Providence Commandery, Providence, R.I.

Providence Commandery, Providence, R.I.

(1898) kinetoscope clip

This silent, black-and-white short is perhaps the very earliest filmed record of anything connected with Rhode Island. It was shot by the American Mutoscope and Biograph Company in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on October 11, 1898. The occasion was the triennial conclave of the Knights Templar, a once-in-three-years gathering of members. It's likely that the film clip showcased the Providence Commandery's drilling chops. Other clips from the same event exist, for instance "Knights Templar Parade" "...shows the St. Bernard Commandery in the competition drill at Schenley Park," from which we can infer that the Providence contingent probably showed off their stuff in the same venue.

American Mutoscope was the first production company to visit Rhode Island (that we're aware of), and also happens to be the oldest movie company in the United States, established in 1896.

Last Edited
2019-06-14