
The Narragansett Hotel, built in 1878, once stood on Dorrance, Weybosset, and Eddy Streets. It was demolished in 1960.
Circa 1890 photo by P.H. Rose.
Quahog.org > Facts and folklore > Used to be There Used to be ThereYou can get there from here, but you'll need to know your history. ![]() The Narragansett Hotel, built in 1878, once stood on Dorrance, Weybosset, and Eddy Streets. It was demolished in 1960. Circa 1890 photo by P.H. Rose. Whether you're already a Rhode Islander, or just want to annoy people like one, giving directions based on things that are no longer there is fundamental. A classic Rhode Island set of directions goes something like this: "Go down the road a mile, and take a left where the Dinner Bell Diner used to be." But why do we do this, many lost and frustrated outsiders ask? It could be because our history of urban architecture goes back further than that of states to our west, like, say, California. Or it might be that our population is statistically older than that of most other states in the Union, resulting in a longer and deeper collective memory. Or maybe we're just stubborn as rocks. One thing's for sure, we don't move around much. It's often said, with something akin to pride, that a Rhode Islander won't cross the Jamestown and Newport bridges without packing an overnight bag. We've heard of folks who have lived their whole lives in Warwick without ever visiting Providence, a mere ten minutes away. With so much time spent within a ten-mile radius of one's home, one gets used to things as they are, even when they're no longer there. It's even possible for a Rhode Island resident to give directions based on places that never existed in his or her lifetime. These cultural touchstones are passed down from generation to generation, like cherished keepsakes. But they aren't only kept in private collections within families, something only insiders may admire. No, they are very generously shared with anyone in need of directions. If you weren't lucky enough to be born in Rhode Island, or if you haven't lived here long enough to build up your own store of invisible landmarks, don't despair. We're here to help. Below we'll be listing some Rhode Island travel destinations that have gone by the wayside. We encourage you to become familiar with them, to use them in your everyday life. Pay attention and you too can confidently tell your out-of-state friends to "take a left where Custy's used to be..." Come with us and remember, or discover, what once was. Big Coffee Mug Canonicus Boulder Monument Dairy World Condom Hut Fort Therapy The Infamous Floating Island of Lonsdale The Lemoyne Diner The Llama Farma Muffler Man and Dog UFO Lab The Warwick Musical Theatre aka The Tent The Wickford Rotary Ye Old Whipping Post This article last edited March 2, 2015 © 1999–2019 Quahog.org (with the exception of elements provided by contributors, as noted). |
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