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

Willie Carter House, Narragansett Avenue

Image shows the Willie Carter House, also called "Quatrefoil" facing Narragansett Avenue. The house is three stories and has a large front porch.

William Wilkinson Building

William Wilkinson Building

Providence Public Library

Photograph of the William Wilkinson Building from the corner of Westminster Street and Eddy Street. The storefront is for Edward C. Almy & Co., advertising Ladies' & Children's Clocks & Suits. Several people are gathered at the corner, near the sett and cobblestone paved streets.

William H. Vanderbilt on box of coach Venture

The coach Venture being driven along a stone wall on a country road. Four horses are hitched to the coach, a man runs alongside the coach, and William H. Vanderbilt holds the reins.

William H. Vanderbilt on box of coach Venture

The coach Venture in a driveway of the Vanderbilt summer home near Newport. Four horses are hitched to the coach and William H. Vanderbilt holds the reins. The summer house is seen in the background.

William H. Vanderbilt

William H. Vanderbilt

Providence Public Library

Portrait of William H. Vanderbilt standing in front of a wall. He is holding a hat and gloves.

William H. Vanderbilt

William H. Vanderbilt

Providence Public Library

William H. Vanderbilt posing with two horses of a four-in-hand carriage.

William E. Clarke House

William E. Clarke House

Providence Public Library

Street view of a gathering of an artillery unit and marching band posing outside the house of William E. Clarke. The house has "gingerbread" style ornamentation, and flags hanging from the porch.

Wilbour House

Wilbour House

Providence Public Library

Side view of the Wilbor House, a building with unpainted shingle style clapboards, seen from the snow covered driveway and through a stone wall flanked with trees.

Wigwam in the Valley

Wigwam in the Valley

Providence Public Library

Image shows a person sitting outside a wigwam. Woven baskets lay on the ground in front of the entrance of the structure.

Wickford Village

Wickford Village

Providence Public Library

Image shows Main Street in Wickford Village, North Kingstown looking west. Cars are parked along the street.

Wickford Marina

Wickford Marina

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of boats moored at rows of docks and in the harbor. The marina building is in the foreground, and the harbor is surrounded by residential areas.

Wickford Harbor

Wickford Harbor

Providence Public Library

A row of sailboats moored at a dock at Wickford Harbor. Buildings are seen on the opposite side of the dock, and seagulls are flying and swimming in the foreground.

Wickford Harbor

Wickford Harbor

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of boats moored in Wickford Harbor. A marina building is seen near the entrance to the harbor, and Narragansett Bay is in the background.

Wickenden Street

Wickenden Street

Providence Public Library

Street view of businesses along Wickenden Street, before cobblestone removal, including K.S. Perethian, Shoe Repair, and Household Sewing Machine Co. factory in the background.

Whitehall, Middletown

Whitehall, Middletown

Providence Public Library

Image shows the side of Whitehall, now the Whitehall Museum House. Carts are partially visible in the farmhouse's side yard.

White Horse Tavern

White Horse Tavern

Providence Public Library

Images shows the exterior of the White Horse Tavern at the corner of Marlborough and Farewell Street.

Whirlwind - after launching at Lawley's, N.Y

Image shows the Whirlwind New York in water tied next to a tugboat. Crew members are on teck of both boats. A rowboat with two sailors are in foreground left. A small boat is in the background right.

What Cheer Building

What Cheer Building

Providence Public Library

Photograph of the What Cheer Building on North Main Street in Providence, Rhode Island. Signs for Phenix Bank, Blackstone Canal Bank and Continental Bank as well as Tillinghast's Printing Office are visible. A street sign for Russell and Thayer Streets is on the street beside a horse and carriage.

What Cheer (Steamer)

What Cheer (Steamer)

Providence Public Library

Steamboat What Cheer in a narrow body of water, travelling past industrial buildings. Photographed from dock. Flag visible on bow.

What Cheer (Steamer)

What Cheer (Steamer)

Providence Public Library

Steamboat What Cheer in a narrow body of water, travelling past industrial buildings. Photographed from dock. Flag visible on bow.

Wharf

Wharf

Providence Public Library

Image shows a horse and cart standing in front of a wharf. A boat is tied to a post at the wharf.

Wharf

Wharf

Providence Public Library

Image shows a warship docked at a wharf. People walk along the wharf. Cars are parked in foreground. An industrial area is visible in background.

Weybosset Street, Providence

Weybosset Street, Providence

Providence Public Library

Image shows Weybosset Street in Providence, R.I. Horse pulled carts and coaches travel in the street. Pedestrians walk on sidewalks in front of storefronts including Flagg 181 Weybosset

Weybosset Street

Weybosset Street

Providence Public Library

View looking east of pedestrians and horse-drawn carts on Weybosset Street.

Weybosset Street

Weybosset Street

Providence Public Library

View east of pedestrians and trolleys on Weybosset Street toward the Outlet Co.