Flat Jane Austen in Providence, Rhode Island

 Flat Jane Austen in 

Providence, Rhode Island:

June, 18__

My dear friends,

This letter may not reach you until I am home once again. I am preparing to leave this place. My hosts say I can not leave without a visit to the college.

On a sunny day I stroll the grounds of the Allins' home and watch Susanna and her friends run about and play. I explore the gardens and look for hummingbirds. 

Illustration by Becca Stadtlander from Like a Diamond in the Sky:

Jane Taylor's Beloved Poem of Wonder and the Stars by Elizabeth Brown

.

The artist Esther Solondz made this sculpture titled
The Hummingbird Palace, to evolve over time.

Flowering vines will grow through the structure while simultaneously
attracting hummingbirds. Visit www.thehummingbirdpalace.com

Then I climb the hill from Benefit Street up to the college. THIS is what passes for an institution of higher learning in America? 

Jane views University Hall, the original building at Brown University

This is the college edifice and they believe it will be enough for all the students for all time and never will they need to expand! It was built in 1770 and possibly designed by Mr. Joseph Brown. Mr. Nicholas Brown's family donated the land. The building was done by a number of men of the lower classes including Indians, formerly enslaved men and currently enslaved men. It serves as classroom, office, dining hall, chapel, library and dormitory. The college trains Baptist ministers and educates the sons of local gentlemen. The Frenchies used this building during the War for American Independence and it is rumored the fallen have never left.

In Jane's day the roof held a wooden balustrade

Shortly after my time, in 1823, the building will be renamed University Hall, following the contruction of a second building.

On the way home, I stop at a park and look out over the city. [Prospect Terrace Park, founded 1869]. I can scarce credit this view. It looks so unusual - so different from what I have seen of the city so far! What is this?

[Jane catches up on the history of the city since the 19th-century. ]

This hill, remember the hills Providence was built on?, was a strategic location for the early city. A beacon was placed here to communicate with the towns along the Narragansett Bay. A taller beacon was erected during that war for independence as part of a system of defense and fortifications for the area. In 1775, a fort was built around the beacon at the brow of the hill.

Long afterwards, to the 1850s, earthenwork remains could be seen here. In 1863 a group of citizens donated the land as a public park. A wall was built, creating a terrace overlook. Benches, a carriageway, a tall flagpole made this an impressive place to visit. A spot in the center of the terrace, overlooking the city was chosen for a grand monument to Mr. Roger Williams.

The NINETEEN Thirtys? How extradordinary! In the 1930s, in honor of the city's tricentennial, a memorial statue to state founder Mr. Roger Williams (remember him?) was erected on this spot. The architect had big plans for a memorial, reflecting pool and steps up to the park. Alas, it was not meant to be and all that was built is a sculpture of Mr. Williams looking out over the city.

The remains of Mr. Roger Williams were uncovered and it was found that some of his bones had grown into the root of an apple tree next to his grave. The root took on the shape of a human form. This root and the remainder of his bones were removed and the bones placed under the statue. The root was preserved by historians of this town. 

The modern skyline of Providence! It's changed a lot since 1815!

Moving along, the scenery begins to change and I am quite perplexed by what I am seeing. I believe I am viewing the future!

Rhode Island gifts at Rhody Craft on Hope Street in Providence

Rhode Island is now the smallest state. It is a weird, wonderful place known as the Ocean State. 

A sample of Rhode Island geography and gifts at Rhody Craft

Jane learns more about RI at Frog & Toad gift shop on Hope Street in Providence

The state symbol is an anchor and the motto is "Hope."

They seem to love unusual foods here such as pork and veal sausages on bread topped with mustard, chopped onion, celery salt, and a spicy ground meat mixture; frozen lemonade, and seafood like lobsters and large clams. 

I bid you adieu from Providence! I shall be with you soon, God willing.

Yours affectionately,

JA

Flat Jane Austen in Providence, Rhode Island

 Flat Jane Austen in Providence, Rhode Island:

A Visit to the Circulating Library 

(and a peek into the future)

Back upstairs [1914 addition] I spy a map showing the English origins of the first settlers in Providence. I am pleased to see Hampshire represented, altho' rather surprised as Hampshire is not noted for dissenters. Nicholas Easton. Who was he? 

I peruse the shelves to learn more about the history of Rhode Island. Goodness this will take forever! Who knew there were so many books on this place? I certainly had never heard of it til now. Nicholas Easton  (1593-1675) was assistant to the governor and president of the four towns of the colony in Newport; a minister and Quaker! 

I find a quiet spot to sit and read on the mezzanine level I find myself gazing out the window.

I decided to leave off reading about history and look for a good novel. Should I choose an old favorite? Or something new?

We know Jane read Oliver Goldsmith

and even Tom Jones! 

She was a big fan of Sir Walter Scott but was slightly jealous of his success as a novelist

"Walter Scott has no business to write novels, especially good ones. —It is not fair. —He has Fame and Profit enough as a Poet, and should not be taking the bread out of other people's mouths."

Hmm Something else perhaps?

Turn to page 49 of the self-guided brochure!

Do my eyes deceive me?  No, I see my name of these books. How peculiar! My books have not been published in America, nor have they been published under my own name. 

Why are there books about me? Books about my books? How odd.

Austen biographies

Am I the most famous writer in America? How about of he century? Or in Rhode Island?

No?! Who is? 

This fellow? Edgar Allen Poe... a poet and short story writer. What type of story does he write? Horror? Is that like gothic? "The Telltale Heart", "The Cask of Amontillado", "The Fall of the House of Usher". Is this man deranged? These are all about death! Is his poetry as awful? "Once upon a midnight dreary..." I guess so. 

Who is the lady? His betrothed? Poetess Sarah Helen Whitman? Is she famous? No? This Poe person seems to have come to an untimely end and was lamented by no one aside from Miss Whitman. 

Editor's note: The Ath has reportedly been haunted by Edgar Allen Poe who courted Providence widow and poet Sarah Helen Whitman here in the Athenaeum reading room. They became engaged but her family forced her to break it off with him as he was unable to quit drinking. Poe left Providence and a short time later turned up in Baltimore, dead in the river wearing someone else's clothes. Sarah Helen Whitman sacrificed her own reputation to save his and make him famous. Read their story at the Athenaeum website.

The Athenaeum also boasts a lithograph of Poe's Raven from a painting by the French painter Edouard Manet.

"quoth the raven, 'Nevermore'", 

The "Raven Bookplate" inscribed lithographic print from by French author Stephane Mallarmé to Sarah Helen Whitman, from a French translation of Poe's works illustrated by Edouard Manet

Actually, the most famous writer of all would shock Jane even more- H.P. Lovecraft, writer of weird science fiction, lived in Providence and loved it here. His gravestone is inscribed "I am Providence." 

I must leave off now. I shall try to write again before I leave here. Until then, I am, as always,

Yours,
Jane

Flat Jane Austen in Providence, Rhode Island

 Flat Jane Austen in Providence, Rhode Island:

A Visit to the Circulating Library 

(and a peek into the future)

Editor's Note: All photos taken at the Providence Athenaeum (1836, close enough to Jane's time) one of the oldest subscription libraries in the country. All are welcome to stop in for a tour and browse. Jane had to view the brand new bust of Mary Wollstonecraft! While she was there, she got a peek into the future, in the later 19th-century and 20th-century as novels became more popular and literary criticism of HER novels became a thing. 

All are welcome to come take a tour and browse. 

June 18--

My dear friends,

At last! A visit to the circulating library! There are many volumes to browse, artwork to peruse and people to meet. 

I am a bit surprised to learn that the former colonists have received a classical education. The building resembles a Greek temple such as the ones that have recently been discovered. There are even statues and busts of classical poets, gods and goddesses! Of course they also have busts and sculptures of Benjamin Franklin. 

Providence Athenaeum 1836

Richmond Fountain built to provide clean drinking water in 1873 

recently refurbished and still drinkable! 

 “Come Hither Every One That Thirsteth.” A longtime LEGEND claims that all those who drink from it are bound to always return to Providence

A view of the circulation desk, virtually unchanged in over a century 

Behind the desk, above Jane's head, is a beautiful painting known as The Hours painted by Edward Greene Malbone, a Royal Academy artist in London. It depicts three female figures represent the Greek horae, goddesses that personify the orderly passage of time.

Minerva or Athena, perhaps? Athena Lemnia. Lord Elgin must have rescued this one from the Parthenon. She's missing an arm! That dreadful man! No appreciation for art. 

Plaster statue of Athena Lemnia 1913. Read the story at the Ath website.

Is this who I think it must be? Mary Wollstonecraft? I am uncertain why there is a bust of her but I approve. 

New in 2020, a plaster bust of Mary Wollstonecraft!
The editor- and Jane- were quite exited to see her on display at last. 

There are busts of good English writers as well: Shakespeare, Milton, Lord Byron (good writer, deplorable conduct). Even the Scottish poet Robert Burns is represented. Another one wanting conduct.

L-R : John Keats, Mary Wollstonecraft, John Milton

Another view of Mary and John Milton

On the other side we see the later mezzanine addition with busts of more writers.

Upper level L-R: Socrates, Demosthenes, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, William Ellery Channing and...

Louisa May Alcott!

(and also Frederick Douglass who didn't make it into the picture). Miss Alcott is a bluestocking writer for children and Mr. Douglass is a former slave, orator, writer and abolitionist. I have never heard of either of them, of course. I shall no longer be alive 50 years hence, else in my dotage! 

Also on the opposite side of the main room is Benjamin Franklin.

Mr. Benjamin Franklin, once an Englishman, then a traitor, now dead. He was quite witty and charming in his day though. We do miss his wit and charm and perhaps one day he will be forgiven for betraying  the British government. 

Another Englishman turned traitor, their American hero, Mr. George Washington. Pity he was such an English country gentleman. I think he too will one day be forgiven for turning against King and country. 

George Washington, ca. 1830s, anonymous, after Gilbert Stuart (1755-1828)

An extra large portrait of the late President hangs in the reading room [downstairs].

This portrait is a copy of one of the most well-known 18th-century American paintings. The painting was painted by American artist Gilbert Stuart for William Petty, first Marquis of Lansdowne, who helped shape the 1783 peace with America following the war for American independence. This copy of the Lansdowne portrait that hangs in the Athenaeum was painted by an unnamed "accomplished Italian artist." It was donated by merchant Samuel Larned (1788–1846), the Chargé d'Affaires to Chile and Peru, on the occasion of the opening of the Benefit Street building. The placement in the public halls of the library is to encourage the virtuous and patriotic character of Providence’s youth.

Belowstairs is the headquarters of the Franklin Society, a scientific and philosophic club (1838-1848). 

They say the Franklin Society reading room has been built into a hill and the building is being held up by the shelves. One day it may just sink! 

Look at this curiosity! What could it be?

They tell me this cabinet was built to house the Description de L'Égypte published between 1809-1828 by Napoleon’s Imperial Press ( Napoleon again!) It was designed by Ameican book collector John Russell Bartlett and English architect Frederick Catherwood in the manner of an Egyptian temple with exterior decoration based on plates in the Description. I see the plates behind the cabinet. Napoleon ordered this book published in 1802 to share the discovered of the french expedition to Egypt. This particular copy belonged to French statesman and ultra-royalist Jules Armand, Prince de Polignac. Read more in the Athenaeum's self-guided tour brochure.

Please turn the page...

Flat Jane Austen in Providence, Rhode Island

 

Flat Jane Austen in Providence, Rhode Island:
In which Jane pays calls on the elite

Editor's Note: All photos taken inside the Rhode Island School of Design Museum's Pendelton House. Not all these objects belonged to one family or were displayed at the same time. The furniture in this room is in the neoclassical style built between 1785-1845. All pieces are by Rhode Island cabinetmakers.

My dearest friends,
Are you still reading? 

Neoclassical 18th/early 19th-century room

This is the home of Rev. Stephen Gano. He is quite elderly and their home is furnished in the Neoclassical style of the last century. Dr. Gano is a medical man, a Baptist minister and a freemason. Rumor has it his wife left him believing that as a Freemason, whatever that may be, he was a worshipper of the devil! 

His first wife left her mark on the home. Mrs. Allin, the girls and I sit in the ladies' sitting room and work. Behind me you see the sewing table. We do some tambour work while the men discuss theology in Dr. Gano's study. Back in '98 this type of work was new and fashionable, causing a young lady to declare it was "the handsomest thing of the kind" she "ever saw." The table was made by Simeon Hazard of Newport.

The armchair, made in the year '08 in Boston, features a new type of technology. The maker, Samuel Gregg of Boston, calls it "elastic". The chair features a bentwood seat and arms. 'Tis quite comfortable. 

Rev. Stephen and Mary Brown Gano c. 1820; oil and pencil mounted on panel

Dr. Gano's desk-and-bookcase was made here in town (Providence) in 1785 by John Carlile, Jr. Dr. Gano purchased this new from the cabinetmaker, one of his first pieces. Providence has overtaken Newport as leader of manufacturing and trade.

The wallpaper is a French pattern in Chinese taste. Quite surprising for a clergyman. 

Other rooms in the house are not so elegant. Dr. Gano's first wife, Mary, was the daughter of Joseph Brown. She brought with her many family pieces, antiques from the colonial period of the 17th-century.

chest with drawer 1710-1740; ceramics from Pennsylvania and New England made from lead-glazed earthenware ca. 1800-1840 

Editor's note: The 17th-century objects were collected in the early 20th-century during a period of renewed interest in New England history and craftsmanship. The objects also reflect an increasing awareness of folk cultures and objects made by European craftsmen in America. Some collectors collected uniquely American art, folk art, made by people without formal training. 

My nieces would say this dining room is positively Gothic! The wallpaper is from the last century at least, while many of the objects are much older.

William Jennys, Portrait of Mrs. Israel Ashley ca. 1800; armchair 1730-1800; 18th-19th c. American ceramics; Portrait of Israel Ashley ca. 1800

18th century reproduction New England wallpaper

The kitchen is such I have never encountered before now.

Rufus Hathaway, portrait of Seth Winsor ca. 1798; drop leaf table 1700-1735; bowl 19th c.; 
Great (Arm) chair ca. 1660-1720

Dr. Gano's study features the same wallpaper and period furnishings.

painted chalkware ornament of fruit and flowers 19th c.; desk ca. 1740; sidechair 1660-1700;
desk on stand ca. 1900

These colonial upstarts are quite proud and firmly believe they beat us in the late wars. They proudly show off their patriotism in their homes.

Emblem of the United States of America ca. 1800

Thus concludes my visits with the neighbors. I have a few other places of note to show you soon. 

Yours,

Jane