Rhode Island photograph collection

The Rhode Island Photograph Collection is a collection of photographs that document the landscape and life of Rhode Islanders across the state from the mid 19th century through the 20th century. The collection grew over time as the Providence Public Library had photographs donated to them from a variety of donors. There are an estimated 6,000 plus images in this collection.
This collection is part of Providence Public Library Digital Collections, hosted by Providence Public Library.

Items in this collection

The Glen

The Glen

Providence Public Library

Image shows a garden on the Glen Manor House estate. A rectangular pool is in center of garden. A figurative sculptures in the background is surrounded by tall topiary trees.

The Glebe, House

The Glebe, House

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Glebe house, the former home of Dr. James McSparran, pastor of St. Paul's Church between 1721-1757. The house has a gambrel roof and shingle siding. Wildflowers grown in a field in the foreground.

The Glebe, Gate

The Glebe, Gate

Providence Public Library

Image shows the gate to the Glebe house, the former home of Dr. James McSparran (pastor of St. Paul's Church between 1721-1757. Stones are stacked to form stairs below the wooden gate door. "Glebe" is written on the wood door. Tall plants grown on top of the stone wall on either side of the gate.

The Glebe

The Glebe

Providence Public Library

A small wooden gate up stone steps and through a stone wall at the Grebe, creating an entrance through flowering bushes. A sign on the gate reads "Glebe" in blackletter style.

The Glebe

The Glebe

Providence Public Library

Front view of the Glebe, a large old house, sided with shingle style clapboards, seen behind small bare trees.

The Glebe

The Glebe

Providence Public Library

A small wooden gate up stone steps and through a stone wall at the Grebe, creating an entrance through flowering bushes. A sign on the gate reads "Glebe" in blackletter style.

The Elms Newport

The Elms Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows a crowd gathered in lawn of The Elms. The crowd of people look up at a large hot air balloon. The hot air balloon is decorated with illustrated flowers.

The Elms Newport

The Elms Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows an elaborately decorated interior view of The Elms. Two figures stand in front of a large draped window. The photograph is taken from a wide staircase. The banisters of staircase are in foreground right and left corners. Ornate drapes separate the front room from the back room. Two large framed oil paintings hang on either side of draped entryway. A chandelier hangs in center of back room.

The Cove, Providence

The Cove, Providence

Providence Public Library

Rooftop view of Providence, looking north over railroad tracks, Providence Cove, and buildings in the distance.

The Breakers; Newport

The Breakers; Newport

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of the mansion and grounds of The Breakers. Salve Regina University is visible in background.

The Breakers; Newport

The Breakers; Newport

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of the mansion and grounds of The Breakers. Salve Regina University and Cliff Walk are visible.

The Breakers; East Front Detail of Center

Image shows a detail of the front east side of the Breakers. First floor has three archways with ornate figurative spandrels. An ornate stringcourse separates the first and second floor of the loggia. The ornately painted ceilings of both floors are visible in photograph.

The Breakers, Newport. Closed Iron Gates at Entrance of Estate

Image shows the front entrance gates of the Breakers on Ochre Point Avenue. A man sits in a Chevrolet Bel Air convertible parked in front of closed gates. A woman stand next to the car taking a photograph with a twin-lens reflex camera.

The Breakers, Newport; Vanderbilt Estate

Image shows a family standing in front of the main gate of the Breakers on Ochre Point Avenue. The ornate iron gate is open, showing a topiary lined entrance way.

The Breakers, Newport; East View

The Breakers, Newport; East View

Providence Public Library

Image shows the East view of the Breakers facing the ocean. Vines grow up the left side of mansion and two figures stand on steps.

The Breakers, Newport East Front-close up

Image shows a close up of the front loggia of the Breakers. Mansion has ornate decorative elements including corinthian and ionic columns, spandrels and a string course.

The Breakers Stable, Newport

The Breakers Stable, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows the "Venture" a horse drawn coach inside the Breakers Stable. Another coach is visible in background.

The Breakers - Newport

The Breakers - Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Breakers facing Ochre Point Avenue. Vines grow on exterior of building.

The Breakers - Newport

The Breakers - Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Breakers facing Ochre Point Avenue. Small trees line the driveway.

The Arcade, Providence

The Arcade, Providence

Providence Public Library

Image shows the entrance to the Arcade on Westminster Street. The Greek Revival building has large ionic columns and a pediment. A electric sign for Jones's Stores hangs out front. Neighboring shops on Westminster Street include J.M. Anthony & Co. and Ryan & Co..