East Providence, Rhode Island
Encyclopedia
East Providence is a city in Providence County
, Rhode Island
, United States. The population was 47,037 at the 2010 census
, making it the fifth largest city in the state.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the city has a total area of 16.6 square miles (43 km²), of which, 13.4 square miles (34.7 km²) of it is land and 3.2 square miles (8.3 km²) of it (19.33%) is water.
The following villages are located in East Providence:
The Mayor is Joseph S. Larisa Jr, The City Manager is currently Richard Brown. The city was home to the Rhode Island Stingrays
soccer club until it folded in 2009.
Beginning around 1900 and continuing until the onset of the Depression in 1930, large numbers of Portuguese from Providence, Fall River, New Bedford, and Portugal settled in East Providence. By 1905, there were over 400 Portuguese in the town, the third highest in the state. The Portuguese, like other ethnic groups, were drawn to East Providence primarily by the lure of jobs. Many employment opportunities were available in the Watchemoket area, where numerous immigrants settled.
Already, by the early nineteenth century, individuals had begun to build summer homes, causing the population to double to about 500-600. During that time period, Cedar Grove, Lewis Station, Chimney Corners, Peck's Corner, Pleasant Bluffs, Sabin's Point, Sherman's Station, and Pomham were developed. New resort facilities were built, such as the Pomham House. Numbers of roads were lined with trees and houses, Christian Churches were formed, a library was built, and the Narragansett Engine Company was formed in 1878. By that time, the residents were no longer dismissed as "clamdiggers", but regarded as townspeople.
While many transactions were taking place, Charles I. D. Looff
came to Riverside. He was a wood carver for a furniture business in New York, and spent spare time in his basement carveing wooden horses as a hobby. After long years of hard work, he produced the first steam powered carousel and sold it to Crescent Park. He operated the carousel and designed a summer recreation area. By the early 1900s, New Englanders recognized Crescent Park as the leading amusement park in the region. Looff accomplished fantastic achievements and, after his death, his family continued to operate Crescent Park.
The day-to-day operations of the City of East Providence is conducted by the City Manager (currently Peter Graczykowski) that is selected by the City Council and serves for a fixed contract. The City Manager hires all other city employees (except Solicitor and Clerk) and manages the operation of the city. In order to have professional city management, the City Manager is required by ordinance to have a Masters in Business Administration, Masters in Public Administration or equivalent degree.
The City also has an elected School Committee, elected in the same manner as the City Council; an appointed Library Board of Trustees and various other City Council appointed governing and advisory boards and commissions.
as mixed use residential, commercial, and light industrial zones.
of 2000, there were 48,688 people, 20,530 households, and 12,851 families residing in the city. The population density
was 3,632.1 people per square mile (1,401.8/km²). There were 21,309 housing units at an average density of 1,589.6 per square mile (613.5/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 86.49% White, 5.02% African American, 0.46% Native American, 1.15% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 2.80% from other races
, and 4.03% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.89% of the population.
There were 20,530 households out of which 27.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.3% were married couples
living together, 12.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.4% were non-families. 32.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.99.
In the city the population was spread out with 21.7% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 29.4% from 25 to 44, 22.6% from 45 to 64, and 18.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 86.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $39,108, and the median income for a family was $48,463. Males had a median income of $34,342 versus $26,423 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $19,527. About 6.3% of families and 8.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.7% of those under age 18 and 11.0% of those aged 65 or over.
The population has large immigrant communities from Portugal
, the Azores, Madeira
and Cape Verde
.
East Providence has both public and non-public schools. Public Elementary schools are the following: Agnes B. Hennessey, Alice M. Waddington, Emma Whiteknact, James R.D. Oldham, Kent Heights, Myron J. Francis, Orlo Avenue, and Silver Spring School. Public Middle Schools are Edward R. Martin Middle School and Riverside Middle School. Public High Schools consist of Grove Ave. Educational Development Center, East Providence Area Career & Technical Center, and East Providence High School
. Non-public Elementary and Junior-High Schools are St. Mary Academy (Bayview), Sacred Heart School, St. Margaret School, The Gordon School & Providence Country Day (P.C.D.).
Providence County, Rhode Island
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 621,602 people, 239,936 households, and 152,839 families residing in the county. The population density was 1,504 people per square mile . There were 253,214 housing units at an average density of 613 per square mile...
, Rhode Island
Rhode Island
The state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, more commonly referred to as Rhode Island , is a state in the New England region of the United States. It is the smallest U.S. state by area...
, United States. The population was 47,037 at the 2010 census
United States Census, 2010
The Twenty-third United States Census, known as Census 2010 or the 2010 Census, is the current national census of the United States. National Census Day was April 1, 2010 and is the reference date used in enumerating individuals...
, making it the fifth largest city in the state.
Geography
East Providence is located at 41°48′5"N 71°21′39"W (41.801500, -71.360824).According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 16.6 square miles (43 km²), of which, 13.4 square miles (34.7 km²) of it is land and 3.2 square miles (8.3 km²) of it (19.33%) is water.
The following villages are located in East Providence:
- East Providence Center
- RiversideRiverside, Rhode IslandRiverside, Rhode Island is the southern section of the city of East Providence in the U.S. state of Rhode Island. Riverside's zip code is 02915 and has a population of approximately 18,000.Riverside is a suburban neighborhood for Providence...
- RumfordRumford, Rhode IslandRumford, Rhode Island, is the northern section of the city of East Providence. It borders Seekonk, Massachusetts, Pawtucket, Rhode Island and Narragansett Bay....
The Mayor is Joseph S. Larisa Jr, The City Manager is currently Richard Brown. The city was home to the Rhode Island Stingrays
Rhode Island Stingrays
Rhode Island Stingrays was an American soccer team based in Providence, Rhode Island, United States. Founded in 1995, the team played in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2009, after which the franchise folded and the team left the league.The...
soccer club until it folded in 2009.
History
In 1641, the Plymouth Colony purchased from the Indians a large tract of land which today includes the northern half of East Providence (from Watchemoket to Rumford), Rehoboth, Seekonk, and part of Pawtucket. Four years later, John Brown of Plymouth bought a considerably smaller piece of land from the Indians, which today comprises the southern part of East Providence (Riverside), Barrington, and a small part of Swansea. Finally, in 1661, Plymouth completed the "North Purchase" from which Attleboro, North Attleboro, and Cumberland were later formed. Over the whole the authorities gave the name 'Rehoboth'. The center of this large settlement, which is sometimes referred to as 'Old Rehoboth', is within the borders of modern East Providence. In 1812, the western half of Old Rehoboth was set off as a separate township called Seekonk, Massachusetts. Old Rehoboth's town center now became the heart of Old Seekonk. Finally, in 1862, the western part of Old Seekonk was ceded to Rhode Island and incorporated as EastWatchemoket
In decades preceding the Civil War, Watchemoket Point was little more than a farming and fishing area with perhaps a few hundred residents. Watchemoket was situated directly across from the thriving city of Providence and thus benefited from the expansion of that community. More importantly, two bridges across the Seekonk River gave easy access to Watchmemoket. By the 1860s, tolls were no longer being charged to cross the Washington and Central Bridges, giving further stimulus to the growth of Watchemoket and the transformation of the village from a sleepy fishing area to the vital core of East Providence in 1862. Perhaps the first businesses to come to Watchemoket were inns built to service the large numbers of people coming through. The residents of Watchemoket also had their own library by the early 1870s. At first the organizers named it Ladies Library Association, but in 1885 they changed the named to Watchemoket Free Public Library. Already the commercial and population center of East Providence, by the mid-1880s, Watchemoket next became the political center as well. The town hall was moved from Rumford to the heart of the community, so it was more accessible. They purchased a lot on Taunton Avenue for $11,500 and erected a two-story brick building which opened in 1889. That same year the East Providence Police Department opened its headquarters in the town hall.Beginning around 1900 and continuing until the onset of the Depression in 1930, large numbers of Portuguese from Providence, Fall River, New Bedford, and Portugal settled in East Providence. By 1905, there were over 400 Portuguese in the town, the third highest in the state. The Portuguese, like other ethnic groups, were drawn to East Providence primarily by the lure of jobs. Many employment opportunities were available in the Watchemoket area, where numerous immigrants settled.
Rumford
For some time after the incorporation of the town in 1862, the area around the old "Ring of the Green" was referred to as East Providence Center. The official town hall was located here until 1889, as were several churches. Moreover, the village was the population center of East Providence, containing many farms and mills along the Ten Mile River. Many people migrated from East Providence Center to the new center at Watchemoket.Riverside
From the time of the Wannamoisett purchase in 1645 to the Civil War, the shore land from Watchemoket to Bullocks Point had remained a sparsely settled fishing and farming area. When East Providence was incorporated, no more than a few hundred of its residents made the coastal village their home. The white settlers had first learned of the plentiful supply of shellfish in the area from the Wampanoag Indians. More than two centuries later, the waters of Narragansett Bay, which washed the shores of Wannamoisett, still contained an abundant supply of edible sea treasures. Clams, quahogs, and oysters were harvested by Wannamoisett residents and sold in Providence. Arnold Medberry, for instance, brought his plow to the shoreline and began picking up clams by the handful. He loaded the shellfish on a cart and easily sold his entire day's catch in Providence. At that time, Medberry and his neighbors were referred to as "clamdiggers", a derogatory term comparable to the pejorative hayseed.Already, by the early nineteenth century, individuals had begun to build summer homes, causing the population to double to about 500-600. During that time period, Cedar Grove, Lewis Station, Chimney Corners, Peck's Corner, Pleasant Bluffs, Sabin's Point, Sherman's Station, and Pomham were developed. New resort facilities were built, such as the Pomham House. Numbers of roads were lined with trees and houses, Christian Churches were formed, a library was built, and the Narragansett Engine Company was formed in 1878. By that time, the residents were no longer dismissed as "clamdiggers", but regarded as townspeople.
While many transactions were taking place, Charles I. D. Looff
Charles I. D. Looff
Charles I. D. Looff was a master carver and builder of hand-carved carousels and amusement rides in America. Looff built the first carousel at Coney Island in 1876. During his lifetime, he manufactured over 50 carousels,twelve amusements parks, several roller coasters and Ferris wheels, and built...
came to Riverside. He was a wood carver for a furniture business in New York, and spent spare time in his basement carveing wooden horses as a hobby. After long years of hard work, he produced the first steam powered carousel and sold it to Crescent Park. He operated the carousel and designed a summer recreation area. By the early 1900s, New Englanders recognized Crescent Park as the leading amusement park in the region. Looff accomplished fantastic achievements and, after his death, his family continued to operate Crescent Park.
Governance
The City of East Providence is governed by a five (5) member City Council, with council-members elected every two (2) years from four (4) wards and one elected at-large. The City Council sets all city policies and ordinances. The City Council elects a Mayor from among its members (currently Bruce Rogers) as well as appoints a City Solicitor, City Clerk and some ceremonial positions at the beginning of each Council term.The day-to-day operations of the City of East Providence is conducted by the City Manager (currently Peter Graczykowski) that is selected by the City Council and serves for a fixed contract. The City Manager hires all other city employees (except Solicitor and Clerk) and manages the operation of the city. In order to have professional city management, the City Manager is required by ordinance to have a Masters in Business Administration, Masters in Public Administration or equivalent degree.
The City also has an elected School Committee, elected in the same manner as the City Council; an appointed Library Board of Trustees and various other City Council appointed governing and advisory boards and commissions.
Recent development
The city has recently created a commission charged with facilitating the redevelopment of old industrial sites and brownfields along most of East Providence's 14-mile coastline on the Seekonk RiverSeekonk River
The Seekonk River is a tidal extension of the Providence River in the U.S. state of Rhode Island. It flows approximately 8 km . Most historical scholars agree that the name is derived from two Native American words, sucki and honc...
as mixed use residential, commercial, and light industrial zones.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 48,688 people, 20,530 households, and 12,851 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 3,632.1 people per square mile (1,401.8/km²). There were 21,309 housing units at an average density of 1,589.6 per square mile (613.5/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 86.49% White, 5.02% African American, 0.46% Native American, 1.15% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 2.80% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 4.03% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.89% of the population.
There were 20,530 households out of which 27.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.3% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 12.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.4% were non-families. 32.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.99.
In the city the population was spread out with 21.7% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 29.4% from 25 to 44, 22.6% from 45 to 64, and 18.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 86.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $39,108, and the median income for a family was $48,463. Males had a median income of $34,342 versus $26,423 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $19,527. About 6.3% of families and 8.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.7% of those under age 18 and 11.0% of those aged 65 or over.
The population has large immigrant communities from Portugal
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
, the Azores, Madeira
Madeira
Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago that lies between and , just under 400 km north of Tenerife, Canary Islands, in the north Atlantic Ocean and an outermost region of the European Union...
and Cape Verde
Cape Verde
The Republic of Cape Verde is an island country, spanning an archipelago of 10 islands located in the central Atlantic Ocean, 570 kilometres off the coast of Western Africa...
.
Education
East Providence High School
East Providence High School is a public high school located in East Providence, Rhode Island. It instructs grade levels 9 through 12 and is operated by the East Providence School Department. As of the 2007-08 year, there was a total student population of 2,100 students...
. Non-public Elementary and Junior-High Schools are St. Mary Academy (Bayview), Sacred Heart School, St. Margaret School, The Gordon School & Providence Country Day (P.C.D.).
National Register of Historic Places listings in East Providence
- Bicknell-Armington Lightning Splitter HouseBicknell-Armington Lightning Splitter HouseThe Bicknell—Armington Lightning Splitter House is an historic house at 3591 Pawtucket Avenue in East Providence, Rhode Island.The house was built in the mid-nineteenth century and was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 28, 1980....
- Boston and Providence Railroad BridgeBoston and Providence Railroad BridgeThe Boston and Providence Railroad Bridge in East Providence is a railroad bridge on the Boston and Providence Railroad spanning Ten Mile River. A portion of the bridge also spans Roger Williams Avenue. The bridge became part of the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.-References and...
- Bridgham FarmBridgham FarmBridgham Farm is an historic colonial farm in East Providence, Rhode Island.The farmhouse was built in 1767 at 160 Pleasant Street and added to the National Historic Register in 1980....
- Carpenter, Lakeside, and Springvale CemeteriesCarpenter, Lakeside, and Springvale CemeteriesThe Carpenter, Lakeside, and Springvale Cemeteries are historic cemeteries located on Newman and Pawtucket Avenues in East Providence, Rhode Island.The cemeteries were constructed in 1844 and added to the National Historic Register in 1980.-References:...
- Crescent Park Looff CarouselCrescent Park Looff CarouselCrescent Park Looff Carousel, also known as Crescent Park Carousel or more officially as Crescent Park Looff Carousel and Shelter Building, is a National Historic Landmark in East Providence, Rhode Island....
, (National Historic LandmarkNational Historic LandmarkA National Historic Landmark is a building, site, structure, object, or district, that is officially recognized by the United States government for its historical significance...
) - Nathaniel Daggett HouseNathaniel Daggett HouseNathaniel Daggett House is an historic house located at 74 Roger Williams Avenue in East Providence, Rhode IslandThe house was constructed in 1700 and added to the National Historic Register on November 28, 1980....
- James Dennis HouseJames Dennis HouseThe James Dennis House is an historic house located at 3120 Pawtucket Avenue in East Providence, Rhode Island.The house was built in the Victorian era and was added to the National Historic Register on November 28, 1980....
- District 6 SchoolhouseDistrict 6 SchoolhouseDistrict 6 Schoolhouse is an historic school located at 347 Willett Avenue in East Providence, Rhode IslandThe house was constructed in 1864 and added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 28, 1980....
- Little Neck CemeteryLittle Neck CemeteryThe Little Neck Cemetery is a historic cemetery off Read Street in East Providence, Rhode Island.The cemetery was founded in 1655 and is one of the oldest colonial cemeteries in Rhode Island. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980....
- Newman CemeteryNewman CemeteryThe Newman Cemetery is an historic cemetery in East Providence, Rhode Island.One of the oldest in the state, the cemetery was constructed in 1643 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980....
- Newman Congregational ChurchNewman Congregational ChurchNewman Congregational Church is an historic church at 100 Newman Avenue in East Providence, Rhode Island.The church was built in 1810 and added to the National Historic Register in 1980.-External links:*...
- Oddfellow's HallOddfellow's HallThe Oddfellows' Hall is an historic site on Warren Avenue in East Providence, Rhode Island.The hall was built in a shingle style in 1889 by Gould & Angell. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980....
- Pomham Rocks Light Station
- Richmond Paper Company Mill ComplexRichmond Paper Company Mill ComplexRichmond Paper Company Mill Complex is an historic site at 310 Bourne Avenue in East Providence, Rhode Island.The mill was built by Austin Co. and James Stuart and Cook in 1883 and added to the National Historic Register in 2006....
- Rumford Chemical Works and Mill House Historic DistrictRumford Chemical Works and Mill House Historic DistrictThe Rumford Chemical Works and Mill House Historic District is a historic district in East Providence, Rhode Island on North Broadway Avenue.The Queen Anne style works were built in 1857 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980...
- Rumford Historic District
- Squantum AssociationSquantum AssociationThe is an historic site in East Providence, Rhode Island on 947 Veterans Memorial Parkway.The Colonial Revival building was constructed in 1870 by Martin & Hall and added to the National Historic Register in 1980....
- St. Mary's Episcopal ChurchSt. Mary's Episcopal Church, (East Providence, Rhode Island)St. Mary's Episcopal Church is an historic church at 83 Warren Avenue in East Providence, Rhode Island.The church was built by G.E. Harvey in 1872 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980....
- Phillip Walker HousePhillip Walker HouseThe Phillip Walker House is an historic American Colonial house on 432 Massasoit Avenue in East Providence, Rhode Island....
- Whitcomb FarmWhitcomb FarmThe Whitcomb Farm is an historic site at 36 Willett Avenue in East Providence, Rhode Island.The Federal style farm was founded in the seventeenth century and added to the National Historic Register in 1980....
- World War I Memorial
Notable residents and former residents
- Claudia JordanClaudia JordanClaudia Jordan is an American television and radio personality. She is primarily known for appearing as a model on the U.S. version of Deal or No Deal, and for competing on Season 2 of the Celebrity Apprentice.-Personal life:...
- Rebecca DiPietroRebecca DiPietroRebecca DiPietro is an American model and former WWE Diva best known for her stint as the backstage interviewer for World Wrestling Entertainment's ECW brand.-Modeling:...
- 2006 WWE Diva Search Contestant & ECW Vixen - Meredith VieiraMeredith VieiraMeredith Louise Vieira is an American journalist, television personality, and game show host. She is best known for her roles as the original moderator of the ABC talk program The View and co-host of the long-running NBC News morning news program, Today...
, co-host of Today - Davey LopesDavey LopesDavid Earle Lopes is a former second baseman and manager in Major League Baseball. He batted and threw right-handed. He is currently the first base coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers.He is of Cape Verdean descent.-Playing:...
, former Major League BaseballMajor League BaseballMajor League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
player - Estes "Buddy" Rodgers, former Maryland TerrapinsMaryland TerrapinsThe Maryland Terrapins, commonly referred to as the Terps, consist of 27 men's and women's athletic teams that represent the University of Maryland, College Park in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I competition...
football running back - Arunah Shepherdson AbellArunah Shepherdson AbellArunah Shepherdson Abell was an American publisher and philanthropist. Born in Rhode Island, Abell learned the newspaper business as an apprentice at the Providence Patriot. After stints with newspapers in New York City and Boston, he co-founded the Philadelphia Public Ledger and later founded the...
, (1806–1888), born in East Providence, apprentice on the Providence Patriot, later publisher of the Philadelphia Public Ledger and the Baltimore Sun - Jamie SilvaJamie SilvaJames J. Silva is an American football safety who is currently in the National Football League. He was signed by the Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Boston College.-College career:...
, NFL safety for the Indianapolis Colts - Pedro BrazPedro BrazPedro Braz is an African-American soccer player who currently plays for Western Mass Pioneers in the USL Second Division.-College and Amateur:...
, Professional Soccer Player plays overseas - Ron WilsonRon WilsonRonald Lawrence Wilson is a Canadian-American former professional ice hockey player and current head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League and the United States men's national ice hockey team at the 2010 Winter Olympics. He is also the former head coach of the San Jose...
, US Olympic Hockey Coach, coach of Toronto Maple Leafs - Kevin RobinsonKevin RobinsonKevin Lee Robinson is a professional gridiron football wide receiver for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
, Professional BMX Biker - Jason Hermoian LW for the Boston Bruins