Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

The Landmarks Of Federal Hill: "Connie Mac" Captures The Story Of Federal Hill, In Colorful Paintings (Part Ii), Joseph R. Muratore

Joseph Muratore papers: Newspaper Columns

No abstract provided.

The Landmarks Of Federal Hill: "Connie Mac" Captures The Story Of Federal Hill, In Colorful Paintings, Joseph R. Muratore

Joseph Muratore papers: Newspaper Columns

Connie MacDonald, "Connie Mac," as she has become to be known, a photographic artist from Federal Hill, has captured the Federal Hill story in her paintings.

She has painted many truly colorful and artistic scenes of people, events, occasions and landmarks so vividly that whenever they have been placed on display they have brought back memories for many old enough to remember and for many who were youngsters.

Ways To Offset High Interest, Rising Cost Of Housing, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"Little noted by the general public, the recent decision by the Federal Reserve Board to make credit more costly and less easily available is having a marked impact on that same public, especially in the area of housing."

The Landmarks Of Federal Hill: Biography Of Judge Luigi Depasquale And The Nomenclature Of Depasquale Avenue, Joseph R. Muratore

Joseph Muratore papers: Newspaper Columns

No abstract provided.

Waste, Abuse Assure Changes In Section 8 Housing, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"The series of articles and subsequent editorials on the Section 8 program that appeared in these papers have drawn several angry responses to the editor from residents of this government-assisted housing. Typical is the following: 'When something worthwhile is being done for the handicapped and elderly in Rhode Island, why do you do your best to kill it?...If the Section 8 program is hurt in any way because of your articles, you can sit back and laugh while 1,700 future applicants for housing are crying.'"

The Landmarks Of Federal Hill: History Of "The Echo", Joseph R. Muratore

Joseph Muratore papers: Newspaper Columns

To appreciate the present Echo, we must understand what transpired to arrive at the present, voluminous, expressive voice of our community.

The Landmarks Of Federal Hill: Description Of The Duties And Activities Of The Italian Vice Consulate Office Of Ri, Joseph R. Muratore

Joseph Muratore papers: Newspaper Columns

No abstract provided.

Suburban Elderly Speak Out In Providence, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"The talk was designed to elicit information and reactions from the audience of elderly. And it did just that because old people do not waste words and are not reluctant to speak out, perhaps because they realize that they have little time left, so they were ready with their comments and quite willing to fill out the questionnaire."

The Landmarks Of Federal Hill: How Federal Hill Was Named, Joseph R. Muratore

Joseph Muratore papers: Newspaper Columns

No abstract provided.

The Local Planning Boards Miss An Opportunity, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"Planning boards in the communities of the state have the responsibility to study, advise and recommend strategies and policies for the growth and development of their respective cities and towns. These appointed members frequently have no background on such matters and must often make decisions on which they have little understanding. This is particularly true in areas of housing where PUD, PURD, Condo, Co-op, zero lot line zoning, and a host of other acronyms and concepts sometimes defy comprehension."

The Landmarks Of Federal Hill: Developmental History Of Our Lady Of Mount Caramel Church, Joseph R. Muratore

Joseph Muratore papers: Newspaper Columns

No abstract provided.

Questions Raised On Railroad Location, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"A second public hearing on the proposed relocation of the railroad station and tracks in Providence was held on October 25 in state capitol. Approximately 40 people were in attendance: most of whom were from Providence; most of whom raised substantive questions about the proposed relocation; and most of whom were opposed to it."

The Landmarks Of Federal Hill: History And Legacy Of The Doctors Gorfine, Joseph R. Muratore

Joseph Muratore papers: Newspaper Columns

Ask anyone who has had any contact with Federal Hill during the past 50 years about the Doctors Gorfine, and you’re sure to have some reaction.

Either of a childhood dental experience or their parents first exposure to dentistry.

Or should you be talking with an elder, they'll remind you when it only cost 50 cents to have a tooth extracted and that sometimes people couldn’t afford it.

But their tooth was extracted and other dental work done and that later they paid the doctors Gorfine when they were able to.

It was this faith in a community and pioneering …

The Landmarks Of Federal Hill: Dedication Ceremony Of Monsignor Carvallaro Plaza, Joseph R. Muratore

Joseph Muratore papers: Newspaper Columns

No abstract provided.

Sharing Ideas For A Better City, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"It was billed as 'Rebuilding the Medium-Sized North American City,' and representatives from nine cities throughout this country and Canada assembled in Providence to discuss ideas, ingredients, processes, and problems related to restoring the physical fabric of the city."

The Landmarks Of Federal Hill: Amos Atwell, Businessman And Leader, Joseph R. Muratore

Joseph Muratore papers: Newspaper Columns

In the 1780's, most of Federal Hill was still open fields - a place for the cows to graze on, overlooking the great salt cove to the north and the east, and there were marshes to the south, (now, South Providence), and the wild open spaces were to the west.

In 1788, Amos Maine Atwell (named after a ancestory who owned the entire Province of Maine) and several other businessmen formed a syndicate (a type of corporation) to improve and develop the West side of the city of Providence.

More Tenants Would Strengthen Downtown Retailing, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"One of the most obvious symptoms of our sick cities is the decline of downtown retailing. Everywhere vacant shops and empty upper floors remind us of an activity that was the mainstay of downtown vitality, and which today has increasingly shifted to the ubiquitous suburban mall, that notable merchandising technique."

Downtown Plan Needed For Future Growth, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"It appears that the Providence downtown is finally turning the corner. A proposal to beautify the entrance into the city center from Route 95 with trees, flags, parks, art work and new illumination has been submitted to the Providence Redevelopment Authority. This turn to aesthetics, coming on the heels of considerable physical improvement of roads and buildings accomplished and in progress, is an indication that downtown interests recognize the lack of an attractive city 'gateway' and want to do something about it. This is decidedly a praiseworthy action on the part of the private sector."

The Landmarks Of Federal Hill: The Pushcart Struggle 1930-1942 (Conclusion), Joseph R. Muratore

Joseph Muratore papers: Newspaper Columns

I hope you have enjoyed this brief series on the Struggle of the Push Cart vendors.

Many have thought that the vendors merely stopped placing their stands on Balbo Avenue and Spruce Street not realizing the great struggle suffered to remain there, however, after the vendors were allowed to return to their former stands, a few were old men and never returned.

Some became discouraged and looked for work elsewhere, those that remained until 1962 slowly died and no one replaced them.

Those who were familiar with the history of the stands became discouraged in their attempting to establish vending …

The 'Providence Process' As A Model For Development, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"Sen. Paul E. Tsongas of Massachusetts, addressing the International Downtown Executives Association in Washington early this year, stressed the importance of the city center with these words: "I firmly believe that no matter what we do for the neighborhoods, if we let the downtown fail, then the whole city goes. In a real sense, the downtowns are everybody's neighborhood. And it becomes everybody's problem to see that they are as strong and healthy and vibrant as the heart of the city should be.""

New Federal Initiatives For City Revitalization, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"'We have never really had a comprehensive urban policy in this country...and in the absence of understanding and coordinated assistance among government leaders, many of our cities are caught in a vicious cycle, a downward spiral that can only be broken by new attitudes, new initiatives, and a new partnership.'"

The Landmarks Of Federal Hill: The Pushcart Struggle 1930-1942 (Part Vii) - Vendors Stage Strike In Mayor's Office, Joseph R. Muratore

Joseph Muratore papers: Newspaper Columns

Public Opinion was definitely on the side of the vendors . Even merchants owning stores, along the street where they were parked, sympathized with them, as they knew that these open air vendors brought business to Federal Hill. However, as the time grew nearer to January 1st, the Alderman defended his action as a matter of "national pride," and insisted that the vendors be moved.

Beating The Drum For Tourists: Hartford Leads By A Mile, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"This capital city of the Nutmeg state is remarkably similar to Rhode Island's capital city both in terms of historical development and present day status. Bu there is one striking difference: the ability and commitment to 'sell' itself."

The Landmarks Of Federal Hill: The Pushcart Struggle 1930-1942, Board Bans All Pushcarts From Balbo Avenue By October 1, 1937 (Part Vi), Joseph R. Muratore

Joseph Muratore papers: Newspaper Columns

Pushcart vendors, whom the Alderman of the 13th Ward sought to drive off Balbo Avenue, were ordered to leave by October 1, by the Bureau of Police and Fire, by a ruling which was made by them. But, in the meantime, they ruled the vendors had to seek permits for specific locations in streets, from the Commissioner of Public Works, Charles E. Maguire. Issuance of permits by Mr. Maguire, under a never used statute, were subject, however, to approval by the Bureau of Police and Fire.

Saving The Arcade Isn't Easy, But It's Worth All The Trouble, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"The word tradition, when associated with an historic Providence, conveys a feeling of continuity and sensitivity to the past. To return to one's community after an extended absence and find the same drugstore, record shop and bank in the same location of familiar old buildings is somehow reassuring. Hometown signifies unchanging, comfortable and memories."

The Landmarks Of Federal Hill: The Pushcart Struggle 1930-1942 (Part Iv), Joseph R. Muratore

Joseph Muratore papers: Newspaper Columns

No abstract provided.

Right Mix For Successful Downtown Renewal, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"It is sometimes called a 'big, small town.' It has all the trappings of a large urban center: from outdoor concerts at the Civic Center to a Go-Go lounge; parking problems and traffic congestion, to a Worthinton Street where bars and prostitutes prevail; and vacant old buildings , to new, high-rise office blocks. Sheer numbers alone in this city bring visible evidence of the activities and characteristics common to the downtowns of most large American cities."

Valley View Saved For Now, But What Of The Future?, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"It is 'a remarkable demonstration that public housing, under the right circumstances and with the right kind of management, can work.' So stated a prominent urbanologist from Loyola University in describing the Valley View housing development in Providence."

Farewell To The Bucklin Bldg., Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"How does one write an obituary for a building? Does one concentrate on its architecture and long history, or does one single out the actors and forces which killed it? The current razing of the Bucklin Building can only bring sadness to the heart and the need to express, in a few, final words, a tribute to a fine and familiar structure."

Mayor, It Doesn't Wash, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"One of the major achievements in the city of Providence over the past five years has been a vastly improved parks system. From the recently refurbished Hopkins Square in the North End to the newly constructed Market Square near the downtown, the restoration of open spaces in the city has been a distinct contribution to the urban environment. And nowhere are these improvements more manifest than in the 430 acres comprising Roger Williams Park, one of the principal city assets that is enjoyed by both resident and non-resident alike."