Forests. The forests of the county comprise nearly or quite all the trees native in the woodlands of New England. Among the most conspicuous are the oak, hickory, hard and soft maple, chestnut, ash, poplar, white and black birch, hemlock and pine. These, intermingled with varieties of a smaller growth, present to the eye in the autumn, as the foliage ripens, a picture of surpassing beauty. In arboriculture, pursued extensively in this county, the elm for lawns, for pasture, and for roadside shades takes the lead; and deservedly so. It combines the majestic with the graceful and picturesque as does no other forest tree. It is a special favorite with landscape artists, and either in its dome, vase, parasol or plume form, usually finds a place in the foreground of the rural scenes they transfer to canvas. Fine specimens of this tree are to be seen in every town in the county. The fame of the "Johnston Elm," already referred to, has become historic. An elm near Prospect Terrace in Providence, and another on the "Perry Place," near Swan Point Cemetery, are among the most noted for size and top-spread. Many handsome trees of the same kind are to be seen on land formerly known as the "Moses Brown Farm," in the same city. For lawns and parks the horse-chestnut, maples, honey-locust, linden, fir, spruce, larch, tulip-tree, mountain-ash, and weeping-willow are principally selected, with here and there a catalpa, a magnolia, and an ailanthus. Formerly the buttonwood, with its large palmate leaves and "button-balls," was much cultivated for road-side and dooryard shades, but within the last forty years disease has been constantly thinning it out, and only a few sickly specimens are now to be seen. tion in other forms everywhere made visible. In Providence the storm raged with unprecedented violence, driving the salt spray 40 miles into the country. The tide rose seven feet five inches higher than ever before known, and submerged a large part of the business portion of the town to the depth of many feet. Bridges and buildings along the waterside were washed away, vessels were driven from their moorings, the harbor and cove were filled with floating buildings, lumber and merchandise. Between 30 and 40 vessels were forced into the cove, while debris from unroofed or falling buildings filled the air. On Westminster Street the water rose to the chamher windows. By the force of the wind and the waves, the ship "Ganges" ran her bowsprit into the second story of the Washington Building. Another vessel, of about 60 tons burthen, floated across Weybosset Street, and lodged in Pleasant Street, where she was left high and dry when the tide receded. The Second Baptist meeting-house was destroyed from its foundation. Several persons were injured, and two men, David Butler and Reuben Winslow, lost their lives. The damage done in various parts of the county is unknown. Providence it was estimated at nearly $1,000,000. In September, 1869, a similar gale occurred, of shorter duration, doing much damage. Fortunately for Providence the severity of the blow prevailed at the time of low tide, which saved the city from a repetition of the great inundation of 1815. As it was, many cellars of warehouses were filled with water, doing extensive damage to merchandise stored therein. In Education.-In 1663, at a meeting of the proprietors, held in May of that year, 100 acres of upland, and six of meadow," or low land to the quantity of eight acres in lieu of meadow," were set apart for the maintenance of a school in Providence. In the mean time, children received instruction from their parents, Roger Williams setting the example,* or in neighborhoods where a sufficient number of children could be gathered, were taught Of flowering and fruit-bearing shrubs the forests and fields of Providence County exhibit the variety usually found elsewhere in the State. The botanical and floral treasures of the county are also numerous and choice. These the Franklin Society of Providence has done much to develop as well as those of the mineral king-in dame schools. dom. The Gale of 1815.-The great gale of 1815, like the dark day of 1780, is an ever-to-be-remembered event in the history of the county. It commenced on the 22d day of September, and continued through the 23d. A south-east wind swept with terrific force over the entire State. In Providence County trees were uprooted, chimneys blown down, buildings unroofed, and devasta As population increased, and towns were incorporated, provision was made for the education of the young, as best could be. A better class of schools was known as "proprietors' schools," which was established by associates, who employed the teachers, and persons not members being permitted to avail of them for their children by the payment of a stipulated fee: No successful step, however, was taken in the direction of establishing gentlemen, a Parliament man's sons, as we teach our children English, by words, phrases, and constant talk," &c. He adds, "I have begun with mine own three boys, who labor besides; others are coming to me." schools free to all the children in the State, until 1788, Burrill, Jr., attorney-general of Rhode Island, assisted and that originated in Providence County. In that year, by Mr. Howland; but while it had warm supporters in John Howland, a citizen of Providence, and represent- members of the General Assembly, from many of the ing the Mechanics' Association in that town, drew up a towns in the county it met with an opposition that depetition which was presented to the General Assembly, layed final action until the winter session of 1800, when requesting that honorable body "to make legal provision | it became a law, and a boon thus secured that is now for the establishment of free schools, sufficient to edu- enjoyed by more than 28,000 children in the county, and cate all the children in the several towns throughout the by 40,000 children in the State. State." The effect of this law upon the schools of the county, A bill embodying this request was drawn up by James though the General Assembly unwisely abolished it at the * John Howland was a descendant in the fifth generation from John Howland of the Mayflower Company, that settled at Plymouth in 1620. He was born in Newport, R. I., Oct. 31, 1757, came to Providence April 8, 1770, and served an apprenticeship at hair-dressing with Benjamin Gladding. He served in the army of the Revolution, and was with Washington at Trenton and Princeton. He was a man of superior natural abilities, and exerted an extensive influence in town affairs. He was successively secretary and president of the Mechanics' Association. He was town auditor 15 years, town treasurer 14 years, treasurer of the Provident Savings Institution 21 years, president of the Rhode Island Peace Society, president of the Rhode Island Historical Society 21 years, member of the School Committee 20 years. In 1835 he received the honorary degree of A. M. from Brown University. He died Nov. 5, 1854, aged 97 years. Social Life.-In social life the habits of the people were simple. They were unsophisticated, frugal, industrious, independent in opinions, and free to utter them. They did not cultivate the art of using language to conceal thought, and when they uttered themselves, their words required no explanation. The spacious fireplace, the glowing wood fire, and the abundant supply of nuts and apples provided for evening cheer, to say nothing of the repetition of "thrice-told tales," and of riddles more puzzling than the one put forth at the feast in Timnath, gave to the home a nightly charm felt alike by parents, children, and the hired man shelling corn in the secluded corner. end of three years, was highly beneficial. In that short in Providence County, as throughout the State, will in period it impressed the public mind with the value of the future keep pace with the constantly developing system in education, and convinced many that for chil- needs of the age. dren to derive the most advantage from school instruction there must be a uniform plan persistently pursued. In 1827, public opinion had so far advanced as to demand that the State should once more assume the responsibility of providing by law for the education of all the children in the State. In the winter of that year, the subject was introduced to the attention of the General Assembly by petitions from Johnston, Smithfield, Cumberland and other towns. In advocating the cause of the petitioners, Mr. Jos. L. Tillinghast took a prominent part. In the winter session of 1828, a school bill was passed in the House by a vote of 57 to 2, and in the Senate, unanimously. The law had some defects, but was helpful in strengthening public sympathy for public free schools. In 1843 Hon. Henry Barnard was appointed State agent to visit and examine the public schools in the State, and in every way in his power to aid in giving them greater efficiency. In the following year his agency assumed the official character of State commissioner, and in this capacity he labored with untiring industry and great success until 1849, when he resigned. During the years of his administration, many new school-houses on improved plans were built. In Providence County every town felt the enlightening influence of his presence and counsels. His successors, Messrs. Potter, Allyn, Bicknell, Kingsbury, Chapin, and the present incumbent, | hand, and woven Stockwell, have further advanced the cause, and the fashion had not fast-bound common-sense and modschools in the county are in a better condition than at esty. Democratic equality dominated. Men were honany former period. In those of Providence, the grading, ored more for intelligence and integrity than for wealth classification, and methods of instruction, are not sur- without these qualities. Women made their afternoon passed by any schools in the country. Statistics show calls and tea-drinks clad in a homespun "short gown that there are in the county, 431 districts, 407 graded and petticoat," and a neat white apron, while a capeand ungraded schools, 667 teachers, and an enrollment bonnet of "sugar-scoop" form sufficed for protection of more than 28,000 pupils. Every town has a super- from the sun. A single silk or satin dress was exWith the importance now attached to public pected to last a lifetime, and then become the inheritEducation, the energetic labors of State com- ance of a favorite daughter. The father's Sunday gar intendent. free school missioner better inst in teache d local ction and FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, PROVIDENCE. (Built in 1775.) superintendents, together with the it is not too, uch The appointments of the home were made with an eye to utility, and seldom in excess of needs. The furniture was substantial. The high post bedstead, with canopy, was for the guest chamber. Bright pewter plates and platters adorned the dresser, while the brass kettle, large iron pot, dish kettle, Dutch oven, gridiron, spider and skillet comprised the necessary paraphernalia of the housekeeper. The juvenile members of the household preferred bare feet in the summer to shoes and stockings. Young men had a suit of clothes for dress occasions, made of cloth bought at the store, which was expected to last several years. The every-day suit was spun by a skilled and careful on the family loom. The tyranny of ments and his castor hat were often bequeathed to the son they would best fit, and by him sometimes transmitted by will to one of his male posterity. Early hours to repose were observed, and early rising practised. family gatherings, on Thanksgiving days. The tall clock Hospitality was a habit not less than a principle. Amuse- in the corner marked and struck the hours the year ments were primitive. Huskings, quiltings, "apple- round. For households destitute of such a treasure, parings" and "spinning-bees" sometimes at the min- marks drawn upon the window-frame having a southern ister's house for his benefit, brought neighborhoods with aspect, or a dial on a post in the yard, answered in hearty good-will into close fraternity. Holidays were cloudless days, to tell the hours from sunrise to sunset. few. Spring trainings, autumnal musters, the 4th of The kitchen was also the family dining and sitting room. July and Thanksgiving were days given up to pleasure. Sunday evenings were allotted for "courting," and if The graces were not wholly neglected, and a dancing- the parties most interested, who thus met once a week, master to teach the art of tripping it "on the light did not part until the small hours of the morning, no unfantastic toe" found patrons in every village. Singing-pleasant criticism was evoked from the "old folks." schools were, however, more common than those devoted The bass and snare drum and fife for martial music, the to the disciples of Terpsichore, and in rural districts violin for dancing parties, and the bass-viol and bassoon pleasantly diversified the monotony of the winter. Cara- for church psalmody, were the musical instruments chiefly vans of wild animals and circus exhibitions were seldom in vogue. In many churches no instruments were used. seen. Many lived and died without ever having seen At a later period the flute and clarionet were added to wild animals native to trop- occasionally made a change OLD TOWN HOUSE, PROVIDENCE. (Erected in 1723.) the church orchestra. To the military, brass bands, now indispensable, were unknown. Such, in brief, was domestic life in Providence County a century or more ago. In the progress of time, with the increase of population, and the introduction of new elements into society, new wants have been created, and social customs have largely changed. This appears in dress, in equipage, and in social caste. Industry and enterprise have brought wealth, and wealth has had its never-failing attendants, luxury, and ambition to outshine. portions that could not be consumed while untainted were loaned to neighbors to be repaid in kind. Fish from the rivers and ponds, and, by those living near the ocean Indians.-The Narraganset tribe of Indians was one waters, clams were obtained for the cuisine. When a of the most powerful in New England, and, when Roger "beef creature" was slaughtered in the winter, the fresh-Williams selected the banks of the Moshassuck for his meat season was protracted by burying what was reserved future home, could bring 5,000 warriors into the field. for family use in the snow. Hasty pudding and milk, en- The territory occupied extended from Point Judith to riched with baked pumpkin, was freely eaten. Rye-and- the line that separated Massachusetts from Providence Indian bread, or Indian Johnnycakes, baked on a board Plantations. At an earlier period the dominion of the in front of the fire, made a part of the daily food. tribe extended from the Pawcatuck River to the Merri"White bread" was kept for special occasions. Short-mack. The peaceful spirit of their great sachem, Canoncake toast, crackers, pies, cake, and preserves graced icus, influenced the temper and life of his people, and, the table for company. Sage, or some other aromatic herb, was often a substitute for tea from China. Before and during the Revolutionary war, the patriotic women of the county abjured its use altogether. Roasted rye and peas were more common for a beverage than coffee from Mocha, Java, or the West Indies. In rural districts, little use was made of the "foreroom," or parlor, except on the occasion of parties, or through their intercourse with traders who visited their coast, their intelligence was enlarged, and they became more inclined to commercial pursuits than to warlike achievements. Yet they were not slow to defend their rights, or to avenge a wrong. They "were skilled in the manufacture of bracelets, stone pipes, and earthen vessels, and were the principal coiners of wampum peage, the established currency of the country, and which continued to be so long after the European settle- Winslow marching through it with his Plymouth and Bay ment." * This currency was of two kinds, white and army to attack the Swamp Fort in 1675, and had he not black; the former passing six for an English penny, and been joined by a number of indiscreet Rhode Island volthe latter three for a penny. unteers, whom the Indians may have mistakenly supThe burning of Providence, April 10, 1676 (N. S.), posed represented the popular feeling of the town, Provi is generally regarded as an illustration of the savage dence would probably have been spared. By the defeat spirit of the Narragansets. It was indeed a severe blow to the prosperity of the town. But the tribe, as a whole, never cherished hatred of its inhabitants, and this deed prompted by a sudden burst of anger ras which they were not responsible. town been violated by Gen. awakened Had not an neutrality of the Arnold. of the Narragansets in the "Swamp Fight" of 1675, their power was broken forever. In the lapse of two centuries, no one lives claiming descent from Canonicus, Miantonomo, or Canonchet, nor is there at the present time a pure-blood native to be found in the State. Public Honors.- From the settlement of the State to the present day, many of the citizens of Providence |