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

Roger Williams Engine

Roger Williams Engine

Providence Public Library

Image shows a Roger Williams Engine stopped on the tracks. A man stands at the front of the engine.

Roger Williams Apple Root

Roger Williams Apple Root

Providence Public Library

Image shows the apple root taken from the grave of Roger Williams at the Sullivan Dorr House.

Roger Mowry House

Roger Mowry House

Providence Public Library

Front view of the Roger Mowry House seen from across the street and uphill. A wooden fence is in front of the building.

Rocky Point

Rocky Point

Providence Public Library

View of people on a pier looking toward rides on the the shore at Rocky Point Amusement Park.

Rocks on Beach

Rocks on Beach

Providence Public Library

Image shows large rocks at a beach. A sailing ship is visible in the distance.

Rochambeau Statue, Broadway Opposite Equality Park

Image shows the monument to Rochambeau in Equality Park. The statue of Rochambeau holds a map in his left hand and points with his raised right hand. The statue now stand in Kings Park.

River View Park, Warwick

River View Park, Warwick

Providence Public Library

Image shows figures walking on pier to River View Park. A sign for "The Best Bowling Alley on the Bay" is in the foreground.

River front view

River front view

Providence Public Library

Rooftop view of the waterfront in Pawtucket, showing mills along a dammed river. The building on the river with the ad for "Bernard McCaughey & Co" painted below it is Slater Mill. Church steeples are seen above other buildings in the distance.

Richmond Street Congregational Church

Richmond Street Congregational Church

Providence Public Library

The Richmond Street Congregational Church "Old Tin Top" seen from the opposite side of the street. Signs on the front and side of the building advertise C. Fletcher & Co.'s Brewery.

Richmond St. Congregational Church

Richmond St. Congregational Church

Providence Public Library

Photostat of church on Richmond Street. Caption reads "Richmond St. Congregational Church 'Old Tin Top'/Afterwards Fletcher's Brewery-Then-Junk Shop/Now Metcalf Building/Richmond & Pine Street/From the collection of George L. Shepley"

Richmond

Richmond

Providence Public Library

View of an intersection of two dirt roads lined with stone walls. A car is seen driving in the intersection. In the background is a large mill building and water tower.

Richard Peck (Steamer)

Richard Peck (Steamer)

Providence Public Library

Full length photograph of steamboat Richard Peck in open body of water. A town is visible in background

Richard Borden (Steamer)

Richard Borden (Steamer)

Providence Public Library

Full length photograph of steamboat Richard Borden at dock. Businesses Eastman Coal Co. and Peck & Black are visible in the background.

Rhodes on the Pawtuxet

Rhodes on the Pawtuxet

Providence Public Library

View of the boathouse on the Pawtuxet River at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet. Rowboats and canoes are seen on both shores of the river.

Rhode Island, The Ideal State

Rhode Island, The Ideal State

Providence Public Library

Image shows a display showcasing the industry and recreation of Rhode Island "The Ideal State". Two mounted fish are displayed below and on top of a table. A small ships wheel and rope decorate the table.

Rhode Island State Normal School

Rhode Island State Normal School

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Rhode Island State Normal School building (later Rhode Island College). The Rhode Island Medical Society Building and R.I. State House are to the right of the school building. Note on back reads: Rhode Island University extension Providence, formerly Henry Barnard School.

Rhode Island State Normal School

Rhode Island State Normal School

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Rhode Island State Normal School building (later Rhode Island College). Building no longer stands.

Rhode Island School of Design auditorium

View of Rhode Island School of Design's auditorium and other buildings at Market Square. Cars are seen in the large open plaza in the foreground.

Rhode Island School of Design

Rhode Island School of Design

Providence Public Library

View from the opposite side of the street of a large brick building built on the side of a steep hill, designed by Hoppin, Reid & Hoppin in 1872.

Rhode Island Reds, Hockey

Rhode Island Reds, Hockey

Providence Public Library

Image shows a hockey player sliding in front of the goal to stop a hockey puck from scoring. Other hockey players and spectators in the stands are visible. Back of the photograph reads "Newton smothers Leder's shot.".

Rhode Island Reds, Hockey

Rhode Island Reds, Hockey

Providence Public Library

Image shows hockey players around a goal. Spectators are partially visible in the stands around the rink.

Rhode Island Reds, Hockey

Rhode Island Reds, Hockey

Providence Public Library

Image shows a hockey player scoring a goal. The goal keeper lays on the ice behind them and another player is falling on the ice. Spectators are visible in the stands. Back of photograph reads: "Goal by White 10"

Rhode Island Reds, Hockey

Rhode Island Reds, Hockey

Providence Public Library

Image shows two hockey players fighting behind the goal. Two referees work to break the fight up. Back of photograph reads: " Schultz and Dupont fight.".

Rhode Island Reds, Hockey

Rhode Island Reds, Hockey

Providence Public Library

Image shows a hockey player laying on the ice. Two other hockey players are skating towards a puck. Spectators in the stands and the referee have looks of shock on their faces. Back of photograph reads: "Brooks sprawls on ice after stopping puck with throat.".

Rhode Island Reds, Hockey

Rhode Island Reds, Hockey

Providence Public Library

Image shows hockey players engaged near a goal. Spectators are visible in the background. Back of photograph reads: "Dick Meissner in return to lineup. Misses a close one.

Rhode Island Reds, Hockey

Rhode Island Reds, Hockey

Providence Public Library

Image shows a puck flying through the air towards a goal keeper who wait with an open glove to catch it. Other players including members of the "Baron" and the Reds have their eyes on the puck. Back of photograph reads: "High Flying Puck".