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

Rhode Island Reds, Hockey

Rhode Island Reds, Hockey

Providence Public Library

Image shows hockey players around a goal. A player stands in the foreground, his hockey stick raised. 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 goalkeeper attempts to stop the score. Back of photograph reads: "Block on shot by McKenney.

Rhode Island Reds, Hockey

Rhode Island Reds, Hockey

Providence Public Library

Image shows a hockey player attempting to score a goal. The goalkeeper and another player attempts to stop the score. Back of photograph reads: "Save by Brown on shot by Leder".

Rhode Island Reds, Hockey

Rhode Island Reds, Hockey

Providence Public Library

Image shows hockey players falling over each other next to the edge of the rink. Two players lay on the ice, as a third holds on to edge of the rink over them. Other players watch. Back of photograph reads: "Speer ties up Dian and puck."

Rhode Island Reds, Hockey

Rhode Island Reds, Hockey

Providence Public Library

Image shows referees breaking up a fight between hockey players behind a goal. A player stands in the foreground watching the altercation. Spectators are visible in the stands behind a tall glass wall. Notation on the back of photograph reads: "Schultz & Dupont fight".

Rhode Island Reds, Hockey

Rhode Island Reds, Hockey

Providence Public Library

Image shows two hockey players engaged, possibly fighting on the ice during a hockey game. Spectators lean over the protective glass barrier watching the struggle.

Rhode Island Reds, Hockey

Rhode Island Reds, Hockey

Providence Public Library

Image shows two referees breaking up a fight between two players on the ice. The player's gloves and hockey sticks lay on the ice.

Rhode Island Reds, Hockey

Rhode Island Reds, Hockey

Providence Public Library

Image shows hockey players attempting to score a goal. The goalkeeper and another player attempt to stop the score. Back of photograph reads: "Close 1st period action, no goal".

Rhode Island Reds, Hockey

Rhode Island Reds, Hockey

Providence Public Library

Image shows hockey players in action near a hockey goal during a game. The Rhode Island Reds are playing against a team from Nova Scotia. Back of photograph reads: "St Etienne 14 is tied up as he tries to get to puck in 1st period."

Rhode Island Reds

Rhode Island Reds

Providence Public Library

View from the side of the rink at the Rhode Island Auditorium. Hockey players clustered near a goal and one player is taking a shot on the goal. Spectators are seen in the background.

Rhode Island Reds

Rhode Island Reds

Providence Public Library

View from the side of the rink at the Rhode Island Auditorium. Hockey players are clustered near a goal and a referee and spectators are seen in the background.

Rhode Island Reds

Rhode Island Reds

Providence Public Library

View from the side of the rink at the Rhode Island Auditorium. Hockey players clustered near a goal and spectators are seen in the background.

Rhode Island Red monument

Rhode Island Red monument

Providence Public Library

Photograph of a plaque in honor the Rhode Island Red chicken. The plaque depicts the chicken in profile.

Rhode Island Red monument

Rhode Island Red monument

Providence Public Library

Photograph of a plaque in honor the Rhode Island Red chicken. The plaque depicts the chicken in profile.

Rhode Island punch set

Rhode Island punch set

Providence Public Library

Product photograph of a punch set made by Gorham Manufacturing Co. The punch bowl is ornately decorated with turkeys, clams, corn, floral patterns, historic figures, an eagle, and a scene of a boat of Europeans meeting Native Americans on the shore. Text embossed on the bowl reads "Gift of the people of the state 1907." A ladle is leaning against the side of the bowl.

Rhode Island Normal School

Rhode Island Normal School

Providence Public Library

View from a path lined with flowers leading to the Rhode Island Normal School on a hill.

Rhode Island News Company

Rhode Island News Company

Providence Public Library

Street view of the corner of Rhode Island News Company, with other businesses on either side.

Rhode Island Institute for the Deaf

Rhode Island Institute for the Deaf

Providence Public Library

Street view of the front of the Rhode Island Institute of the Deaf, a large brick building with an entrance through a porch centered on the building.

Rhode Island exhibit at the 1964 World's Fair

A display of Rhode Island themed objects at the 1964 NY World's Fair, including two mannequins wearing summer clothing, beach clothes, shoes, and sunglasses, and promotional pictures of the ocean and fishing.

Rhode Island Charters

Rhode Island Charters

Providence Public Library

A vault containing charters of Rhode Island in the State House including the Gaspee Commission and the Rhode Island Royal Charter.

Rhode Island (Steamer)

Rhode Island (Steamer)

Providence Public Library

Full length photograph of steamboat Rhode Island in open body of water. Flying many flags and paddle wheel prominent. Town visible in far background.

Rhode Island (Steamer)

Rhode Island (Steamer)

Providence Public Library

Image shows the SS Rhode Island. The steamship has two stacks, a side wheel and a beam engine.

Restaurant Dining Room

Restaurant Dining Room

Providence Public Library

Image shows restaurant diners eating at long dining tables. The tables are covered with tableware and glasses. Stacks of white sliced bread are placed down the middle of tables. A tray with plates of food sit at the end of the center table in the foreground of photograph.

Reservoir and Park Avenues

Reservoir and Park Avenues

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of residential housing along Reservoir and Park Avenues. The houses become less dense in the distance.