARE QUITE A FEW PICTURES OF THE HOUSE ITSELF THROUGH THE YEARS.
IT HAS BEEN WELL DOCUMENTED.
A BEAUTIFUL SPACE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE VILLAGE.
.
>> WE HAVE BEEN IN THE TOWN SINCE 1850.
IT WAS ORIGINALLY CALLED ALLEN BILL -- AND THEN IT WAS CHANGED TO EN-FIELD.
>> THEY BROUGHT OTHER HOUSEHOLD THINGS.
THEY FELT ABOUT 30 NEW HOUSES.
THIS IS MONTGOMERY WARD -- WHICH THEY CARRY THEIR NAME ON THE LABEL.
>> EACH SIDE IS DIFFERENT.
>> THIS IS THE TRADEMARK.
>> THE STORY TALKS ABOUT WHEN HE WAS COLD AND THE BLANKET KEPT HIM WARM.
THIS WAS A POPULAR DOLL IN THE 30s AND 40s.
THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST VALUABLE AND COLLECTIBLE BLANKETS TODAY.
THIS TELLS YOU A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE INDIAN BLANKETS.
>> AFTER THE MILL WAS CLOSED IN 1948, IT WAS HOME AGAIN.
.
>> THE GREEN THE PUBLIC LIBRARY CAME ABOUT BY AND ASKED TO INCORPORATE THE GREENVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
THERE WERE 26 INCORPORATORS.
ALL THE REST ESTABLISHED THE LIBRARY.
FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROMOTING LITERARY AND SOCIAL INTELLECT AMONG MEMBERS.
THE LIBRARY OFFICIALLY OPENED SEPTEMBER OF 1882.
THE USE OF THE LIBRARY WAS FOR THE PEOPLE OF SMITHFIELD.
NONRESIDENTS COULD HAVE USE OF THE LIBRARY ON SUCH CONDITIONS AT THE BOARD OF DIRECTOR DETERMINED.
THE FORMER STAR WAS NEXT TO SAINT DOMINIC'S CHURCH.
IT WAS LEASED FOR FIVE YEARS WHO ALSO DONATED THE ORIGINAL COLLECTION TO THE LIBRARY.
IN 1897, THE DAUGHTER OF NICHOLAS WINDSOR SOLD THE BUILDING AND A LOT.
THE BUILDING WAS MADE UP OF EMPTY ROOMS FOR KEROSENE LAMPS WERE USED FOR LIGHTING.
AND A STOVE WAS USED FOR HEAT.
AS THE YEARS WENT ON, THE LIBRARY WAS SEEN BY MANY PROMINENT PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY.
SARA WINDSOR AND NICHOLAS WINDSOR, AMONG THE.
IN THE NEAR -- IN THE YEAR 1948, THE AMOUNT THE LIBRARY OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE A NEW BUILDING.
THE BUILDING OPEN NOVEMBER 17, 1956.
DURING THE YEARS OF 57 AND 65, THE LIBRARY WOULD HOST ART LECTURES, HOLIDAY THEMED PROGRAMS, CANDLELIGHT AND CANDLES, MUSIC FOR THE ADVENT SEASON.
WE HAVE SEVERAL PHOTOGRAPHS OF THOSE.
THEY WERE AT ALMOST ALL THE PROGRAMS.
ALL THE LADIES OF THE TOWN USED TO COME.
EVEN SOME OF THE GENTLEMEN.
BY 1966, THE LIBRARY OPENED TO YOUNG PEOPLE WHICH PROVIDED FOR A LARGE CHILDREN'S ROOM.
THERE WAS A WRECK ROOM, A STORAGE ROOM AND AN EXTENDED LOBBY.
AS THE YEARS CONTINUED, THE LIBRARY CURSE STRONGER.
WITH INCREASED OFFERINGS OF PROGRAMS, ACQUISITIONS OF BOOKS AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT.
THE LIBRARY WAS AGAIN GETTING READY TO EXPAND.
IN THE YEAR 1992, THE LIBRARY OPENED TO THE CURRENT FACILITY.
THE EXPANSION DOUBLE THE SIZE OF THE BUILDING AND PROVIDED MORE ACCESS TO MATERIALS AND SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY.
TODAY, WE NOT ONLY OFFER BOOKS, BUT TELESCOPES, FISHING RODS, AMERICAN GIRL DOLLS AND AMONG OTHER THINGS.
WE ALSO HAVE COMPUTERS AND A 3D PRINTER ALONG WITH A COPIER AND SCANNING SERVICE.
A POPULAR ATTRACTION.
EACH OF THE AREA SCHOOLS HAVE CHILDREN DISPLAY ARTWORK.
NOW, THE YEAR 2017, THE LIBRARY IS LOOKING AGAIN AT EXPANSION OF THE EXISTING PARKING LOT ALONG WITH PROVIDING EGRESS.
THE LIBRARY WILL NEED TO BE EXPANDED TO ACCOMMODATE ADDITIONAL COLLECTIONS.
ALONG WITH THE RHODE ISLAND GENEALOGY SOCIETY.
WE WENT TO EXPAND THE CURRENT CHILDREN'S ROOM WHICH HAS BECOME A DESTINATION FOR LITTLE ONES AND THEIR FAMILIES.
I HAVE TO CREDIT KATIE MORE -- TODAY WE BENEFIT.
THE LIBRARY WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE PROGRAMS, MATERIALS AND SERVICES THAT THE COMMUNITY WANTS AND NEEDS.
WE WILL CONTINUE TO PRESERVE THE PATH AND FOR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE.
>> WELCOME TO THE AUDUBON SOCIETY OF RHODE ISLAND.
MY NAME IS KIM COLLARED AND I AM THE MANAGER HERE AT THE WILDLIFE REFUGE.
WHERE THERE IS A LITTLE BIT OF AN OASIS OF NATURE IN THE HEART OF SMITHFIELD.
TODAY WE GO EXPLORING OUT ON THE REFUGE TO SEE YOU AT WE CAN FIND.
WE HAVE BIRDS NESTING.
THERE ARE TOADS SINGING IN THE BACKGROUND.
THERE IS SO MUCH WILDLIFE TO SEE IN THIS LITTLE OASIS.
THIS IS 120 ACRES.
WE HAVE A VARIETY OF HABITATS HERE RANGING FROM MEADOWS, HILLTOP HABITAT AND WETLANDS WITH STREAMS AND PONDS.
THIS LITTLE OASIS IN THE TOWN OF SMITHFIELD IS A VERY IMPORTANT WILDLIFE CORRIDOR FOR THE WILDLIFE.
IT IS REALLY IMPORTANT TO HAVE THIS GREENWAY FOR WILDLIFE TO MOVE AROUND AS WE CONTINUE TO TAKE UP MORE SPACE.
THE PROPERTY WAS DONATED IN 1980 BY MARY LOUISE WOLCOTT.
AND NOW IT IS A HEADQUARTERS HOME OF THE AUDUBON SOCIETY OF RHODE ISLAND.
A LOT OF PEOPLE DON'T KNOW THAT THE AUDUBON SOCIETY OF RHODE ISLAND IS THE OLDEST ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATION IN THE STATE.
WE WERE FORMED IN 1897 ORIGINALLY TO PROTECT WILD BIRDS.
OVER THE LAST CENTURY, WE HAVE BEEN PROTECTING BIRDS BIRDS, ALL OTHER WILDLIFE AND THEIR HABITATS.
WE DO THAT THROUGH A THREE- PRONGED MISSION OF CONSERVATION, EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY.
A CONSERVATION ARM IS A SERIES OF WILDLIFE REFUGES THROUGHOUT THE STATE THAT PROVIDE A TOP HABITAT THAT WE STEWARD FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.
>> OUR EDUCATION STARTS AT PRESCHOOL AND GOES ALL THE WAY UP TO ADULTS.
AND INSTILLS A SENSE OF UNDERSTANDING AND APPRECIATION FOR THE NATURAL WORLD AND WHY IT IS SO IMPORTANT FOR US TO PROTECT IT AND PRESERVE IT FOR THE FUTURE.
WE ALSO DO PROGRAMS SUCH AS PONDING EXPIRATIONS, INSECT HUNTS IN THE MEADOW.
ON WARM SUMMER NIGHTS, WE SEARCH FOR FIREFLIES.
IT IS ALL ABOUT GETTING OUTSIDE AND HAVING REAL EXPERIENCES IN THE NATURAL WORLD.
>> THESE ARE ALL WOOD FROG TADPOLES.
WHAT WOULD THE FROGS SAY?
>> THESE GUYS GO?
.
>> THEY MAKE SOUNDS LIKE A DUCK.
>> WE DO PROGRAMS YEAR-ROUND RANGING FROM VACATION WEEKS WHERE WE HAVE A LOT OF FAMILY PROGRAMS THAT WE HAVE THE SEASONAL EGG HUNT WHICH IS VERY POPULAR.
AND WE DO PRIVATE GROUP PROGRAMS SUCH AS BIRTHDAY PARTIES AND SCOUT GROUPS.
WE ALSO DO A WHOLE RANGE OF ADULT PROGRAMS RANGING FROM OUR MUSHROOM CLASSES TO THE CRAFTY CLASSES.
AND THE MONTHLY LECTURES ON DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURE TOPICS.
A LOT OF THE PROGRAMS INVOLVE LIVE ANIMAL INVESTORS SUCH AS WEBSTER, THE GREAT HORNED OWL.
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IS SO IMPORTANT FOR CHILDREN AS WELL AS ADULTS.
FOR CHILDREN, WE KNOW THAT IT IS VITAL FOR COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT.
IT HELPS THEM SO MUCH IN THEIR DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL SKILLS.
AND FOR ADULTS AS WELL.
YOU KNOW THAT IT IS GREAT FOR MENTAL HEALTH.
OUR ADVOCACY IS FOR SOUND ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION FROM THE TOWN LEVEL TO THE STATEHOUSE AND ALL THE WAY TO THE NATIONAL LEVEL.
WE LIVE IN A WORLD WHERE THERE ARE A LOT OF COMPLEX ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES THAT ARE IMPORTANT FOR US TO UNDERSTAND.
AND TO BE ABLE TO MAKE SOUND DECISIONS ABOUT.
THAT IS WHERE THE PROGRAMS THAT WE DO HERE AT THE AUDUBON SOCIETY ARE DONE IN A WAY THAT ARE ACCEPTABLE AND FUN AND HELP TO MAKE THE CONCEPT UNDERSTANDABLE.
THE AUDUBON REALLY PRIDES ITSELF ON BEING A SOURCE FOR THE COMMUNITY.
WE ANSWER A LOT OF NATURE RELATED QUESTIONS.
WE OFFER OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUTDOOR EXPLORATIONS.
OR TWO MILES OF EASY TRAIL FOR NATURE ENTHUSIASTS OF ALL AGES TO ENJOY.
THERE ARE THREE LOOPING TRAILS THAT TRAVERSE ALL THE DIFFERENT HABITATS.
AND WHETHER YOU ARE VISITING US OR HIKING OR CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING OR GOING SNOWSHOEING OR JUST OUT FOR THE NATURE AND PHOTOGRAPHY, THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE.
BY THE WAY, WHEN YOU VISIT THE REFUGE, THERE ARE SIGNS ALL AROUND THAT HELP YOU TO PINPOINT YOUR LOCATION.
ANOTHER FUN TOOL TO USE IS TO DOWNLOAD THE TRAIL MAPS DIRECTLY TO YOUR MOBILE DEVICE.
YOU CAN DO THAT BY VISITING THIS WEBSITE.
YOU CAN ALSO GET THE EVENTS CALENDAR AND ALL SORTS OF OTHER AUDUBON INFORMATION.
SEE YOU ON THE TRAIL.
.
>> THIS IS AN 18 CENTURY HOUSE IN SMITHFIELD.
>> WE INHERITED THE HOUSE FROM THE OWNER MARY MURRAY.
SHE DIED IN 2008 AND LEFT IT TO US.
IT IS 21 ACRES OF PROPERTY.
HER IDEA WAS THAT, IF WE WANTED TO SELL THE HOUSE, WE COULD.
BUT WE DISCOVERED THAT THE HOUSE HAD HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE.
IT WAS BUILT AROUND 1750.
>> AFTER THE SMITHFIELD LAND TRUST ACQUIRE THE PROPERTY, THEY WANTED TO DO SOMETHING WITH THE HISTORIC HOUSE BUT THEY WERE NOT SURE WHAT.
SO THEY REACHED OUT.
>> IT IS A PROJECT THAT DID NOT REQUIRE A LOT OF FUNDING.
WE KNEW ABOUT PROGRAMS AND OTHER PARKS DEPARTMENTS WHERE -- PEOPLE COULD LIVE THERE RENT FREE.
AND IN EXCHANGE, THEY COULD TAKE ON REPAIRS FOR THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR.
>> WE DON'T HAVE CURATOR SHIP AND RHODE ISLAND.
-- CURATORS IN RHODE ISLAND.
THIS WAS A WAY TO PUT IN THE MONEY AND HAVE RESIDENTS LIVE IN IT.
AND REALLY BE RESPONSIBLE TO DO THE WORK.
AND WE PRESERVE IT.
>> WE ARE ALREADY LEASING THE FARM PROPERTY.
THEY DECIDED THAT THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO DO IT.
THEY SUBMITTED THE APPLICATION.
WE SAID, OKAY.
WE WILL TRY THIS.
SO WE PROVIDE TRAINING.
WE DO RESTORATION TRAINING.
>> I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD MASTER REDOING OLD WINDOWS.
A LOT OF US HAD CARPENTRY SKILLS COMING INTO THIS WITH DIFFERENT JOBS OVER THE YEARS.
WE WERE PRETTY WELL PREPARED.
THAT PLAYED A BIG ROLE IN TEACHING US THE MINOR DETAILS IN WORKING WITH AN OLD HOUSE AND HOW TO APPROACH DIFFERENT PROBLEMS AND WORK THROUGH THEM.
WE -- COMPLETED MOST OF THE EXTERIOR WORK.
THIS PORCH LIGHT WAS ADDED IN THE 80S.
WILL BE TAKING THAT DOWN AND RESTORING THE ORIGINAL PORCH WHICH IS MUCH MORE PICTURESQUE.
WITH THE COLUMNS.
EVENTUALLY, WE WILL REPLACE THE ROOF.
MARY MURRAY HAD THESE EXTENSIVE BEAUTIFUL FLOWER GARDENS THAT WE STARTED DISCOVERING.
PART OF THE PLAN WILL BE TO CLEAR ALL OF THESE OVERGROWN AREAS AND RESTORING THESE OLD FLOWERBEDS.
>> THE LONG-TERM GOAL IS TO TURN THE LAND INTO FARM OF THE LAND.
FARMING PERVERSE -- PRESERVES LAND AND PROVIDES FOR THE COMMUNITY.
IT IS AN AMAZING OPPORTUNITY.
I WAKE UP EVERY DAY IN HEAVEN.
I AM REALLY EXCITED ABOUT BEING A PART OF THIS PROJECT.
>> WE ARE REALLY HAPPY WITH THIS PROJECT.
WE PARTICULARLY LOVE IT BECAUSE IT IS TAKING HISTORIC HOLDINGS AND OPEN SPACE AND BRINGING THEM TOGETHER FOR A PRESERVATION APPROACH TO PRESERVATION.
>> I HAVE HAD SOME INTERESTING JOBS AND PROJECTS.
THERE WAS AN ARTICLE IN THE PAPER -- ABOUT DEVELOPING A SEAL WHICH WE THOUGHT WOULD BE GREAT TO HAVE FOR THE TOWN OF SMITHFIELD.
I LOOKED AT A. I SAID, THERE IS EVERYTHING THERE BUT THERE IS SOMETHING MISSING.
IT IS SMITHFIELD.
BUT IT IS NOT REALLY SMITHFIELD.
SO I TOOK IT UPON MYSELF TO LAY OUT THE DIFFERENT DESIGN.
AND IT SHOWS EVERYTHING -- THE APPLE INDUSTRY, THE TOWN SEAL -- WITH THE TREES -- SLEDGEHAMMERS.
AND THE SMITH APPLEBY HOUSE, WHICH IS THE OLDEST IN TOWN.
AND THE FARMING INDUSTRY.
THE DAIRY FARMING.
IT IS A BIG THING IN SMITHFIELD.
YOU HAVE ALL OF THESE MEMORIES.
YOU SEE SOMETHING THAT SOMEBODY IS TRYING TO CREATE.
YOU TRY TO PUT IT INTO A NICE PACKAGE.
AND MAKE IT APPEALING.
IT SHOWS THE SCENE OF A NICE COMMUNITY.
>> WE MOVED TO DOUGLAS PIKE WHICH IS ACROSS THE STREET.
BACK IN THOSE DAYS, THERE WAS NOTHING THERE.
THAT WAS A BLESSING.
MOM WANTED TO MOVE CLOSER TO CIVILIZATION.
SO THEY BUILT A SMALL HOUSE.
SOMETHING TO CALL THEIR OWN.
WE MADE NEW FRIENDS.
MADE NEW EXPERIENCES.
MY DAD SAID ONE DAY, HOW WOULD YOU LIKE A DOG?
WE CALLED HIM TINY.
IT WAS A BIG ST. BERNARD.
WE COULD GO WITH THE DOG ANYWHERE WE WANTED.
WHEREVER WE SWAM, HE SWAM.
>> WE JOINED THE BOY SCOUTS.
THAT WAS A NICE EXPERIENCE.
BUT WE HAD TROUBLE -- MY DAD SHOWED SOME INTEREST.
HE SIGNED UP TO BE A SCOUTMASTER.
FOR SOME REASON, I JUST LIKED COOKING.
SO I ASKED TO GO TO COOKING SCHOOL.
SO THEY SENT ME TO COOKING SCHOOL.
THEY DID NOT HAVE A CULINARY SCHOOL AT THE TIME.
ONE GUY WAS TRYING TO MAKE A PUNCH BOWL.
I DID A LAMB.
THEN I DID A RISING FISH.
THEY SAID, YOU DON'T BELONG HERE.
THEY SAID, YOU HAVE SKILLS FOR SOMETHING ELSE.
THAT IS WHEN I LOOKED FOR ANOTHER JOB.
I ALWAYS ENJOYED WORKING WITH MY IMAGINATION.
I HAD FUN WITH IT.
IT STILL MEANS A LOT TO ME.
THE EXPERIENCE OF MEETING A LOT OF NICE PEOPLE -- THAT IS REALLY WHAT IT WAS ALL ABOUT FOR ME.
>> WE STARTED OUT A NUMBER OF YEARS AGO -- WHEN WE WERE ASKED BY THE APPLE BLOSSOM GARDEN CLUB TO COME.
IT WAS A LOT OF PHYSICAL WORK TO SET UP.
WE HAD SEVERAL HUNDRED PEOPLE COME.
AND WE HAD A PARADE THE NEXT YEAR.
AND IT WAS WONDERFUL.
>> ABOUT THEM FOR YEARS AGO, THE GUIDANCE CLUB MEMBERS -- WERE GETTING A LITTLE BIT OLDER.+ñ.Dñ THIS IS HOW THE TRADITION STARTED.
IF IT WASN'T FOR THE APPLE BLOSSOM GARDEN CLUB BACK IN 1959, WE WOULD NOT HAVE WHAT WE HAVE TODAY.
THEY HAVE DONE A WONDERFUL JOB OF KEEPING THE TRADITION ALIVE AND ADDING TO IT THIS YEAR WITH THE PARADE.
AND I'M SURE IT WILL BE EVEN MORE SPECTACULAR NEXT YEAR.
>> WE HAD ALL THE FLOATS.
AND IT WAS THAT ATMOSPHERE.
CHRISTMAS.
>> IT WASN'T JUST A HUNDRED PEOPLE.
THERE WERE A LOT OF PEOPLE.
NEXT YEAR, IT WILL BE DECEMBER 2nd, 2017.
BIGGER AND BETTER.
COME OUT.
>> A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO EVERYONE.
KAREN ARMSTRONG, KIM BROWN, COREY CARPENTER, CAMRY DONAHUE DONAHUE.
.
>> I AM VERY PROUD OF THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THIS DEPARTMENT.
THEY ARE DEDICATED TO THEIR JOBS AND THEY ALWAYS CONDUCT THEMSELVES IN A PROFESSIONAL MANNER.
NOT ONLY TO OUR MEMBERS PROVIDE FIRE AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES, BUT WE HAVE SPECIALTY TEAMS.
THE MEMBERS OF THIS TEAM PERFORM WATER RESCUE DIVING AND SEARCH TECHNIQUES FOR WATER RELATED EMERGENCIES.
WE HAVE A SPECIAL OPERATIONS TEAM.
THE MEMBERS OF THIS TEAM ARE TRAINED IN TECHNIQUES TO PERFORM WILDERNESS SEARCH, CONFINED SPACE RESCUE, TRENCH RESCUE AND OTHER TECHNICAL OPERATIONS.
WE ALSO HAVE A TACTICAL EMS TEAM.
TACTICAL EMS OR TACTICAL MEDICS ARE SPECIALLY TRAINED TO WORK WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT TO RESCUE VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE -- PROVIDING THEM WITH LIFE- SAVING CARE WHILE EVACUATING THEM TO A SAFE AREA.
>> THE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY WAS ESTABLISHED BACK IN THE 1800S AFTER THE BUILDING WAS BURNED DOWN.
BASICALLY, THE WHOLE CORNER WAS DESTROYED.
THE FIRE TRUCKS TOOK A LONG TIME TO GET HERE.
>> IN 1870, THE RESIDENTS OF SMITHFIELD DECIDED THEY NEEDED SOME TYPE OF FIRE SERVICE.
SO ON JUNE 30S, 1870, THE GREENVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ESTABLISHED.
>> THEY HAD THE GREATER VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY WHEN THEY STARTED.
THEY HAD TO HAVE A PLACE TO PUT THE TRUCKS.
SO THE BASEMENT -- THE OLD GREENVILLE BANK BUILDING NEXT DOOR ACROSS FROM SMITH AVENUE, IS WHERE THE FIRST APPARATUS WERE KEPT.
>> A FEW YEARS PRIOR TO 1915, THERE WAS A VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT TO TAKE CARE OF THE HOMES.
TWO WHITE HOUSES ON A POND BURNED.
>> THEN THE FIRE COMPANY WAS ESTABLISHED.
>> IN 1923, THE COMPANY RECEIVED A NEW ENGINE.
FOLLOWED BY A LADDER TRUCK.
PRIOR VICTIMS OF ACCIDENTS WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL IN THE BACK OF A LOCAL GROCER'S DELIVERY TRUCK.
>> THIS WAS STARTED IN 1958.
>> VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY NEEDED TO HAVE A FUNDING SOURCE.
ONE OF THE ONES I ALWAYS REMEMBER WAS THE CARNIVAL THAT THE GREENVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT ON EVERY YEAR.
IN 1966, THERE WAS A FIRE.
IT TOOK THE FIRE COMPANIES TOO LONG TO GET THERE.
THERE WAS A DEATH IN THAT BUILDING.
SO THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS BORN IN JANUARY OF 1967.
>> IN 1966, VOLUNTEERS REMAINED COVERING THE HOURS THEY DIDN'T WORK.
I THINK THEY WERE SCHEDULED FROM 8:00 IN THE MORNING UNTIL 6:00 AT NIGHT.
>> THEY CALLED IT A GENERAL ALARM FIRE.
IT WAS QUITE A LARGE FIRE.
THE BIGGEST FIRE I HAD EVER BEEN TO.
>> IT WAS A VERY COOL NIGHT.
THE SCHOOL WAS UP ON A HILL.
THE SCHOOLYARD WAS FROZEN WITH ICE.
YOU COULD NOT STAND UP ON IT.
[TAPS PLAYING] .
>> WE ARE VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE SUCH A DEDICATED CREW OF FIRE AND RESCUE PERSONNEL IN THIS COMMUNITY.
OUR TOWN SMITHFIELD IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE FOLLOWING
Support for PBS provided by:
Our Town is a local public television program presented by Rhode Island PBS