WARWICK, R.I. — “Warwick Neck – A Collection of Memories,” edited by Bill Nixon, is a visually stunning, 400-page book with over 800 photographs; it will take the reader back in time through a collection of newspaper articles, photos, and stories about a colorful community that sits on the edge of Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island. Readers will delight in stories about the early days of Roger Williams’ Providence Plantation right up to tales of modern times.
Warwick Neck has played a fascinating role in the history of Rhode Island due to its strategic, bay location. Founded in 1642, Warwick Neck is no stranger to adventure. From the dark days of the slave trade to rum-running during prohibition, Warwick Neck has earned its place in history. Due to its protected shoreline, the community offered smugglers a safe haven; today, it has evolved into a major center for pleasure boating.
In the mid 1800’s and for the next 150 years, Warwick Neck hosted one of the largest, privately-owned amusement parks in the country – Rocky Point. Children and adults, as well as presidents and celebrities, tasted their world-famous clam chowder, reveled on the beaches and enjoyed exciting park rides.
Further steeped in history, the first presidential telephone call was made by Alexander Graham Bell to President Rutherford B. Hayes, who was visiting Rocky Point.
Due to Rocky Point’s reputation as a recreational paradise, Warwick Neck was served by railroad and steamships to deliver passengers from all over the region.
In the early 1900’s, one of the nation’s leading political figures, Senator Nelson Aldrich, built a stunning mansion on Warwick Neck that was reminiscent of some of the most luxurious estates in Newport, R.I.
While living there, Senator Aldrich consulted with presidents and powerful industry figures such as the Rockefeller and Roosevelt families. Today, the beautifully preserved Aldrich estate is owned by the Catholic Church which now houses a private school. The mansion also serves as a center for community conferences and meetings.
“Warwick Neck – A Collection of Memories,” was published with the financial support of the Warwick Neck Improvement Association, Inc. (WNIA), a non-profit, community organization dedicated to improving life for the residents of Warwick Neck.
WNIA is also engaged in habitat restoration in the salt marshes of Warwick Cove, acts as an advocate for WNIA residents in the development of Rocky Point as a residential community, and works on an array of many other valuable projects.
This new work is a must read for history buffs and those who have experienced Warwick Neck and its colorful past; it is destined to become a family treasure.
To read more, or to order a copy, visit or call 401-738-4655.
[tags]Warwick Neck Collection of Memories, Warwick Neck Improvement Association, Rhode Island history[/tags]
