Rhode Island Topic List - 2021 "Communication in History: The Key to Understanding"

Rhode Island Topic List – 2021
“Communication in History: The Key to
          Understanding”

Topic: The Advance
Abstract: The Advance was a weekly newspaper published by the Advance Publishing Company
beginning in 1906. The paper was specifically founded for African-American readers by William Ward
(editor), Arthur B. Williams (President and general manager), Fillmore R. Purnell (treasurer), and John H.
Maddox (secretary). They were located in 910 Westminster street in Providence. The paper remained in
print until the December 1935.
(Edited from The Advance’s, ““Advance” Extension” printed November 16, 1906 pg. 2.)

Resources available in the collections of the Rhode Island Historical Society:

      Rhode Island Newspapers on Microfilm
          o The Advance

Topic: Walter “Salty” Brine
Abstract: For more than half a century, Walter "Salty" Brine, was a cheerful and comforting presence
on local radio and television. He helmed WPRO-AM's morning show from 1943 to 1993 and was the
popular host of WPRI Channel 12's children's show, Salty's Shack, from 1955 to 1968. He used his
popularity to fundraise for children with physical and mental disabilities. As television and radio host,
Mr. Brine specialized in different forms of communication, and used that position to help others.
(Edited from, “Salty Brine: A Genuinely Nice Man,” (Quahog: 2015),
https://quahog.org/factsfolklore/index.php?id=121.)

Resources available in the collections of the Rhode Island Historical Society:

      MSS 1029, Walter "Salty" Brine Papers
      MSS 1000, WPRI-TV Records
      WJAR-TV, Film collection

Topic: Charles Value Chapin
Abstract: A Rhode Island doctor who was active in the medical field, Chapin focused his work on public
health. He published dozens of articles on contagious diseases, and how they spread. Mr. Chapin used
his research and writing to communicate with the nation to better understand, and fight, contagious
disease.
(Edited from, Harold Kemble and Lori Salotto, “Charles V. Chapin Papers in the Manuscript Collection of
the Rhode Island Historical Society Library”, 2001, http://www.rihs.org/mssinv/Mss343.htm)

Resources available in the collections of the Rhode Island Historical Society:

      MSS 343, Charles Value Chapin Papers
      Rhode Island Box: Famous Rhode Islanders,
      Providence: A Pictorial History by Patrick T. Conley,
      Rhode Island: The Independent State by George H. Keller and J. Stanley Lemons,
      An Album of Rhode Island History by Patrick T. Conley,
      Men of Progress compiled by Richard Herndon,
      VF Biog C463c (Chapin, Charles V.)

Topic: Charles H. Dow and Edward D. Jones
Abstract: Charles H. Dow and Edward D. Jones met as reporters in Rhode Island. One worked for the
Providence Journal and one for the Providence Morning Star and Evening Press. After they moved to
New York, they helped found the newspaper that became the Wall Street Journal. Writing and
publishing are forms of communication, and their newspaper reached enough readers that their names
have become synonymous with money and finance.
(Edited from, “Charles Henry Dow,” (Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame: 2006),
http://www.riheritagehalloffame.com/inductees_detail.cfm?crit=det&iid=543).

Resources available in the collections of the Rhode Island Historical Society:

      Rhode Island Newspapers on Microfilm
          o Providence Journal
          o Providence Morning Star
          o Providence Evening Press

Topic: George T. Downing
Abstract: A restaurant owner and manager, Mr. Downing (1819-1903) was an early supporter of civil
rights. He used his position to lobby for the desegregation of education in Newport, Rhode Island and
public accommodation laws while in Washington, D.C.
Activism and lobbying are both forms of communications as they require verbal and written expression
to gain support.

(Edited from May Wijaya, “The World was his Oyster,” (Rhode Tour)
http://rhodetour.org/items/show/41)

Resources available in the collections of the Rhode Island Historical Society:

      Rhode Island Box: Famous Rhode Islanders,
      Makers of Modern Rhode Island by Patrick T. Conley,
      From Slave to Citizen by Irving Bartlett,
      Negroes of the Island of Rhode Island by Charles Battle,
      Rhode Island: The Independent State by George H. Keller and J. Stanley Lemons,
      Gallery of Notables, October 12, 1965 by the Providence Journal,
      History of Newport County (594),
      Rhode Island History Vol. 36 (Nov 1977)

Topic: Elleanor Eldridge
Abstract: A business woman and property owner, Elleanor Eldridge (1784-c.1845) teamed up with
Frances Harriet Whipple Green, to write two memoirs of her life. The money made from sale of the book
helped to fund legal battles in order for Eldridge to retain her property. Writing is a form of
communication that Ms. Eldridge recognized she could use to her benefit.
(Edited from Rebecca Hansen, “No MAN Ever Would Have Been Treated So”: Elleanor Eldridge,” (Rhode
Island Historical Society:2017), https://www.rihs.org/elleanor-eldridge/)

Resources available in the collections of the Rhode Island Historical Society:

    Women in Rhode Island History: Making a Difference by the Providence Journal
    Memoirs of Elleanor Eldridge by Frances H. Green

Topic: Anne Smith Franklin
Abstract: Anne Smith Franklin (1723-1763), sometimes called “Widow Franklin” became one of the
country’s first female printers and publishers after inheriting her husband’s business in 1735.
Mrs. Franklin was a pioneer of her field, books and publishing are forms of communication.
(Edited from Phoebe Bean, “A Woman’s Touch: Ann Franklin, Printing Pioneer,” (Rhode Island Historical
Society: 2018), https://rihs.wordpress.com/2018/03/12/a-womans-touch-ann-franklin-printing-pioneer/)

Resources available in the collections of the Rhode Island Historical Society:

      Dictionary of Rhode Island Biography by Rosemary Enright
      Rhode Island’s Founders by Patrick T. Conley
      Notable American Women, 1607-1950 edited by Edward T. James,
      Women in Rhode Island History: Making a Difference by the Providence Journal
      A lively Experiment: Notes on the Collection of RIHS, “A Woman’s Touch: Ann Franklin, Printing
       Pioneer” by Phoebe Bean: https://rihs.wordpress.com/2018/03/12/a-womans-touch-ann-franklin-
       printing-pioneer/

Topic: Caroline Hazard
Abstract: Caroline Hazard (1856-1945) was an educator, author, and philanthropist from South
Kingstown, R.I. She was notable for helping to save Wellesley College from financial ruin and published
books on the history of Rhode Island, in addition to many other topics. Writing is a form of
communication.
(Edited from Steve Dalpe and Rick Stattler, “Caroline Hazard Papers “, (Rhode Island Historical Society:
1998). https://www.rihs.org/mssinv/Mss483sg11.htm).

Resources available in the collections of the Rhode Island Historical Society:

    MSS 483 sg 11, Caroline Hazard Papers https://www.rihs.org/mssinv/Mss483sg11.htm
        o Mentions in other Hazard Family Papers, i.e. MSS 483 sg 6 series 1 subseries 3,
    Various books by Caroline Hazard (at least 21)
      Notable American Women, 1607-1950 edited by Edward T. James,
    Rhode Island Box: Famous Rhode Islanders

Topic: Joseph Pearce Hazard
Abstract: Joseph Peace Hazard (1807-1892) was a dedicated spiritualist and considered himself
clairvoyant (someone who can see and speak with the dead). He wrote an article titled "Dignified Versus
Undignified" for the March 14, 1857 issue of the Yorkshire Spiritual Telegraph and British Harmonial
Advocate, in which he talked about how spirits were trying to communicate with the living. He held
séances, meetings in which a spiritualist attempts to communicate with the spirits of the dead in
attempts to contact those spirits. He also believed that the spirits around him would communicate with
him by ringing his pocket watch.
 (Edited from, Steve Dalpe & Rick Stattler, “Joseph Pearce Hazard Papers, MSS 483 sg 13”
https://www.rihs.org/mssinv/Mss483sg13.htm)

Resources available in the collections of the Rhode Island Historical Society:

   •       MSS 483 sg 13 Joseph Pearce Hazard Papers
   •       Joseph Pearce Hazard by Elizabeth Grillo
   •       Representative Men and Old Families of Rhode Island, Vol. 2
   •       History of Washington and Kent Counties Rhode Island by J.R. Cole

Topic: Anne Hutchinson
Abstract: Anne Hutchinson (1591-1643) was an early American religious leader. She criticized the
beliefs of the Massachusetts Puritans for placing religious observance and the teaching of ministers
above the conscience of the individual. Preaching is a form of public speaking and a form of
communication.
(Edited from, “The Arrival of Anne Hutchinson” (Redwood Library and Athenaeum: 2016),
https://www.redwoodlibrary.org/blog/lwhite/2016/09/15/arrival-anne-hutchinson)

Resources available in the collections of the Rhode Island Historical Society:

      Dictionary of Rhode Island Biography by Rosemary Enright
      Rhode Island’s Founders by Patrick T. Conley
      Rhode Island Box: Famous Rhode Islanders,
      Women in Rhode Island History: Making a Difference by the Providence Journal,
      Rhode Island History Vol. 49 (Feb 1991)
      VF Biog H975 (Hutchinson, Anne)

Topic: Sissieretta Jones
Abstract: Matilda Sissieretta Joyner Jones (1869-1933), was a famous concert singer of the 19th
century who gained international acclaim after becoming the first African-American artist to perform at
the Wallack's Theatre in New York. Singing and music can be considered a form of communication
because the performer can use it to convey feelings and opinions.
(Edited from Susan M. Filler’s, “Sissieretta Jones,” in Great Lives from History: African Americans; 2010,
p67-67, http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=b6h&AN=51932112&site=brc-live)

Resources available in the collections of the Rhode Island Historical Society:

      Women in Rhode Island History: Making a Difference by the Providence Journal,
      Notable American Women, 1607-1950 edited by Edward T. James,
      Rhode Island's Musical Heritage: An Exploration edited by Dawn Elizabeth Smith, Carolyn
       Livingston
      Puritans, Pioneers And Pacesetter: Eight People Who Shaped Rhode Island by Marie Fontaine
      Rhode Island Box: Famous Rhode Islanders
      Rhode Island History Vol. 72 (Summer-Fall 2014) https://www.rihs.org/history_journal/rhode-
       island-history-journal-vol-72-summer-fall-2014/

Topic: A Key into the Language of America
Abstract: Originally published in 1643 by Roger Williams, A key into the language of America, or, An
help to the language of the natives in that part of America called New-England, was the first dictionary
of the Native people of this region, but it was almost a textbook, as well. In the book Williams explains
the how the Native peoples live, eat, and worship, among other things. It served as an invaluable
resource to travelers, settlers and traders into the twentieth century, as there was nothing that could
compare to its comprehensive nature for more than 200 years.
(Edited from C. Morgan Grefe, “Roger Williams and the Founding of Rhode Island” in EnCompass: A Digital Archive
of Rhode Island History, Rhode Island Historical Society and Providence College, 2016–2020,
http://library.providence.edu/encompass/roger-williams-and-the-founding-of-rhode-island/roger-williams-and-
the-founding-of-rhode-island)

Resources available in the collections of the Rhode Island Historical Society:

      Multiple copies of the A key into the language of America, or, An help to the language of the natives in
       that part of America called New-England, including transcripts. Also available online.
      Introduction to the Narragansett language : a study of Roger Williams' A key into the language of America
       by Moondancer, Strong Woman, and Aquidneck Indian Council
      Indian grammar dictionary for N-dialect : a study of A key into the language of America, by Roger
       Williams, 1643 by Moondancer, Strong Woman, Aquidneck Indian Council, and Massachusett Language
       Revival Project.

Topic: Ida Lewis
Abstract: Idawalley “Ida” Lewis (1842-1911) was the first female Lighthouse Keeper in Rhode Island.
Her responsibilities included tending and caring for the light and lens that would mark dangerous
coastlines, hazardous shoals, reefs, rocks and communicate safe entries to harbors. However, Ida Lewis
was also known for rowing out to distressed ships and sailor to guide them to safety personally. Ida
Lewis was responsible for communicating the safe passage of incoming and outgoing ships.
(Edited from, “Inductee Details: Idawally "Ida" Lewis,” (Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame: 2005),
http://www.riheritagehalloffame.com/inductees_detail.cfm?crit=det&iid=522)

Resources available in the collections of the Rhode Island Historical Society:

      Women in Rhode Island History: Making a Difference by the Providence Journal,
      Notable American Women, 1607-1950 edited by Edward T. James
      VF Biog L674 (Lewis, Ida)
      Ida Lewis At Home (Photograph: 2008.70.1)
      Ida Lewis, the heroine of Lime Rock by A.J. Ward
      The keeper of Lime Rock by Lenore Skomal
      Biographical sketch of Ida Lewis, the Newport heroine

Topic: Isabelle Ahearn O’Neill
Abstract: Isabelle Ahearn O’Neill (1880-1975) was an actress during the time of silent film, Isabelle
Ahearn O’Neill also opened her own Elocution school and later became the first woman elected to a
political office in the Rhode Island Legislature. The performing arts such as acting can be considered a
form of communication because the performer can use it to convey feelings and opinion. Additionally,
holders of public office use need to use communication to convey what they support why.
 (From the Karen Eberhart, “Isabelle Ahearn O'Neill Papers in the Manuscript Collection of the Rhode
Island Historical Society Library”, 2001, http://www.rihs.org/mssinv/Mss1077.htm)

Resources available in the collections of the Rhode Island Historical Society:

      MSS 1077, Isabelle Ahearn O’Neill Papers, http://www.rihs.org/mssinv/Mss1077.htm
      Rhode Island Box: Famous Rhode Islanders
      Women in Rhode Island History: Making a Difference by the Providence Journal,
      VF Biog O580i (O’Neill, Isabelle Ahearn)

Topic: Options Magazine
Abstract: Options Magazine is an LBTQ magazine that began publishing in 1982. The publishing
organization previously operated as the Rhode Island Gay Task Force and sometimes the Options
Collective. Their current mission is to provide advocacy and education to the LBGTQ+ community of
Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts by organizing inclusive events, publishing life-affirming
resources, and promoting diversity, health, safety, and equality.
(Edited from “About Us” (Options: n.d.) https://www.optionsri.org/about-options)

Resources available in the collections of the Rhode Island Historical Society:

      Options, Volume 1 through current issue (catalog record:
       http://rihs.minisisinc.com/RIHS/SCRIPTS/MWIMAIN.DLL/157962055/1/4/%5EWWWROOT%5Erih
       s/scripts/mwimain.dll/144/RIHS_M2L/LINK/SISN+18571?SESSIONSEARCH)

Topic: Isaac Ray
Abstract: A psychiatrist, Isaac Ray (1807-1881) was one of the founders of the discipline of forensic
psychiatry. He published over 50 articles between 1828 and 1880 on the subject of psychiatry. He was
the first director of Butler Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island which was Rhode Island's first exclusively
mental health hospital and was a founder of the American Psychiatric Association. Dr. Ray’s publishing
and research was a form of communication because it helped other’s better understand and study
mental illness.
(Edited from Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame, “Dr. Isaac Ray,” accessed October 10, 2019,
http://www.riheritagehalloffame.com/inductees_detail.cfm?iid=459)

Resources available in the collections of the Rhode Island Historical Society:

      Makers of Modern Rhode Island by Patrick T. Conley,
      Providence: A Pictorial History by Patrick T. Conley,
      VF Biog R263i, (Ray, Isaac)
      Rhode Island History Vol. 38 (Nov 1979)

Topic: Sidney S. Rider
Abstract: Sidney Rider (1833-1917) was a bookseller by trade, and in his free time was one of Rhode
Island's most prolific and colorful historians. He best remembered for the Rider Collection at Brown
University's John Hay Library, a massive collection of printed works and manuscripts; and for publishing
a wide-ranging bi-weekly newsletter called Book Notes from 1883 to 1916. Sidney Rider often used his
historical writing to communicate his opinions as a progressive reformer.
(Edited from “Sidney S. Rider,” (Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame: 2007),
http://www.riheritagehalloffame.org/inductees_detail.cfm?iid=578)

Resources available in the collections of the Rhode Island Historical Society:

      Providence: A Pictorial History by Patrick T. Conley
      MSS 685, Sidney Smith Rider Papers
      Is it Rhode Island history, or is it fiction? : A short review of Mr. Greene's "Short history of Rhode
       Island" by Sidney S. Rider
      The Literary news / a monthly journal of current literature by Sidney S. Rider
      Book Notes published by Sidney S. Rider

Topic: Kate Sutton
Abstract: Mrs. Catherine “Kate” A. Brown Sutton (1876 – 1959) was reputedly the only woman in the
world to operate a fleet of tugboats; she was manager of the Providence Steamboat Company and was
responsible for the movements of a fleet of up to six boats. As the director of the Providence Steamboat
Company, Mrs. Sutton was responsible for keeping up communication with her tugboat operators.
(Edited from Providence Journal’s, “Mrs. Catherine Sutton Dies; Ex-Tugboat Fleet Manager” printed
January 4, 1959 pg. n-26.)

Resources available in the collections of the Rhode Island Historical Society:

      Rhode Island Box: Famous Rhode Islanders
      MSS 1081 Folder 3, Garrett D. Byrnes Papers
      Rhode Island Newspapers on Microfilm
          o Providence Journal
          o Evening Bulletin

Topic: Jeanie Lippitt Weeden
Abstract: Jeanie Lippitt Weeden (1852-1940) was the daughter of a Rhode Island Governor. She lost
her hearing to illness as a child. Her mother was determined to let her have as normal a life as possible.
Jeanie was taught to speak and to lip read in order to communicate. Jeanie’s success led to the
establishment of new schools for the deaf in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. (Written by Jen Galpern,
2019).

Resources available in the collections of the Rhode Island Historical Society:

    MSS 538, Lippitt Family Papers, series 6 (https://www.rihs.org/mssinv/Mss538.htm)
    Hidden History of Rhode Island by Glenn Laxton

Topic: League of Women Voters
Abstract: Also called the Woman Suffrage Movement, this campaign wanted to change voting laws to
allow women to vote. The movement lasted decades, and national and international organizations were
formed to organize efforts towards that objective, finally succeeding in the United States in August,
1920. In order to achieve these goals, the organization needed to utilize effective communication to gain
support across the country.
(Edited from Lucinda Manning and Kim Nusco, “Records of the League of Women Voters of Rhode Island
in the Manuscript Collection of the Rhode Island Historical Society Library”, 2001,
http://www.rihs.org/mssinv/mss021.htm)

Resources available in the collections of the Rhode Island Historical Society:

      MSS 21, League of Women Voters Records
      MSS 1061, Mary Lou Blecharczyk Papers
      MSS 183, Elizabeth Gallup Myer Papers
      MSS 1002, Elizabeth Buffum Chace Family Papers
      WJAR-TV, Film collection
      Forty Years Of A Great Idea by League of Women Voters (U.S.)
      Providence: Know Your City by League of Women Voters of Providence
      Pawtucket, Our City by League of Women Voters of Pawtucket
      The United League News printed by League of Women Voters of Rhode Island.

Topic: The Una and Paulina Wright Davis (1813-1876)
Abstract: One of the first feminist newspapers owned, written, and edited entirely by women. the
newspaper was published in Providence, Rhode Island for two years and before it moved to Boston in
1855. It had contributing writers and correspondents such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucy Stone, and
Caroline Dall.
(Edited from, “The Una: American Periodical” (Encyclopaedia Britannica: n.d.),
https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Una).

Resources available in the collections of the Rhode Island Historical Society:

      Rhode Island Newspapers on Microfilm
           o   The Una (1853-1855)
      Primary Source essay in EnCompass: A Digital Archive of Rhode Island History chapter “The Struggle for
       Woman Suffrage in Rhode Island”: http://library.providence.edu/encompass/the-struggle-for-woman-
       suffrage-in-rhode-island/primary-sources/the-una/

Topic: Women's Liberation Union of Rhode Island
Abstract: A women’s organization that worked to achieve equal rights for women beginning in the
1970s by filing lawsuits, organizing protests, and handing out literature. Their goals included: equal pay
for equal work, maternity leaves, availability of contraceptives, repeal of abortion laws, the
establishment of day-cares and women's centers, self-defense classes, teaching of women in history,
and other things that would benefit women. In order to achieve these goals, the organization needed to
utilize effective communication to gain support across the country.
(Edited from Kim DiGianfilippo, “Women's Liberation Union of Rhode Island Records Papers in the
Manuscript Collection of the Rhode Island Historical Society Library,” 1993,
http://www.rihs.org/mssinv/MSS156.htm).

Resources available in the collections of the Rhode Island Historical Society:

      MSS 156, Women's Liberation Union of Rhode Island Records,
       http://www.rihs.org/mssinv/MSS156.htm
      WJAR-TV Film collection
      Women's Liberation Union of Rhode Island: A History by Anne Fausto and Christina Simmons

Topic: Sarah Helen Whitman
Abstract: Sarah Helen Power Whitman (1803-1878) was an American poet, writer, transcendentalist,
and spiritualist. She was romantic interest of Edgar Allan Poe later in her life. She lived and wrote in
Providence, Rhode Island. She often used her writing to communicate her opinions nationwide.
(Edited from, “Sarah Helen Whitman,” (Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame: 2004),
http://www.riheritagehalloffame.com/inductees_detail.cfm?crit=det&iid=491)

Resources available in the collections of the Rhode Island Historical Society:

      MSS 9001-W Box 12, Sarah Helen Whitman papers
      MSS 631, Power-Whitman Papers
      Poe's Helen Remembers by Sarah Helen Whitman, John Ingram, John Carl Miller
      Poe's Helen by Caroline Ticknor (also available online)
      The last letters of Edgar Allan Poe to Sarah Helen Whitman edited by James A Harrison (also
       available online)
      Rhode Island History Journal, Vol. 25, October 1966 “Wilkins Updike to Sarah Helen Whitman:
       Two New Letters” by Alvin Rosenfeld: https://www.rihs.org/wp-
       content/uploads/2020/02/1966_Oct.pdf

Topic: Catherine R. Williams
Abstract: Catherine R. Williams (1790-1872) was a prominent Rhode Island woman, who found success
through the publication of her writings, publishing at least twelve times on various poetry, histories, and
fiction. She was a close ally of Thomas Wilson Dorr in his crusade for political reform and organized a
women's group dedicated to his liberation. Catherine Williams used her talent as a writer to
communicate her thoughts and feelings with others.
(Edited from Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame, “Catherine R. (Arnold) Williams,” accessed May 15,
2020, http://www.riheritagehalloffame.com/inductees_detail.cfm?iid=465)

Resources available in the collections of the Rhode Island Historical Society:

      Catherine R. Williams (portrait)
      The Sabbath school by Catherine Williams

Other Rhode Island Institutions:
     Rhode Island State Archives:
     https://www.sos.ri.gov/divisions/state-archives/discover-rhode-island-story
     337 Westminster St.,
     Providence, Rhode Island 02903
     401-222-2353
     statearchives@sos.ri.gov

     Newport Historical Society
     https://collections.newporthistory.org/index.php
     82 Touro Street
     Newport RI 02840
     research@newporthistory.org
     401-846-0813

     Providence Public Library
     https://provlibdigital.org/islandora/object/islandora%3Aroot
     150 Empire Street
     Providence, RI 02903
     pplref@provlib.org
     401-455-8000

     Use our Directory to find other Rhode Island historical organizations:
     https://www.rihs.org/rhodi/rhodi-directory/

National Institutions:
     Library of Congress
     https://loc.gov/collections/

     National Archives
     https://www.archives.gov/

     Smithsonian
     https://www.si.edu/