
The former Condom Hut as a locksmith's showcase, December 2003.
![]() The former Condom Hut as a locksmith's showcase, December 2003. Quahog.org > Attractions > Former Condom Hut—DEMOLISHED Former Condom Hut—DEMOLISHEDDrive-thru population control. Cardi Shopping Center, Park Avenue, Knightsville, Cranston In honor of the Rhode Island practice of giving directions based on landmarks that "usta be there," we turn the spotlight on Condom Hut.
The new business soon drew its share of customers—glow-in-the-dark condoms sold out within the first few days—but it also drew a number of self-righteous moro... er, uh, concerned parents and neighbors. Several residents and business owners called City Hall to complain; the booth was vandalized and protesters marched up and down outside the little hut carrying signs condemning the distribution of the evil prophylactics. And of course we can all see their point. After all, teenagers might get ahold of them and be tempted to have sex. And not get pregnant. And not catch diseases. In retrospect, the Knightsville section of Cranston may not have been the best choice of location to open this type of business. Knightsville is populated almost entirely by immigrants from Itri, Italy, and their families, and they hold tightly to their traditions. In some ways life in Knightsville mirrors that of an Itri that used to be, while Itri itself has moved ahead. Part of that life is a deep-seated Catholic faith. Is it any wonder condoms weren't welcome?
Despite Condom Hut's disappearance from the birth control landscape, the sale of the offending latex devices continues unchecked in drugstores, supermarkets, and convenience stores all over the nation.
Update, August 2008: Empty again. Painted brown and with newspaper obscuring the windows, the former Condom Hut awaits its next incarnation. Update, Summer 2015: Demolished! Only a fresher patch of asphalt shows where it once was. InformationCost: free Time required: a glance'll do ya Hours: dawn to dusk Finding it: from Route 95 take exit 16 to Route 10 north; from Route 10 take the next exit to Reservoir Avenue; turn right onto Reservoir and drive south to Park Avenue; turn right on Park and drive west; the former Condom Hut is located in the Cardi Shopping Center on the left-hand side at the intersection of Park and Cranston Street. What’s nearbyDistances between points are actual distances, without regard to swamps or glandular penguins. Your travel distance will be longer. This article last edited November 16, 2016 © 1999–2019 Quahog.org (with the exception of elements provided by contributors, as noted). |
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