Posted in Rhode Island March 04, 2017 by

Rhode Island’s Major Cities Looked So Different In 1910

The 1910s were a pivotal era in world history. Not only was WWI in full effect, but major advancements in technology were happening all around. States like Rhode Island were blossoming with new immigrants settling in the state and many states were celebrating a booming economy prior to the great depression that was still a decade away. While it’s fascinating to read up and learn more about what life was once like, nothing quite compares to looking at old photos to help visualize the times. These 11 photos taken throughout the 1910s in Rhode Island’s major cities are simply amazing!

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1. Providence
"Memorial Square, 1635 Laconia "prepayment" 1917", VM021_125, Edward Ozog Photograph Collection , Providence Public Library, Providence, RI.
Check out this amazing shot featuring a street car and the First Baptist Church in the background.
2. Providence
"Exchange Place", VM013_WC0934, Rhode Island Photograph Collection , Providence Public Library, Providence, RI.
This photo of Exchange place in Downcity Providence was taken in 1919.
3. Providence
"Col. Roosevelt and Gov. Beeckman", VM013_GC1872, Rhode Island Photograph Collection , Providence Public Library, Providence, RI.
This photo shows Theodore Roosevelt and former Rhode Island Governor Robert Beeckman surrounded by soldiers in Providence. What an amazing shot taken in 1918.
4. Providence
"Westminster at Eddy - View East", VM021_132, Edward Ozog Photograph Collection , Providence Public Library, Providence, RI.
Check out this old photo taken of Westminster Street in Providence during the 1910s.
5. Providence
"Market Square", VM013_WC0881, Rhode Island Photograph Collection , Providence Public Library, Providence, RI.
This photo of Market Square in Providence was taken in 1918. Notice the top of the statehouse peaking through above the backdrop of trees and scattered houses.
6. Newport
"Mt. Olivet Church; Thames Street", VM013_GF4078, Rhode Island Photograph Collection , Providence Public Library, Providence, RI.
It's easy to recognize Thames Street in this photo taken in 1918.
7. East Providence
"Seekonk River bridges", VM013_WC1079, Rhode Island Photograph Collection , Providence Public Library, Providence, RI.
This picture of the Seekonk bridge in East Providence is stunning!
8. East Providence
"Rumford Line 1536 Wason crane 1915 pulling rail", VM021_157, Edward Ozog Photograph Collection , Providence Public Library, Providence, RI.
This photo of railroad workers taken in East Providence shows what life was like in 1915.
9. Warwick
"River View - buttonwoods Line 1090 Bradley 1911", VM021_221, Edward Ozog Photograph Collection , Providence Public Library, Providence, RI.
Can you imagine a time that Warwick had a streetcar? Rhode Islanders in 1910 during the time that this photo was taken didn't need to wonder! This photo is of the former Buttonwoods Line.
10. Pawtucket
"Welcome Home parade", VM013_WC1013, Rhode Island Photograph Collection , Providence Public Library, Providence, RI.
Spectators and marchers fill the scene of this welcome home parade for soldiers taken in 1918.
11. Pawtucket
"Old Pawtucket railroad station", VM021_335, Edward Ozog Photograph Collection , Providence Public Library, Providence, RI.
This 1916 of the old railroad station in Pawtucket is amazing! The city looks so different now.

For more old photos taken in Rhode Island, click here.